Twin Cities' November Events

Whassup!!!! Nov 2, 2026

Vital Haps This Week

Updated Monday Mornings (ish) (Note: Not everything happening in monthly calendar makes this weekly list)

Music

(Jump to "Other Than Music" Vital Haps)

The Damned, Flamin’ Groovies, The Courettes, First Avenue, Mon, Nov. 2
A half-century after ground-zeroing punk with “New Rose,” the Damned are still performing, and at a high level. They were never committed to punk, exploring goth and psych/prog at times, without losing sight of their cheeky, irreverent char. Frontman David Vanian is an absolute performer and Captain Sensible is an unsung guitarist, and they’ve forged a long catalog of solid quality. Even their last couple are fun, solid efforts, including their latest covers effort, Not Like Everybody Else, balancing classics (“Gimme Danger,” “Summer in the City.” “See Emily Play”) and deep tracks (the Kinks’ title track, the Stones’ “Last Time,” 10cc’s “Heart Full of Soul”), while giving each their own spin while retaining all the original charm. Whatever you do, don’t miss the Flamin’ Groovies, a sixties Bay Area power pop act, way before their time, whose underappreciated skill prompted the launch of Bomp! Records. Old school rock, raunch & roll and folk rock as the Byrds, the Kinks and Lovin’s Spoonful birthed a three-headed baby.

Rodrigo y Gabriela, Fitzgerald Theatre, Tue, Nov. 3
Nowhere is modern culture’s transition from monoculture to Balkanized beyond belief more apparent than in music, which is home to so many divergent nodes, some achieving extraordinary popularity, alongside the prodigious and pervasive beer funnel of ubiquity that is the American pop charts. Rodrigo y Gabriela is Mexcican acoustic guitarists Rodrigo Sanchez and Gabriela Quintero who met at 15 and bonded over metal. When Sanchez’s metal band’s contract fell thru the couple went to Dublin where they busked, their romantic dalliances came to an end, and were befriended first by Damien Rice and then David Gray. They released their eponymous debut in 2006 and their international stature’s grown steadily, continuing to broaden and expand their unique blend of rock, prog, metal and flamenco guitar into surprisingly lithe catchy and evocative arrangements whose lack of vocals probably aids their global appeal. The latest release, OurHome, is delicious dynamic, culled from recordings previously released to their fans-supported/exclusive site.

L7, NOBRO, Fine Line, Tue, Nov. 3
At their peak in the early nineties (i.e. Bricks Are Heavy), L7 brought it as hard as Nirvana, in tight clubs where the ceilings rained sweat from the close quarters and steamy sound. Their 2019 comeback was a return to form, cut short by COVID. Jennifer Finch died this summer, and this is their literal Last Hurrah. Pour a little out.

Weatherday, Hey Ily!, Anita Velveeta, 7^th St Entry, Wed, Nov. 4
Weatherday is one of the platforms for Swedish guitar weirdo Sputnik, who has also released EPs under the names Five Pebbles, Lola’s Pocket PC, and Rana Plastic Bubbles. His noisy pop feels related to the early 10s wave that produced acts like Cloud Nothings, Real Estate and the late 90s noise pop of acts like Swirlies and Drunken Boat. Fractured nasal vocals, big tuneful hooks offset with noisiness, scabrous rumbling power chords. Pavement’s probably responsible ultimately. It’s pretty good, with a very emo, screaming vulnerability and whisper-soft a capella breaks.

Ax & the Hatchetmen, Tipling Rock, First Avenue, Thur, Nov. 5
Frontman’s Axel Ellis’ lilting croon and boisterous energy fuels this Chicago indie rock act drawn from Ellis’ jazz-oriented mates at music school (Columbia College), which explains the inclusion of saxophone and trumpet. Obviously, a seven-piece band is a huge anomaly in an age when three people is even starting to seem like an unsustainably large number. But fueled by Tik-Tok fame they signed with Arista for last year’s energetic debut album So Much to Tell You, and followed it in September with the 5-song Stick and Poke EP. They blend a lot of impulses from heady Vampire pop (“Oasis”) to swaggering indie rock (“Blurry Lights” with guest from the Strokes Albert Hammond Jr.), and a song, that sounds like Butch Walker’s Marvelous 3 already wrote it once (“Loser”).

Sophie Hunter, Reysha Rami, Fine Line, Thur, Nov. 5
Hunter’s simmering indie-pop percolates over tinny snare-beats in a flickering florescent porn shop while rhapsodizing her hump and anything to pop up in the general vicinity. It’s catty, blue and funny in a Rebel Wilson manner, among others. NGL, the line from “Dance Recital” – “it’s a recital, not a competition / everything’s a competition” cracked me up. Hunter’s a Yale English major who discovered talking about her “Cvnt” and “Cups 2 (I Invented Popping P*ssy)” was a good way to get attention on her debut LP Stereoscope. Who knew?

Lizzy & the Triggermen, Dakota, Thur, Nov. 5
Lively throwback 10-piece swing band from Los Angeles, inspired by prohibition-era jazz, led by the sultry big-voiced female lead with an array of old school and original tunes, supporting last year’s debut album Live at Joe’s Pub.

Paul Cebar & Tomorrow Sound, Hook & Ladder Theater, Fri, Nov. 6
Cebar’s a Milwaukee fixture whose history goes back to the earliest days of the scene. He put the BoDeans in touch with drummer Guy Hoffman helping launch their career. His rootsy blend of jazz and rock manifested first with the R&B Cadets and then the Milwaukeeans,which then pushed into worldbeat, Latin, African and Carribean rhythms. It had been a decade since his last release when Cebar released last year’s fine eclectic eponymous album, folk, Crescent City swing, even reggae, with extra gospel/soul flair after Blind Boys from Alabama passed on five songs that Cebar repurposed for the album.

Bev Album Release, American Cream Band, Catbath, Cloudland, Fri, Nov. 6
Niki Beverly’s third album under the Bev moniker, Expectations showcasing even sharper songcraft, blending ringing dream-pop guitar shimmer, ragged indie rock swagger, and punchy harmony-laden power-pop. It’s a thematic trip over choices never made, self-inflicted pressure and the distance between our idealism and the practical realities, perhaps epitomized the effortlessly catchy 3-minute meditation on aging and honesty, particularly with one’s self, “Elephants.”

ICE Benefit for MN15: Nur-D, Isavela Lopez, Brandyn Lee Tulloch & Poetic Roots, Hook & Ladder Theatre, Sat, Nov. 7 (Noon)
Sleepy Weekend, Hook & Ladder, Sat, Nov. 7 (6 – 12)
Hook and Ladder’s got a cool day of music planned, so it made sense to mention both events together. Starting at noon is the ICE Benefit for the Minnesota 15. One of the defendants was at the Cindy Lawson show, and mentioned the financial carnage everyone is staring down, against which this is a tear in the ocean, saying the Broadview 6 defendants were looking at $300K in bills. It’s headlined by local rapper Nur-D, who blends old school funk, pop and soul with a vaguely golden age vibe (De La, Tribe) and a playful appreciation of our very serious situation on his new album, Hell. As he asks in “Play (We Don’t Really),” “What you gonna do about it?”
The Sleepy Weekend is a local music extravaganza, further down Lake Street. Headlined by Winona’s country-rockers Sleeping Jesus, it’s a three-stage extravaganza with eight artists meaning there’s hardly any potential downtime for six hours while you enjoy a terrific bill of artists including the lonesome simmering whisper pop of Kiernan, Molly Brandt’s seductive torch country, Simon Cropp’s austere bluegrass sketches, live instrument weed-damaged hip-hop combo Hiahli, tender indie pop/rocker anni XO, tuneful Fleet as Foxes indie-folk septet Harlow, celebrating September’s release of Dumb Luck.

