August 20, 2011, Saturday - Metrodome Open House: First 3,000 People Get Piece of Old Roof

Time: Tailgaiting activities start at 1:00pm, Live music begins inside at 2:00pm

The Metropolitan Sports Facilities Commission provided these details of the Open House, being held to "celebrate the completion of the new Metrodome roof and turf":

The event is free and will showcase the numerous events hosted at the Metrodome throughout the year, including Monster Jam, the Minnesota Vikings football and live entertainment. The first 3,000 attendees will receive a piece of the Metrodome’s old roof.

The open house also includes the WE CARE Celebration and Community Building Event that recognizes the contributions of the thousands of community volunteers who responded to the May 22 tornado in North Minneapolis. The event also offers back to school assistance for families affected by the tornado.

Tailgating activities start at 1 p.m. on the plaza. At 1:45 p.m., Grave Digger, driven by Dennis Anderson, will participate in a crushing demonstration. After the demonstration, Grave Digger, Grinder and their drivers will be available for autographs and photos on the Metrodome’s field.

Starting at 2 p.m., live music will start on the Metrodome’s field. Musical performers include Auburn, Protegee, West of Aldine and the Best Mass Choir with Shanice Wilson. Viktor the Viking, Goldy Gopher, several former Minnesota Vikings players and cheerleaders will be available for photos and autographs. Other games and activities will also be occurring on the field.

The public will also be able to purchase Minnesota Vikings football tickets during the event.

Limited free parking will be available at the Metrodome’s east parking lot.

The open house celebration will mark the first time the entire Metrodome will be open to the public since the December 12, 2010, roof deflation.

August 20, 2011, Saturday - Central Library Summer Atrium Sale

Time: 10:00am - 4:00pm

Location: Minneapolis Central Library, 300 Nicollet Mall

The Library Foundation's Book Store at the Minneapolis Central Library, 300 Nicollet Mall, will host three special book sales in the atrium featuring a large selection of children's books and other items. Sales will be held the 3rd Saturday of each month throughout the summer. All proceeds benefit the Library Foundation of Hennepin County and programs and services at the Library.

For more information call 612-543-8102.

August 19, 2011, Friday - Real Ghost Tour (2 Nights) at St. Anthony Main

Time: After dark on Friday and Saturday nights - call for the specific time of the date you want to reserve for.

Location: Check in is at the Segway Tours office, 125 Main Street SE

Real Ghost Tours is not a gory haunted house experience - it's a history-packed tour during which you'll learn about (and maybe encounter the spirits of) people who shaped this area.  Visit the website and Facebook for more information.

Private tours can be arranged for groups of 15 or more.  The $25 per person fee includes parking, plus a voucher for 25% off at your choice of Pracna, Vic's or Tuggs.

August 19, 2011, Friday - MacPhail's Rock Week Summer Camp Final Performances

Time: 1:00pm

Location:  7th Street Entry (First Avenue)

Rock Week Summer Camp Final Performances

Students from MacPhail's Rock Week Camps show off their skills at their final performances. They'll perform covers and original songs written during their week at camp working with Twin Cities musicians Tim Mahoney, Adam Levy, John Munson, Steve Roehm and Chan Poling.

Free

August 18, 2011, Thursday - Twin Cities River Rats Show

The 2011 Twin Cities River Rats shows are scheduled for 7pm Thursday nights through August 25, and take place at 1628 West River Road (between the Plymouth and Broadway).

The Twin Cities Rivers Rats describe their show as an aquatic Broadway musical featuring multiple water ski acts choreographed to music and built around a theme.

If you haven't already enjoyed a River Rats show, their website is loaded with fun videos to give you an idea of what to expect.  These are free events.

August 18, 2011, Thursday - Range of Motion Wellness Workout at Mill Ruins Park

Time:  5:00pm

Location: Meet at the base of the Mill City Ruins parking lot, past the lock and dams.

New wellness workouts scheduled for Northside, Riverside, and the Mill Ruins! 5:00pm on Thursdays, starting Thursday July 28 to September 29.

Embracing the American College of Sports Medicine’s “Fitness is Medicine” campaign, there’s a new fitness offering in Minneapolis that promises to strengthen, not weaken, your fitness resolve. These classes, offered by Range of Motion (ROM) Wellness are offered at three accessible locations. These hour-long sessions are only $5 each and will take you on a short warm-up, body-weight strengthening exercises, and a stretching cool down. E-mail reservations are strongly encouraged (include date) but anyone is welcomed to attend.

