This weekend in Chanhassen, MN

A community farmers market takes place at Bloomington Civic Plaza. Enjoy the lively plaza setting and welcoming neighborhood atmosphere as you explore this local gathering.

Neighborhood Roots hosts the Southwest Farmers Market in South Minneapolis, where local farmers and makers offer fresh produce, meats, fish, eggs, artisan cheeses, baked goods, flowers, handmade goods, natural hygiene and body care items, pantry staples, and more. Shoppers can enjoy ready-to-eat food, coffee, and other beverages while they explore the market. Each market features live music from a changing roster of local musicians and artists, creating a friendly setting for all ages. The Power of Produce (POP) Club gives kids opportunities to learn about local food through fun activities and includes a $2 token to spend on fruits and vegetables.

Kids Building Minnesota is a free, hands-on construction experience for families that encourages curiosity, creativity, and interest in the building trades. Children can step into the world of construction by getting close to real equipment, trying interactive exhibits, and discovering how things are built in a safe, family-focused setting. The day includes numerous exhibits, live demonstrations, and opportunities to meet industry professionals, creating a lively learning environment for young builders. Expect big machines to explore, make-and-build activities, and STEM and skilled trade stations designed with ages 4 to 12 in mind. Surprise appearances are planned, and food will be available to purchase on site. This public event takes place at the East Lot of Mall of America and is free to attend with registration. It is well suited for families seeking an educational outing that shows how exciting it can be to create with your hands.

At the Chanhassen Farmers Market, a coffee booth pours seasonally inspired beverages and offers freshly roasted coffee beans sourced from a roastery in Big Lake. Cold drinks are available, and all market guests can enter a drawing for a chance to receive free coffee for a year to keep their coffee supply stocked.

Growing up can feel exciting, confusing, and a little scary, and this supportive workshop is designed to make the changes of puberty easier to understand. Educators from myHealth for Teens & Young Adults lead a fun and informative session that invites laughter, questions, and learning together. Children ages 8 to 12 and their caregivers participate side by side in engaging activities that explain what is normal and amazing about this stage of life. The program focuses on building open communication skills and strengthening family connections while answering common questions about puberty.

Experience the Northeast Farmers Market with fresh local produce, handmade goods, and tasty food, all set to live music in a family-friendly atmosphere. The market highlights area farmers and small businesses with a wide variety of offerings. It takes place in the St Boniface Church parking lot, runs rain or shine, provides free parking, and accepts EBT and Market Bucks. Pets are not permitted.

Marking fifty years of the Minnesota Valley Refuge, this celebration brings people together around nature, community, and conservation. Activities include birdwatching, archery, and arts and crafts. A panel featuring former refuge leaders will share memories and stories from across the decades. Winners of the Find Your Wild Nature Art Contest will be announced, and their artwork will be exhibited during the festivities. The event honors a long legacy of wildlife protection and outdoor exploration.

Designed for all paces, this 5K welcomes families, competitive runners, casual walkers, and leashed dogs. After crossing the finish line, participants can enjoy a lively community gathering with a fair focused on pets and local businesses. Adoptable animals will be on hand, ready to be matched with new homes.

Minnetonka Public Schools and the Minnetonka Alumni Association present the Annual Alumni Awards at Minnetonka High School, recognizing the accomplishments of outstanding alumni and former faculty. A complimentary brunch is part of the program, and free tickets are available to secure a seat. Distinguished Alumni honorees include Paul Huber, class of 1973, who has guided Huber Funeral Homes for more than four decades while caring for Lake Minnetonka families and supporting local organizations, events, youth programs and service efforts through volunteerism and philanthropy, and Kerry Olsen, class of 1968, a leader in head and neck oncologic surgery whose career at Mayo Clinic advanced patient care, research and surgical education while mentoring generations of medical professionals. The Distinguished Service honor goes to Charlotte Bell, class of 1965, an artist, photographer and organizer who since 1999 has helped elevate the work of Las Rancheritas in rural Mexico by securing materials, promoting their art, organizing exhibits and sharing their story to empower the community and expand educational opportunities. The Young Alumni Achievement award recognizes Brooke Wassenaar Marren, class of 2014, a Medtronic leader at the intersection of healthcare and engineering who has driven major medical technology initiatives, contributed to a clinical study in peripheral vascular health and mentors future STEM professionals. The Skippers Hall of Fame welcomes Janet Harrington Jopp, class of 1961, a pioneer for girls athletics whose leadership in the Girls Athletic Association helped launch intramural sports for girls and who became the first female Minnetonka student to earn a varsity letter. The Faculty Hall of Fame honors John Jack Streed, posthumous, an English teacher known for dynamic instruction, high expectations and deep care for students that made classic literature engaging while building confident readers, thinkers and writers, and Loren Nelson, a math teacher and mentor who over 34 years made complex concepts accessible through real-world applications and steadfast belief in every student, extending his influence through mentorship, family outreach and a lifelong commitment to education, literacy and service. The program salutes all of this year’s honorees.

