American Swedish Institute mansion decked out for holidays
The castle in the heart of Minneapolis is open for holiday-themed tours. The American Swedish Institutes? Turnblad Mansion is decked out for the 73rd Holiday Experience. This years? theme is ?Once Upon a Mansion? and it examines traditions, myths and tales from Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Iceland, Finland and the Sami people from the northern part of the Scandinavian Peninsula. The experience runs through Jan. 7. ASI is open Tuesday through Sunday.
The castle in the heart of Minneapolis is open for holiday-themed tours. The American Swedish Institutes? Turnblad Mansion is decked out for the 73rd Holiday Experience. This years? theme is ?Once Upon a Mansion? and it examines traditions, myths and tales from Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Iceland, Finland and the Sami people from the northern part of the Scandinavian Peninsula. The experience runs through Jan. 7. ASI is open Tuesday through Sunday.
Smash Park Roseville opens; pickleball courts and more
A brand new entertainment venue opens today in Roseville. Smash Park has a full array of indoor fun, and a spacious outdoor area for the warmer months. The facility has four indoor pickleball courts, and two outside. There?s a pro shop and they?ll offer leagues and tournaments. Beyond pickleball, there?s axe throwing, duckpin bowling, cornhole, darts, karaoke, an arcade and a restaurant with ?scratch-driven? food and a full bar with shareable drinks and even a shot ski. Smash Park is located at 1721 County Road C W in Roseville.
A brand new entertainment venue opens today in Roseville. Smash Park has a full array of indoor fun, and a spacious outdoor area for the warmer months. The facility has four indoor pickleball courts, and two outside. There?s a pro shop and they?ll offer leagues and tournaments. Beyond pickleball, there?s axe throwing, duckpin bowling, cornhole, darts, karaoke, an arcade and a restaurant with ?scratch-driven? food and a full bar with shareable drinks and even a shot ski. Smash Park is located at 1721 County Road C W in Roseville.
Como Park Conservatory's Sunken Garden in full bloom
While most of our gardens are done for the season, the Sunken Garden at the Como Park Conservatory is in full bloom. The second half of the fall flower show opened up over the weekend. It?s a nod to the celebration of Dia De Los Muertos. The show will be in place through Nov. 26th. The highly-anticipated Holiday Flower Show will open on Dec. 2nd.
While most of our gardens are done for the season, the Sunken Garden at the Como Park Conservatory is in full bloom. The second half of the fall flower show opened up over the weekend. It?s a nod to the celebration of Dia De Los Muertos. The show will be in place through Nov. 26th. The highly-anticipated Holiday Flower Show will open on Dec. 2nd.
Fox and Pantry in Plymouth unveils expansion
A Plymouth coffee shop is expanding and adding more services. The Fox and Pantry opened in August of 2022. The shop offers artisan coffee, bakery items made in-house, a retail space with fashion and d?cor plus classes. The classes range from makeup application to baking macarons and flower arranging. Owner Kym Joles recently took over the space next door. They added a full bar and a private dining space. The Fox and Pantry is open seven days a week and is located at 15725 37th Ave N in Plymouth.
A Plymouth coffee shop is expanding and adding more services. The Fox and Pantry opened in August of 2022. The shop offers artisan coffee, bakery items made in-house, a retail space with fashion and d?cor plus classes. The classes range from makeup application to baking macarons and flower arranging. Owner Kym Joles recently took over the space next door. They added a full bar and a private dining space. The Fox and Pantry is open seven days a week and is located at 15725 37th Ave N in Plymouth.
Service dog training center opens in Greenfield, MN
The Spot Training Facility will open on Nov. 6 in Greenfield. It?s a 14,600 square foot building that will have multiple purposes from boarding for dogs and cats, grooming, playcare and a storage facility for NutriSource dog food. In an effort to support local Veterans and first responders, they?ll offer service dog training. They?ve partnered with Soldier 6 on this venture, a Minnesota-based nonprofit that provides active-duty military members, honorably discharged Veterans and first responders with specially trained K9s. The Spot Training Facility is located at 7600 69th St. N. in Greenfield.
