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8-22-2026 3:19am
MINNEAPOLIMEDIA WEEKEND GUIDE UPDATE | Things to Do Across the Twin Cities, August 22–23, 2026
Tom Akaolisa
Editor
MINNEAPOLIS, MN (August 22, 2026)
The weekend is still young, and there is plenty waiting to be discovered across the Twin Cities. Whether you want to introduce your children to Black authors and storytellers, browse a neighborhood market, enjoy live music beside the water, explore a field of sunflowers or experience an outdoor circus as evening settles over Saint Paul, Saturday and Sunday offer inviting reasons to leave the house and spend meaningful time together.
MinneapoliMedia has refreshed the Weekend Guide to focus entirely on events still ahead. The remaining choices include the inaugural Midwest Black Book Fair in North Minneapolis, farmers markets in Minneapolis and Saint Paul, an artisan market in Andover, family activities, a community-garden bicycle tour, theater, live music, outdoor movies and distinctive experiences ranging from sweet-corn harvesting to a nighttime circus on Raspberry Island.
Our goal is to make planning your weekend easier. Each listing brings together the practical information you need, including hours, prices, addresses, parking guidance, accessibility details and direct links to organizers and ticketing pages. Because weather, capacity and schedules can change, complete one final check through the official event link before leaving home, then choose the experience that feels right for you and make the most of the weekend still ahead.
WEEKEND WEATHER AND PLANNING
Saturday is expected to offer generally favorable conditions for outdoor activities, with temperatures reaching the low 80s. Sunday’s forecast is less certain and may include thunderstorms.
Anyone attending an outdoor event should check the latest forecast and the organizer’s official page shortly before leaving. Bring water, sun protection and weather-appropriate clothing. Portable chairs, blankets and insect repellent are recommended for outdoor concerts and movies.
SATURDAY AND SUNDAY EVENTS
DEX-CON and the North American Kendama Open
SATURDAY–SUNDAY | ALL AGES | TICKETED | INDOORS
DEX-CON brings kendama, fingerboarding and Beyblade communities together for competitions, workshops, vendors, demonstrations, games and other activities. The North American Kendama Open is one of the largest annual competitions devoted to the Japanese skill toy.
Remaining schedule: Saturday competition begins at 9 a.m. Sunday finals begin at 10 a.m., followed by the trophy presentation at approximately 6:30 p.m. Vending is scheduled from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Activities may continue until approximately 10 p.m. Saturday.
Venue: Crowne Plaza Minneapolis West
Address: 3131 Campus Drive, Plymouth, MN 55441
Admission: Spectator admission is $15 per day. Children younger than 6 are admitted free with a ticketed adult. Competition participation costs extra. Kendama competitor registration closed August 18.
Tickets and information: DEX-CON | North American Kendama Open
Organizer: Sweets Kendamas
Venue information: Crowne Plaza Minneapolis West
Contact: cs@sweetskendamas.com; hotel telephone, 763-559-6600
Age policy: All ages. Participants younger than 16 must have a parent or guardian present.
Accessibility: Event-specific accommodations were not specified. Contact the hotel or organizer before attending.
Parking and transit: Availability, price and public-transit recommendations were not specified by the organizer. Rideshare service is available.
Food and beverages: The hotel has food-service facilities, but event-specific options and prices were not published.
Policies: Bag, pet, alcohol, outside-food and re-entry policies were not specified by the organizer.
Arrival advice: Spectators should arrive before the competition they want to watch. Competitors must follow their assigned schedule.
Dances With Dalí: A Surreal Flamenco Experience
SATURDAY–SUNDAY | TICKETED | INDOORS | LIMITED SEATING
Flamenco X combines flamenco music and dance with imagery influenced by Salvador Dalí. The production uses distorted time, shifting landscapes, puppetry, costumes and original staging to connect flamenco traditions with surrealist visual art.
Performances: Saturday, August 22, at 7 p.m.; Sunday, August 23, at 5 p.m. Doors open one hour before each performance.
Venue: The Southern Theater
Address: 1420 Washington Avenue S., Minneapolis, MN 55454
Admission: General-admission tickets are available at three levels: $15 accessible-price, $25 suggested-price and $35 pay-it-forward. An optional $2 contribution may be added during checkout. Tickets are nonrefundable.
Tickets and schedule: Southern Theater ticketing | Sunday tickets
Organizer and venue: The Southern Theater
Contact: info@southerntheater.org. An event-specific telephone number was not published.
Age suitability: Not specified by the organizer.
