Weekend Best Bets: September 2-4

Friday, September 2

Keillor at the fair

WHAT: A Prairie Home Companion
WHERE: Minnesota State Fair
WHEN: 7:45 p.m.
He’s back for more—how many more, one can only guess. But even if his appeal is eternal, Garrison Keillor is not, so see him in one of his favorite habitats while you can. You can’t get more Minnesotan than this. Learn more at mnstatefair.org

Friday, September 2

Blues boys

WHAT: Charlie Parr and Peter Lang
WHERE: Loring Theater
WHEN: 8 p.m.
The old guard of hippie blues, in the person of Peter Lang, meets the relatively new folk revivalist sound of Charlie Parr—expect lots of pickin’, a little grinnin’, and a deep, deep sense of Americana. Learn more at loringtheater.com

Saturday, September 3

A taste of New Orleans

WHAT: Dr. John
WHERE: Minnesota State Fair
WHEN: 8:30 p.m.
The free music at the fair this year likely tops the Grandstand acts, and one big reason is Dr. John, the maestro of New Orleans boogie. It’ll feel like New Orleans with the humidity, and sound like it, too. Learn more at mnstatefair.org

Saturday, September 3

Penguin life

WHAT: Penguins of the African Coast
WHERE: Minnesota Zoo
WHEN: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
What should you do before the weather turns cool? See the new penguin exhibit at the Minnesota Zoo. Because these aren’t cold-weather penguins—they’re African. And you’re probably more comfortable now, too. Learn more at mnzoo.org

Sunday, September 4

Last call for the bandshell

WHAT: Spruce Top Review
WHERE: Lake Harriet Bandshell, Minneapolis
WHEN: 5:30 p.m.
It’s your last chance of the year to sit out at the bandshell and take in some music. Your choice today of the Snaps’ brand of Americana rock at 2 p.m. or the Spruce Top Review’s acoustic urban folk music. Or, on Labor Day check out the sibling pop of Lynhurst (guess where they’re from!). Learn more at minneapolisparks.org

Sunday, September 4

Open Field closing

WHAT: Open Field
WHERE: Walker Art Center, Minneapolis
WHEN: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The green space west of the Walker has hosted free activities, lectures, and lounging all summer—today that comes to an end. Come to throw a Frisbee, do an art activity, or just grab a burger from the grill. Learn more at walkerart.org