Photo by Meredith Truax
For a comprehensive look at the arts in Minnesota this fall, check out our fall arts guide.
Balancing Act
What: David Dimitri’s L’homme Cirque: The One-Man Circus
When: Sept. 12-22
Where: Circus Juventas, 1270 Montreal Ave., St. Paul
High-wire dancer David Dimitri made his name flipping on a tightrope and launching himself out of a cannon. Now, the Swiss circus performer brings his hour-long act—complete with dreamy accordion—to Circus Juventas, after tempting fate at Cirque du Soleil.
Will They Rock You?
What: We Will Rock You: The Musical
When: Sept. 12-14
Where: Mystic Lake, 2400 Mystic Lake Blvd., Prior Lake
Twenty-four hit songs by Queen outfit a dystopian-slanted jukebox musical revived from the early 2000s for this cultural moment of massive Freddie Mercury nostalgia—only with a lot more cyberpunk-ness.
Viking-Myth Mixer
What: Cocktails at the Castle
When: September 13
Where: American Swedish Institute, 2600 Park Ave., Minneapolis
Inspired by The Vikings Begin exhibit, about the ancient Norse seafarers, this adults-only, after-hours museum party includes pop-ups that introduce visitors to rune carving and falconry, plus live local music by Half Tramp, Monica LaPlante, and Aby Wolf.
Maya Maker
What: Reclaiming Our Grandmothers
When: September 13-November 3
Where: Artistry, 1800 W. Old Shakopee Rd., Bloomington
Minneapolis artist Zamara Cuyún explores her Guatemalan roots in a show of acrylic works that play with Maya history, iconography, and myth.
Doggone Mystery
What: Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time
When: September 13-October 13
Where: Yellow Tree Theatre, 320 5th Ave. SE, Osseo
Based on the novel by Mark Haddon, this Yellow Tree Theatre production of the Tony Award-winning play follows 15-year-old Christopher as he tries to solve the mystery of his neighbor’s dog’s death.
St. Paul Swingin’
What: Selby Avenue Jazz Fest
When: September 14
Where: The intersection of Selby and Milton Avenues, in St. Paul’s Summit-University neighborhood
Big band and jazz converge in western St. Paul, featuring local and national talent: Oakland’s Goapele, whose voice Essence described as “the stuff of dreams”; Patricia Lacy, whose jazz and gospel know-how has graced the local Sounds of Blackness for 27 years; and bands covering everything from bossa nova to standards out of the Great American Song Book.
Nuclear Photo-op
What: After the Explosion: Documenting Chernobyl
When: September 14-November 3
Where: The Museum of Russian Art, 5500 Stevens Ave., Minneapolis
See the real aftermath of Chernobyl, the site of the worst nuclear power plant disaster in history, as documented in photos of the cleanup.
Fragile Feature
What: The Glass Menagerie
When: September 14-October 27
Where: Guthrie Theater, 818 S. Second St., Minneapolis
See Tennessee Williams’ breakout Southern drama: In St. Louis, an aging, domineering debutante scrambles to find a man for her reclusive daughter—while her son plots an escape.
God Bless Rhythm Nation
What: Janet Jackson
When: September 14
Where: Treasure Island Amphitheater, 5734 Sturgeon Lake Rd., Welch
Iconic R&B superstar Janet celebrates the 30th anniversary of her landmark Rhythm Nation 1814, which was recorded in Minneapolis. –Reed Fischer
Surly Monsters
What: Of Monsters and Men
When: September 14
Where: Surly Festival Field, 520 Malcolm Ave. SE, Minneapolis
The Iceland folk-rock act’s charm stems from the male-female vocal interplay between Nanna Bryndís Hilmarsdóttir and Ragnar Þórhallsson, sing-along choruses, and lush instrumentation—all throughout this summer’s Fever Dream release. –Reed Fischer
Omnivores Welcome
What: Twin Cities Veg Fest
When: September 15
Where: Harriet Island Regional Park
The biggest Midwest fest for plant-based foods returns to Harriet Island for its eighth year. Think: vegan cheese curds, chicken wings that are really vegetables. More than 100 vendors, 10,000 attendees. You’ve got cooking demos, eco-friendly products (e.g., reusable bags), live music at the Veg Island Jam. It’s a good time to start cutting down on meat.
Women Take the Stage
What: As Only Women Can
When: September 15
Where: Crooners Supper Club, 6161 Hwy. 65 NE, Minneapolis
Crooners, the supper club and jazz venue, puts on a day-long women’s festival, celebrating such local talent as Annie Mack, Connie Evingson, Joyann Parker, and 12 others.
Eat Street Stroll
What: Eat Street Festival
When: September 15
Where: Nicollet Avenue, 26th to 28th Streets, Minneapolis
In its second year, this fest celebrates the Whittier neighborhood of Minneapolis, with top local food vendors (Rainbow Chinese, Pimento Jamaican Kitchen, Quang Restaurant, Eat Street Social, Black Forest Inn, more) and rising star Dua Saleh performing, along with Gully Boys, the Somali Museum Dance Troupe, and other entertainers.