Colleen Green, Censer, True Lust, Cloudland, Sat, Nov. 7
The living embodiment of that Timbuk 3’s one-hit wonder, an ever-sunglass clad cool girl that suggests the character Liz Phair all but ran from after her debut. A spunky iconoclast, Green used to play solo with foot-triggered beats, and worked her way up from the bottom uncommonly mindful of her punk roots from the Descendents-biting album titles (Milo Goes to Compton, I Want to Grow Up) to the Suicidal Tendencies-referencing, “Maybe I’ll Get Hit By a Car Tonight.”

Davey Knowles, Hook & Ladder, Sun. Nov. 8 (7pm)
Born in the Isle of Man, Knowles burst on the scene in the early aughts with his band Back Door Slam, touring with Gov’t Mule and The Who. After the band broke up Knowles worked with Peter Frampton on his debut Coming Up for Air, showcasing both blistering guitar work, mixing southern soul, blues and Southern seventies rock, as well as an austerity too often missing from great technical talents. With two decades to find himself, he’s learned to balance his skills, honing his vocals and facility with a hook to match his obvious six string-slaying talents.

Six Foot Blonde, Genevieve Hayward, Sun, Nov. 8 (8pm)
Chicago’s Six Foot Blonde got their start playing covers while attending University of Indiana, and it was a good enough time to postpone real life a little longer. Pared down from their original nine-piece to six, fashioning a vibrant 90s indie/alternative rock sound that was catchy and crunchy with big harmonies on 2024’s debut Ask Me How I Am. Writing as a band for the first time on follow-up Hummingbird, they achieve a much less easier to pin-down sound, with fine results. They just sound more comfortable in their skin and titular frontwoman Julia Rusyniak’s vocals are more playful and dynamic highlighted by the sunny title track and the dreamy indie pop “Up A Notch.”

Blind Boys of Alabama: Songs in the Key of Life, Dakota, Mon, Nov. 9 (7pm)
This group’s origins goes back to 1939 where they evolved out of the Happyland Jubilee Singers and were formed at the Talladega Institute for the Deaf and Blind in Alabama. After spending their first 40 years performing mostly for black audiences, they started touring in the eighties, beginning with a role as the chorus in the 1983 theatrical production The Gospel at Colonus with Morgan Freeman, based upon Sophocles’ play Oedipus. It won an Obie and led to more performances, particularly in the aughts when Americana broke open roots music. They’ve won five Grammies since in addition to a Lifetime achievement award back in 2009. They’ll be performing Stevie Wonder’s classic album.

Other Than Music

Frankenstein, National Theatre Live, Luminary Arts Center, Mon, Nov. 2 (7pm)
Directed by Academy Award-winner Danny Boyle (Trainspotting, Slumdog Millionaire), Frankenstein features Benedict Cumberbatch (Hamlet, BBC’s Sherlock) and Jonny Lee Miller (Elementary, Trainspotting) alternating between the roles of Victor Frankenstein and his creation. Captured live on British stage in 2011, this thrilling, sold-out production became an international sensation, experienced by almost half a million people in cinemas around the world.

Leadership for a More Perfect Union: Lessons from America at 250, Featuring Doris Kearns Goodwin with Gary Eichten, Northrop Hall (U of MN), Mon, Nov. 2 (6pm)
This is the 2026 Distinguished Carlson Lecture. As the United States marks its 250th anniversary, Goodwin will draw on her study of American presidents and pivotal moments in the nation’s history to explore leadership, civic courage and the shared sense of purpose that has helped guide the country through periods of division and transformation.The evening will begin with remarks by Goodwin, followed by a conversation moderated by Gary Eichten, MPR News editor-at-large and retired program host, exploring presidential leadership, American democracy and what history can teach us about leadership in times of national challenge. Goodwin is a Pulitzer Prize-winning historian, public speaker, No. 1 New York Times bestselling author and presidential scholar whose work has shaped public understanding of American leadership and democracy for more than five decades. Her most recent book, “An Unfinished Love Story: A Personal History of the 1960s,” was an instant No. 1 New York Times bestseller.

Wendy Wimmer Presents The Doomscroller’s Companion with Danez Smith, Magers & Quinn, Wed, Nov. 4
Jane, aka @erejane, a thirtysomething professional web influencer, lives in her aunt’s spare bedroom in Green Bay, Wisconsin. Her only confidant is Brian, a potter who is thrilled that the internet allows him to connect without having to leave his nearby home and studio. Jane lands a high-paying gig that requires her to travel to a wildlife refuge on a remote island near San Francisco to publicize a marine biologist’s shark study. However, when a global pandemic strikes with astonishing speed, the scientists surrounding Jane succumb one by one. When real-world events force them to set aside their online personas, Jane and Brian are forced to decide what—or whom—they care for the most. Wimmer’s short story collection Entry Level won the Autumn House Fiction Prize. Smith is an author of four collections and his most recent, Bluff, was a finalist for the 2025 Pulitzer Prize in Poetry. Free, but registration required.

Talking Volumes: Emily St. John Mandel, The O’Shaughnessy @ St. Catherine (StP), Wed, Nov. 4
The acclaimed author of Station Eleven and Sea of Tranquility, Mandel discusses Exit Party, her dazzling new novel of doubles, fractured timelines, and lives transformed by a single uncanny night. Set in a near-future Los Angeles emerging from collapse, the story begins at a glittering party where reality suddenly slips: a host disappears, a stranger appears, and nothing feels certain again. Mandel delivers a mind-bending story of art, survival, freedom, and the hidden forces shaping our world.

PIVOT podcast with Kara Swisher & Scott Galloway, Presented by Beehiv, State Theatre (Mpls), Wed, Nov. 4 (7:30)
Every Tuesday and Friday, journalist Kara Swisher and NYU Professor Scott Galloway offer sharp, unfiltered insights into the biggest stories in tech, business, and politics. They make bold predictions, pick winners and losers, and bicker and banter like no one else. From New York Magazine.

Twin Cities Flamenco Collective, Volstead’s Emporium Uptown, Thur, Nov. 5 (7:30pm)
A night of passionate dancing mixed with soulful singing and fiery guitar? Yes, please! The Twin Cities Flamenco Collective is a dynamic group of Flamenco artists dedicated to preserving and promoting the rich art of flamenco in the metro area while increasing appreciation for the art and culture from Andalusia, Spain.

Magician Justin Willman, State Theatre, Thur, Nov. 5 (7pm)
Willman has been performing magic since he was a child, but the combination of his sharp wit and clever tricks have made him a firm favorite with millions. He writes and consults for a string of hit household TV shows including America's Got Talent and The Goldbergs, and makes regular appearances on Ellen, Conan, and The Tonight Show.

Milkweed & Graywolf present poets Rosalie Moffett & Carolina Ebeid, Milkweed Books, Thur, Nov. 5 (6pm)
Rosalie Moffett is the author of Making a Living (Milkweed, 2025), Nervous System (Ecco), which was chosen by Monica Youn for the National Poetry Series Prize and listed by the New York Times as a New and Notable book, & June in Eden (OSU Press, 2017). She is an Associate Professor at the University of Southern Indiana, and the Senior Poetry editor for the Southern Indiana Review. Carolina Ebeid is a multimedia poet. She is the author of Hide (Graywolf Press, 2026), You Ask Me to Talk About the Interior (Noemi Press, 2016) and the chapbook Dauerwunder: a brief record of facts (Albion Books, 2023). Her work has been supported by the Stadler Center for Poetry at Bucknell University, CantoMundo, the NEA, and a residency fellowship from the Lannan Foundation.

Nordic Soundscapes Festival: Søndergård, Parker and Sibelius, MN Orchestra, Orchestra Hall (Mpls), Thur – Sat, Nov. 5 – 7
Norwegian folk dances and Finnish folklore inspire two vibrant Nordic masterpieces. Audience favorite Jon Kimura Parker returns to Orchestra Hall to play Hillborg’s seamless MAX Concerto, written for Emanuel (Manny) AX. Then we find Sibelius at work on his Second Symphony while on holiday in Italy. Although it was completed in Finland, you’re sure to feel the warmth of the Italian sun.