Explore mosaic art in a one day, in studio class with artist Sharra Frank in Minneapolis. Create a colorful miniature floral piece from start to finish, choosing a custom 4 by 4 inch birch frame in square, scalloped, or ornate styles, building a vivid background with curated precut glass, selecting a clear glass vase shape designed by Sharra with smooth edges, and arranging florals with exclusive materials that include vintage beads and glass elements gathered on sourcing trips to New York and Rhode Island. Guidance covers floral cutting, layering, and composition, with approachable steps for beginners and fresh techniques for experienced artists. By the end, you will complete a personalized mosaic ready to display at home or give as a gift. All supplies are provided, including the frame, glass, beads, decorative papers, adhesives, sealant, and a Mini Mosaic Floral Supply Guide. Many students return to make additional mini mosaic florals because the project is a longtime favorite. Cancellation terms apply as follows: 50 percent refund when canceled 14 or more days in advance, within 14 days a refund is issued only if your spot is filled and is reduced by a 50 dollar fee, and there are no refunds within 7 days. Returning students may inquire about a discount.

Explore rotating Discovery Booths that highlight pollinators, urban trees, ecosystems, and the many ways plants are part of everyday life. Each guided station welcomes all ages and is designed to spark curiosity and deepen appreciation for nature at the Arboretum and beyond. Booth themes and locations change with the seasons, offering new learning opportunities each time. The booths are included with general daily admission. Admission is free for members and for visitors 15 and younger, and $20 to $25 for non-members ages 16 and older. Reserve tickets in advance to guarantee admission. For current booth locations, check the board near the Visitor Center entrance when you arrive.

NAMIWalks Minnesota is a community walk that brings people together through shared experiences to honor those living with mental illness and the families, loved ones, and communities who support them. Funds raised power NAMI Minnesota’s work in education, advocacy, support and public awareness. The event champions the shared goal of Mental Health for All.

Explore what Eden Prairie has to offer at an event featuring exhibitors, entertainment, demos, food trucks, and local music. Llamas will also be part of the experience.

Keep the farmers market energy going at Day Block Brewing with locally crafted beer, kombucha brewed in house, and crisp microgreens. Try every kombucha flavor with a $10 flight, or choose a glass of Watermelon Strawberry, Margarita, Blackberry, or Chai Tea. Pints are $5 to enjoy on site, and microgreen blends are $5 to take home. It is a simple way to stretch your market outing, sip something refreshing, and head out with fresh greens.

At Eden Prairie Center, meet dogs and cats available for adoption, with the option for same day placement. Connect with potential companions and take the next step toward providing a lasting home.

Target Field hosts a matchup between the Minnesota Twins and the Texas Rangers. Take advantage of $2 beers available during the pregame period until the scheduled first pitch.

Vocal ensembles Lumen Antiqua and the Kaleidoscope Quartet unite for Refractions, a program for seven voices that explores contrast and color in sound with music by artists from many centuries. Hear the textures that arise when two groups sing as one, written and arranged for seven parts. Tickets cost less when purchased in advance than at the door, and youth ages 17 and under are admitted free.

Roadhouse 6 returns to the Saint Hubert Harvest Festival with a family friendly event that welcomes all ages. Families are encouraged to attend together.

Experience a candlelit tribute at Granada Theater as the Listeso String Quartet performs favorites from Queen and ABBA in an intimate, multi-sensory setting. The tentative set includes beloved hits such as Dancing Queen, SOS, Money, Money, Money, Voulez Vous, Waterloo, Super Trouper, Mamma Mia, Gimme Gimme Gimme, along with Queen classics like Bohemian Rhapsody, I Want to Break Free, Killer Queen, Don't Stop Me Now, We Will Rock You, and We Are the Champions. The performance runs for 60 minutes. Doors open 30 minutes before the show, and late entry is not permitted. Guests must be at least 8 years old, and those under 16 need to be accompanied by an adult. The venue is ADA compliant, and seating within each zone is assigned on a first come first served basis. This event is a tribute and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by the original artists, their estates, or official representatives.

