By Lauren DeLapa

The sun is shining, the weather is warm and date night is this weekend. Don’t have a plan in place? We’re here to help! Dine, drink and discover the city of Minneapolis with these summer date nights that are perfect for any pair.

Catch a Movie in the Park

bigs_seeds/Flickr

From new releases to classic cinema, the Minneapolis Movies in the Park series is a summertime take on the traditional date night at the movies. Through the end of August, 30 parks across the city will be screening films completely free of charge. All movies start 15 minutes after sunset, so plan for a quick sunset scroll before heading over to the screening. Bring a blanket, and enjoy the show! Want to see what movie is coming up next? Check out our blog post that includes the entire summer lineup of movies in the park.

Visit the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden

MatthewDeery/Flickr

Nothing says summer like a date outdoors, and there’s no better way to do an outdoor date in Minneapolis than soaking up the sun while admiring the amazing art on display at the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden in downtown Minneapolis. Recently renovated and reopened to the public, this 11-acre site is home to more than 40 works, including the famous “Spoonbridge and Cherry.” Take a free guided tour of the garden every Thursday at 6 p.m. or Saturday and Sunday at noon. Or explore the installations in the garden with your date from 6 a.m. to midnight daily.

Go on a Brewery Tour

Quinn.Anya/Flickr

With the bustling beer scene in the Twin Cities, a brewery tour is a great way to kick back and cool off with your summer steady. Not sure which brewery to choose? Check out some local favorites like 612Brew, Surly Brewing Co. and Indeed Brewing Company. All these taprooms offer tours and tastings under $10 (some are even free!).

Grab a Bite at a Rooftop Restaurant

DenisDeMesmaeker/Flickr

Take your dinner date to the next level—literally—with a reservation at one of Minneapolis’ many rooftop restaurants. Local hot spots, UNION, Uptown Tavern and moto-i, each offer distinctive dishes and spectacular scenery. Looking for drink deals and bar bites? Amore Victoria Ristorante and Brit’s Pub are guaranteed to fit the bill.

By Aubrey Schield

The wait is over. Well, almost over. The Minneapolis Sculpture Garden and Walker Art Center have been partially or entirely closed in some capacity for the past two years, and renovations are finally complete, just in time for a grand reopening celebration this Saturday. As a lifelong Twin Citian, the sculpture garden has served as a symbol for Minneapolis—especially with its “Spoonbridge and Cherry” sculpture. (I remember craning my neck as a kid trying to see the giant, bright red cherry from the car window as my family traveled east on I-94.)

In cooperation with the Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board, the sculpture garden underwent massive construction to create a 19-acre finished product that is both aesthetically and environmentally pleasing—a water reuse system was set up to make the attraction more eco-friendly. In addition to a landscaping facelift, the garden received 18 new pieces of artwork, including Katharina Fritsch’s royal blue statue of a rooster, “Hahn/Cock”.

Some of the works from the garden’s past life were moved to other areas throughout the city, including Gold Medal Park, Weisman Art Museum and Minneapolis Institute of Art. I am pleased to share, however, that among the pieces still on display in the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden is the Claes Oldenburg and Coosje van Bruggen-designed “Spoonbridge and Cherry”. Named one of the best contemporary art museums in the country, the Walker Art Center also got in on the renovation and is unveiling new landscaping and a new, more welcoming entrance for visitors.

If you go…

Head to the Walker Art Center, located just outside of downtown Minneapolis, on Saturday morning for the grand reopening. In addition to unparalleled sight-seeing, the celebration will feature hands-on activities. Create your own works of art and enjoy delicious food truck fare during the free event, which is from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

By Kerry Roberson

Memorial Day—the day when people across the nation take a moment to remember all the men and women who have served in the U.S. armed forces. In honor of not only past, but also present members of the military, many businesses are closed for the day. Those that are open host a variety of events, cookouts and ceremonies that everyone can attend.