Julius Caesar, Arts Garden, Crane Theatre, Fri – Sun, Nov. 6 – 15
Shakespeare’s play recast in antebellum America. Though the ripples of the Civil War still ring loudly in their ears, the citizens are ready to move forward. They celebrate their newly christened town by electing their first mayor, a man named Julius Caesar, who fought alongside them in the Civil War, and led them through the harshest conditions. However, some of the townspeople are concerned about the power that Caesar is wielding and how he may isolate the town from the rest of civilization.

Fringe Remount: Witness Loudly & Minnesota is the Shire, or Fair & Back Again, East Side Freedom Library (StP), Fri – Sun, Nov. 6 – 8
Revisit the winter of 2026 when neighbors stood up for each other. A weekend reprise of these Fringe Festival favorites focused on stories from Operation Metro Surged The performers are donating all proceeds from the event to East Side Freedom Library.

Bach’s Fifth Partita, St. Paul Chamber Orchestra, various locales, Fri – Sun, Nov. 6 – 8
Hang on tight for an energetic program full of intricate harmonies that overlap and intertwine. In the first half of the program, SPCO woodwinds pass Afro-Latin melodies back and forth like a dance in Paquito d’Rivera’s Aires Tropicales. Then, we shift back a couple hundred years to dance in the Baroque era with Johann Sebastian Bach. It’s easy to lose yourself in the winding journey as the music spirals between winds and strings. Note: Saturday performance at Capri Theater will not include Heitor Villa-Lobos' Ciranda das sete notas for Bassoon and Strings.

Little Stories, Minneapolis Institute of Art (MIA), Sat, Nov. 7 (2 or 3:30)
Inspired by the Minneapolis Institute of Art’s Meruhen: Japanese Prints of Fairy Tales exhibition, this music & dance performance unfolds as a series of fairy-tale vignettes styled like pages from a storybook. The work follows a curious girl wandering through idyllic landscapes of flowers, birds, castles, mountains, and mysterious doors. Through these portals, she enters an inner world where personas shift and desires bloom. Featuring original music and electronic live-looped vocals by Isabella Dawis and choreography by Yuki Tokuda, the work draws from a wide range of musical genres—from jazz and pop to classical music—while exploring the timeless pull of Romanticism and a young spirit’s journey to reconcile the realities of the world with the boundless freedom of dreams. Yuki Tokuda is a fiscal year 2026 recipient of a Creative Individuals grant from the Minnesota State Arts Board.

The Seagull, The Modern Rep (Mpls), Thru Sat. Nov. 7
The Seagull is a razor-sharp portrait of people who mistake ambition for purpose and love for salvation. At a house on a lake, desire curdles into obsession, success breeds emptiness, and every relationship becomes manipulation, exposing the intoxicating and devastating cost of chasing relevance, validation, and artistic immortality. In a dynamic new adaptation by director Grant Sorenson, The Seagull embraces the urgency and messiness of Chekhov as a young playwright, stripping away 130 years of veneer to reveal the raw and racing heartbeat of this revolutionary tragicomedy. The Modern Rep, launched in 2026, is an Actors' Equity company focused solely on classical work; this is their inaugural production in their own space in the North Loop.

Collector’s Day 2026, Bell Museum, Sat, Nov. 7 (10-3)
Day-long event where members of the community are invited to share and showcase their own personal collections. Visitors get a chance to interact with collectors, who share stories about their gathering process and their passion and enthusiasm for their collections. Visitors can also learn more about the Bell Museum’s scientific collections and their important role in research and understanding natural history.

Twin Cities 26^th Annual Book Fest Presented by Rain Taxi, Union Depot (StP), Sat, Nov. 7 (10 – 5)
A vibrant all-day book fair with over 140 publishers, literary organizations, book dealers, authors, and more! Exhibitors offer special prices on merchandise and other perks, and many include author signings at their tables. Author events take place throughout the day, including readings, activities, and opportunities to meet and chat with dozens of authors from Minnesota and beyond. Explore Rain Taxi’s huge Used Book & Record sale, experience the energy of the Minnesota literary scene under one roof, and get inspired!

Patricia Smith’s The Intentions of Thunder, Hope Arts Center, House of Hope Presbyterian Church (StP), Sat, Nov. 7 (7pm)
Smith's latest work, The Intentions of Thunder: New and Selected Poems (Scribner 2025), won the 2025 National Book Award for Poetry, was a finalist for the 2026 Pulitzer Prize, and won the 2026 NAACP Image Award for Poetry. Smith is also a four-time individual champion of the National Poetry Slam, the most successful poet in the competition’s history. This special event features readings and a far-ranging conversation between Smith and the Loft’s Executive and Artistic Director Arleta Little. A book signing and reception will follow.

Ultimate Touchdown Tour, U.S. Bank Stadium Sunday, Nov. 8
This is the ultimate experience to explore U.S. Bank Stadium as it prepares for game day! This reserved guided tour features views of the Vikings Locker Room being set for game day, broadcast spaces being prepared for media operations, and never-before-seen views of one of the most luxury private bars inside U.S. Bank Stadium ahead of their Monday Night Football home game against the Buffalo Bills. Advanced scheduled times from 9am to 2:30pm.

Neil deGrasse Tyson: Science as a Way of Knowing, State Theatre, Sun, Nov. 8 (7:30pm)
The anatomy of science: What it is. How it works. Why it works. And why it’s the most successful means of decoding nature that has ever been devised. Learn further what social, cultural, and political forces stimulate or thwart this moving frontier, and what this bodes for the future of nations and our species. New lecture never presented in Minneapolis.

Kunene And The King, Guthrie, thru Nov. 8, McQuire Proscenium
In post-apartheid South Africa in 2019, Lunga Kunene, a no-nonsense Black caregiver with little patience for privilege or hubris, finds himself providing in-home care for Jack Morris, a celebrated (and stubborn) white actor facing a life-changing diagnosis as he rehearses for the title role in King Lear. The two men are different in every way — race, class and politics, to start — yet they find unexpected common ground in the words of Shakespeare. The humorous play by Tony winner John Kani, who also plays Kunene, traces the fragile work of truth-telling in a nation still shaped by its history. Directed by Ruben Santiago-Hudson.

As You Like It, Ten Thousand Things, thru Nov. 8
To escape death, our heroine, her best friend, and one of Shakespeare’s funniest fools flee to the forest. Released from the court’s conventions, they discover earnest shepherds and ironic aristocrats – along with joy and forgiveness. Soon, closed hearts open, love transforms, and community takes root. At various stages across the run.

Land Value Tax and Libations, Black Hart of St. Paul, Mon, Nov. 9 (6-8)
Join us for a night of fun AND education on what a land value tax could look like in Minnesota. Land value tax (LVT) is a different, more equitable way to calculate property tax. It is NOT a new tax. Under our traditional property tax system, taxes are based mostly on the value of the building on the land. With LVT, taxes are instead based on the value of the land itself — its location, access, and potential for development. LVT fights blight and harmful land speculation, and promotes development for more equitable, climate-friendly communities that are better to bike, walk, roll and use transit. LVT promotes more housing options for all, and local businesses.

Live Performance

Weekdays

Waterparks, Gang, Varsity, Mon, Nov. 2
They seem maybe a bit cloy and glib, as if making music is just another disposable pose and their closet’s full, but the Houston trio’s been rocking the charts with their blend of pop-punk and alternative with a bit of rap panache (can’t blame MGK for biters) since Good Charlotte’s Benji Madden produced their 2018 breakthrough Entertainment. Three albums and three labels later, Jinx arrives on the heels of entirely scrapped sessions as they reach for the playful insouciance of their older albums, finding an irresistible tackle box of hooks and punchy, spirited pop/punk-rock in some combination. Lot of songs about how hard it is to be a rock star and how much pressure it is, a woe-is-me plea (“Red Guitar,” “Tell Me Why,” “If Lyrics Were Confidential” that might seem empty and self-aggrandizing on the surface, but it sure made steel-horse cowboys Bon Jovi rich.

