June 30, 2013, Sunday - East Hennepin: An Historic Walking Tour

Time: 10:00am – 11:15am

Location: Meet at corner of Main Street and East Hennepin

East Hennepin: An Historic Walking Tour

Every Sunday, June through September

The bustling commercial district surrounding East Hennepin Avenue has hosted many names throughout the years, but everyone knows its unforgettable landmarks . . . Surdyk’s, Nye’s, Kramarczuk’s, historic Main Street and Lourdes Church. Located across the Hennepin Bridge from Downtown, this neighborhood was originally platted in 1849 as the Town of St. Anthony Falls and later merged with the city of Minneapolis in 1872. Its proximity to the Mississippi River, Downtown, the University and Northeast and Southeast Minneapolis have made it an influential hub for transit, industry and commerce.

The last decade has brought dramatic change, and the area around East Hennepin is now considered one of the trendiest and most exciting places in Minneapolis to eat, shop and live. Join us for a “behind-the-scenes” history of the busy streets, unique businesses and colorful people that have shaped this popular walking neighborhood. Hear amazing stories told from the perspective of its residents, shopkeepers and local historians.

Come away with perspective on what life here might have actually felt like throughout the neighborhood’s most defining eras. The tour is a circle ending at the Ard Godfrey House nearby. Cost: $10. Guides will be Michael Rainville, Scott Parkin and/or Leslie Palmer-Ross.

Register

June 30, 2013, Sunday - Ashley Rukes GLBT Pride Parade

Time: 11:00am

Location: The Parade route starts at 3rd and Hennepin and ends at Spruce and Hennepin.

Over 120 units of community members and supports make up the Ashley Rukes GLBT Pride Parade.

More Info

June 30, 2013, Sunday - Chris Kluwe Reading and Discussion: Beautifully Unique Sparkleponies at The Loft

Tme: 6:00pm

Location: The Loft, (Performance Hall) 1011 Washington Avenue South

The Loft is proud to host this special event celebrating Beautifully Unique Sparkleponies: On Myths, Morons, Free Speech, Football, and Assorted Absurdities, Minnesota Vikings punter Chris Kluwe's hilarious and uncensored take on society's ills.

Join the herd of Beautifully Unique Sparkleponies, an "uproarious, uncensored take on empathy, personal responsibility, and what it means to be human." From the author: "What is in my book, you ask? (I'm really glad you asked, but the way, because now I get to tell you.) Time travel. Gay marriage. Sportsballing. Futuristic goggles that DO NOTHING. [...] So please, join me in the glorious art of windmill tilting by reading this 'collection of rousing, uncensored personal essays, letters, and stories' (I have no idea why that's in quotes)."

This is a free event that is open to the public; therefore seating will be on a first-come, first-served basis. Chris Kluwe will be available to sign books after the event.

About the Author:

Chris Kluwe grew up in Southern California among a colony of wild chinchillas and didn't learn how to communicate outside of barking and howling until he was fourteen years old. He has played football in the NFL, once wrestled a bear for a pot of gold, and lies occassionally. He is also the eternal disappointment of his mother, who just can't understand why he hasn't cured cancer yet. Do you know why these things are in third person? I have no idea. Please tell me if you figure it out.

June 30, 2013, Sunday - Yoga in the Park at Father Hennepin Bluffs Park

Time: 10:00am - 11:00am

Location: Father Hennepin Bluffs Park (intersection of SE Main and SE 6th Avenue, on the East Bank of the Stone Arch Bridge).

Looking for a way to take your sun salutations outside so you can truly salute the sun? The Downtown Minneapolis CorePower Yoga invites you to join them each Sunday for CorePower Yoga’s, “Yoga in the Park.” CorePower encourages yoga practioners to open their minds and join their breath and movements to the sound of music and nature all around us. All levels of yoga students are welcome and their hope is that you take this opportunity to not only practice yoga, but to find even deeper connections within your community!

These free classes will be held every Sunday starting June 2nd and running through August 25th. All classes are 10:00am – 11:00am at Father Hennepin Bluffs Park. Please call CorePower Yoga Downtown Minneapolis at 612-375-9642 with questions.