August 18, 2011, Thurday - Mill City Live: Outdoor Music Series at Mill City Museum

Time: 6:00pm-8:00pm

Location: Mill City Museum, 704 2nd Street South

Performers:  Curtiss A and the Jerks of Fate

Fee: $5 per person; includes admission to Mill City Museum. Free for MHS members.

The Twin Cities’ most explosive outdoor concert series is back for an eighth season with a slate of bands curated by music writer Jim Walsh. Featuring legendary performers from the heyday of the Minneapolis sound, these concerts will riff on American music in a gorgeous riverfront setting every Thursday from July 7 through Aug. 18. Admission includes the concert and entrance to the museum from 4 to 9 p.m. Food and drink by D’Amico Catering available for purchase.

August 18, 2011, Thursday - Breaking Boundaries Dance Co at the Southern Theater (3 nights)

Time: 7:30pm each night

Location:  Southern Theater, 1420 Washington Avenue South

"Breaking Boundaries Dance Company Season 3"

Thursday, August 18 @ 7:30pm
Friday, August 19 @ 7:30pm
Saturday, August 20 @ 7:30pm

Breaking Boundaries Dance Company presents Breaking Boundaries Dance Company Season 3 in association with the Southern Theater.

Season 3 Company Members: Deborah Johnson (Director), Chelsea Jennings, Zach Enquist, Christina Blankenship, Kristie Kranzler, Kristen Bertelson, Nikki Norenberg, Jen James, Ben Koehl, Allix Lowell- Ojala

Breaking Boundaries is a cutting-edge and innovative contemporary dance company based in Minneapolis, MN. Since its debut at the Southern Theater in 2010, Breaking Boundaries has quickly become one of Minnesota’s up and coming dance companies. The company’s mission is to break the boundaries of traditional styles of dance and push the envelope in creativity, choreography, artistry and innovation. Breaking Boundaries is something new, fresh, and different from what the Twin Cities dance scene has to offer. The company features contemporary dance - a mix of jazz, ballet, modern, lyrical and hip-hop - creating a unique style of movement that dancers and non-dancers alike can appreciate and enjoy. The company’s versatility, variety, and entertaining flair have received rave reviews from Minnesota audiences.

August 16, 2011, Tuesday - Book Arts Roundtable: Collaboration Chat at MCBA

Time:  7:00pm

Location: Minnesota Center for Book Arts, 1011 Washington Avenue South

Join MCBA for a panel discussion of the joys and challenges of collaboration between writers and artists. This panel will feature collaborators Will Dinski and Mark Ehling, plus more collaborating writer/artist teams to be announced.

Minnesota Center for Book Arts is a hub of creativity where interesting, passionate and knowledgeable people like you learn, share ideas and get inspired. Join the conversation by attending our fun, interactive Book Arts Roundtables in MCBA's lively studios. Always free and always open to the public!

August 16, 2011, Tuesday - Music in The Park - Father Hennepin Bluffs

Time: 7:00pm

Indigenous Music and Movie Series  "Celebrating Native American Culture"

Brought to us by the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board. You can also find them on Facebook and Twitter.

August 15, 2011, Monday - Music in The Park - Nicollet Island Park

Time: 7:00pm

Detroit Don King Band  "Authentic Urban Blues and Jazz"

Brought to us by the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board. You can also find them on Facebook and Twitter.

August 14, 2011, Sunday - CorePower Yoga in the Park

Time: 10:00am - 11:00am

Location: Father Hennepin Park

Join your favorite CorePower Yoga instructors for outdoor classes.  Bring a mat.

August 14, 2011, Sunday - Washburn A Mill Tour at Mill City Museum

Time: 1:00pm

Location: Mill City Museum, 704 2nd Street South

Fee: $14 adults, $12 seniors and college students, $10 ages 6-17 and MHS members. 

Reservations: recommended, call 612-341-7555

Take an in-depth look at the historic Washburn A Mill complex and the award-winning Mill City Museum building on a guided tour of the building. A museum interpreter will take visitors into the building’s many nooks and crannies, highlighting the lives of the men and women who worked there, how the building functioned during its peak flour milling years, and the many changes to the building over time. Also covered will be how the mill ruin was converted to a museum and office building.