Capture This, Public Figure, Linus (adult), Halfway Down, Underground Music Venue, Mon, Nov. 2
Upbeat, punchy rock with a swooning nineties alternative rock vibe from Denver and led by big voiced frontwoman Leah Drost, supporting last year’s debut 7-song Tangled EP.

Trippie Redd, K Suave, Ballout Da Don, Gigi Holland, Goldie, Fillmore, Mon, Nov. 2
Edwin McCain, Mon – Tue, Nov. 2 – 3, Dakota

Basement, High Vis, Big Boy, Lowertown, First Ave, Tue, Nov. 3
In a lot of ways what sucks about modern rock is often that it’s not weird enough. Everybody is listening to the same set of records and recycling the same set of moves. That’s the advantage the U.K. has in reinterpreting American trends – it’s almost automatically going to sound equally familiar and unusual. That’s certainly the case with the on/off/on-again emo/punk-pop (in part cuz guitaist Alex Henery & bassist Casey Nealon split time in Fiddlehead). Always a winsome but noisy act, the collision of moody emo dynamics and Brit sad bastard swoon is pretty propitious; it can get a bit over-the-top but in comparison to environs that produced Muse and Coldplay, they’re understated. They return with JINX eight years after their breakthrough single, “Be Here Now,” and they’ve not released a more eclectic adventurous catchy album. It’s essentially the same elements, but there’s just much more going on musically, particularly rhythmically, particularly tracks like the horn-laden, “Pick Up the Pieces,” the incessant folk-gaze catchiness of “Broken By Design” and the alternately Ice Age-ish, Nirvana-biting “WIRED.”

L7, NOBRO, Fine Line, Tue, Nov. 3
At their peak in the early nineties, L7 brought it as hard as Nirvana, in tight clubs where the ceilings rained sweat from the close quarters and steamy sound. Their 2019 comeback was a return to form, cut short by COVID. Jennifer Finch died this summer, and this is their last hurrah. Pour a little out.

Orville Peck, Abbie Callahan, Armory, Tue, Nov. 3

Sleep, Zombi, The Schizophonics, First Ave, Wed, Nov. 4
Let’s start by saying this isn’t your Dad’s “Sleep.” The legendary stoner/sludge metal icons who burned through an entire major label advance and then refused to trim or otherwise cut the single, 60-minute track for the now mythic Dopesmoker which finally found release years later in 2003. Ancient history, right? Well original guitarist Matt Pike (High on Fire) reformed the band for All Tomorrow’s Parties in 2009, leading to an album with Neurosis’ Jason Roeder replacing founding drummer Chris Haikus (The Sabians). That led to 2018’s The Sciences, a terrific album that somehow lived up to the hype of the prior quarter century since their 1993 breakthrough Sleep’s Holy Mountain. Pike’s moved on and so has Roeder, but founding bassist/singer Al Cisneros brought in The Melvin’s drummer Dale Crover and Void guitarist Bubba Dupree. The tone – perhaps necessarily – is not nearly so pyrotechnic or throttling, leaning into the hazier cosmic/prog-metal direction, neither as rumbling nor as ripping, favoring a dreamy throb that’s easier to follow but significantly less mind-blowing. Instrumental duo Zombi have been releasing electronic metal symphonies for Relapse for two decades, with a rhythmic synthetic sound like Test Dept under attack from Berlin.

Arrested Development, Dakota, Wed, Dec. 4, Fri, Dec. 6 (two shows each night)
The Bends, The Braymores, Fine Line, Wed, Dec. 4

Mary Gauthier, Jamie, Harris, Parkway Theatre, Thur, Nov. 5
Lily Blue “Dog Years” Album Release, Mike Kota, Hazelcreak, and mouthful, 7^th St. Entry, Thur, Nov. 5
Ex Rodeo (Exceleratoralbum release), Papberbacks, Lemon, White Squirrel Bar, Thur, Nov. 5
The Toolmasters (Trip Shakespeare tribute), j.bell & the Lazy Susan Band Album Release, Spike and the Gandy Dancers, Icehouse, Thur, Nov. 5

Ninth Key, AWAY, killusonline, 7^th St Entry, Mon, Nov. 9 (7pm)
Ninth Key unites Joshua Landry (L0 Spirit) and rapper Ekoh in what sounds like a emo-metal version of rap-rock. Big atmosphere, dark, hard raps the suggests Detroit horror-core in vibe (not content). Five melodramatic singles but no album yet.

Great Lake Swimmers, Lucy Michele & Eamonn McLain, Cedar Cultural Center, Tue, Nov. 10
Toronto cinematic folk quintet Great Lakes Swimmers arrived on the first breakers of the Americana wave in the early aughts and broke through with their 2009 fourth album Lost Channels. Last month their released their ninth album, Caught Light, as the band continues to enrich their sound, delivering an album of grace, sweep and beauty deeply consumed with the passage of time (“Endless Detours,” “Youth Not Wasted,” “One More Dance Around the Sun”). Leader Tony Dekker wistful tenor is abetted by a swell of organ, pedal steel and guitars, trading their once more sparse sound for something akin to The Band vs. The National.

Lake Street Bash 2026: Dessa, Jeremy Messersmith, Somali Museum Dance Troupe, Icehouse, Tue, Nov. 10
As Lake Street and Nicollet Avenue struggle to rebound, this annual fundraiser for the Lake Street Council exists as an idea of what might be (once again). An attempt to represent our area and appeal to the hip libs, as suggested by the headliners. SMDT is a visual treat, and Lisa Evanson, winner of Acme’s Funniest Person competition emcees the event. Messersmith makes the kind of rich, nerdy piano-driven indie pop that passes in-and-out of fashion, from Ben Folds to Duncan Sheik, though Messersmith’s songwriterly pop/rock is decidedly eighties-tinged. Dessa’s more current and dynamic blending rap, baroque, synth-pop and rock in keenly assembled songs tracks that span the emotional spectrum from romance to dance catharsis to political rage.

Alison Brown, Dakota, Tue, Nov. 10
Mary in the Junkyard, Lefty Parker, 7^th St. Entry, Tue, Nov. 10

Scott Bradlee’s Postmodern Jukebox, State Theatre, Wed, Nov. 11
The humor of life is that two decades ago Scott Bradlee was a broke jazz musician who began doing videos of jazz covers in his astoria living room, and now here he is an international sensation playing the biggest of orchestra halls. The cleverness of the covers (a double-bass cover of Meghan Trainor’s “All About that Bass”) caught imaginations (“Creep,” “Chandelier,” “Thrift Shop”) and they’re enormously well-known and populated, with a cast of over six dozen rotating musicians (including numerous American Idol contestants) performing their ragtime/swing jazz reinterpretations.

Dead Gowns, Sleeper’s Bell, Nat Harvie, Cloudland Theatre, Wed, Nov. 11
Not to minimize so much as characterize, Portland, ME Dead Gowns’ leader Genevieve Beaudoin is among the sudden slew of austere indie/folk working that achingly intimate Nick Drake lane on last year’s critically-hailed debut, It’s Summer, I Love You, and I’m Surrounded by Snow, striking a tone somewhere between Sharon Van Etten and Cat Power. As sometimes happens, her follow-up Vegas is not as bare wire, letting a warmer indie-pop undercurrent subsume some of those spare folk, without sidestepping it completely (“Four on the Floor”). Chicago opener Sleeper’s Bell was initially a moniker for Blaine Teppema fractured gossamer bedroom-pop, but teaming with Evan Green it grew into a folk duo, and now a bassist and drummer giving the music an even different tenor they may still be growing into.