A newly announced event featuring Mickey Avalon will be hosted at The Cabooze.

Them Heathen Hordes returns to Acadia after a previous fundraiser helped get things back on track. This 2.0 edition is curated by Manitou Studios, bringing together artists they have championed or performed alongside, and it comes together despite several late lineup changes. Greenvale Manitou opens, followed by Shaping Flame, an alt rock songwriting five-piece. Trampoline Gorilla delivers an instrumental jazz punk set, then Ländfillharmonik channels string-driven punk energy. Nu metal act milwaukee.deep closes the night. The bill blends volume, melody, and a touch of romance.

The Current hosts an all-ages evening headlined by acclaimed UK singer and songwriter Beth Orton, making a rare return to Minneapolis to share music from her new album, The Ground Above. Following 2022’s Weather Alive, the record moves from that release’s submerged, dreamlike textures to a more immediate and emotionally unguarded space, exploring survival, integration, and renewal with hard-won strength. Often regarded as her finest work to date, it reflects midlife insight and resilience. A pioneer of folktronica, Orton’s singular voice has only grown richer, and her body of work spans 1996’s Trailer Park and 2006’s Comfort of Strangers through her self-produced Weather Alive. On The Ground Above she further expands as producer, songwriter, singer, and bandleader alongside collaborators Shahzad Ismaily, Sam Beste, drummers Tom Skinner and Chris Vatalaro, and bassist Tom Herbert. Michigan-born multi-instrumentalist Kenny Stahl opens the night, stepping forward after years shaping the sound and live shows for artists such as Chance the Rapper, Mac Miller, Dijon, and Nathaniel Rateliff, and after backing Paul Simon at the Newport Folk Festival. His debut dark-folk project, I couldn’t not do this, trades stadium-scale bustle for a cinematic, road-worn intimacy, delivering performances that are precise, atmospheric, and haunting.

In the Large Studio at Tapestry Folkdance Center, participants enjoy a lively contra dance. The program opens with a beginner-friendly walkthrough led by a caller, then continues with social dancing as the caller cues each sequence. Contra dancing includes figures related to old-time square dance and is typically arranged in long lines with partners facing one another. Every dance is taught, partners rotate throughout the event, and newcomers are welcome. Music draws on traditional acoustic styles, often featuring fiddles and other spirited instruments, with influences from New England, French Canadian, Irish, Scottish, Cape Breton, and modern compositions. No partner or prior experience is required. Comfortable shoes, curiosity, and a willingness to move are all that is needed. Admission for events with live music is $15 for general admission, $12 for Tapestry members, $8 for young adults ages 18 to 30, $4 for youth ages 10 to 17, and free for children under 10. When music is recorded, admission is $12 for general, $10 for members, and $7 for young adults and youth ages 10 to 21.

Outdoor movie nights return with a free film under the stars. Bring a blanket or lawn chair for comfortable seating and pack your own snacks. Everyone is welcome, from kids to adults. Admission is free and no registration is required.

Tom Papa brings the Grateful Bread Tour to Hennepin Arts State Theatre. Tickets are released in stages, with early access options that include an artist presale and a Live Nation and Hennepin Arts presale, followed by a general public sale.

AmberTree brings a wide selection of sterling silver jewelry to the Farmers Market Annex of Minneapolis. Look for the booth by the big rooster landmark near Lyndale, which is their usual spot at the market. This marks their 23rd year participating. Last year they did not miss a single market day despite rough weather, including an August Saturday with rain blowing sideways. They are aiming for the same strong turnout again, without the wild winds.

This family-friendly fundraiser brings the community together for running and walking at every level. The day features a 5K, a 100-yard Toddler Trot, and a one-mile Family Fun Run and walk, and all ages and fitness levels are welcome. Entry for the 5K is $45 per participant or $135 for a family of four. The Toddler Trot is $5, and the Family Fun Run is $10. Groups of 10 receive 20 percent off. Food trucks will be on site, offering a chance to relax and enjoy a meal after finishing. A portion of the 5K proceeds supports the Adventist Education Endowment Fund through the Minnesota Conference, helping advance Adventist education in Minnesota.

Educator Amy Simso Dean leads a calm, educational birding walk at Lakewood that welcomes all ages and all levels of birding experience. Binoculars are provided. The outing starts with a short lesson on technique and local bird diversity, then continues as a group walk focused on observing and learning about birds. This is a walking activity on easy to moderate terrain at a gentle pace. Plan for approximately 1.5 miles, and note that seating is not available. Comfortable, close-toed shoes are strongly encouraged. The route is set near scenic Jo Pond, Lakewood’s onsite lake, located about a half mile from the main gate, and directional signs will be posted.

