Don’t miss the biggest party for words Minnesota has ever seen, or maybe sheep and wool competition and demos are more your style. The St Croix Potters tour celebrates handmade goods and more demos, hit the shops on Sisters Saturday or learn about the creative process behind MPR’s This American Life. Traveling around the state? Scroll down for activities beyond the Metro.
May 9-11, Isanti/Cambridge
Spring Unique Boutique & Antiques Tour
The Spring Unique Boutique & Antiques Tour is a self-guided tour of 11 unique shops filled with antiques, collectibles, vintage, repurposed, enhanced and one-of-a-kind items and treasures. A great way to kick-off your summer. Various locations in the communities of Isanti, Cambridge, Bradford and St. Francis. 763-267-1770
May 10-12, Lake Elmo
Shepherd’s Harvest Festival
The 22nd Shepherd’s Harvest Festival is Minnesota’s largest sheep and wool festival. Events include Minnesota’s largest fleece competition, sheep shearing, fleece skirting demos, book-signings and more. Families always enjoy the sheep and goats in the barn and this year there will be a new Farm Work Stock Dog Trial! The fairgrounds are filled with music, food, artisans and animals. Washington County Fairgrounds. 612-961-9625; 763-242-2488
May 10-12, Harris
St. Croix Valley Potters Tour
This free spring studio tour of potteries along the St. Croix River Valley celebrates the hand-made pottery. Seven studios will be showing and selling great handmade pottery from over 54 regional, national and international potters. Studios from Harris to Shafer. 651-674-4656
May 11, Minneapolis
Ira Glass
Ira Glass, the beloved host and creator of NPR’s hit weekly radio show This American Life, invites us into his creative process, mixing audio clips, music and video to tell captivating stories live onstage, and sharing lessons and insights gathered over his career. This American Life is heard each week by over 2.2 million listeners on more than 500 public radio stations, with another 2.5 million downloading each podcast. Historic State Theatre. 612-339-7007
May 11, Waconia
Sister Saturday
This girls day out in Waconia features free swag bags for the first 50 women at 2 locations, a fashion show, and shopping and dining deals at participating shops and restaurants throughout Waconia. Bring your sisters, mothers and friends! 952-442-5812
May 11-12, Minneapolis
The Loft’s Wordplay
The Loft’s Wordplay aims to be the biggest party for words Minnesota has ever seen. Imagine a weekend full of famous authors (Stephen King!) and celebrated books, readings, conversations, workshops, kids’ activities, demonstrations, one-of-a-kind happenings on outdoor stages, book signings, quiet reading corners, boisterous parties, food trucks, beer tents and books, books, books! Also enjoy a Friday night author concert with the Rock Bottom Remainders at First Avenue. The Loft Literary Center. 612-215-2575
Event highlights around the state this week include:
May 10-12, Rochester
Gold Rush
May 11-12, Minneapolis
The Loft’s Wordplay
May 11-12, Brainerd
Cuyuna Rock, Gem & Mineral Society Rock Show
May 11, Bemidji
Northern Minnesota’s Largest Women’s Expo
May 11, Grand Rapids
Itasca Orchestra May Concert with the New Standards
Event Information provided by Explore MN