The Spot Training Facility will open on Nov. 6 in Greenfield. It?s a 14,600 square foot building that will have multiple purposes from boarding for dogs and cats, grooming, playcare and a storage facility for NutriSource dog food. In an effort to support local Veterans and first responders, they?ll offer service dog training. They?ve partnered with Soldier 6 on this venture, a Minnesota-based nonprofit that provides active-duty military members, honorably discharged Veterans and first responders with specially trained K9s. The Spot Training Facility is located at 7600 69th St. N. in Greenfield.
Stillwater home decked out for Halloween
As soon as the Labor Day holiday weekend passes, the Bracewell-Musson family begins decorating their Victorian home for Halloween. The displays are set up from lawn to rooftop. Each year the family adds new elements, many of which are chosen by their son, Chad. The home is located on the corner of 4th Street South and Marsh Street West. Starting Nov. 1, they?ll begin switching over their d�cor for Christmas. They expect it?ll be fully ready for the holidays by Nov. 11. They?ve also started decorating for Easter. They say the reward is the reactions from kids and adults alike who get so much joy out of visiting the home.
As soon as the Labor Day holiday weekend passes, the Bracewell-Musson family begins decorating their Victorian home for Halloween. The displays are set up from lawn to rooftop. Each year the family adds new elements, many of which are chosen by their son, Chad. The home is located on the corner of 4th Street South and Marsh Street West. Starting Nov. 1, they?ll begin switching over their d�cor for Christmas. They expect it?ll be fully ready for the holidays by Nov. 11. They?ve also started decorating for Easter. They say the reward is the reactions from kids and adults alike who get so much joy out of visiting the home.
Dynamic Dance on display at Fall Forward Festival
The Minnesota dance community is stacked with talent and for the next two weekends, audiences can experience a full slate of genres in one show. The Fall Forward Festival showcases a different roster of professional dance artists each weekend at the Cowles Center. On Oct. 28 and Oct. 29, you can catch Ballet Folklorico Mexico Azteca, STRONGmovement and Yuki Tokuda. On the weekend of Nove. 4-5, the featured artists are Katha Dance Theatre, Shapiro & Smith Dancers and Alternative Motion Project (AMP).
The Minnesota dance community is stacked with talent and for the next two weekends, audiences can experience a full slate of genres in one show. The Fall Forward Festival showcases a different roster of professional dance artists each weekend at the Cowles Center. On Oct. 28 and Oct. 29, you can catch Ballet Folklorico Mexico Azteca, STRONGmovement and Yuki Tokuda. On the weekend of Nove. 4-5, the featured artists are Katha Dance Theatre, Shapiro & Smith Dancers and Alternative Motion Project (AMP).
California Dreamin? at the new Malibu Barbie Cafe
Following the success of the Barbie movie, the Malibu Barbie Caf? is ready to open its bubblegum pink doors in the Mall of America. The caf? is in the former Hard Rock Caf? location on the south side of Nickelodeon Universe. It?s been completely transformed with several photo ops, a retail store, barbie displays and a small rink to roller skate in. It opens on Oct. 27 and is scheduled to remain in place through mid-January though it could stay longer. The pop-up is from Bucketlisters, a brand that creates experiences all across the U.S.. Reservations are encouraged ahead of time.
Following the success of the Barbie movie, the Malibu Barbie Caf? is ready to open its bubblegum pink doors in the Mall of America. The caf? is in the former Hard Rock Caf? location on the south side of Nickelodeon Universe. It?s been completely transformed with several photo ops, a retail store, barbie displays and a small rink to roller skate in. It opens on Oct. 27 and is scheduled to remain in place through mid-January though it could stay longer. The pop-up is from Bucketlisters, a brand that creates experiences all across the U.S.. Reservations are encouraged ahead of time.