Although many parts of the A mill can be explored on a self-guided basis during a regular museum visit, this is the only opportunity for a guided tour through the entire museum building, and the only chance to see some of its non-public spaces. The tour includes admission to the museum gallery as well as the Flour Tower show.

August 13, 2011, Saturday - Mill City Farmers Market

Time: 8:00am - 1:00pm

Location: 704 South 2nd Street

Today at Mill City Farmers Market:

Veggie Pickling for Antipasti

PRODUCE PLANNER: garlic, carrots, beets, onions, potatoes, broccoli, cauliflower, fennel, tomatoes, green beans, peas, fresh herbs, salad mix, zucchini, summer squash, collards, kale, Swiss chard, kohlrabi, romanesco and so much more!

WHAT’S NEW:
■ Purchase tickets now for a gala feast and live auction to support Mill City Farmers Market! The event, Harvest Moon Benefit Dinner by the Riverfront, will be held in September. See you there!
■ Mill City Farmers Market is hosting it’s very own MN State Fair-Style Canning Contest on August 27th. To find out more, visit our Discover You Can! blog.
 
Discover You Can, 9:00am:
Learn to can Dilly Beans with Kim Christensen. Register in advance; $10 class fee per household covers cost of materials and the jar of pickles you’ll take home with you! Visit the DYC blog for more details.

Mill City Cooks, 10:00am:
“Fennel agrodolce makes a perfect addition to your holiday antipasti platter” - Chef Nick Schneider is many things, including a masterful ferment-er! Take a seat in the Market Cafe and learn about Pickling for Anitpasto from the pro!

Mini Farm, all day:
Can’t get enough cute? Get a cuddle with the animals from Gale Woods Farm and the Three Rivers Park District!

Live Music, 8:30am – 10:30am:
Juut Salonspa sponsors a special Daymaker musical event with National Recording Artist, Michael Monroe.

Live Music, 11:00am – 1:00pm:
Vocalist Karen Quiroz presents a stunning repertoire of popular music from Brazil and Latin America; non-stop rhythm, lush harmonics, and melodies intimately delivered in Portguese and Spanish.

Sponsor and Book Signing: David Wagner, owner of Juut Salonspas and best selling author of “Life as a Daymaker” gift his book to market patrons as a thank for being Daymakers in the organic farming community and supporting the Mill City Farmers Market.

Art Market, All Day:
Featuring Plantworn, ceramics by Tom Jazsczak and Heather Wang, Aprilierre and Old World Cabinet.

August 13, 2011, Saturday - Women’s Work: History Player Eva Valesh Tour at Mill City Museum

Time: 1:00pm

Location: Mill City Museum, 704 2nd Street South

Fee: $14 adults, $12 seniors and college students, $10 ages 6-17 and MHS members.

Reservations: required, call 612-341-7555

A costumed actor portraying labor writer Eva Valesh will lead a walking tour highlighting the factories whose working conditions were exposed by Valesh in series of newspaper articles in 1888 and 1889. Jobs available to women in the 19th and early-20th century and some of the key events in women’s labor history in Minneapolis will be discussed. Valesh was a labor writer and orator who was also known by the pen name Eva Gay. Among the riverfront factories singled out by "Eva Gay" was the North Star Woolen Mill, still standing two blocks from Mill City Museum. Valesh served as labor editor for the Saint Paul Globe and the Minneapolis Tribune. She went on to national acclaim, working for Samuel Gompers as Assistant Editor of the American Federationist.

August 13, 2011, Saturday - Taste Twin Cities Minneapolis Riverwalk Tour (Starts at Gold Medal Park)

Taste Twin Cities was created to share our passion of food and enjoy the taste the Twin Cities has to offer.  If you love to eat, try new foods and enjoy a fun experience learning about the history of the Twin Cities, this tour if for you! Reservations.

