The Get Out Guide features all the events to get you out and around Minneapolis
Twin Cities World Refugee Day
Celebrate the rich cultural heritage of the Twin Cities refugee community during this day of art, performances, food and education. Thousands of refugees have made Minnesota their home, bringing with them so much that makes the state a better place. At this event, you’ll experience song, dance and storytelling and hear from speakers raising awareness around current refugee issues.
When: Noon–6 p.m. Sunday, July 15
Where: Loring Park, 1382 Willow St.
Cost: Free
Info: tcworldrefugeeday.org
Bastille Day Block Party
Jeremy Messersmith headlines Barbette’s 16th-annual Bastille Day Block Party this year, with other performances by Static Panic, Black Widows and the Brass Messengers. There’ll also be plenty of burlesque, by the likes of Nadine DuBois, Foxy Tann and others, fire and circus acts like Infiammati FireCircus and Circus Juventas, an appearance by the North Star Roller Derby and opera singers from the Picnic Operetta. Come for the entertainment, stay for the delicious food and local brews. Event proceeds benefit Be the Match.
When: 3 p.m.–10 p.m. Sunday, July 15
Where: Lagoon & Irving
Cost: Free
Info: barbette.com/bastille-day/
New Poets of Native Nations
Join local Anishinaabe poet Heid E. Erdrich for the launch of a new anthology of Native poets she edited called “New Poets of Native Nations.” The book features 21 Native poets who have published work since the turn of this century. Birchbark Books and Native Arts and Graywolf Press are putting together the reading and reception, held at Bockley Gallery, where Erdrich will read work with Gwen Westerman and Meg Noodin. The event also includes a presentation by the Asiganaak Singers ladies hand drum group.
When: 7 p.m.–9 p.m. Wednesday, July 18
Where: Bockley Gallery, 2123 W. 21st. St.
Cost: Free
Info: birchbarkbooks.com/event/new-poets-of-native-nations
Artcar + Artbike Parade
Musical notes, flowers, cats, skulls, trolls and colors, patterns and designs galore decorate cars and bikes for the annual Artcar + Arbike parade. Starting at the Rose Gardens, the bedazzled vehicles and cycles travel around the lake. So make yourself a picnic, make sure you have a camera and enjoy the show.
When: 6 p.m.–7 p.m. Saturday, July 21
Where: Lake Harriet
Cost: Free
Info: artcarparade.com
Sister Cities Day
For more than 40 years, the Minneapolis Sisters City program has embarked on making connections with different cities all over the world. We are now Sister Cities with 12 different cities on five continents, and all 12 will be featured at this fun event with ice cream, music and children’s activities that highlight the diverse cultures of the program. At 2 p.m., there will be a special presentation recognizing Minneapolis’s Sister City relationship with Cuernavaca, Mexico, which turns 10 this year.
When: 1 p.m.–5 p.m. Sunday, July 22
Where: Nicollet Island Pavilion, 40 Power St.
Cost: Free
Info: minneapolis.org/about-us/sister-cities/sister-cities-day/
Aquatennial
For 78 years, the City of Lakes has gotten together for a big, wet party at the annual Aquatennial Celebration. Run by the Minneapolis Downtown Council since the early 2000s, it’s a four-day celebration of fireworks, parades, entertainment, family fun and more. Here are a few highlights we are looking forward to.
CenterPoint Energy Torchlight Parade
See the floats and meet your Minneapolis neighbors. Free canoe rides and kids activities at Loring Park before the parade starts.
When: 8:30 p.m. Wednesday, July 18, (6 p.m. pre-parade Family Fun Night at Loring Park)
Where: Hennepin Avenue from the Basilica of Saint Mary to 5th Street
Cost: Free
Info: aquatennial.com
Fireworks finale
If you didn’t get enough Fireworks for Fourth of July, come see the show. There will be live music, a kids zone and food trucks before the main event.
When: 10 p.m. Saturday, July 21 (pre-fireworks festivities 6 p.m.–10 p.m.)
Where: West River Road near Portland Avenue
Cost: Free
Info: aquatennial.com
Aquatennial Skyline Fest
Try your hand and paddle boarding or canoeing, or just watch the expert paddlers race across the water.
When: 11 a.m.–5 p.m. Saturday, July 21
Where: Boom Island Park, 724 Sibley St. NE
Cost: Free 5K paddleboard race and paddleboard demos, canoe rides and yoga. Registration fees apply for other events.
Info: paddleguru.com/races/AquatennialSkylineFest2018
Twin Cities River Rats
See death-defying tricks on skis as the Twin Cities River Rats return to the festivities. These acrobats of the water are a must-see event at the festival.
When: 7 p.m. Thursday, July 19 and Friday, July 20
Where: West River Road between Broadway and Plymouth avenues