Fruition, Gardner, Turf Club, Wed, Nov. 11
It’s almost a crime for 20-yr Portland, OR veterans Fruition to take a bronze even on a night as full of idiosyncratic talent. When one listens to a lot of music, acts that know precisely what they’re doing – like Fruition – demand you listen and take notice. Their ninth (?) album Something More (but debut on Bloodshot) is top-shelf Americana/folk-pop, particularly “Oh Well” and “Matters of the Heart.”. The quibble, such as it is, is the ubiquity of the approach which seems on the rebound can even diminish the value of those that do it well, if you’re no longer a committed parishioner. Still sharp, smart, eclectic roots/rock.

One Big Quilt Release Show, Isssy, Flora Moon, Eli Orion, By Will Alone, Mortimer’s Bar, Wed, Nov. 11 (8:30pm)
Michele Branch, Josie Edwards, First Avenue, Wed, Nov. 11 (7:30pm)
Steve Poltz, Parkway Theatre, Wed, Nov. 11 (7:30pm)retty Sick, Computerwife, 7^th St. Entry, Wed, Nov. 11 (8pm)
Dev Lemons, Venus and the Flytraps, Green Room, Wed, Nov. 11 (7pm)
Patrick Wolf, Hollow Eve, Amsterdam Bar, Wed, Nov. 11

Low Cut Connie, Fantastic Cat, First Ave, Thur, Nov. 12 (7:30pm)
At its best, an artist’s career is a journey, an opening bud, a chrysalis that births something to be discovered. Low Cut Connie is sort of that kind of act, hidden within a piano-pounding, sixties-swing (think the Rolling Stones with Ian McClagan), Crescent City soul and grimy, Lower East Side swagger. They possessed a bit of the Squirrel Nut Zippers’ wild-eyed showmanship, but seven years in, founding guitarist Dan Finnemore left, ceding complete control to Adam Weiner. The music’s indulgent, artistic side against the good-time music personality, deepening the bounce with the darker, mid-tempo balladry of 207-18’s twin volumes of Dirty Pictures followed by COVID-inflected vulnerability of 2020’s Private Lives. The latest follows the Boss’ rhetorical path in a political direction on Livin in the USA. It’s still great foot-tapping R&B/Rock but the context gotten keenly biting from “Little Freakers” to the punk-Jerry Lee Lewis of “Not My Problem” and spot-on sixties-garage “Eve of Destruction”-vibed “Livin in the USA.” His career’s been so solid it’s hard to pick favorites, but the fervor here is estimable.

Hovvdy, Christian Lee Hutson, Fine Line, Thur, Nov. 12
Two Austin drummers who went to a baseball game together, discovered their similarities and went shared their nascent guitar work. It grew from lo-fi bedroom pop into something idiosyncratic and dense culminating with their 2024 self-titled double-album opus. After the sprawling and lyrically revealing last album, Big World is relatively crisp and distilled yet oddly breezy, owing undoubtedly to idea they laid down the instrumental tracks then did the lyrics in a stream-of-conscious manner over them lending an informality to the keenly constructed environs, similar to when dark lyrics are synergized by pretty, upbeaeat music.

Tyler Ballgame, Evan Blix, 7^th St. Entry, Thur, Nov. 12
A theatrical seventies style crooner/troubadour from Los Angeles by way of Rhode Island, where he first developed the perfect character to channel his love of soulful soft rock and loping folk rock sort of Fleet Foxes channeled through Harry Nilsson and Roy Orbison. His fine debut, For the First Time, Again manages to be earnest without being self-serious, and effortless without being forgettable.

Gill Weather album release, Eldest Daughter, Meghan Kreidler (Kiss the Tiger), Cedar Cultural Center, Thur, Nov. 12
John Scofield’s Electrospective, Wed – Thur, Nov. 11 – 12 (two shows)
Zach Thomas, Dan Brekke, Gabriel Douglas, Underground Music Venue, Thur, Nov. 12

Weekend

she’s green Album Release, Witches Exist, Starling, Berzica, Varsity, Fri, Nov. 6
The warm, lush atmospherics of the Minneapolis quintet’s haunting shoegaze pop evoke the billowing delicacy of nineties acts like Lush and Medicine. With swallowtail, their full-length debut after several EPs catapulted them to international critical acclaim, they don’t mess with success so much as tighten the bolts. They’ve always demonstrated a capacity to stop short, keeping their best tracks (“Willow,” “Bleed”) around 3-3:30 in length and they’re in that range on five of the seven tracks, arguably highlighted surprisingly by the acoustic track, “Empty House,” highlighting the beauty of Zofia Smith’s voice and boasting pretty male harmonies, which they haven’t deployed the much in the past.

Matty & the Subtle Validation EP Release, Evan Moe, 331 Club, Fri, Nov. 6
It’s really a showcase of the depth of talent in the Twin Cities that three talented acts release albums the same weekend, two of them debuts. Of course, while Matty’s “Imperfect Songs for an Imperfect World” EP is the act’s first official release, guitarist Matt Cefalu been playing in acts since the aughts in Chicago including Buckman Page and Distant Brothers. It’s pretty indie folk with plenty of ringing open chords and a gentle troubadour vibe, particularly the centerpiece track, “The World Isn’t Ending,” which as ever, is a matter of perspective – (*wink*) – but comes back to the need to keep getting back up until it does, recalling a less severe Will Oldham.

Die Spitz, Faetooth, First Avenue, Fri, Nov. 6
talker, snowcuffs, Lumari, Zhora Darling, Fri, Nov. 6

Alyssa Grace, Fine Line, Sat. Nov. 7
Joy Oladokun, Nat Myers, Palace, Sat. Nov. 7
Grim Lot Album Release, Malamiko, Lovely Dark, Day Block Brewery, Sat. Nov. 7

Teddy Thompson, Jenna Nicholls, Cedar Cultural Center, Sun, Nov. 8 (7:30pm)
On one hand spending your life in the shadow of your father, one of the greatest guitarists of the last century sort of limits both your floor and ceiling, such that many less courageous souls might steer away. Thompson’s quarter-century is not as prodigious or extraordinary as his namesake, but he’s found his own voice and sound and is much appreciated for it. His latest Never Be The Same, showcases his long journey, touching on his wide interests from country and rock to folk and pop, with thoughtful, perceptive lyrics such as the tex-mex-tinged rock “I Need Real (Love)” and the sobering-up country-folk ode, “Worst Two Weeks of My Life.”

Maddie Zahm, Semler, Amsterdam Bar, Sun, Nov. 8 (7pm)
Jack White, TBA, Armory, Sun, Nov. 8

Humbird, Bad Posture Club, Fine Line, Fri, Nov. 13 (8pm)
Always thought the closing metaphor of the fresh bakery at the end of Bright Lights, Big City was Velveeta-grade cheese; it would’ve been more real and authentic if rather than a yeasty over-fluffed symbol of physical sustenance, he’d heard a woman singing and strumming a guitar through her brownstone window. He pauses and shuffles closer, settling onto the stoop’s second step, close enough to make out the words, as Humbird’s Siri Undlin’s soulful Midwestern alto intones “Make Believe,” voicing the frustrations brewing in his heart: “The world became a blur without a reason / And slowly all the edges came undone / I couldn't find the words for that season / But I chased the sounds all over kingdom come.” Undlin’s gentle strummy Americana strikes a chord that vibrates readily, like a hidden frequency running from the Band’s dulcet roots warmth through Cowboys Junkies unhurried grace onto beatific burble of Iron & Wine. Their fourth album, Morning When It Comes, is about struggle and forbearance but sonically manifests as a flaky buttery croissant devoured so readily and delightfully it induces short-term memory loss that only begs for more.