Accessibility: The performance space is wheelchair accessible. The theater states that its restrooms are not fully accessible. Contact the theater before attending if accommodations are needed.
Parking: The Courtyard Minneapolis Downtown ramp at 1500 Washington Avenue S. is next to the theater. The theater advertises a $5.50 four-hour patron rate, although special-event pricing may override the discount. Metered street parking is also available.
Public transit: Metro Transit routes 3, 7, 22, 118 and 252 serve the area. The theater is within walking distance of the METRO Green Line’s West Bank Station.
Food, beverage and venue policies: Not specified by the organizer.
Arrival advice: Seating is limited. Arrive before the doors open if seating assistance is required.
Directions and parking: Southern Theater visitor guide
Private Lives at the Guthrie Theater
SATURDAY–SUNDAY | AGES 12+ | TICKETED | INDOORS | FINAL WEEKEND
The Guthrie Theater closes its production of Noël Coward’s comedy of manners Sunday. The play follows two divorced people who unexpectedly discover that they are honeymooning with their new spouses in adjoining hotel rooms.
Performances: Saturday, August 22, at 1 and 7:30 p.m.; Sunday, August 23, at 1 p.m. The Saturday matinee was listed as sold out when previously checked.
Running time: Approximately two hours and 15 minutes, including two intermissions.
Venue: Guthrie Theater, Wurtele Thrust Stage
Address: 818 South Second Street, Minneapolis, MN 55415
Admission: Tickets range from $39 to $94, including handling fees. Final prices depend on the performance, availability and seat location.
Official event and tickets: Private Lives | Guthrie ticketing
Contact: Box office, 612-377-2224; administration, 612-225-6000
Age suitability: Recommended for ages 12 and older.
Content advisory: The production includes haze, loud noises, electronic-cigarette use, mature content and a staged slap.
Accessibility: Wheelchair seating and accessibility services are available. Contact the box office when purchasing accessible seating or requesting accommodations.
Parking: Paid ramps and metered spaces are available in the Mill District. Prices vary by facility and event.
Public transit: The Guthrie is within walking distance of the METRO Green Line’s U.S. Bank Stadium Station and is served by downtown bus routes.
Food and beverages: On-site service varies by performance. Exact hours and prices were not specified on the production page.
Policies: Bag, pet, alcohol, outside-food and re-entry policies were not specified on the event page.
Arrival advice: Arrive at least 30 minutes before curtain time. Advance purchase is strongly recommended.
Visitor information: Guthrie plan-your-visit guide
SATURDAY, AUGUST 22
Minneapolis Farmers Market
6 A.M.–1 P.M. | FREE ENTRY | ALL AGES | OUTDOORS
The Minneapolis Farmers Market offers seasonal produce, plants, flowers, locally made goods and prepared foods. Exact vendors and available products vary.
Venue: Minneapolis Farmers Market
Address: 312 East Lyndale Avenue N., Minneapolis, MN 55405
Admission: Free. Vendor purchases cost extra.
Official schedule: Minneapolis Farmers Market
Registration: Not required.
Accessibility, parking price, public transit and event policies: Not specified on the official listing.
What to bring: Reusable shopping bags and a preferred payment method.
Arrival advice: Arrive early for the widest selection.
Saint Paul Farmers’ Market
7 A.M.–1 P.M. | FREE ENTRY | ALL AGES | OUTDOORS
Visitors can shop for locally grown produce, flowers, farm goods and prepared foods from participating vendors.
Venue: Lowertown Saint Paul Farmers’ Market
Address: 290 Fifth Street E., Saint Paul, MN 55101
Admission: Free. Vendor purchases cost extra.
Official market information: Saint Paul Farmers’ Market
Contact: 651-227-8101; info@stpaulfarmersmarket.com
Registration: Not required.
Public transit: The market is near the METRO Green Line’s Union Depot Station and downtown bus routes.
Parking, accessibility and policies: Not specified for this market session.
What to bring: Reusable shopping bags and a preferred payment method.
Arrival advice: Arrive early for the best product selection.
Summer Artisan Market
9 A.M.–5 P.M. | FAMILY-FRIENDLY | ANDOVER
More than 40 local vendors are expected to sell handmade and handcrafted products during this one-day market.
Venue: Round Barn Trading Company
Address: 13736 Marigold Street NW, Andover, MN 55304
Admission: Not specified by the organizer. Merchandise is priced separately by participating vendors.
Official event information: Nelson Studio events
Age suitability: Family-friendly.
Registration: Not specified by the organizer.
Accessibility, parking, transit, food service, contact information and event policies: Not specified by the organizer.