Tour Facts
•3 hour walking tour of Minneapolis Mill District and Northeast Minneapolis neighborhoods.
•11:30am - 2:30pm
•Flat route with slight inclines and walking down 1 staircase, approximately 1.8 miles, standing most of the time, bathrooms available at some stops.
•6 stops, with tastings at each (enough food for lunch!).
•Tour limited to 12 people, advance tickets required.
•Begins at Gold Medal Park (S 10th Ave & S 2nd Street), located next to the Guthrie Theater, ends in Northeast Minneapolis (Hennepin Ave & SE University Ave).
•$43 (Prepaid at time of reservation)

Tour Description
Hungry for an off-the-beaten path Minneapolis food experience? Join us as we explore one of the city's trendy and historical neighborhoods, Mill District and Northeast Minneapolis. We will share what's hot in the Minneapolis food scene as we visit specialty shops and restaurants that are proud of their commitment to local and sustainable ingredients, and handmade treats. As you participate in tasting mouth watering pasta, compare gourmet cheeses and learn how Danish pastry is made, you'll gain an appreciation for a distinct neighborhood that most tourists never see.

We'll stroll past Museums and Theaters in the Mill District, enjoy gorgeous views the river has to offer and cross over into historical Northeast Minneapolis. You'll learn about the history of both these neighborhoods and visit the oldest street in Minneapolis. You'll taste and chat with other food-loving guests, and leave the tour with a host of restaurant recommendations and discounts for your next trip back to the Twin Cities.

Tastings
•Mouth watering pasta with an amazing atmosphere.
•Specialty Danish pastry baked in front of us, served with a variety of delicious toppings.
•Local cheese and specialty items.
•Variety of Minnesota brewed draft beers (non-alcoholic tastings available).
•European style bakery bread.
•Extravagantly blended gourmet chocolates.
•Award winning coffee including local favorite Noreast Mud (substitute options available).
*Tastings subject to change without notice. Most dietary restrictions can be accommodated.

Location
Our Tour begins at Gold Medal Park (S 10th Ave & S 2nd Street).

August 12, 2011, Friday - Real Ghost Tour (2 Nights) at St. Anthony Main

Time: After dark on Friday and Saturday nights - call for the specific time of the date you want to reserve for.

Location: Check in is at the Segway Tours office, 125 Main Street SE

Real Ghost Tours is not a gory haunted house experience - it's a history-packed tour during which you'll learn about (and maybe encounter the spirits of) people who shaped this area.  Visit the website and Facebook for more information.

Private tours can be arranged for groups of 15 or more.  The $25 per person fee includes parking, plus a voucher for 25% off at your choice of Pracna, Vic's or Tuggs.

August 11, 2011, Thursday - Twin Cities River Rats Show

The 2011 Twin Cities River Rats shows are scheduled for 7pm Thursday nights through August 25, and take place at 1628 West River Road (between the Plymouth and Broadway).

The Twin Cities Rivers Rats describe their show as an aquatic Broadway musical featuring multiple water ski acts choreographed to music and built around a theme.

If you haven't already enjoyed a River Rats show, their website is loaded with fun videos to give you an idea of what to expect.  These are free events.

August 11, 2011, Thursday - Range of Motion Wellness Workout at Mill Ruins Park

Time:  5:00pm

Location: Meet at the base of the Mill City Ruins parking lot, past the lock and dams.

New wellness workouts scheduled for Northside, Riverside, and the Mill Ruins! 5:00pm on Thursdays, starting Thursday July 28 to September 29.

Embracing the American College of Sports Medicine’s “Fitness is Medicine” campaign, there’s a new fitness offering in Minneapolis that promises to strengthen, not weaken, your fitness resolve. These classes, offered by Range of Motion (ROM) Wellness are offered at three accessible locations.These hour-long sessions are only $5 each and will take you on a short warm-up, body-weight strengthening exercises, and a stretching cool down. E-mail reservations are strongly encouraged (include date) but anyone is welcomed to attend.

August 11, 2011, Thursday - Chefs for Change at People Serving People

Time: Tour at 6:30pm, Dinner 7:00pm-9:00pm

Location:  People Serving People, 614 South 3rd Street

Chefs for Change with Corner Table

7pm-9pm. Tickets are $100 per person.

From slow braised grass fed brisket to tender ricotta gnocchi, Chef Scott Pampuch of Corner Table brings local influences to the table and is sure to satisfy dinner guests in this special Chefs for Change dinner. Promoting sustainability and responsibility towards the land was the inspiration for his own restaurant Corner Table, which opened in 2004.