Items of note:
- Attendees should arrive 15-30 minutes prior to class starting for sign in purposes.
- Students are asked to bring their own mat, towel, water and SUNSCREEN! There is limited shade at the park.
- Classes will be lead by certified yoga instructors from downtown Minneapolis’ CorePower Yoga.

June 30, 2013, Sunday - Minneapolis Riverfront Tour at the Mill City Museum

Time: 1:00pm

Location: Mill City Museum, 704 South 2nd Street

Minneapolis Riverfront Tour

Walk the Minneapolis riverfront and learn about its dramatic past and bright future. Participants will visit the historic district at St. Anthony Falls, which was once the milling center of the world and is now a growing cultural, recreational and residential neighborhood. A guide from Mill City Museum will lead visitors onto the Stone Arch Bridge for a spectacular view of the falls, the historic buildings surrounding it and downtown Minneapolis and tell stories of the people who have worked and lived in the area and how it has changed over the years. The tour begins and ends at Mill City Museum where participants can visit the museum gallery (included in the price of the tour) and enjoy refreshments at the Mill City Museum Café.

Fee: $14 adults, $12 seniors and college students, $10 children 6-17 and MHS members. Includes museum admission.

Reservations: required, call 612-341-7555 or register online.

June 29, 2013, Saturday - Preserve Minneapolis Tour: The Lost Gateway District of Minneapolis

Time: 10:00am

Location:  Starting point: The Gay ’90s, at 408 Hennepin Avenue
 
Preserve Minneapolis Tour: The Lost Gateway District of Minneapolis, Guides: Kirsten Delegard and James Eli Shiffer
 
Cost: $8  Buy tickets on Eventbrite
 
During the early twentieth century, the Gateway, or Lower Loop, was the largest skid row in the Upper Midwest, including flophouses, missions, and bars mixed with a variety of other businesses that needed cheap rents and a central location. Between 1959 and 1963, in an effort to clean up the area, Minneapolis demolished 25 blocks, or almost 40 percent of its historic downtown—turning this part of the city into a wasteland of surface parking lots. Revisit the seedy history of the Gateway District and its unfortunate redevelopment, and learn about current proposals to return street life to this formerly bustling area.
 
This tour will walk about 1.5 miles.

June 29, 2013, Saturday - Mill City Farmers Market

Time: 8:00am - 1:00pm

Location: 704 South 2nd Street

Today at Mill City Farmers Market: Grazefest with SFA

Produce Planner:
At the Market this Saturday, you will find: micro greens, pea shoots, green beans, strawberries, herbs, arugula, kale, Swiss chard, head lettuce varietals, spinach, asparagus, fresh mushrooms, baby bok choi, cilantro, carrots, rhubarb, red and golden beets, tomatoes, spring greens salad mix, nettles, spring onions, radishes, cucumbers, turnips, starter plants, hanging baskets and patio pots, lots of bedding plants, and more!

Mill City Cooks, 10 am: Mary Jane Miller from SFA.

Live Music, 11am – 1pm: We are happy to welcome back longtime favorite Light of the Moon!

Art Market, all day: Featuring Annabella Sardelis, Guillermo Cuellar, and Stirsby. 

Community Booth: The Sustainable Farming Association supports the development and enhancement of sustainable farming systems through farmer-to-farmer networking, innovation, demonstration, and education.  Stop by to learn more!

Sponsor: Say hello to Organic Valley today! Organic Valley’s non-homogenized Grassmilk comes from 100% grass-fed cows that are never fed grains. It has a unique flavor that subtly changes with the seasons. When cows eat well, you do, too!

June 29, 2013, Saturday - Midwest Photo Safari "Minneapolis Nights" Mill Ruins Park/Guthrie Theatre

Midwest Photo Safari "Minneapolis Nights" Mill Ruins Park/Guthrie Theatre

This Photo Safari takes place on the West end of the Stone Arch Bridge. We photograph Mill Ruins Park, then walk up to the Guthrie Theatre and photograph this fabulous buildings exterior from all angles..We conclude the tour at the well lit I35W Bridge Memorial Site.

Before we begin, we will have a short presentation covering basic principles of low light/night photography. When darkness sets in, this area comes alive with interesting lights. We will help you capture stunning night images you are sure to want to frame.