Fort Snelling
Costumed interpreters roam St. Paul’s historic Fort Snelling leading events and workshops and teaching the living history of the American armed forces as well as explaining the influence that Indigenous-Americans and African-Americans had on shaping the beginning and final outcome of the Civil War. Fort Snelling isn’t the only location conducting this day of learning. Lakewood Cemetery, located near Lake Harriet in south Minneapolis, and St. Paul’s Minnesota Air National Guard Museum will also be open for anyone wanting a closer look.

Family Fun Time
With many businesses being closed for the day, Memorial Day is a great opportunity to have a little family fun in the sun. Backyard barbecues, biking and participating in the 20th annual Brian Kraft Memorial 5k are just a few things the entire family can enjoy on Memorial Day.

Outdoor Concerts
Every summer the Twin Cities’ parks have outdoor concerts where performers of all genres come to show off their musical talents. The first performance will be on Memorial Day at 5:30 p.m. with Rubber Soul The Tribute and Socaholix at the Lake Harriet Bandshell. All park concerts are free. While you’re there, be sure to grab a bite to eat at Twin Cities restaurateur Kim Bartmann’s Bread & Pickle, a fancy concession stand located right next to the bandshell.

By Charles Brandt

The railroad industry played a significant role in the development of the Twin Cities, helping both cities form economic and social connections with the rest of the country. In fact, the state of Minnesota still has over 4,400 miles of operating freight rails to this day, providing railway connections to both coasts, and shipping networks throughout the larger world.

Great Northern Railway History

During the the mid- to late-1800’s the Minnesota and Pacific Railroad would become the St. Paul and Pacific Railroad, serving as the state’s first passenger line. After financial bankruptcy, James J. Hill, along with other investors, purchased the St. Paul and Pacific Railroad and used it as the cornerstone of the famous Great Northern Railway. This railway ran all the way from St. Paul to Seattle. Much of the tracks laid by Great Northern would eventually turn into the current Amtrak lines available today for train passengers headed out of Minnesota to the Pacific Northwest and Chicago. The railways of Minnesota served as a means of settlement, trading, private industry empire building, and have truly shaped our great state.

Train Day at Union Depot

Under the direction of James J. Hill himself, the Union Depot in Downtown St. Paul was constructed after the original location had burned down. So it seems quite appropriate that Train Day will be celebrated on May 6 at the depot. The event will “highlight the history and future of passenger train travel, the historic and current role of freight railroads in our region, and changing transportation trends and needs.” There will also be a wide-variety of free transportation-inspired activities, viewable train equipment, educational sessions, special events and activities for all ages.

Train Day Exhibitors

• All Aboard Minnesota
• Amtrak
• Bruce Gustafson – HO scale trains, railroad memorabilia, Union Depot items, custom-matted pictures
• Charles McCreary – railroad photos, books and memorabilia
• Chuck’s Trains
• Friends of the 261
• Great Northern Railway Historical Society
• Hertz
• Jefferson Lines
• Jim Matuska Railroad Art
• K&A Rail Products
• Ladysmith, WI Rail Display – railroad clothing
• METRO Blue Line Extension Project
• Minnesota Department of Transportation – Passenger Rail Office
• Minnesota Operation Lifesaver, Inc.
• Minnesota Streetcar Museum – selling books on Minnesota streetcars, as well as other items.
• Minnesota Transportation Museum
• National Park Service Mississippi River & National Recreation Area
• Northern Lights Express
• North Shore Scenic Railroad
• Ramsey County Regional Railroad Authority
• Raptor Center
• Riverview Corridor
• Rush Line Corridor
• Southwest LRT
• United States Postal Service
• Usborne Books
• Yard Goat Images

Model Railroad Exhibits

• Granite City O-Gaugers
• Minnesota Free Mo
• Twin City Model Railroad Museum

Railroad Equipment

• Amtrak® Veterans locomotive
• Great Northern SDP40 No. 325
• Great Northern Empire Builder coach 1213
• Historic railroad motor (Speeder) car
• Northern Pacific Post Office/Combine Car No. 1102
• Rock Island coach 2604
• Twin Cities & Western locomotive
• Union Pacific locomotive

Buses & Cars

• Greyhound historic Scenicruiser coach
• Hertz Adrenaline Collection model
• Jefferson Lines coach

Free Educational Sessions

During the event, a series of free educational sessions will be hosted on the 2nd floor Concourse at Union Depot. These sessions are open to all. For more information and to register, visit their Eventbrite page.