Indoor or outdoor status: Not specified by the organizer.
What to bring: Shopping bag and a preferred payment method.
Tour des Jardins
9 A.M.–6:15 P.M. APPROXIMATELY | BICYCLE TOUR | OUTDOORS | REGISTRATION RECOMMENDED
Tour des Jardins is a social bicycle ride connecting Saint Paul community gardens and urban farms. Host gardens will offer tours, refreshments or small food items. Participants may join the full route or selected stops.
Starting location: Mounds Park Community Garden
Address: 277 Cypress Street N., Saint Paul, MN 55106
Admission: Not specified by the organizer.
Official event: Tour des Jardins
Organizer: Mounds Park Community Garden
Contact: Visit Saint Paul lists 360-510-3085. An email address was not specified.
Registration: Strongly recommended so participating gardens can prepare. A deadline was not specified.
Age suitability: Not specified. Cyclists should be comfortable completing a route of approximately 15 miles.
Accessibility: Participants may drive between gardens instead of cycling. Additional accommodations were not specified.
Food and beverages: Host gardens are expected to provide appetizers or refreshments. Menus, dietary accommodations and prices were not specified.
What to bring: Bicycle, helmet, water, sunscreen, weather-appropriate clothing and basic repair supplies.
Parking, public transit and route impacts: Not specified by the organizer.
Corn Harvest Day at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum
10 A.M.–2 P.M. | FAMILY-FRIENDLY | TICKETED | OUTDOORS
Families can harvest sweet corn and learn about Minnesota agriculture through activities with farmers and educators.
Venue: Farm at the Arb, University of Minnesota Landscape Arboretum
Address: 3210 Chaska Boulevard, Chaska, MN 55318
Admission: Included with general admission. Members and visitors age 15 and younger are admitted free. Nonmembers age 16 and older pay $20 to $25. Food and other purchases cost extra.
Official event: Corn Harvest Day
Venue: Minnesota Landscape Arboretum
Tickets and visitor information: Plan a visit
Registration: Advance general-admission reservations are strongly recommended to guarantee entry.
Age suitability: All ages and family-friendly.
Accessibility: Accessible parking and facilities are available, although farm areas may include uneven terrain. Contact the Arboretum about individual accommodations.
Parking: General parking is included unless otherwise stated during ticketing.
Public transit: Not specified by the organizer.
Food and beverages: Seasonal food may be available. Exact menus and prices were not published.
What to bring: Closed-toe shoes, water and sun protection.
Arrival advice: Daily admission can reach capacity. Reserve in advance and arrive before the preferred activity time.
Midwest Black Book Fair
NOON–5 P.M. | FREE | FAMILY-FRIENDLY | REGISTRATION REQUESTED | NORTH MINNEAPOLIS
Nearly 1,000 people have registered for the inaugural Midwest Black Book Fair, which will bring Black authors, bookstores, publishers, literary organizations and readers together for panels, readings, signings, workshops, a DJ, a photo booth, raffles, children’s programming, retail vendors and food.
The gathering was created to celebrate Black literary culture in Minnesota and across the Midwest while recognizing Black August and National Black Business Month.
Venue: University of Minnesota Urban Research and Outreach-Engagement Center, commonly known as UROC
Address: 2001 Plymouth Avenue N., Minneapolis, MN 55411
Admission: Free. Books, food and merchandise cost extra.
Tickets and information: Midwest Black Book Fair | Free registration
Organizer: Black Garnet Books and participating literary and community partners
Official venue: University of Minnesota UROC
Venue telephone: 612-626-8762
Registration: Advance registration is requested. Because registration is approaching 1,000 people, attendees should register and arrive early.
Age suitability: All ages and family-friendly.
Accessibility: UROC is an accessible University of Minnesota facility. Event-specific accommodation procedures were not published.
Parking: Free event parking is available at NorthPoint Health & Wellness Center, 1313 Penn Avenue N., Minneapolis, MN 55411.
Public transit: Detailed event-specific transit instructions were not published. Metro Transit routes serve Plymouth and Penn avenues.
Food and beverages: Food vendors are expected. Menus, dietary accommodations and prices were not specified.
Policies: Bag, pet, alcohol, outside-food and re-entry policies were not specified.
What to bring: Registration confirmation and a payment method for books, food and merchandise.
Arrival advice: Arrive early because of the large registration count. Curated swag bags are available only while supplies last.
32nd Street Jazz
7 P.M. | FREE | ALL AGES | OUTDOORS
32nd Street Jazz will perform as part of Minneapolis Music in the Parks.
