Minneapolis Archives - Page 2 of 20

Community Thank You Ice Skating Celebration

February 28, 2019 by Kristi Leave a Comment

It seems like winter just got started around here and yet some of the outdoor activities are coming to an end. Many of the local ice rinks end their season around this time, never knowing what the weather when they had to plan. They have to budget for staffing and upkeep of the rinks.

The city of Minneapolis wants to invite everyone to an end of the season Community Thank You Celebration this Sunday, March 3, 1-3 pm. It takes place in Loring Park in downtown Minneapolis. There will be: Free Skating, Cookies, Crafts, Hot Chocolate and giveaways.

You can find out more on the Facebook event page.

Filed Under: Attractions, Events, Minneapolis, Parks

2019 NCAA Final Four in Minneapolis – Free and Low-Cost Activities All Weekend (April 5th – 8th)

February 24, 2019 by Laura W Leave a Comment

The 2019 NCAA Final Four is coming to Minneapolis! Even if you’re not a huge basketball fan, there are a lot of low- to no-cost activities available during Final Four weekend (April 5 – 8). Mark your calendars now!

Here’s a sneak peek of what’s going on:

Final Four Fan Fest – Minneapolis Convention Center

Enjoy a sports wonderland of interactive games, special celebrity and athlete appearances, and autograph signings. They’ll have a Home Run Derby, free cheer clinics, a rock wall, and more.

Hours:

Friday, April 5 from 11 am – 7 pm
Saturday, April 6 from 10 am – 7 pm
Sunday, April 7 from 11 am – 6 pm
Monday, April 8 from 11 am – 6 pm

Ticket prices:

Adults: $8 in advance, $10 at the door
Kids 12 and under: FREE
Military (with valid ID): $4 in advance
Seniors (60+ with valid ID) and College Students (with valid ID): $4 in advance, $5 at the door
Capital One Cardholders: FREE entry (limit two) + Priority Access Lane

Final Four Friday – Final Four Venue (aka US Bank Stadium)

On Friday, April 5 you’ll be able to check out each of the Final Four teams in their final open practice before Saturday’s national semifinal games. Admission is FREE and open to the public. You can also stick around for the College All-Star Game in the afternoon and catch an All-Star team autograph session.

Ready, Set, Dribble! – Minneapolis Convention Center

Youth ages 18 and under are invited to participate in this unique parade, joining thousands of fans dribbling their way through the heart of downtown Minneapolis. (Hopefully we won’t have an April blizzard!) Date and time is Sunday, April 7 at 2 pm. The first 3000 participants will receive a T-shirt, basketball, and entry into Final Four Fan Fest for participant(s) and accompanying adults.

This event is FREE, but preregistration is required and must be completed at select local Buick dealerships.

March Madness Music Series – The Armory

This FREE music series takes place Friday, April 5 through Sunday, April 7. Sign up to be notified when tickets become available.

Tip-Off Tailgate – Nicollet Mall

On your way to or from Final Four Fan Fest or the big games, stop by this FREE event for fun interactives and entertainment.

Check out the full schedule and more details HERE.

Filed Under: Events, freebies, Kids, Minneapolis, Sports

Minnesota Orchestra Sensory Friendly Concerts

February 22, 2019 by Kristi Leave a Comment

Our kids have always enjoyed music events, except for large concerts. They prefer smaller venues, not quite so crazy or loud and typically the lights aren’t flashing.

The Minnesota Orchestra Sensory Friendly Concerts are priced lower than many of the other concerts around town. Plus the fact that they are sensory friendly, means those that might not enjoy a typical concert, might be able to enjoy of these.

The Sensory-Friendly Concerts are designed for audiences of all ages and abilities, including individuals on the autism spectrum and those with sensory sensitivities. Each concert takes place in a relaxed environment where audience members are welcome to be who they are and enjoy music together with family and friends.

The small ensemble concerts take place in the Target Atrium at Orchestra Hall; full orchestra concerts are held in the main auditorium.

A few extra steps to make sure that these concerts reach an audience that might not otherwise be there.

Take a look at some of the Minnesota Orchestra Sensory Friendly Concerts and just maybe one of them will fit into your schedule.

Filed Under: Concerts, Events, Minneapolis

Minneapolis Art Lending Library

February 17, 2019 by Kristi Leave a Comment

Do you get bored with the art on your walls and live in the Twin Cities? If you answered yes to both of these questions, the Minneapolis Art Lending Library is a great resource.

It’s a chance to change up the art in your house and it’s free! Similar to a regular library, you “check out” art. You can have the art in your home for up to three months, so a little longer than a book from a traditional library.

About the Minneapolis Art Lending Library:

The Minneapolis Art Lending Library (MALL) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Their mission is to provide exposure for artists, build ongoing support of the arts, and share the joy of art with all members of the community through the free lending of artwork.

All residents of the Twin Cities have the rare opportunity to borrow original works of art for a three month period, free of charge.

The collection features a changing selection of over 100 contemporary artworks, with a focus on work from Twin Cities artists and includes paintings, drawings, prints, photographs, ceramics, sculptures, and more.

The location and the dates of the art lending library can be found here.

