Weekend Best Bets: July 2-5

Photo by John Magnoski

Fourth of July Fireworks and City Celebrations

What: Celebrations both virtual and in real life
When: Saturday, July 4
Where: See local event details

In spite of the pandemic, there are many ways to come together this year and celebrate Independence Day, as reported by the Star Tribune late last week. From a fireworks show along the banks of the Mississippi in Red Wing to a virtual parade on the City of Edina’s YouTube channel, you can enjoy the holiday from the comfort of your home, from behind the wheel of your car, or in proper socially distanced fashion.

In the metro region, Chanhassen is hosting a historic-plane flyover and fireworks over Lake Ann Park to be enjoyed from home. Chaska is lighting up the sky over Lake Jonathan for a McKnight Park celebration that emphasizes the importance of social distancing.

The Fourth has gone virtual, too. Along with offering DIY parade kits to residents, Edina is hosting a “virtual parade experience,” to feature tributes, interviews, and clips from community and entertainment groups. And Forest Lake will fill its Facebook page with videos and photos by community members.

“Black 4th” March and Festival

What: A silent march followed by food, music, and an art installation supporting Black Lives Matter
When: Saturday, July 4, 7 p.m.
Where: U.S. Bank Stadium, Vikings Legacy Ship, Chicago Ave., Minneapolis

Hosted by the 10K Foundation, join Black Lives Matter organizers and allies for a protest that will be followed by a variety of events hosted by local artists and activists, plus the reveal of a new art installation. “We will come together on a national holiday that puts so much emphasis on the American flag and all the values it claims to represent,” the Facebook event’s description reads.

Opportunities through Support the Cities

What: Volunteer opportunities at food-distribution centers throughout the metro
When: Dates updated on Support the Cities’ Facebook Events page
Where: Multiple locations

If you’re itching to get out in the community and serve those in need, check out Support the Cities, a comprehensive website that guides you to volunteering opportunities in neighborhoods throughout the Twin Cities. And, if you can’t participate in person, Support the Cities has consolidated all of the local food-distribution centers that are in need of donations.

Farmers Markets Are Open

What: Organic, sustainable, and local groceries
When: July 4-5
Where: Mill City Farmers Market, Northeast Farmers Market, Lyndale Farmers Market, Linden Hills Farmers Market

With summer in full swing, there are plenty of farmers markets you can safely attend. Highlights include: the Mill City Farmers Market, Northeast Farmers Market, Lyndale Market, and Linden Hills Farmers Market. All options provide healthy food choices while also supporting local businesses. For immunocompromised people, the hour from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m. is reserved at Mill City Farmers Market; 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. is reserved at Northeast Farmers Market; and Linden Hills is all ordered online.

Attack the Block at Trylon Cinema

What: Trylon Cinema reopens its summer program
When: Friday, July 3, 7 p.m. and 9 p.m.; Saturday, July 4, 7 p.m. and 9 p.m.; Sunday, July 5, 3 p.m., 5 p.m., and 7 p.m.
Where: Trylon Cinema, 2820 E. 33rd St., Minneapolis

For the first installment of Trylon Cinema’s summer program, Attack the Block offers a break from reality. Directed by Joe Cornish and released in 2011, the sci-fi comedy horror film features bloodthirsty aliens in South London. Masks are required, only 20 seats for each showing will be sold, and tickets must be purchased online beforehand to ensure a contactless experience. To learn more about Trylon’s protocols, click here.

Virtual Eagan Art Festival

What: Pandemic Perseverance Art Sale
When: June 24-July 31
Where: Eagan Art Festival website

Like many local art festivals this year, the annual Eagan Art Festival is going virtual. On the website, you’ll find art is for sale in such categories as fiber, glass, jewelry, mixed media, painting, photography, pottery, and wood.