Join the Apollo 50th Anniversary Celebration, wander amongst the Llamas (no kidding!), visit the first major exhibition of artwork by Native women from pottery, textiles, and painting, to photographic portraits. You can also enjoy comedy, craft beers, or art, then top off the weekend with Golden Valley’s Pride Festival. Wishing you lots of love and fun this weekend, you earned it!!
May 21 – June 9, St. Paul
Museum of the Moon
The Bell Museum’s Year of Apollo celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 moon landing continues with a showcase Museum of the Moon, by UK artist Luke Jerram. This installation also coincides with the anniversary of NASA’s Apollo 10 mission that orbited the Moon May 18-26, 1969, the “dress rehearsal” for the first Moon landing. Bell Museum. 612-626-9660
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
June 2 – Aug. 18, Minneapolis
Hearts of Our People: Native Women Artists 2019 Beadwork Show at MIA
Women have long been the creative force behind Native art. Presented in close cooperation with top Native women artists and scholars, this first major exhibition of artwork by Native women honors the achievements of over 115 artists from the United States and Canada spanning over 1,000 years. Their triumphs — from pottery, textiles, and painting, to photographic portraits, to a gleaming El Camino — display astonishing innovation and technical mastery. The New York Times calls this exhibition “much-anticipated” and ArtForum says it’s “groundbreaking.” Minneapolis Institute of Art. 612-870-3000
June 7, St.Paul
Paula Poundstone
Comedian Paula Poundstone returns to St. Paul for an unforgettable show at the Fitzgerald Theater! Paula is known for her smart, observational humor and spontaneous wit. She is an accomplished comedian, author, lecturer, host and actress. Her second book, The Totally Unscientific Study of the Search for Human Happiness, debuted at #1 on Amazon best sellers list within the first 10 days of its release, and its audio book, read by Paula, was one of five finalists for the 2018 Audio Book of the Year. Paula has won numerous comedy awards over the years, and was the first woman to perform standup comedy at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner. The Fitzgerald Theater. 651-290-1200
June 8, St. Paul
St. Paul Summer Beer Festival
This is St. Paul’s favorite beer festival dedicated to craft beer! This outdoor craft beer festival will feature sampling from over 100 breweries in a commemorative tasting glass, live music, tasty food, educational seminars and a silent auction benefiting the YMCA of St. Paul. International Bazaar at the Minnesota State Fairgrounds. 612-234-1430
June 8, Apple Valley
Minnesota Zoo’s Beastly Bash
During Beastly Bash, enjoy exclusive viewings of rare animals, an extraordinary live auction, signature cocktails, delicious food stations and an inspirational program hosted by KARE11’s Minnesota Bound co-host Laura Schara. Guests will also be treated to a special mini-concert by Prince’s former band, the New Power Generation, featuring songs by Minnesota’s beloved musical icon. The party will continue into the night with desserts and a dance party fit for the finest nocturnal revelers featuring music by award winning DJ Shannon Blowtorch. This premier outdoor summer event supports the Minnesota Zoo’s mission and access programs for children and families. Minnesota Zoo. 952-431-9500
June 8-9, Excelsior
Excelsior Art on the Lake
Art on the Lake is an engaging creative experience that connects the artist’s personal story with a vibrant lake community and showcases a wide array of high quality arts and crafts, both contemporary and traditional. In addition to the artwork of 140 artists in 13 different mediums, enjoy folk, bluegrass and acoustic rock music, local artisan food creations and a beer/wine tent. Excelsior Commons Park. 952-474-6461
June 9, Golden Valley
Golden Valley Pride Festival
The Golden Valley Pride Festival is a celebration of Golden Valley LGBTQ individuals, families and friends, presented by a group of volunteer Golden Valley residents. There are fun activities for the whole family, including bouncy houses, community booths, games, Giant Jenga and the Brookview Playground, along with awesome food trucks, fantastic music by multiple acts and a beer and wine garden. All are welcome! Brookview Park. 612-735-4251
Event highlights around the state this week include:
June 6-9, Worthington
Windsurfing Regatta & Music Festival
June 2 – Aug. 18, Minneapolis
Hearts of Our People: Native Women Artists 2019 Beadwork Show at MIA
June 7-8, Nisswa
Nisswa-Stamman Scandinavian Folk Music Festival
June 7-15, Bemidji
Smokey Joe’s Café – The Songs of Leiber and Stoller
June 7-9, Grand Marais
Grand Marais Block Party
Event Information provided by Explore MN