Best Bets: Sept. 2-7

Things to do in Minnesota this week: community festivals, a Beatles concert experience, a St. Paul bike tour, and more

Come Together at Dakota

What: The Beatles Reimagined
When: Sept. 3, 7 p.m.
Where: Dakota, 1010 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis

Beatles fans shouldn’t miss this tribute show, where three of Minnesota’s most prominent guitarists reimagine the band’s classics like you’ve never heard them before. Guitarists Chris Olson, Joel Shapira, and show curator Jeff Perry will take the stage alongside bassist Matt McIntyre and drummer Bob Johnston for an exciting, fast-paced performance.

Defeat of the Outlaws

What: The Defeat of Jesse James Days
When: Sept. 3-7
Where: Northfield, Minnesota

This unique celebration in Northfield is held annually to honor the heroic townspeople who defeated the James-Younger Gang during a bank raid on Sept. 7, 1986. In addition to live bank raid reenactments, the festival offers bingo, carnival rides, an antique car show, a fine arts festival, and more.

Courtesy of The Defeat of Jesse James Days

Fall Vibes

What: Fall Porch Pot Workshop
When: Sept. 5, 5 p.m.
Where: Lakeside Garden Center, 9706 105th St. NW, Annandale

Want to get into the fall spirit? Head to Lakeside Garden Center’s Fall Porch Pot Workshop to spruce up your front porch with a seasonal planter. The registration fee covers a 12-inch silver or bronze planter or a drop-in compostable planter and assembly/labor. Then, customize your planter with a variety of fall plants and accents, available for purchase.

All Aboard

What: James J. Hill Days
When: Sept. 5-7
Where: Wayzata, Minnesota

James J. Hill Days is Wayzata’s annual celebration of the city’s history, and in particular, the influence of railroad magnate James J. Hill in establishing its train depot in 1906. Head to the lakeside community for live music, a historical walking tour, food trucks, dachshund races, and other festivities.

Courtesy of James J. Hill Days

Festival for a Cause

What: Sandhill Crane Arts and Music Festival
When: Sept. 6, 11:30 a.m.-11:30 p.m.
Where: Graham Family Farm, 27808 104th St. NW, Zimmerman

This annual festival and benefit for the Great Lakes Association of Musicians and Artists is returning in memory of local musician Max Graham. Catch an exciting lineup of live music across two stages (The People Brothers Band, Jon Sullivan Band, Maygen & The Birdwatcher, and more) an artist pavilion, lawn games, bonfires, and more.

Spin Through the City

What: Saint Paul Classic Bike Tour
When: Sept. 7, 7:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
Where: St. Paul

Enjoy pedaling through Minnesota’s beautiful capital city on this tour. The Classic starts and ends at Como Lakeside Pavilion and will offer two different routes: The Grand Round, 29 or 32 miles (the 32 mile route includes a lap around Lake Phalen), and the Short Route, a 12.8 mile “Lollipop Loop” east to Lake Phalen along Wheelock Parkway. Live music and refreshments will keep the energy alive at every rest stop.