At Mogi Bagel business is booming
Many of our favorite local eats got their start through a food truck or pop up. That list includes Hola Arepa, Soul Bowl, Animales Barbecue and Marty?s Deli. Add Mogi Bagels to that list. A year ago Megan Berray-Larsen decided she wanted to make and sell New York style bagels. After three months working with the recipe, she had it down and launched Mogi Bagels. She started baking them at her house and popping up at farmers markets. The bagels became an instant hit after Chef Yia Vang sang their praises on social media. Berray-Larsen quit her job and set up shop in a commercial kitchen. She is still popping up at events and offering bagel pickup at the Kitchen Space in Minneapolis. Bagel orders open on Sundays at noon. To find out where she?ll be popping up and see the flavor offerings, follow along on Instagram @mogi_bagel.
Many of our favorite local eats got their start through a food truck or pop up. That list includes Hola Arepa, Soul Bowl, Animales Barbecue and Marty?s Deli. Add Mogi Bagels to that list. A year ago Megan Berray-Larsen decided she wanted to make and sell New York style bagels. After three months working with the recipe, she had it down and launched Mogi Bagels. She started baking them at her house and popping up at farmers markets. The bagels became an instant hit after Chef Yia Vang sang their praises on social media. Berray-Larsen quit her job and set up shop in a commercial kitchen. She is still popping up at events and offering bagel pickup at the Kitchen Space in Minneapolis. Bagel orders open on Sundays at noon. To find out where she?ll be popping up and see the flavor offerings, follow along on Instagram @mogi_bagel.
Last chance for fall fun in Minnesota
After this weekend, the holiday events will get underway so this may be your last chance to embrace the fall season by wandering through a pumpkin patch, jumping in a corn pit and getting lost in a corn maze. Sever?s Fall Festival in Shakopee is open Oct. 28-29 and then they will begin switching over to their Holiday Lights event. This will also be the last weekend for Twin Cities Harvest Festival in Brooklyn Park. Ferguson?s Minnesota Harvest in Jordan will remain open through Nov. 5 and Aamodt?s Apple Farm is open through December, but many of their fall offerings will wrap up this weekend as well.
After this weekend, the holiday events will get underway so this may be your last chance to embrace the fall season by wandering through a pumpkin patch, jumping in a corn pit and getting lost in a corn maze. Sever?s Fall Festival in Shakopee is open Oct. 28-29 and then they will begin switching over to their Holiday Lights event. This will also be the last weekend for Twin Cities Harvest Festival in Brooklyn Park. Ferguson?s Minnesota Harvest in Jordan will remain open through Nov. 5 and Aamodt?s Apple Farm is open through December, but many of their fall offerings will wrap up this weekend as well.
?Spooky Trains? at Twin City Model Railroad Museum
The ?Night Trains? season is underway at the Twin City Model Railroad Museum in St. Paul. On Oct.21 and Oct. 28, the train sets will be decked out for Halloween. ?Spooky Trains? will run from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. and costumes are encouraged. After Oct. 28, the d?cor will slowly transition to the holidays with picturesque townscapes covered in snow. The Twin City Model Railroad Museum is nearing its 90th anniversary. It?s located at 668 Transfer Road in St. Paul.
The ?Night Trains? season is underway at the Twin City Model Railroad Museum in St. Paul. On Oct.21 and Oct. 28, the train sets will be decked out for Halloween. ?Spooky Trains? will run from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. and costumes are encouraged. After Oct. 28, the d?cor will slowly transition to the holidays with picturesque townscapes covered in snow. The Twin City Model Railroad Museum is nearing its 90th anniversary. It?s located at 668 Transfer Road in St. Paul.
Get your scares at Twin Cities Horror Fest
Fans of scary movies and theater can have it all at the Twin Cities Horror Festival. It?s the longest-running theater festival of its kind in the entire country. The festival runs from Oct. 19-29 at the Crane Theater in Northeast Minneapolis.
