MINNEAPOLIMEDIA ENTERTAINMENT This Weekend in the Twin Cities Entertainment Guide | March 7 to March 8, 2026

MinneapoliMedia Community Events Desk

Across Minneapolis, Saint Paul, and surrounding suburbs, the first full weekend of March brings a diverse slate of entertainment and community activities. Touring Broadway productions, live concerts, family festivals, sporting events, and cultural programming are all on the calendar across the Twin Cities.

Below is a curated look at some of the most notable events taking place Saturday and Sunday across the metro area.

Theater and Performing Arts

Water for Elephants (Touring Broadway Production)

Orpheum Theatre

The national Broadway tour of Water for Elephants continues its Twin Cities engagement this weekend. Adapted from Sara Gruen’s bestselling novel, the production follows a young veterinarian who joins a traveling circus during the Great Depression and finds himself drawn into a world of spectacle, romance, and risk beneath the big top.

Tickets and full show schedule:
https://hennepinarts.org/events/water-for-elephants

Showtimes

Saturday at 7:30 PM
Sunday at 1:00 PM

The musical runs in Minneapolis from March 3 through March 8 at the Orpheum Theatre.

If You Give a Mouse a Cookie Ballet

Ballet Co.Laboratory presents a family friendly ballet adaptation of the beloved children’s book. The production brings the playful story to life through dance, storytelling, and music designed to engage young audiences and families.

Tickets and event information:
https://www.balletcolaboratory.org

Performances

Saturday at 3:00 PM
Saturday at 6:30 PM
Sunday at 3:00 PM

Tickets typically range from $30 to $40.

Stevie Ray’s Comedy Cabaret: This Musical is a Joke

Chanhassen Dinner Theatres

This improvised musical comedy closes its run Saturday night in Chanhassen. Performers build an entirely original musical based on audience suggestions, meaning each show unfolds differently and no two performances are ever the same.

Event information and tickets:
https://chanhassendt.com

ABBAsolutely Fab

This energetic tribute concert celebrates the music of ABBA. Twin Cities vocalists Jenny Russ and Katy Vernon lead the production, performing iconic hits such as Dancing Queen, Mamma Mia, and Take a Chance on Me.

More event information:
https://www.meetminneapolis.com

Live Music

Americana Roots Showcase

The Cedar Cultural Center

Saturday night at The Cedar Cultural Center features a double bill highlighting regional Americana and folk artists.

Tickets and event details:
https://www.thecedar.org

Performers

Maygen & The Birdwatcher
Pistol Whippin' Party Penguins

Time

Saturday from 8:00 PM to 11:00 PM

Canadian Folk Songwriters Night

The Cedar Cultural Center

Sunday evening brings a showcase of Canadian folk musicians.

Event information:
https://www.thecedar.org

Artists

James Keelaghan
David Woodhead

Time

Sunday from 7:30 PM to 10:30 PM

Legacy of Lilith Fair

Celebration of Women in Music
Crooners Supper Club

In recognition of International Women's Day, performers gather to celebrate the legacy of the groundbreaking touring festival Lilith Fair and the artists who helped shape a generation of women in music.

Event information and reservations:
https://croonersmn.com

Date

Sunday, March 8

Sports

Minnesota Gophers vs Northwestern

Minnesota Golden Gophers men's basketball vs
Northwestern Wildcats men's basketball

Location
Williams Arena

Tickets and game information:
https://gophersports.com

Tipoff

Saturday at 8:00 PM

The late season Big Ten matchup carries conference tournament implications as both teams battle for positioning.

Family Activities

Jurassic Quest x Brick Fest Live

Minneapolis Convention Center

Families can explore life size animatronic dinosaurs alongside interactive building stations inspired by LEGO style creations. The traveling exhibition features hands on displays, educational exhibits, and photo opportunities.

Tickets and event information:
https://www.jurassicquest.com

The event runs March 6 through March 8 at the Minneapolis Convention Center.

Family Day at the Museum

Minneapolis Institute of Art

Sunday’s community celebration includes hands on art activities, live music performances, and demonstrations from local artists.

Event details:
https://new.artsmia.org

Time

10:00 AM to 5:00 PM

Admission

Free

Taiko Drumming Performance

Landmark Center

TaikoArts Midwest presents Ensō Daiko in a lively demonstration of traditional Japanese taiko drumming.

Event details:
https://taikoartsmidwest.org

Time

Sunday from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM

Standard Vintage Market

American Swedish Institute

More than twenty vendors gather for a curated vintage market featuring clothing, jewelry, ceramics, and retro home goods.

Event information:
https://asimn.org

Date

Saturday, March 7

Time

11:00 AM to 3:00 PM

Maple Syrup Making Workshop

Eden Prairie Outdoor Center

Families can learn how maple sap is harvested and transformed into syrup during this seasonal outdoor program.

Event details:
https://www.edenprairie.org

Time: 

Saturday from 1:00 PM to 2:30 PM

Cost

$12 per family

Gaming and Pop Culture

Twin Cities Geek Gaming Convention

Hilton Minneapolis St Paul Airport

The weekend convention brings together tabletop gaming enthusiasts for panels, role playing sessions, tournaments, and vendor exhibits focused on gaming culture.

Event information:
https://twincitiesgeek.com

Dates

Friday through Sunday

The Weekend Takeaway

Even in the closing stretch of winter, the Twin Cities entertainment scene continues to deliver a full slate of options for residents and visitors alike. Touring Broadway productions, independent music performances, college basketball, gaming conventions, and family oriented programming highlight the region’s dynamic cultural landscape.

For many Twin Cities residents, the first weekend of March offers an opportunity to explore the arts, support local performers, and participate in community events before the arrival of spring across Minnesota.

Event Links and Tickets

Readers looking for more information, tickets, or venue details for this weekend’s events can visit the official pages below.

Water for Elephants Broadway Tour
https://hennepinarts.org/events/water-for-elephants

If You Give a Mouse a Cookie Ballet | Ballet Co.Laboratory
https://www.balletcolaboratory.org

Stevie Ray’s Comedy Cabaret | Chanhassen Dinner Theatres
https://chanhassendt.com

ABBAsolutely Fab Tribute Concert
https://www.meetminneapolis.com

The Cedar Cultural Center Concerts
https://www.thecedar.org

Legacy of Lilith Fair | Crooners Supper Club
https://croonersmn.com

Minnesota Gophers Basketball Tickets
https://gophersports.com

Jurassic Quest Dinosaur Experience
https://www.jurassicquest.com

Family Day at the Minneapolis Institute of Art
https://new.artsmia.org

TaikoArts Midwest Performance at Landmark Center
https://taikoartsmidwest.org

Standard Vintage Market | American Swedish Institute
https://asimn.org

Maple Syrup Workshop | Eden Prairie Outdoor Center
https://www.edenprairie.org

Twin Cities Geek Gaming Convention
https://twincitiesgeek.com

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