Venue: Water Works at Mill Ruins Park
Address: 425 West River Parkway, Minneapolis, MN 55401
Admission: Free.
Official schedule: Minneapolis Park Board’s August 22 calendar
Organizer: Minneapolis Music and Movies in the Parks
Contact: 612-230-6400; concerts@minneapolisparks.org
Registration: Not required.
Age suitability: All ages.
Accessibility, parking price, transit, food service and event-specific policies: Not specified by the organizer. Park rules apply.
What to bring: Chair or blanket, water and insect repellent.
Weather: Check the official calendar before leaving if severe weather develops.
Arrival advice: Open public seating. Arrive early for a preferred location.
SESAY
7:30 P.M. | FREE | ALL AGES | OUTDOORS | R&B
SESAY will perform a free R&B concert at the Lake Harriet Bandshell.
Venue: Lake Harriet Bandshell
Address: 4135 W. Lake Harriet Parkway, Minneapolis, MN 55409
Admission: Free. Concession purchases cost extra.
Official event: SESAY
Organizer: Minneapolis Music and Movies in the Parks
Venue: Lake Harriet Bandshell
Contact: 612-230-6400; concerts@minneapolisparks.org
Registration: Not required.
Age suitability: All ages.
Accessibility: Accessible paths and seating areas are available. Performance-specific accommodations were not specified.
Parking and transit: Park and street parking are available, but event-specific prices and recommended transit routes were not published.
What to bring: Chair or blanket, water, insect repellent and an evening layer.
Weather: Check the official listing before leaving if conditions become uncertain.
Arrival advice: Arrive early for a preferred seating location.
Sicard Hollow With the Johnson Brothers
DOORS 7 P.M. | SHOW 8–11 P.M. | ALL AGES | 20–26 | INDOORS
Nashville’s Sicard Hollow brings its psychedelic bluegrass and rock sound to The Cedar, with support from the Johnson Brothers.
Venue: The Cedar Cultural Center
Address: 416 Cedar Avenue S., Minneapolis, MN 55454
Admission: $20 in advance or $25 on the day of the show. A $1 fee applies to tickets purchased at the door.
Tickets: Sicard Hollow with the Johnson Brothers
Venue: The Cedar Cultural Center
Registration: Advance purchase is recommended. Online sales generally end at 6:30 p.m. Door tickets depend on availability.
Age suitability: All ages.
Accessibility: General-admission seated performance. Accommodation requests should be submitted through The Cedar’s accessibility page.
Parking: Paid ramps and metered street parking are available in Cedar-Riverside. Exact prices were not specified.
Public transit: The venue is near the METRO Blue and Green Line’s Cedar-Riverside Station and several bus routes.
Food, beverage and venue policies: Not specified on the event page.
What to bring: Ticket and identification for any age-restricted purchases.
Arrival advice: Arrive before the 8 p.m. performance.
FernGully: The Last Rainforest
8:40 P.M. | FREE | FAMILY-FRIENDLY | OUTDOORS
The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board will present a rescheduled outdoor showing of the animated environmental film “FernGully: The Last Rainforest.” The movie is rated PG.
Venue: The Trailhead at Theodore Wirth Park
Address: 1221 Theodore Wirth Parkway, Minneapolis, MN 55422
Admission: Free.
Official schedule: Minneapolis Park Board’s August 22 calendar
Organizer: Minneapolis Movies in the Parks
Venue: The Trailhead
Contact: 612-230-6400; concerts@minneapolisparks.org
Registration: Not required.
Age suitability: Family-friendly; rated PG.
Parking: Parking is available near The Trailhead. Event-specific capacity and prices were not specified.
Accessibility, public transit, concessions and event policies: Not specified by the organizer.
What to bring: Blanket, portable chair, water, insect repellent and a warm layer.
Weather: Check the official calendar before leaving. Outdoor screenings may be affected by unsafe weather.
Arrival advice: Arrive before sunset for a preferred viewing location.
SUNDAY, AUGUST 23
Minneapolis Farmers Market
6 A.M.–1 P.M. | FREE ENTRY | ALL AGES | OUTDOORS
The Minneapolis Farmers Market returns Sunday with seasonal produce, plants, flowers and locally made goods.
Venue: Minneapolis Farmers Market
Address: 312 East Lyndale Avenue N., Minneapolis, MN 55405
Admission: Free. Purchases cost extra.
Official schedule: Minneapolis Farmers Market
Registration: Not required.
Accessibility, parking price, public transit, policies and road concerns: Not specified by the organizer.