Fans of scary movies and theater can have it all at the Twin Cities Horror Festival. It?s the longest-running theater festival of its kind in the entire country. The festival runs from Oct. 19-29 at the Crane Theater in Northeast Minneapolis.
Underwater pumpkin carving at Sea Life Minnesota
Sea Life Minnesota?s ocean tunnel is full of beautiful marine life and for the month of October, visitors can also catch sight of costumed divers carving pumpkins underwater. It isn?t the sharks they have to worry about, it?s the very curious Seemore the green sea turtle. The divers will be carving every Thursday and Sunday at 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m.
Sea Life Minnesota?s ocean tunnel is full of beautiful marine life and for the month of October, visitors can also catch sight of costumed divers carving pumpkins underwater. It isn?t the sharks they have to worry about, it?s the very curious Seemore the green sea turtle. The divers will be carving every Thursday and Sunday at 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m.
Book lovers unite: it?s Twin Cities Book Festival time
The first Twin Cities Book Festival took place 23 years ago and is still going strong in this book-loving metro. This year, Uptown staple Magers and Quinn and Red Balloon Bookshop, a St. Paul mainstay, are the festival booksellers. The event is on Saturday, Oct. 14 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Minnesota State Fairgrounds. It is free to attend.
The first Twin Cities Book Festival took place 23 years ago and is still going strong in this book-loving metro. This year, Uptown staple Magers and Quinn and Red Balloon Bookshop, a St. Paul mainstay, are the festival booksellers. The event is on Saturday, Oct. 14 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Minnesota State Fairgrounds. It is free to attend.
Stages Theatre Company: Looking back at 40 years
Stages Theatre Company in Hopkins is celebrating it?s 40th anniversary. To kick it off, they?re premiering a new show, "The Day You Begin," and bringing back an audience favorite, "Spookley the Square Pumpkin." Another favorite that?s coming back is "Beauty and the Beast." It was the first show Stages ever produced in 1984. Millie O?Brien will be playing Chip in the show. Her family roots touch on the longevity of Stages. Her grandpa is the architect who designed the building and her dad acted at Stages when he was a kid and is now on the board. "The Day you Begin" runs through Oct. 22, while "Spookley" plays through Oct. 29. "Beauty and the Beast" returns Nov. 17.
Stages Theatre Company in Hopkins is celebrating it?s 40th anniversary. To kick it off, they?re premiering a new show, "The Day You Begin," and bringing back an audience favorite, "Spookley the Square Pumpkin." Another favorite that?s coming back is "Beauty and the Beast." It was the first show Stages ever produced in 1984. Millie O?Brien will be playing Chip in the show. Her family roots touch on the longevity of Stages. Her grandpa is the architect who designed the building and her dad acted at Stages when he was a kid and is now on the board. "The Day you Begin" runs through Oct. 22, while "Spookley" plays through Oct. 29. "Beauty and the Beast" returns Nov. 17.
Sheepdog herding trials at Gale Woods Farm
Some of the top herding dogs from all over North America will be at Gale Woods Farm in Minnetrista this weekend competing in the sheepdog herding trials. It?s free to attend. In conjunction with the trials, Three Rivers Park District is bringing back Fall Fest at the Gale Woods Farm in celebration of the farms 20th anniversary. Along with watching sheepherding trials, visitors can also make apple cider, walk a llama, watch cooking demonstrations from local chefs, and do a fiber make-and-take activity. There will also be food trucks and live music. The event is Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 7 and Oct. 8 from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Some of the top herding dogs from all over North America will be at Gale Woods Farm in Minnetrista this weekend competing in the sheepdog herding trials. It?s free to attend. In conjunction with the trials, Three Rivers Park District is bringing back Fall Fest at the Gale Woods Farm in celebration of the farms 20th anniversary. Along with watching sheepherding trials, visitors can also make apple cider, walk a llama, watch cooking demonstrations from local chefs, and do a fiber make-and-take activity. There will also be food trucks and live music. The event is Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 7 and Oct. 8 from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Game Show Studio now open at Rosedale Center
Family Feud, Price is Right and Wheel of Fortune are the inspiration behind the games you can play at Game Show Studio, open now in Rosedale Center. It?s on the South side of floor two in the former Weight Watchers store. The space is made for groups of friends, families or co-workers. Six people is the minimum to participate in a real game show experience with a host.