• 10 a.m. – David Thompson: “The Railway Post Office and Railway Mail Service”
• 11:30 a.m. – Short movie: “Mail in Motion” (No registration needed)
• 12 p.m. – Peter A. Briggs: “A career in railroad public relations and communication”
• 1:30 p.m. – Kevin P. Keefe: “Wallace W. Abbey, His Life and Photography,” presented in conjunction with the Center for Railroad Photography & Art
• 12 p.m. – The Raptor Center (No registration needed – Red Cap Room):
  1-hour presentation that includes 3 live raptors. Presentation will cover the relationship between raptors and the Mississippi River, a popular scenic route of the Amtrak Empire Builder. After the presentation, guests will be able to visit and take picture with the raptors until 4 p.m.

Free Tours
Free guided tours will be offered of the Metro Transit Operations & Maintenance Facility (OMF) near Union Depot. Here you’ll see some of the inner workings of the train system, as well as where the trains are stored at night. For more information and to register, visit their Eventbrite page.

Friday Night Photoshoot: $22.50
Friday, May 5th at 8 p.m.
A rare opportunity to shoot behind the scenes on the platform of Union Depot, featuring Amtrak P42DC #42 “Salutes our Veterans” unit, Twin Cities & Western Railroad GP38-3, Union Pacific (heritage unit requested), Great Northern Railway Historical Society’s GN SD45 No. 45, re-lettered Burlington Northern 6430 and Amtrak’s Empire Builder. Lighting provided, but we suggest bringing a tripod and remote shutter release for your cameras. The Amtrak Empire Builder is scheduled to arrive at 10:00 p.m. Instagrammers are encouraged to attend!

Dates, Hours and Transportation:
Saturday, May 6: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. at the Union Depot.

Metro Transit is offering free transportation to the event: download your pass today.

By Charles Brandt

The rich tapestry of cultural diversity seen in the Twin Cities has helped us grow into an area of the country that offers a bit of everything. Native American heritage is an important legacy in our state’s history, along with early settlers who were Norwegian, Swedish, Irish, Welsh, English, Scottish and German, among others. More recently, many immigrants from around the world have found a home in St. Paul and Minneapolis, including families from Laos and eastern Africa. The diversity of our city can be seen vibrantly represented through our art and music scene, as well as the vast array of foods available throughout the Twin Cities. From the Thai restaurants that line University Avenue in St. Paul, to Dilla’s Ethiopian off Cedar and Riverside in Minneapolis, food from around the globe is always close by. With this in mind, it is no surprise that St. Paul plays host to the longest running multi-cultural festival in the midwest: the Festival of Nations.

The festival is put on by the International Institute of Minnesota at the RiverCentre in downtown St. Paul. Collaborating with members of more than 90 ethnic groups, the festival “celebrates cultural heritage and provides our community’s immigrants with a platform to express their stories through world-class performances, exhibits, ethnic cuisine and personal connections.”

Cafes, Bazaar and Performances

Crafts, toys, fabrics, clothing and more, inspired by cultural heritages from around the world, will be for sale in a large street-market style bazaar. If you’re looking for something truly unique, you’ll certainly find a wide selection to pick from the market. Throughout the Twin Cities, the selection of food and merchandise available at the bazaar and cafes is legendary.

The festival will also have three stages continuously delivering over 100 music and dance performances influenced by a vast array of cultural backgrounds. As a special presentation, the festival has partnered with the Khmer Legacy Cambodian Museum & Performing Arts Center in St. Paul to offer a number of performances and artist galleries by a group of visiting Cambodians. The performers will also present a Chai Yum—a traditional parade featuring giant puppets and live music.