This safari is best done with a digital SLR or a better quality digital point and shoot with advanced scene modes. Your Safari guide / photographer will be carrying a Sony digital point and shoot to demonstrate the techniques we will be covering. For this safari, a sturdy tripod an absolute necessity... Midwest Photo Safari can provide pro-quality rental tripods on request. A remote shutter release is also very handy to have along, or you may use the "self timer" feature of your camera.

Pricing for this Safari is $74.00 (tax included, not including gratuity) per person with discounts for multiple purchases. More Info.

This Safari runs most Saturday Nights April 20th through October 12th.

June 29, 2013, Saturday - Bluegrass Brunch at Aster Cafe

Time: 11:00am - 1:00pm No Cover

Location: Aster Cafe, 125 Main Stree SE

Bluegrass Brunch featuring:  Hey Lonesome

June 29, 2013, Saturday - Wilderness Inquiry Mississippi River Day Trip: Critter Catch Mississippi River Paddle

Time: 9:30am – 2:00pm

Location: Meet at East River Flats

Wilderness Inquiry Mississippi River Day Trip: Critter Catch Mississippi River Paddle

Day trips are an introductory half-day canoe experience on the Mighty Mississippi River. They're a great way for you and your family to experience our community and its wild places from a whole new vantage point.

There is always more to nature than meets the eye and on this trip, you'll get a closer look at the amazing connections between the Mississippi River and the many native critters that depend on her. You'll travel by canoe with experienced river guides and a National Park Ranger for a great day of paddling and exploring river life. This is a unique, hands-on experience that's fun for the whole family!

We provide Voyageur canoes, safety and paddling equipment, experienced staff, and a shuttle. Please bring weather appropriate clothing and a bag lunch. Day trips involve and engage everyone regardless of their age, ability, or previous outdoor experience.

Proceeds from this event will provide scholarships for schools and youth groups to experience the Urban Wilderness Canoe Adventures Program.

$45 per person; youth 17 and under: $30.

For information and to register.

June 29, 2013, Saturday - Taste Twin Cities Food Tours Minneapolis Riverwalk Tour

Time: 11:00am - 2:00pm

Location: Begins at Gold Medal Park (10th Avenue South & 2nd Street South), next to the Guthrie Theater - ends in Northeast Minneapolis

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 St. Anthony on Main in Northeast Minneapolis. You'll enjoy the afternoon sampling food at the first Thai restaurant in Minnesota, drinking local Minnesota brewed beer at the oldest restaurant in Minneapolis, and enjoy a local favorite - the cheese curds. You'll also enjoy mouth-watering pasta located in the historical Chase building, fresh baked European style bread at a local Farmers Market, home-made gelato, and lip smacking BBQ sliders from a historical restaurant that once operated as a mattress company.

Along with sampling food we will also visit the Mill City Museum, stroll by the Guthrie, and enjoy gorgeous views of St. Anthony Falls as we walk along the Stone Arch Bridge into historical St. Anthony on Main. You'll learn about the history of both these neighborhoods including a stroll along the oldest street in Minneapolis. You'll taste and chat with other food-loving guests, and leave the tour with an appreciation for these distinct neighborhoods that most tourist never see!

Reservations.

Follow Taste Twin Cities on Facebook and Twitter.

June 28, 2013, Friday - Andrew Sean Greer Publication Launch: The Impossible Lives of Greta Wells at The Loft

Tme: 7:00pm

Location: The Loft, Performance Hall, 1011 Washington Avenue South

Andrew Sean Greer Publication Launch: The Impossible Lives of Greta Wells

Join the Loft and nationally acclaimed bestselling author Andrew Sean Greer for a craft talk and publication launch of his newest book The Impossible Lives of Great Wells.
 
Andrew Sean Greer is the bestselling author of The Story of a Marriage and The Confessions of Max Tivoli, which was named one of the best books of 2004 by the San Francisco Chronicle and received a California Book Award. He is currently a fellow at the New York Public Library Cullman Center. He lives in San Francisco.
 