Stevens Square Farmers Market returns with a weather-permitting market set up in the parking lot near the Village Center. For questions, contact the market manager, Ryne.

Linden Hills Farmers Market features a changing lineup of roughly 50 farmers, artisanal food makers, chefs, and artists, with live music adding to the atmosphere. The market is held regardless of weather and takes place in the parking lot of Settergrens of Linden Hills.

Explore Twin Cities Vintage Flea, a pop-up marketplace created by the organizers of Totally Rad Vintage Fest in collaboration with 56 Brewing in NE Minneapolis. Browse a carefully curated selection of vintage clothing, accessories, and collectibles from many eras. Admission is free, making it easy to hunt for standout pieces, support local vendors, and connect with other vintage enthusiasts while enjoying a 56 Brewing beer.

Connect with other Dungeons & Dragons players, run a weekly session, set up one-shots, and share ideas with the store for future D&D events. Tables and terrain are available for use, so groups can jump into an adventure or try new scenarios. This is a space to gather, roll dice, and collaborate with the community.

Part of the Health & Wellness, Together seminar series, this community led gathering creates space to learn, practice, and strengthen networks of care. It emphasizes hands on skills and mutual support when institutions fall short, sharing tools anyone can use while helping to grow stronger webs of community care. Topics across the series include harm reduction and advocacy, mental health, disaster readiness, and more. This session centers on Climate Change & Health Impacts. It explores how shifting environmental conditions affect bodies and communities, with particular attention to those facing heightened risk. It offers practical approaches for adaptation, preparation for extreme weather, and fostering resilience together. The Pride Cultural Arts Center has donated space for this series. A QR code in the event image provides a way to support the work. Health and wellness are shared responsibilities, sustained through collective care.

Live music fills the Arboretum throughout the warm months, continuing into fall as part of a seasonal series. Local bands and community ensembles perform on Newton Terrace outside Rootstock Cafe, with an indoor location available if weather changes, and the series concludes with a final show in MacMillan Auditorium. Rootstock will be open for purchases, including food, beer, and wine, and the Ice Cream Cart will be available when conditions allow. Visitors can explore the Arboretum before or after the performance. Entry to the concert is included with regular daily admission.

Bingo Night at the Green Mill raises funds for the Kennedy Choir program. Each bingo packet is $20, and proceeds directly benefit students. The Kennedy Choirs and the Bloomington Lions sponsor the event.

Stephen Dawes brings the Skin to Skin Tour to 7th St Entry, featuring Jojomber. The show is open to all ages.

After the final bow, a theater can hold the echoes of joy, sorrow, fear, and nervous anticipation. This event turns out the lights at Theatre in the Round to explore what may linger once the seats are empty and the stage is still. Two separate paranormal investigations are offered as individual sessions, and participants can choose one or take part in both. Tickets are $75 per session and availability is limited.

Alicia Witt brings her album release show for Between Heaven and Earth to Dakota Jazz Club, celebrating a collection shaped by intimacy, spirit, and a sense of unconditional, timeless love. The record was cut live in New York with producer Joe Henry and a handpicked ensemble, capturing everyone performing together with very few overdubs for an immediate, in-the-room feel. Witt’s creative path on this project reflects the lasting influence of David Lynch, whose impact on her life reaches back to her first film role in Dune as a child, and whose presence she felt throughout the making of the album. The songs lean into longing, fate, healing, surrender, nostalgia, gratitude, and connection, carried by a persistent optimism. The title track embraces a mystical new bond and the belief that it does no harm to dream. Artifacts lets go of old lessons that no longer serve, Kindred dissolves barriers into light and destiny, and Build Me A Dream imagines the world we wish to live in. Elsewhere, Freeze Frame, Test Drive, and Blue Moon contemplate alternate timelines and the calm acceptance of connections that do not remain. Thank You, featuring John Paul White, turns heartbreak into appreciation for what it clears the way for, while Love Anyway centers on giving love without expectation. The Director closes the album as a spontaneous, single-take conversation with Lynch. A limited pre-show meet and greet option is available, which includes a photo with Alicia and autographing of up to five brought items or merchandise purchased at the show.

A rare Sunday night summer celebration unfolds as a rooftop poolside party. Expect a relaxed, poolside atmosphere in a rooftop setting that highlights the spirit of the season.