Weekend Best Bets: May 21-23

This weekend in Minnesota: “Justice for George Floyd: Messages from the People” exhibit, MCAD art showcase, Duluth Dylan Fest, and more
Chroma Zone logo mural painted in 2019 by Wes Winship of Burlesque of North America
Chroma Zone logo mural painted in 2019 by Wes Winship of Burlesque of North America

Courtesy of Creative Enterprise Zone

Blast Off

What: Space Monkey Mafia and Friends
When: Friday, May 21, 7-10 p.m.
Where: Day Block Brewing Company, 1105 S. Washington Ave., Minneapolis

Witness the Twin Cities-formed band Space Monkey Mafia return to the in-person stage at Day Block Brewing, accompanied by musical acts Runaway Ricochet and Brandon Pulphus, plus live art by Dizzle Arts. Enjoy the tunes and brews knowing the event has pledged 50% of the proceeds to Families Supporting Families Against Police Violence.  

“What Is Blackness?”

What: Blackness Is… Arts Festival
When: May 21-23, see schedule for times
Where: YouTube

In collaboration with the Guthrie, MN Black Theatre Circle—a multigenerational collective of Black theater artists in the Twin Cities—has chosen 13 producing artists to respond to the prompt, “What is Blackness?” The artists aim to answer that question in a virtual weekend showcase that covers theater, music, dance, poetry, and more.

Artistic Emergence

What: Cut Rope
When: May 21-23, 7-8 p.m.
Where: 106 W. Water St., St. Paul

This year’s recent Minnesota College of Art and Design graduates display their hard work, talent, and concepts in a celebratory exhibit that  aims to provide a space for graduates to present their work in person despite their education careers ending virtually. 

Revolution Revisited

What: Justice for George Floyd: Messages from the People
When: May 21-23, noon-8 p.m.
Where: Phelps Field Park, 701 E. 39th St., Minneapolis 

Relive the protests from last summer in an outdoor exhibition that features 200 plywood murals and art pieces created during the protests in the Twin Cities area. It will likely be a heavy day, but there are set to be over 15 muralists, BIPOC mental health consultants, speakers, performers, and more to help process the past and look ahead. Read about Memorialize the Movement’s process of putting together the exhibit here.

Art Outdoors

What: Chroma Zone Mural & Art Festival
When: Saturday, May 22, 1-5 p.m.
Where: Intersection of Bradford & Endicott, 2325 Endicott St., St. Paul

Rain or shine, this outdoor event celebrates art in the Twin Cities and the achievements of Chroma Zone’s artists and muralists. There will be live painting, pottery throwing, performances, food, drinks, and more to honor new outdoor murals in St. Paul. 

Threads and Brews

What: Northmade Co. Relocation Opening
When: Saturday, May 22, 1-8 p.m.
Where: Vandalia Tower, 550 Vandalia St., St. Paul

Be a part of Northmade Co.’s grand opening of its new location, with a 15% discount on all merchandise, including a newly designed shirt. After shopping, relax with a few brews from Lake Monster Brewing, which is releasing a new beer, “Northmade Brew,” just steps from the Minnesota-based retailer’s new spot. Reservations for tables must be made on the Lake Monster website.

Dylan Days

What: Duluth Dylan Fest
When: May 22-30, showtimes vary
Where: Virtual and in-person (locations vary in the Duluth-Superior region)

Head up north to celebrate Bob Dylan in his birthplace of Duluth for a packed week of daily events spanning tours of “Bob Dylan sites,” jam sessions, and poetry contests. The lineup is both in-person and virtual, with tickets available online.