Family Feud, Price is Right and Wheel of Fortune are the inspiration behind the games you can play at Game Show Studio, open now in Rosedale Center. It?s on the South side of floor two in the former Weight Watchers store. The space is made for groups of friends, families or co-workers. Six people is the minimum to participate in a real game show experience with a host.
Meet the artists: Northrup King Building
Hundreds of artists have set up shop in the Northrup King Building in Northeast Minneapolis and on the first Thursday of each month, the doors to the studios open up and there?s four enormous floors of art to explore. This week, we visited two studios, Allison Johanson, a painter in Gallery Space No. 467 and Chris Rackley?s exhibit ?Life as a Mall Brat? on display now in the Kolman & Reeb Gallery on the third floor. The entire NE Minneapolis Arts District participates in the First Thursday event each month.
Hundreds of artists have set up shop in the Northrup King Building in Northeast Minneapolis and on the first Thursday of each month, the doors to the studios open up and there?s four enormous floors of art to explore. This week, we visited two studios, Allison Johanson, a painter in Gallery Space No. 467 and Chris Rackley?s exhibit ?Life as a Mall Brat? on display now in the Kolman & Reeb Gallery on the third floor. The entire NE Minneapolis Arts District participates in the First Thursday event each month.
Fall Crawl: A local, women-owned shopping experience
Several women-owned vintage shops across the Twin Cities have come together to create a month-long shopping experience. The Vintage Fall Crawl is modeled after a pub crawl. There are 14 shops on the crawl in Minneapolis and St. Paul. These shops offer an array of vintage goods, including clothing, home decor, furniture, jewelry, accessories, art and more. They?ve even created a passport that will give shoppers a 10% discount. The Vintage Fall Crawl runs for the entire month of October. Here are the 14 participating shops: Betty?s Antiques, Encore Boutique, Style Society, Succotash, The Mustache Cat, Olio Vintage, Moth Oddities, Up Six Vintage, Legacy, Audrey Rose Vintage, The Golden Pearl Vintage, Tandem Vintage, Carousel + Folk, b. Resale
Several women-owned vintage shops across the Twin Cities have come together to create a month-long shopping experience. The Vintage Fall Crawl is modeled after a pub crawl. There are 14 shops on the crawl in Minneapolis and St. Paul. These shops offer an array of vintage goods, including clothing, home decor, furniture, jewelry, accessories, art and more. They?ve even created a passport that will give shoppers a 10% discount. The Vintage Fall Crawl runs for the entire month of October. Here are the 14 participating shops: Betty?s Antiques, Encore Boutique, Style Society, Succotash, The Mustache Cat, Olio Vintage, Moth Oddities, Up Six Vintage, Legacy, Audrey Rose Vintage, The Golden Pearl Vintage, Tandem Vintage, Carousel + Folk, b. Resale
Minnesota Zoo aglow with 5,000 jack-o-lanterns
Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular is back at the Minnesota Zoo for year five. Thousands of glowing carved pumpkins have been installed in the treescape of the zoo, lining a quarter-mile walking trail. This years? theme is the four seasons. The event runs evenings through November 4th. Tickets need to be purchased ahead of time on the zoo?s website.
Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular is back at the Minnesota Zoo for year five. Thousands of glowing carved pumpkins have been installed in the treescape of the zoo, lining a quarter-mile walking trail. This years? theme is the four seasons. The event runs evenings through November 4th. Tickets need to be purchased ahead of time on the zoo?s website.