Francis of Delirium, clovers daughter, 7^th St. Entry, Fri, Nov. 13
Luxembourg artist Jana Bahrich drew influence from Sufjan Stevens and Pearl Jam, so restraint isn’t in the cards. Her epic swooning soaring atmospheric arrangements certainly have nothing on Chris Martin, and it’s definitely in that company as far as orchestration, but the sensibilities aren’t nearly so cheesy. Indeed, despite the grand scale in which Bahrich (and her producer Chris Hewett), the histrionics don’t diminish the beauty or the sweep too much because it’s deftly handled and songs like “Damned” and “Little Black Dress” off her second album Run, Run Pure Beauty aren’t more than just big, they’re cleverly constructed and full of heart. Locals indie-poppers clovers daughter are worth the early arrival.

Julia Jacklin, Jordan Patterson, First Ave, Fri. Nov. 13 (8pm)
Australian Julia Jacklin his a coquettish come-on of a voice, reminiscent of Julien Baker and Sharon Van Etten in its gently inviting sashay. There’s an odd even-handedness as she describes struggle over the chiming indie rock chords, as on “The Hardest Thing” off her fourth album, The Gem. It’s a muscular but enticingly pop album like Aimee Mann once made, highlighted by roots-rock “If I Had the Hand of God” and the power pop “Get Away from Me (I Think I’ll Love You Soon)” which sounds a bit like Camper’s “Take the Skinhead Bowling.”

The Suburbs, The Rodents, Turf Club, Fri – Sat, Nov. 13 – 14 (8pm)
Lucinda Williams, Dakota, Fri – Sat, Nov. 13 – 14, Mon, Nov. 16 – 18 (7pm)
If we were being honest, both these shows deserve write-ups as much as anyone this weekend. The Suburbs are not only a local institution but a stylistic stepping stone between new wave/punk, post-punk and alternative. Williams is one of the finest female songwriters to ever come down the pipe and a fine, intimate performer, inasmuch as when I saw her with 2000 people in Raleigh two decades ago, she bridged the distance between me and stage with here great presence and intimacy. But if you don’t already know about Williams and the Suburbs, it almost feels like you wouldn’t have discovered this site or be reading these reviews, so, maybe they don’t need my help so much as the above acts.

Jaspar Lepak’s We Are All Travelers release, Icehouse, Fri, Nov. 13 (7:30pm)
Mustard Plug, Devon Kay & The Solutions, Space Monkey Mafia, Ballentine VFW, Fri, Nov. 13 (8pm)

Chicago Farmer amd the Field Notes, with Thomas Sticha, Cedar Cultural Center, Sat, Nov. 14 (8pm)
Like Jason Ringenberg and Jay Farrar, Cody Diekhoff grew up in small town Illinois, a son of farmers, but with some punk rock in his soul. From there he found Hank Williams and not long after John Prine, and realized punk, Prine & Williams are a three-headed coin Deirkhoff’s been flipping for 20 years. He reminds us of Bottle Rockets’ Brian Henneman, with a dark earnest wit, from the light-hearted working man’s ode, “$13 beers,” to the small town grapevine, “Everybody in This Town,” and “Jon Stokes Pirson Break Blues.” More country – with his wavering twang – than Americana, his attitude’s definitely left of center, in the Springsteen region even on “Tina Hart’s Mustang,” where the rich guy buy’s the small town pride and joy, can’t work it, and kicks it back to the curb for the people to reclaim it, the lead track of the delightful new disc Homeaid.

Kitchen Dwellers, Dogs in a Pile, First Ave, Sat, Nov. 14 (8pm)
Genres don’t really exist, they’re a linguistic shorthand necessary when writers were the conduit for knowing new music, and before that they were a way to segregate “race records” from the music stream. Now they feel like another under-necessary corral. Certainly the Bozeman quartet are a string-quartet – banjo/mandolin/guitar/standup bass – but their rich, loose-limbed arrangements are a wall-less sixties commune – there’s a lot going on and hardly any separation between the psych, jazz, folk, bluegrass and blues elements which couple and evaporate from song to song, with an emphasis on the live instrumental interplay. So while 2024’s studio album Seven Devils premiered atop the Bluegrass charts, that just feels like such an inadequate box to put them in.

Amerigrass ‘26: Maygen & the Birdwatcher, Rich Mattson & the Northstars, Ross Thorn, Emmy Woods, Hook & Ladder, Sat. Nov. 14 (7pm)
What a great lineup of local music acts at Hook and Ladder for the second weekend in a row. Maygen and the Birdwatcher are a boisterous folk/country/Americana sextet led by Maygen Lacey endearing vocals. The band’s woozy, ambling roots sway, changes speeds like as readily as a blender, going from stroll to skip to a run with equal charm on last year’s second album, The Americana Dream. Rich Mattson’s released at least a half dozen albums of cosmic-folk/jangle-pop and led acts such as the Glenrustles and Ol Yeller. February brought Wake Up Songs, a fine set of songs highlighted by Britpop “Not The Answer” and infectious “Karmic Debt.” Emmy Woods released her second album of haunting and delicated torch-folk, When the Day Breaks, her voice like a cold clear blue sky at dawn.

The 241s Album Release, The Chair, Jeffery Robert Larson & Kings of Neon, Eli Bentley, Cloudland, Sat. Nov. 14 (8pm)
Supportive Parents, Public Missile Crisis, Powerdam, TV for Dogs, Wilbur, Zhora Darling, Sat, Nov. 14 (6:30pm)
Almost Monday, feel trip, Fine Line, Sat, Nov. 14 (7:30pm)
Dismantalists album release, PRGRPHS, Bryant Lake Bowl, Sat, Nov. 14 (10pm)

Ha Ha Tonka, Triple Fiddle, 7^th St. Entry, Sun, Nov. 15 (8pm)
Ha Ha Tonka strike an odd balance between indie pop delicacy and their rougher Ozark country-folk roots. They’re Cross Canadian Ragweed crossed with The National – or at least, that’s where they landed on 2017’s fourth Bloodshot Records album (fifth overall), Heart-Shaped Mountain. It didn’t happen all at once. They’re skills grew and so did their ambitions, well beyond the relatively straight-forward gospel-tinge, country/indie-rock of 2007’s Buckle in the Bible Belt, though they always stood out as an act willing to stretch their sound. But as the name implied, the band paired up and put the band on the back burner and there it remained until 2023’s self-released BloodRedMoon. It’s a fine return to the stage and balances their rock, beauty and traditional elements, with the harmonies bigger than ever and the pent up energy of a dog that really needs to be walked.

Porcelain, Zastava, In Lieu, Zhora Darling, Sun. Nov. 15 (7:30pm)
Austin quarter emerged four years ago with a knotty high-throttle post-core sound that’s aggressive and loud but not as rigid nor mono-dynamic as hardcore, blending noisy atonality and hooks like Sonic Youth and knotty interlocking guitar lines that hark back to Math Rock which give its bludgeoning ferocity might be closer to Mace Rock. But these moments of crushing volume are increasingly balanced by interludes that allow melody and crispness in, creating even better dynamics as on “Waltz,” off their latest, Today’s Minor Victories, which resembles mid-era Dismemberment Plan. Detroit opener Zastava has sounded like a chiming nineties indie rock not far removed from Silkworm or Unwound, though the most recent single, “Senseless,” is much closer to math-infused post-rock, like Battles being repeatedly assaulted by Bernard Hermann’s Psycho theme, but with a chest-compressing bass component as well.

93feetofsmoke, Meezy, Polearm, Fats’e, Pillar Forum, Sun, Nov. 15 (6:30pm)
Oregon artist 93FeetOfSmoke got his start as a bassist in several metal acts before getting an Ableton and setting off on the Emo Rap Road, following after MGK. The latest album Orbseeker vacillates between peppy glitchy art-damaged tantrums (“Pray for Me Like You Meant It (holytrinity),” “If It’s Me or You (I’m So Sorry You’ll Get It Way) and mid-tempo mumble-ache (“Sweater is Vetements,” “100 Packs”) as beats crackle and pop like dying florescent bulbs, guitars circling like a video game musical loop that’s trapped Conor Oberst in a never-ending math equation he can’t solve.