Filed Under: Minneapolis, Thrifty Tips

Showing of The Oscar® Nominated Short Documentaries

February 7, 2019 by Kristi Leave a Comment

One of my favorite annual movie events is back again. The 2019 Oscar® Nominated Short Documentaries will be showing at the Riverview Theater in south Minneapolis. Each year, for just a brief time the Riverview shows the Oscar® Nominated Short Documentaries. The select showings for 2019 starts Friday February 8th, and will continue for just a few days, the last showing is on February 14th. Only one showing per day beginning at 4:15.

The admission is a little higher than the typical $2 you pay at the Riverview. For this event, tickets are $7 or $5 for students and seniors. I don’t recommend bringing young kids. Sometimes the content can be graphic and it’s a long time to sit with no breaks between films.

There’re five nominations, all shown in succession, bringing the viewing to around 3 hours. Some years I have gone, not knowing anything about the nominations and decided to just be surprised. Other years I’ve decided to read up a bit and have more of a background of what I would see. I have to admit, I think I prefer to not know anything about them, just my preference though. One of the friends that I was with, had done some lengthy research prior to the viewing. Whatever you decide, I can promise you that these nominations will bring a wide array of emotions. If you choose to read about the nominations you can do that here.

Filed Under: Events, Minneapolis, Movies

Northeast Flannel Fest

February 6, 2019 by Kristi Leave a Comment

Winter, Flannel and Fun. Head to Northeast Minneapolis this Saturday (February 9th) for the Northeast Flannel Fest. A chance to enjoy winter for a family friendly event. The proceeds from the event benefit Camp Bovey Tickets can be purchased in advance here on the event site.

This winter family festival features a snowshoeing scavenger hunt, a chili feed (with adult beverages for parents), Quinzhee (snow shelter) making, sledding, cookie decorating, bird house kits, and a communal art piece!

$25 per family (Individual adults $12; individual children $5)
Proceeds benefit Camp Bovey

Filed Under: Events, Kids, Minneapolis

Free Fire & Ice Family Skate Nights at Windom NE Park (Minneapolis)

January 31, 2019 by Laura W Leave a Comment

Bring the whole family for a fun night of skating and sledding for FREE at Windom NE Park in Minneapolis. Upcoming Fire & Ice Family Skate Nights are on February 1st, 8th, and 15th.

They will have a fire pit to keep warm and make s’mores, plus hot cocoa and popcorn. Registration is not required.

Filed Under: Events, Minneapolis

MacPhail Free Family Music Series: The Bazillions – Saturday, January 19th

January 16, 2019 by Kristi Leave a Comment

There is a great free event that is taking place on Saturday. It is indoors, so you don’t have to bundle up too much. 🙂 The MacPhail Free Family Music Series: The Bazillions takes place at 10:15 am and 11:15 am on Saturday the 19th.

No tickets are required, and the concerts are free and open to the public. This event is held at the MacPhail campus in Minneapolis; find directions and more information here.

Jam with The Bazillions, a kid-friendly indie rock band. The Bazillions are the creation of Twin Cities’ parents/educators/singer-songwriters Adam and Kristin Marshall. A free, family event for music-loving families and those who want to explore music for the first time! The centerpiece of this series is a live concert. Before and after each concert, the musicians will give free sample lessons to kids and adults on the instruments featured in the concert. Sing Play Learn with MacPhail® staff will also be on site to engage families in a music-themed art project. Light refreshments will follow the concert.

Filed Under: Concerts, Events, Minneapolis

Lake Harriet Winter Kite Festival

January 16, 2019 by Kristi Leave a Comment

Coming up on January 26th is the 18th Annual Lake Harriet Winter Kite Festival. It takes place on the north end of the lake from noon-4. You can choose to participate or just observe all the fun kites flying above. Back again, just for one day this year will be the Art Shanty Projects! Mark your calendar, this is one of our favorite events!

This is a free event, no admission required. Other fun family activities at the festival include:

Horse Drawn Wagon Rides
ART Shanty Projects!
Snowshoeing
Marshmallow Roast
Ice Fishing
Plus kite viewing of all shapes and sizes

The 18th Annual Lake Harriet Winter Kite Festival will take place on the north end of Lake Harriet near the Lake Harriet Band Shell. Kites of all shapes, sizes, colors and themes will fly over frozen Lake Harriet.

Minnesota Kite Society experts will demonstrate their skills maneuvering spectacular kites throughout the day, and offer their expertise to kite flying enthusiasts and to those who are new to the pastime. Bring your own kite, or buy an inexpensive one at the lake.

Tips Outdoors will teach kids ice fishing skills and safety tips. Equipment and permits for children will be provided.

Filed Under: Attractions, Events, Minneapolis

CANCELED Powderhorn Art Sled Rally

January 8, 2019 by Kristi 2 Comments

This event has been canceled.

Perhaps you’ve heard of the famous May Day parade that takes place in Minneapolis? Well the Powderhorn Art Sled Rally is held in the same area. It too is full of fabulous art but is obviously held in the winter and not May. We happened upon this event last year when we were nearby. It was so fun to watch!

This year the Powderhorn Art Sled Rally takes place January 26th from 2-4pm.

Perhaps you have some hidden creativity and want to enter your sled? There are a few things you need to know to make that happen. Click here to learn the process. You have a few makes to create that awesome sled or just mark the date on your calendar so you can be there to watch others.

Filed Under: Events, Minneapolis, Parks