What to bring: Reusable shopping bags and a preferred payment method.
Arrival advice: Arrive early for the widest product selection.
Garden Storytime
10–10:30 A.M. | FREE | AGES 0–7 | OUTDOORS WITH SHELTER SPACE
A Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board naturalist will lead nature-themed stories and songs before families explore the garden or complete a related activity.
Venue: Eloise Butler Wildflower Garden and Bird Sanctuary
Address: 1 Theodore Wirth Parkway, Minneapolis, MN 55422
Admission: Free.
Official schedule: Minneapolis Park Board’s August 23 calendar
Venue: Eloise Butler Wildflower Garden
Contact: 612-230-6400. An event-specific email was not published.
Registration: Not specified by the organizer.
Age suitability: Designed for children from birth through age 7 and their caregivers.
Accessibility: Garden trails vary in surface and slope. Event-specific accommodations were not specified.
Parking, public transit, food and event policies: Not specified by the organizer.
What to bring: Walking shoes, water and weather-appropriate clothing.
Weather: Check the official calendar before leaving if thunderstorms are expected.
Gallop in the Park
1–4 P.M. | AGES 6–13 | REGISTRATION RECOMMENDED
Children can demonstrate their hobby-horse skills during this returning Saint Paul Parks and Recreation program. Beginners and spectators are welcome.
Venue: Clarence W. Wigington Pavilion at Harriet Island Regional Park
Address: 200 Dr. Justus Ohage Boulevard, Saint Paul, MN 55107
Admission: Not specified by the organizer.
Official event: Downtown Saint Paul parks activities
Organizer: Saint Paul Parks and Recreation
Venue: Harriet Island Regional Park
Contact and registration: Courtney, 612-599-9255. An email address was not specified.
Age suitability: Participants must be ages 6–13. Spectators are welcome.
Accessibility: The pavilion and principal event areas are accessible. Participation accommodations were not specified.
Parking: On-site parking is available. Price and capacity were not specified.
Public transit, food and event policies: Not specified by the organizer.
What to bring: Families should confirm whether participants must supply their own hobby horse when registering.
Arrival advice: Registered participants should arrive early for check-in.
Insomnia Salon Volume 3: The River Night Circus
7–9 P.M. | FREE | ALL AGES | OUTDOORS | NO REGISTRATION REQUIRED
More than 45 collaborating artists will transform Raspberry Island into a sunset-to-twilight circus experience featuring aerialists, dancers, musicians, interactive characters, art stations, complimentary tarot readings, food trucks and towering river-spirit puppets.
Venue: Raspberry Island
Address: 2 Wabasha Street S., Saint Paul, MN 55107
Admission: Free. Food-truck purchases cost extra.
Official event: River Night Circus
Organizer: Insomnia Salon. A separate organizer website was not specified.
Venue: Raspberry Island
Contact: Telephone and email were not specified by the organizer.
Registration: Not required.
Age suitability: All ages. Some surreal characters and nighttime imagery may be intense for very young children.
Accessibility: Paved access is available, although walking distances and slopes may affect some visitors. Event-specific accommodations were not specified.
Parking: Free parking is advertised at Harriet Island. Capacity was not specified.
Public transit: Downtown Saint Paul is served by the METRO Green Line and multiple bus routes. A specific route to Raspberry Island was not published.
Food and beverages: Food trucks are expected. Vendors, menus, dietary accommodations and prices were not specified.
Policies: Bag, pet, alcohol, outside-food and re-entry policies were not specified.
What to bring: Comfortable walking shoes, water and a light evening layer.
Weather: The event is outdoors. Check the official listing before leaving if storms develop.
Arrival advice: Arrive early for parking and daylight navigation onto the island.
GEOGRAPHIC VERIFICATION NOTE
The official calendars for Coon Rapids, Brooklyn Center and Columbia Heights did not show a qualifying public event for August 22–23 when the original guide was researched. Their absence from the individual listings does not mean those communities were overlooked.
The search included municipal calendars, county and public-library calendars, parks and recreation sources, community venues and event organizers. No expired or insufficiently verified event was added merely to force geographic representation.
Readers can monitor the following official calendars for late additions:
- City of Coon Rapids calendar
- Anoka County calendar
- Brooklyn Center calendar
- Columbia Heights calendar
- Brooklyn Park events
- Hennepin County Library events
- Anoka County Library locations and information
Schedules, admission prices, capacity and weather conditions can change after publication. Readers should complete a final same-day check through the official links. Ticketed events should be purchased directly from the organizer, venue or its authorized ticketing platform.
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