Hurricane Wisdom, First Avenue, Sun, Nov. 15 (7:30pm)
Vaultboy, Amsterdam, Sun, Nov. 15 (7pm)

Big Upcoming Concerts

Saosin, Silent Planet, Like Moths to the Flame, Save Us, Wed, Nov. 18, Fillmore
Andrew Bird (wth the MN Orchestra), Mon, Nov. 21, Orchestra Hall
The Jayhawks, Mon, Nov. 21, State Theatre
Brother Ali, Mon. Nov. 21, Dakota
Underoath, August Burns Red, Atreyu, As Cities Burn, Wed, Nov. 23, Armory
Bonobo, Thur, Nov. 24, First Ave
Preservation Hall Jazz Band, Tue, Dec. 1, Orchestra Hall

Theatre

For definitive Twin Cities Theatre Listings, check out 79 Seconds

Opening, Short Runs / One Night Only

Ride the Cyclone: The Musical, U of MN Theatre, Rarig Center (Whiting), Fri – Sun, Nov. 6 – 15
After a roller coaster accident claims the lives of six members of a Canadian high school chamber choir, they find themselves suspended between life and death. Karnak, a mysterious fortune-telling machine, offers them one final possibility: one of them may return to life. Part ghost story, part musical fever dream, Ride the Cyclone is ultimately a meditation on memory, possibility, and what makes a life matter.

Who’s Afraid of Virginia Poe, Thin Air Theatre, Phoenix Theatre, Thur -Sun, Nov 12 – 15
explores the brief life and troubled times of Virginia Clemm, the teenaged wife of Edgar Allan Poe. Whitewashed out of Poe's legacy, Virginia rises from her grave to confront her husband and reclaim her identity.

Lee Lue the Musical, Fitzgerald Theater, Thur – Sat, Nov. 12 – 14
High in the mountains of 1960s Laos, the Hmong lived a world of their own, peaceful, and apart. They farmed the land their families had worked for generations, asking little of anyone beyond it. Guided by their shamans, they lived beside the spirits of their ancestors, who remained close in every field and home. Lee Lue teaches the village children by day, but his own hunger for knowledge reaches far beyond the mountains. He dreams of the capital city, of universities and books, of a future built on learning. Before the war reaches them, there is Jou — and in her, everything worth protecting. Their love is quiet and certain, the kind that does not need to be spoken aloud. She becomes the reason he comes back, and the cost of every mission he survives. Survivors flee on foot toward the Mekong River — the last border between Laos and safety. The crossing is desperate and not everyone makes it. The river carries away those who do not survive. Their souls remain in the water and the land left behind.

Opera Underground: Unexpected Songs, An Opera Theatre, (Secret), Thurs, Nov. 12 & Wed. Nov. 18 (6:30pm)
It’s not just about the journey - it’s about the arrival. Arrive in a place of extravagant decadence and let us treat you to a night of mystery, musings, and music! In a world with endless in-your-face headlines, screens, and algorithms, let us create some unexpected magic for you. The catch? It’s literally a mystery. The exclusive location will only be revealed to ticket holders - and even then only 24 hours before each performance date. (Walkups are not an option for these performances.) These performances will be at a location near Lake of the Isles in Lowry Hill, Minneapolis.

Debut Play: Baby Brother, Stage North, Open Book (Mpls ), November 13-22
On the day of their mother's funeral, two bachelor farmer brothers in a small Minnesota town sit in their kitchen and try to figure out what comes next. Talking about things that matter is unfamiliar territory, and as old memories surface and long-buried secrets begin to emerge, it all gets...interesting. While it may be hard to get there, the truth will set you free...usually.

Our Town, Front Porch Players, Steeple Center (Rosemount), Fri – Sat, Nov. 13 – 21
The Thornton Wilder classic presents the small town of Grover’s Corners in three acts: “Daily Life,” “Love and Marriage” and “Death and Eternity.” Narrated by a stage manager and performed with minimal props and sets, the play depicts the simple daily lives of the Webb and Gibbs families as their children fall in love, marry, and eventually Wilder's final word on how he wanted his play performed. Presented in cooperation with the Rosemount Area Arts Council (RAAC).

Alice By Heart, Big Blue Theatre, The Blue Box (Woodbury), Fri – Sun, Nov. 13 – 22
This world premiere musical is set in the rubble of the London Blitz of World War II, Alice Spencer’s budding teen life is turned upside down, and she and her dear friend Alfred are forced to take shelter in an underground tube station. When the ailing Alfred is quarantined, Alice encourages him to escape with her into their cherished book and journey down the rabbit hole to Wonderland.

The Laramie Project, Macalester College Theater, Fri – Sun, Nov. 13 – 22
The Laramie Project is one of the most important American plays of the last 25 years — a mosaic of real voices from a real town grappling with an act of violence that changed the country. In 1998, 21-year-old Matthew Shepard was beaten and left to die on a fence outside Laramie, Wyoming in a hate crime that shocked the nation. This play tells that story through the voices of the people who lived it.

Much Ado About Nothing, Augsburg University Theatre, Fri – Mon, Nov. 13 – 23
This take on Shakespeare’s beloved comedy takes place during the 1990s at a High School in the Midwest. Come experience the political maneuvering between teen cliques, the shocking betrayals of BFFs, and a highly anticipated Homecoming Dance gone horribly wrong. Reputations will be ruined. Break-ups and rebounds will run rampant. But the question on everyone’s mind this Fall is: who will be our Homecoming King and Queen?

Angels in America Pt I, U of MN Theare, Rarig (Stoller), Thur – Sun, Nov. 19 – 22
Angels in America – Part One: Millennium Approaches is the first half of Tony Kushner’s Pulitzer Prize-winning play that explores the intersecting lives of several New Yorkers in the mid-1980s, during the height of the AIDS crisis and amidst the social and political tensions of the Reagan era. It follows the intersecting lives of six main characters—including a gay man with AIDS abandoned by his partner, a closeted Mormon lawyer, and a ruthless powerbroker—culminating when an angel crashes through a ceiling to declare a prophet. (FREE)

Human Error, 100 Percent Human Theatre, Art House North (StP), Thur – Sun, Nov. 19 – Dec. 5
Madelyn and Keenan are a latte-sipping, NPR-listening blue-state couple planning a pregnancy through IVF, until they learn the fertility doctor accidentally implanted their embryo into Heather, whose views (and her husband Jim’s) lean toward NASCAR, Cabela’s and the NRA. Can these two couples make it through nine months of gestation without killing each other?

T he Price, Gremlin Theatre (StP), Fri – Mon, Nov. 20 – Dec. 6
This brilliant, powerful and deeply moving play marked Arthur Miller’s triumphant return to Broadway. The play examines with compassion, humor and rare insight, the relationship of two long-estranged brothers who meet after many years to dispose of their late father’s belongings. But what begins as an estate sale becomes a reckoning with everything they gained, everything they lost, and everything they wish they could change.

The Trail to Oregon, Hive Collective, Fri – Sun, Nov. 20 – Dec. 5
Inspired by the Minnesota created video game, The Trail to Oregon! is an interactive musical by StarKid Productions that parodies the classic video game, following a dysfunctional pioneer family's absurd journey west filled with dysentery, bandits, and exploding cows, where audience choices (naming characters, plot points) dictate the chaotic adventure, often leading to dark humor and unexpected deaths.

