Courtesy Theater Mu
North Loop Hosts an Online Shopping Spree
What: North Loop Virtual Spring Crawl
When: Thursday, May 28-Sunday, May 31
Where: Online
In a normal year, the North Loop Spring Crawl brings shoppers to the neighborhood’s trove of small businesses. Of course, 2020 demands a virtual alternative. So, for four days starting Thursday, the North Loop Neighborhood Association has joined forces with shops to put together free “QVC-style” experiences. Check out promotions at MartinPatrick3, Goldfine Jewelry, Statement Boutique, and more, plus demos by restaurants like J.D. Hoyt’s and Edwards Dessert Kitchen. Get free tickets here.
Theater Mu Does Six Plays in 24 Hours
What: Theater Mu’s 24-Hour PlayFest
When: Friday, May 29-Saturday, May 30
Where: Theater Mu’s Facebook page
If there was ever a time for theater companies to take risks, it’s now. Theater Mu has gathered 30 theater artists for one day featuring six brand-new plays. Each play will be 10 minutes, written, rehearsed, and performed within the span of 24 hours. During an online happy hour at 7 p.m. on Friday, the artists will get their randomized prompts. Then the shows will go on at 7 p.m. the following Saturday. (That’s not all Theater Mu has been up to; read on about recent virtual programming.) Learn more.
HUGE Theater Puts on a (Bad) Show
What: The Worst Puppet Show in the World by HUGE Theater
When: Fridays at 4-4:40 p.m.
Where: HUGE Theater’s YouTube page
Depending on who you are, comedy can be pretty helpful right now. Minneapolis’ HUGE Improv Theater is doing its part on YouTube, dedicating Fridays to “terrible” puppet shows. (Donate to the nonprofit theater here.) Learn more.
Center for Hmong Arts & Talent Streams a New Film
What: We Count Movie Night: The Stranger
When: Friday, May 29, 8 p.m.
Where: Center for Hmong Arts & Talent YouTube and Facebook pages
The Hmong Census Coalition—a group dedicated to getting Minnesota’s Hmong-American population accurately counted in the 2020 census—has partnered with local filmmaker Bryan Vue to put his newest movie, The Stranger, online for free viewing. Vue’s film follows Steve, a refugee from war-torn Laos, whose long-lost brother shows up one day, pulling Steve’s murky past into focus. Watch on YouTube or Facebook, and stick around for a Q&A with Vue and lead actor Tom Thao. Learn more.
Be Heard MN Youth Poetry Slam Enters Final Round
What: Be Heard MN Youth Poetry Slam Finals
When: Saturday, May 30, 7 p.m.
Where: Zoom
Minneapolis’ poet-nurturing TruArtSpeaks is pushing ahead with an eighth year of the Be Heard MN Youth Poetry Slam series. Young poets have submitted videos of themselves performing original work, and on Zoom, a host will guide viewers through Saturday’s consummation of a series that’s been ongoing since January. This is the finals, so expect (metaphorical) fireworks, and buy a ticket here.
Puppies Get a Chance to Socialize
What: Quarantine Puppy Socialization Walk
When: Sunday, May 31, 11 a.m.-noon
Where: Father Hennepin Park, 420 Main St. SE, Minneapolis
An event like this requires mindful social distancing: Common Ground Canine encourages owners to bring their pups to the Father Hennepin public park near the Stone Arch Bridge in northeast Minneapolis. A professional trainer will be on hand to take questions. Cost to participate is $20 per puppy. Buy a ticket here.