Demonstrations

Interactive demonstrations of many different cultural folk artisans will be available for those visiting the Festival of Nations celebration. There is so much going on this year, you’ll be hard-pressed to not find something that catches your interest. The 2017 lineup of demonstrations include African Warrior Bow & Raffia Costume Making, American Indian Silversmith, Chinese Calligraphy, Chinese Lingnam Flower & Bird Painting, Colombian Fiber Wall Tapestries, Czech and Slovak Egg Decorating, Ecuadorian Loom Weaving, German Star Making, German Porcelain Painting, Ghanaian Hair Braiding, Hmong Needlework, Indian Henna & Rangoli, Indian Traditional Painting, International Lace Making, Iraqi Caricature & Arabic Calligraphy, Italian Bocce Ball, Japanese Kimono Demonstrations, Khmer Angkorian Arts, Mexican Textiles, Mongolian Yurt Building, Native American Beadwork, Norwegian Hardanger, Polish Folk Art, Russian Folk Arts, Scandinavian Viking Age Crafts, Senegalese Pottery, Somali Finger Weaving, and Swiss Woodcarving and Ukrainian Egg Decorating.

Exhibits

For only $1, you’ll be able to purchase a passport to interact with representatives from many different nations through their national exhibit booths. These exhibits have representatives of countries and cultures from around the world, including Austrian, Bulgarian, Cambodian, Carpatho-Rusyn, Chinese, Colombian, Croatian, Czech & Slovak, Danish, Dutch, Egyptian, Finnish, French, Greek, Guatemalan, Haitian, Hmong, Hungarian, Indian, Iraqi, Italian, Korean, Latvian, Lithuanian, Moroccan, Nepalese, Palestinian, Polish, Romanian, Russian, Slovenian, Sri Lankan, Sudanese, Taiwanese, Tamil, Thai, Tibetan, Turkish and Ukrainian.

Activities

There are a number of fun and exciting additional activities going on around the festival, including family-friendly excitement with the Wee World Wanderers Club, spooky folklore stories from around the world, opportunities to hear real-life stories from immigrants that came to America from all over the world, and also the opportunity to meet with members of our own Minnesota House of Representatives.

Transportation
Metro Transit is offering free transportation to the event: download your pass today.

Dates and Hours:
Early-access on Thursday is available for student groups.
Friday, May 5: 4:30  – 10 p.m.
Saturday, May 6: 10 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Sunday, May 7: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.

By Charles Brandt

This weekend, the RiverCentre in downtown St. Paul is hosting the American Craft Show, a national gathering of over 250 top contemporary jewelry, clothing, furniture and home décor artists from across the country. If you’re a craft lover or even if you are just looking for special and unique gift ideas, this is the only major show in the midwest put on by the American Craft Council during 2017, and it’s huge.

The American Craft Council is a national, nonprofit public educational organization founded in 1943 by Aileen Osborn Webb, that “actively promotes the understanding and appreciation of contemporary American craft.” This organization’s philosophy comes to the forefront at events like the craft show, giving artists from around the nation a forum to share their craft, and sell their creations. From homemade glass objects and ceramics to high fashion, hand-crafted furniture to one-of-a-kind metalworking, the craft show will feature talented artists that hand make their pieces in a wide variety of mediums. A complete list of artists at the event is available here.

The event will also give emerging artists around our nation some special recognition at different “Hip Pop Pods” stationed around the event. Each pod will feature different artists from all backgrounds and styles.

Event Hours and Ticket Pricing
The Preview Party runs tonight from 6 – 9 p.m.; tickets are available at the door tonight for $85. However, the show is also open to the public Friday through Sunday, and a day pass is only $11 if you buy online, or $12 at the door. If you’re interested in attending, tickets can be purchased at the American Craft Show’s event website.

Thursday, April 6 (Preview Party): 6 – 9 p.m.
Friday, April 7: 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Saturday, April 8: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Sunday, April 9: 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Special Friday Evening Admission
Get into the show for just $5 after 5 p.m. on Friday. This pricing applies to onsite ticket purchases only.