About The Impossible Lives of Greta Wells:
 
From the critically acclaimed author of the New York Times bestseller The Confessions of Max Tivoli comes The Impossible Lives of Greta Wells, a rapturously romantic story of a woman who finds herself transported to the “other lives” she might have lived.
 
THIS EVENT IS FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC.

June 28, 2013, Friday - Live Music Friday at Aloft

Time: 9:00pm-11:00pm

Location: WXYZ bar, Aloft, 900 Washington Avenue South

Fridays (except July 5) thru August 30, enjoy live music in the courtyard (or inside if the weather doesn't cooperate).

June 28, 2013, Friday - Live Music at Aster Cafe

Time: 9:00pm Cover: $8

Location: Aster Cafe, 125 Main Stree SE

Tonight:  Savannah Smith + Peter Miller

June 28, 2013, Friday - Live Music at Crooked Pint

Time: 9:00pm

Location: Crooked Pint Ale House, 501 Washington Avenue South

Tonight:  Wild Colonial Bhoys

June 27, 2013, Thursday - Minneapolis Energy Options Forum at Mill City Museum

Time: 11:00am–2:00pm

Location: Mill City Museum, 704 South 2nd Street

Minneapolis Energy Options, a group devoted to exploring ways to expand clean energy options in the city, is hosting a forum June 27 a the Mill City Museum to discuss the city’s energy options as its long-term agreements with Xcel Energy and CenterPoint Energy are set to expire at the end of 2014. The forum will focus on how these issues are impacting the business community.

To register: meolunchforum.eventbrite.com

June 27, 2013, Thursday - Mark Dimunation (Library of Congress) Reception and Lecture at MCBA

Time: 6:00pm reception, 7:00pm presentation

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

Mark Dimunation (Library of Congress) Reception and Lecture

Mark Dimunation, Chief of Rare Books and Special Collections at the Library of Congress, will be presenting this special lecture as a Kick-Off to the 23rd Annual Twin Cities Antiquarian & Rare Book Fair (June 28-29 at the State Fairgrounds Progress Center). Hosted by Rob Rulon-Miller of Rulon-Miller Books.

Dimunation was appointed to his post at the Library of Congress in March 1998. As Chief, he is responsible for the development and management of the Rare Book Collection, the largest collection of rare books in North America. He acquires materials, develops programs of lectures and presentations, and oversees the operations of the Division. Previously he has served in similar roles at Cornell University, University of California at Berkeley, and Stanford University.

June 27, 2013, Thursday - Minneapolis Madams: The Lost History of Prostitution on the Riverfront with Author Penny Petersen at the Mill City Museum

Time: 7:00pm (cocktail hour at 6:00pm)

Location: Mill City Museum, 704 South 2nd Street

Minneapolis Madams: The Lost History of Prostitution on the Riverfront with author Penny Petersen

Join author Penny Petersen for an illustrated presentation and book signing to celebrate the publication of "Minneapolis Madams: The Lost History of Prostitution on the Riverfront." In her book, Petersen tells the surprising and riveting account of the Minneapolis red-light district and the powerful madams who ran it. In their heyday Minneapolis brothels were not only open for business but constituted a substantial economic and political force in the city.

Petersen brings to life this nearly forgotten chapter of Minneapolis history, tracing the story of how these “houses of ill fame” rose to prominence in the late nineteenth century and then were finally shut down in the early twentieth century. Following her presentation, Ms. Petersen will sign copies of the book which can be purchased in the Mill City Museum store. A cash bar will open at 6 p.m.

Phone: 612-341-7555

June 27, 2013, Thursday - Twin Cities River Rats Waterski Show

The 2013 Twin Cities River Rats shows are scheduled for 7pm most Thursday nights through August 29, and take place at 1758 West River Road N (between the Plymouth and Broadway bridges).

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.

These are free events.

June 26, 2013, Wednesday - Global Folk: One World Drums at Central Library

Time: 1:00pm–2:00pm

Location: Central Library, Children's Library, 300 Nicollet Mall

Global Folk: One World Drums

Register Online or call 612-543-8000.

All ages. Join local musicians from New Primitives in creating a percussion ensemble using drums, plastic buckets and cowbells. Learn about rhythm and music. No experience necessary!

This project is funded with money from Minnesota's Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund.