Friday, September 18
Beer und Brat
WHAT: St. Paul Oktoberfest
WHEN: 4 p.m.
WHERE: Rice Park
If you can’t make the pilgrimage to Munich this autumn to celebrate the 105th anniversary of the marriage of Princess Therese to the Bavarian Crown Prince Ludvig, let us recommend a local alternative: the St. Paul Oktoberfest. Enjoy two days of German food, polka, bed races, and (of course) beer. For more information see Saint Paul Oktoberfest.
The Taste of Music
WHAT: Bands that Brew
WHEN: 5 p.m.
WHERE: Day Block Brewing Company Tap Room
The master brewers at Day Block Brewing Company have challenged themselves to distill the personalities of local bands into extremely limited-run, one-of-a-kind beers. This month’s offering is a Cascadian Dark Ale inspired by the band Tabah, who go on stage after locals The Lazy Kids. Live music begins at 9 p.m. For more information, visit Day Block Brewing Company.
Saturday, September 19
Run the Good Race
WHAT: St. Jude Run/Walk Fundraiser for Childhood Cancer
WHEN: 7:30 a.m.
WHERE: Mall of America – East Parking Lot
In 1962, the survival rate for childhood cancer was 20 percent. Today it is 80 percent, thanks in part to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. They are hosting a 5k run/walk to raise funds for future research, and to treat, transport, house, and feed children and their families. For more information, or to register, check out the event website.
An Illegal Smile
WHAT: John Prine
WHEN: 7:30 p.m.
WHERE: Orpheum Theater
From the days when Gram Parsons was introducing the Rolling Stones to contemporary country-western, to Wilco’s latest album, John Prine has been around throughout the lifespan of the genre of Americana music called Alt-Country. This show is a reschedule from back in March, so it’s a miracle that tickets haven’t sold out, but hurry because there are only about twenty left. You can buy tickets from Ticketmaster.
Sunday, September 20
Handel in the Garden
WHAT: Escape from Alcina’s Island A Picnic Operetta
WHEN: 4 p.m.
WHERE: Skidmore Community Garden
The Mixed Precipitation performance company offers an alternative to the conventional opera experience, adapting Handel’s Opera Alcina for guitar with singing in English. They will be performing at the Skidmore Community Garden, complete with a five-course locavore meal. Bring your own blanket! For more info, visit Mixed Precipitation.
Destination Shopping
WHAT: Earth to Table Fall Pottery Event
WHEN: 12 p.m.
WHERE: Squire House Gardens
Nestled on the St. Croix River, in the middle of the stunning fall colors of Afton State Park, Square House Gardens is celebrating the harvest with a sampling of garden-fresh appetizers and a pottery sale. It’s the perfect destination for a bike ride or early autumn drive. For more information, see Squire House Gardens.
