Best Bets: March 17-23

Things to do around Minnesota this week: St. Patrick’s Day Parade, Food & Wine Experience, Maple Syrup Festival, and more

St. Patrick’s Day Pride

What: Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade
When: March 17, 6 p.m.
Where: Nicollet Avenue and Sixth Street

Wear your green and bring your Irish pride to the Minneapolis St. Patrick’s Day Association’s 57th annual St. Patricks Day Parade. A large-scale community gathering in the heart of downtown Minneapolis, this annual celebration has become one of the city’s favorite traditions. Meet at Brit’s Pub after the march to continue the festivities with some Irish-style beer and snacks.

Jazz Meets Soul

What: Madeleine Peyroux and Bettye LaVette “Let’s Walk” Tour
When: March 20-21
Where: The Parkway Theater, 4814 Chicago Ave., Minneapolis

Acclaimed jazz singer Madeleine Peyroux returns to Minneapolis to perform her latest album “Let’s Walk,” joined by soul legend Bettye LaVette, who will showcasing beloved hits from her 62-year career.

Oenophiles Unite

What: Minnesota Monthly‘s 30th Food & Wine Experience 
When: March 21-23
Where: Omni Viking Lakes Hotel, 2611 Nordic Way, Eagan

Calling all oenophiles—Minnesota Monthly‘s 30th annual Food & Wine Experience kicks off at Omni Viking Lakes Hotel on March 21. This weekend-long celebration will feature expertly curated wine selections and gourmet dishes crafted by top chefs. Secure your tickets today to immerse yourself in a world of culinary artistry. 

Photo by Darin Kamnetz

Sweet and Sappy

What: Maple Syrup Festival
When: March 22, 1-4 p.m.
Where: Eastman Nature Center, 13351 Elm Creek Road, Maple Grove

Ring in spring at Eastman Nature Center’s Maple Syrup Festival, where you can collect fresh sap in the magical sugar brush while diving into the history and science of maple syrup. Experience the transformation of sap into syrup, enjoy maple syrup samples, and indulge in syrup sundaes at this special outdoor event.

Eastman Nature Center

Rock Out in Rochester

What: Rochester Thaw Music Festival 
When: March 22
Where: Downtown Rochester

The Rochester Thaw returns to downtown Rochester on March 22, with an impressive lineup of local talent spread across six stages. Catch popular acts like The People Brothers Band, Kiss The Tiger, Molly Brandt, and Immaculate Beings, among others. Read this preview from our March/April issue for more details on the local entertainment spectacle.

Photo by Nick Greseth

Bridal Bliss

What: Unveiled by Minnesota Bride 
When: March 23, 12-4 p.m.
Where: Radisson Blu at Mall of America, 2100 Killebrew Drive, Bloomington

This fashion-forward event gathers the area’s top wedding professionals in one room to connect with engaged couples and wedding parties in preparation for their dream wedding day. Presented by Minnesota Bride magazine, prepare to be inspired by award-winning designs and decor concepts as an immersive runway experience takes over Mall of America’s Huntington Bank Rotunda.