Llamas, Vikings, Gems, Art, EcoArt Fest, Waterfest, Music at the Zoo kicks off, and……..Grand Ol Day. Not to mention a summer forecast to enjoy it all. Have a fabulous weekend everyone!!
May 17 – Oct. 27, Minneapolis
The Vikings Begin
This extraordinary new exhibition features dozens of early Viking artifacts from boat graves, organized by Uppsala University in Sweden and its museum, Gustavianum, which is home to one of the world’s finest collections of Viking and pre-Viking objects. The exhibition at ASI is the Midwest premiere of a collection that has never been outside of Scandinavia until this year, with many finds that are around 1400 years old. American Swedish Institute. 612-871-4907
May 25 – Sept. 2, Apple Valley
Llama Trek
You ‘herd’ right… Llamas are at the Minnesota Zoo! This summer, get a taste of South America right here in Minnesota. Llama Trek is an immersive outdoor experience that gives you the chance to walk freely among some of the coolest characters of the Andes Mountains. Get up close and wander, without barriers, among free-roaming llamas and some of their mountain dwelling neighbors. Located along the Northern Trail, Llama Trek also features guinea pigs, flightless birds known as rheas, and highlights conservation efforts being made to help endangered wild chinchillas. Llama Trek is included with general Zoo admission. Minnesota Zoo. 952-431-9200
May 31 – June 1, St. Paul
Artists’ Market & International Gem & Jewelry Show
The Minnesota State Fairgrounds will host numerous events this weekend. The 16th annual Artists’ Market original art show and sale will be held at the Fine Arts Center with over 4,500 pieces of original art at a variety of prices. The International Gem & Jewelry Show, held May 31 – June 2 at the Progress Center, is one of the largest exhibitions of gems, minerals and jewelry in the world. This show features one-of-a-kind jewelry creations, gorgeous wedding bands and engagement rings, exotic gems, beads, exquisite fine jewelry, fashion jewelry, estate collections and much more. Other events at the Minnesota State Fairgrounds this weekend include the North Central Reining Extravaganza at the Warner Coliseum & Livestock Area, May 31 – June 2, and the GMCCA Car Show & Swap Meet at Machinery Hill, June 2. 651-288-4400
May 31 – June 2, Edina
Edina Art Fair
The 53rd Annual Edina Art Fair will boast 320 fine artists and crafters from around Minnesota, the U.S. and Canada. An estimated 250,000 people will attend the three-day event which is nationally-recognized as the top art fair in Minnesota. It is the state’s first official art fair of the year and its second largest. Booths upon booths of ceramics, jewelry, glass, photography, wood carvings, mixed media, 2D pieces, fine art, wearables and sculptures will line the curbs of France Avenue, 50th Street and in the Lund’s parking lot. 952-922-1524
May 31 – June 16, Anoka
A Raisin in the Sun
Sixty years after its premiere, A Raisin in the Sun — the first play by a woman of color to debut on Broadway — is widely considered to be one of the best and most important plays ever written. Set in Chicago’s South Side, the play revolves around the divergent dreams and conflicts within three generations of the Younger family. The Younger family’s heroic struggle to retain dignity in a harsh and changing world is a timeless document of hope and inspiration. Lyric Arts Main Street Stage. 763-422-1838
June 1, Bloomington
EcoArts Fest
Hop on the Metro Blue Line and head to the Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge to celebrate the brilliant creativity of the next generation of stewards of our Earth! Now in its twelfth year, the EcoArts Fest has something for everyone. Enjoy the opening pageant as schools involved in ArtStart residencies showcase their art work created with professional artists in response to environmental learning. Enjoy cultural dance and music performances. Participate in nature activities led by Refuge staff and art activities lead by ArtStart artists, as you learn strategies for preserving and conserving our environment. Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge. 651-698-2787
June 1, St. Paul
WaterFest 2019
This free, family festival celebrating our clean lakes offers fun activities and an opportunity for outdoor hands-on learning about clean water, wildlife, and land and water conservation. Start the day with a voyageur canoe ride or learn how to paddle a canoe, kayak or paddleboat, then cast a line and participate in a fishing contest. The fun continues with live music and dance, water games, a climbing wall, jump castle, native plant giveaway, Passport Odyssey with great prizes, live animals, food vendors and so much more! Phalen Regional Park. 651-900-3285
June 1, Apple Valley
The Cactus Blossoms
The Cactus Blossoms return to kick off the 27th season of Music in the Zoo! Whether it’s The Beach Boys, Bee Gees or First Aid Kit, that sibling vocal blend is the secret sauce in some of the most spine-tingling moments in popular music. The Cactus Blossoms – brothers Page Burkum and Jack Torrey – offer compelling evidence that this tradition is alive and well, with a deceptively unadorned musical approach that offers “creative turns of phrase, gorgeous harmonies and an ageless sound” (NPR All Things Considered). Weesner Family Amphitheater. 952-431-9200; 800-514-3849
June 2, St. Paul
Grand Old Day 2019
In St. Paul, summer starts with Grand Old Day – the original Sunday fun-day tradition held on the first Sunday in June. Enjoy “the first parade of the summer,” over 150 food vendors, a family fun area, art district, and an entertainment district with live music from dozens of the Twin Cities’ favorite bands. Grand Avenue. 651-699-0029
Event highlights around the state this week include:
May 31 – June 2, Luverne
Buffalo Days