Best Bets: July 28-Aug. 3

Things to do around Minnesota this week: Pixies in concert, a beach volleyball tournament, the MN Food Truck Festival, and more

Sip and Paint

What: Sip and Paint in the Dome: An Evening With the Minneapolis Skyline
When: July 31, 7 p.m.
Where: Sheraton Minneapolis, 1313 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis

Enjoy a one-of-a-kind art experience at the Sheraton Minneapolis. Enjoy a view of the skyline from the 14th floor while the talented team at Wine & Canvas leads participants in step-by-step painting instruction. Guests are given one complimentary drink, and full bar service is available for additional drink purchases. This elevated art experience is perfect for date night, girls’ night out, or a solo creative escape. 

Rock On

What: Pixies in Concert
When: July 31-Aug. 1, 8 p.m.
Where: Palace Theatre, 17 W. Seventh Place, St. Paul

The renowned alternative rock band Pixies is playing two nights at the Palace Theatre this weekend, with two different sets. On Thursday, July 31, fan-favorite albums “Bossanova” and “Trompe le Monde” will be played in their entirety. On Friday, Aug. 1, the band will play a variety of classics across their entire catalog, including songs from the new album, “The Night the Zombies Came.”

Pixies

Photo by Travis Shinn

Meats and Music

What: Mankato RibFest
When: July 31-Aug. 3
Where: 309 W. Rock St., Mankato

Mankato’s tastiest music festival features iconic performances and delicious barbecue. “Ribbers” travel across the country to attend RibFest and compete for three awards: Best Ribs, Best Pulled-Pork, and KEYC News 12’s People’s Choice. The musical lineup includes country star Chris Janson, Night Ranger, and Neon Trees. Savor the flavor and vote for your favorites.

Mankato RibFest

Courtesy of Mankato RibFest/Explore Minnesota

Bump, Set, Spike

What: Spikin’ in the Street
When: Aug. 1-2
Where: 1 M. Minnesota St., New Ulm

Get ready to play beach volleyball at New Ulm’s third annual Spikin’ in the Street tournament, right in the historic downtown. 1,300 tons of sand will transform North Minnesota Street into eight courts, and teams from all over the region come to New Ulm for the chance to win glory and bragging rights. Spectators are invited to play in the sand, enjoy delicious food trucks, and support New Ulm’s local businesses.  

Spikin’ in the Street

Courtesy of New Ulm Area Chamber of Commerce

Food Truck Fun

What: MN Food Truck Festival
When: Aug. 2, 11 a.m.-9 p.m.
Where: 420 E. Main St., Minneapolis

The Twin Cities’ popular delicious event returns to the beautifully renovated Father Hennepin Bluff Park. In addition to a wide variety of food trucks, the event boasts craft brews, games, and live music on the Minnesota Lottery Stage. The event is free to attend and open to everyone—even four-legged friends!  

Courtesy of MN Food Truck Festival

Enjoy Local Art

What: SoMi Art Fair
When: Aug. 2-3
Where: Bachman’s, 6010 Lyndale Ave. S., Minneapolis

A longstanding tradition in South Minneapolis, the Uptown Art Fair is rebranding as the SoMi Art Fair, in partnership with Bachman’s. Enjoy a vibrant celebration of art with around 250 artists, live music, local food trucks, and interactive arts and crafts.