Art-a-Whirl returns to NE Minneapolis this weekend
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Art-a-Whirl returns to NE Minneapolis this weekend

The largest open studio tour in the country is taking place this weekend in Northeast Minneapolis. Art-a-Whirl is in its 29th year in the arts district. This year there are 1,300 participating artists at more than 100 locations. The event is taking place May 17-19. Art-a-Whirl hours: Friday from 5 p.m. – 10 p.m.; Saturday from noon – 8 p.m.; and Sunday noon – 5 p.m.

Tour historic church as part of the Doors Open Minneapolis
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Tour historic church as part of the Doors Open Minneapolis

The buildings and places that tell the story of Minneapolis history will open to the public for a free behind-the-scenes look this weekend. Doors Open Minneapolis is back with dozens of venues including Diamond Lake Lutheran Church. It is one of Hugo Haeuser’s final Gothic Revival masterpieces of church design. Doors Open is a free event on May 18-19 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. though a few of the venues are only open one of the days.

Historic Minneapolis building open for tours this weekend
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Historic Minneapolis building open for tours this weekend

The buildings and places that tell the story of Minneapolis history will open to the public for a free behind-the-scenes look this weekend. Doors Open Minneapolis is back with dozens of venues including historic theaters, churches and mansions. One of the spots is a newspaper that has served the African American community for nearly 90 years. The Minnesota Spokesman Recorder is offering tours and a chance to browse their archives which has a copy of every edition they’ve printed since 1934. Doors Open is a free event on May 18-19 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. though a few of the venues are only open one of the days.

Historic carousel opens for the season in Como Park
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Historic carousel opens for the season in Como Park

A piece of history is still bringing joy to families year after year in St. Paul. Cafesjian’s Carousel is located in St. Paul’s Como Park, just south of the Marjorie McNeely Conservatory. It was constructed for $8,500 in 1914 and assembled on the Minnesota State fairgrounds. Though it has moved locations a few times it’s found a permanent home in Como Park. The carousel is open five days a week Thursday to Monday and will run on that schedule through Labor Day.

Reaching new heights at ValleyFair
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Reaching new heights at ValleyFair

The largest amusement park in the Twin Cities opens for the season on May 11 for season pass holders and May 12 for the public. They are debuting a new culinary experience that’s offering healthier options and items perfect for a summer picnic, including pulled pork sandwiches and salads such as pasta salad, potato salad and corn salad. The chaperone policy remains in place this season. All guests ages 15 years old or younger must be accompanied by a chaperone who is at least 21 years old.

Biking with Baddies creates inclusive community ride
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Biking with Baddies creates inclusive community ride

The club was created by a black woman for people of color. Their goal is to "create a welcoming environment encouraging individuals from all backgrounds to join." The first Biking with Baddies community ride is May 17.

St. Croix Valley is pottery central this weekend
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St. Croix Valley is pottery central this weekend

Dozens of ceramic artists from all over the country are joining local artisans for the 32nd Annual St. Croix Valley Pottery Tour. The 70 potters will set up at seven local pottery studios to display their creations. The tour runs May 10th through the 12th and the studios are all a short drive from each other. The tour is free and open to all to attend.

Model train club plans hobby show in MN
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Model train club plans hobby show in MN

A museum dedicated to model trains is celebrating nine decades in the Twin Cities and will host a big hobby show this weekend. The Twin City Model Railroad Museum started in 1934 inside a St. Paul home. It’s now located at 668 Transfer Road, Suite 8 in St. Paul. The museum has 13,000 square feet of interactive toy train layouts. The museum is open Monday and Friday 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday noon to 5 p.m. The Model Railroad Hobby Show and Sale will take place at the Minnesota State Fair’s Education Building on May 11 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

40,000 tulips in bloom at the Arboretum
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40,000 tulips in bloom at the Arboretum

The showy tulip bloom is underway at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum. The bloom is expected to last at least another week if not two. There are 135 varieties on display. The bulbs were planted in the fall by a mix of staff and volunteers over 520 hours. To keep up with the status of the tulips keep an eye on the Arboretum’s social media pages. The Minnesota Landscape Arboretum is located at 3675 Arboretum Drive in Chaska. Online tickets are required in advance for all Arboretum visitors.