The Lion, The Witch & the Wardrobe, Open Window Theatre (IGH), Sat – Sun, Nov. 28 – Jan. 3
This dramatization of C.S. Lewis' classic work faithfully recreates the magic and mystery of Aslan, the great lion, his struggle with the White Witch, and the adventures of four children who inadvertently wander from an old wardrobe into the exciting world of Narnia. All the memorable episodes from the story are represented in this faithful dramatization: the temptation of Edmund by the witch, the slaying of the wolf by Peter, the witnessing of Aslan's resurrection by Susan and Lucy, the crowning of the four new rulers of Narnia, and more. The supporting characters are also here: the unicorn, the centaur, and other forest animals, along with Father Christmas, Mr. and Mrs. Beaver, and Tumnus the Faun. This story of love, faith, courage and giving, with its triumph of good over evil, is a true celebration of life.

Opening (Major - 2+ wks)

Fun Home, Morris Park Players, Center for Performing Arts (Mpls), Fri – Sun, Nov. 6 – 22
When her father dies unexpectedly, graphic novelist Alison dives deep into her past to tell the story of the volatile, brilliant, one-of-a-kind man whose temperament and secrets defined her family and her life. Moving between past and present, Alison relives her unique childhood playing at the family's Bechdel Funeral Home, her growing understanding of her own sexuality, and the looming, unanswerable questions about her father's hidden desires. A musical about seeing your parents thru adult eyes.

Santa’s Magic Meat Raffle, Lyric Arts (Anoka), Fri – Mon, Nov. 20 – Dec. 20
Snow is falling, the fire is crackling, and the stakes have never been higher—because in Anoka, the holidays aren’t complete without a little friendly competition and the chance to win a pork loin. This year, Santa is springing for his biggest, boldest, and most magical meat raffle yet in this wildly original holiday comedy created just for Lyric Arts.

Dial M for Murder, Theater in the Round, Fri – Mon, Nov. 20 – Dec. 20
Tony Wendice married his wife for her money; now he plans to murder her for it. Jeffrey Hatcher’s adaptation of the classic suspense thriller is a smart, compelling update of Knott’s tale of jealousy, deception and homicide. Tony is convinced that his wife Margot has been cheating on him. Now it seems that the affair is over, but in his jealousy Tony spins a web of suspicion and deception that will tighten around them and ensnare them both in danger, recrimination and murder. A new version of the celebrated murder mystery that inspired Hitchcock’s masterpiece!

Beyond the Rainbow, History Theatre (StP), Sat – Mon, Nov. 21 – Dec. 20
Celebrate the holidays with one of America’s most beloved singers and entertainers. In this stirring musical tribute, Judy Garland takes the stage at Carnegie Hall in 1961 and performs one of the most celebrated concerts in history. Follow Judy’s story from her early years in Minnesota to “beyond the rainbow.” Garland’s greatest hits, fresh new staging, and the same deep dive into Judy’s life.

All is Calm, Theater Latte Da, Ritz Theater (Mpls), Thur – Mon, Nov. 24 – Dec. 27
On a cold Christmas Eve along the Western Front, as soldiers sat on opposite sides of the battlefield, something extraordinary happened. The guns fell silent. Emerging into no-man’s-land, enemies met not with violence, but with song. Drawn from letters, diaries and firsthand accounts, this profoundly moving piece is told through stirring a cappella harmonies that illuminate a fleeting moment of shared humanity in the midst of war. In a world that feels increasingly polarized and entrenched, this story of soldiers stepping out of their trenches to sing together offers not naïve sentimentality, but radical empathy and an invitation to rediscover the light that can emerge even in the darkest of times.

Continuing

One -Shot, Six Points Theater (StP), thru Sun, Nov. 8
McLean, Virginia, 1999. David and Martin are high school seniors in love, working at a video store and planning to make films. After a hate crime and the arrival of college decisions, the two find themselves on different courses.

Jellyfish (US Premier), Unlabeled Theatre Company, Gremlin Theatre (StP), Thru Sun, Nov. 8
Agnes and her daughter Kelly have walked the same stretch of beach every day for 15 years. They devour ice cream, hunt for crabs and watch as things mysteriously vanish along the shoreline. But when Kelly meets Neil, their cozy world soon begins to unravel. With her mum struggling to understand the needs of a maturing daughter with Down Syndrome, Kelly and Neil have to fight for their right to be together. While Agnes and Kelly drift further and further apart, an event is coming that will change all of their lives forever.

Kung Fu Zombies vs. Southeast Asian Girl Scouts (World Premiere), Theatre Mu, Frey Theatre (StP), Thru Sun, Nov. 15
Follow Thin Mint, Samoa, and Do-Si-Do as they protect their Saint Paul community, which was abandoned by local authorities during the zombie apocalypse. Between helping their elders, doing medicine runs, and building campfires, they’ve probably earned, like, four Gold Awards each. But what if the zombies aren’t the most dangerous monsters out there?

Pirates of Penzance, Gilbert & Sullivan Very Light Opera Company, The Conn Theater (Mpls), Thru Sun, Nov. 22
This production, subtitled, Love & Duty in the Old West, has been reconceived and revised by director Joe Andrews, with music direction by Dr. Randal Buikema. While it maintains its supremely buoyant score, sense of adventure, and improbable paradoxes, but the action plays against the backdrop of the California-Nevada border during the Gold Rush. The pirates are sentimental bandits, the police are sheriffs and deputies, and love and duty win the day, of course!

We Wont’ Pay, We Won’t Pay, Frank Theatre, Mixed Blood Theatre (Mpls), Thru Sun, Nov. 22
Nobel Laureate Dario Fo’s riotous 1974 Italian farce (Non Si Paga! Non Si Paga!) is about what happens when the cost of living spirals out of control and supermarket prices double overnight, a cohort of fed-up working-class housewives decide they’ve had enough. A razor-sharp, painfully funny portrait of ordinary people caught in an unforgiving economic grind that remains salient a half-century later.

Memento Vivere (Remember to Live): Stories of Our Days, The Moving Company, Southern Theater, Thru Sun, Nov. 22
Everything changes, nothing perishes.the actor, by reiterating you, sacrifices a moment of his own life in order to give you a story of yours.

Tuesdays With Morrie, Chanhassen Dinner Theatres, Thru Sun, Nov. 29
The true story of Detroit Free Press sportswriter Mitch Albom and his own personal reunion with a favorite college professor, Morrie Schwartz, who is battling ALS. The play simply features Mitch and Morrie, who visit each other over a series of 14 Tuesdays during which the audience gets a seat in the room to listen to Morrie’s meaningful life lessons.

Other Live Performances (Dance, Classical, Comedy)

Jazz Ensembles I & II present: Loesser is More: Music of Frank Loesser, Ted Mann Concert Hall (Mpls), Tue, Nov. 10 (7:30pm) FREE
The School of Music’s ensembles visit one of America’s greatest lyricist, composer and librettist. Loesser is almost the OG EGOT, with a Tony for Guys and Dolls, an Academy Award for “Baby It’s Cold Outside,” and hit it big with 1961’s How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying, which won a Grammy, Pulitzer and a Tony. When asked why he didn’t write more, he answered “it isn’t that I write slowly, it’s that I throw it out fast.”

Love Evolving: Thread Dance Project 15^th Anniversary Show, Luminary Arts Center, Fri, Nov. 13 (7pm)
Join Threads as they celebrate stories – from the most personal stories of Threads’ Founder Karen Charles’ reflections as a Black woman in America to more universal stories about loss, joy, and identity. Threads alumni will be part of this landmark 15th-year celebration. Additionally, Threads will debut a new dance piece, Tell Me A Story, inspired by two stories from the community, selected by a panel in response to four Threads photographs. Warning: Themes of historic lynching will be depicted in this show.

Nordic Soundscapes Festival: Vänskä, Chen and Nielsen, MN Orchestra, Orchestra Hall (Mpls), Fri – Sat, Nov. 13 – 14
A bold and beautiful concerto and a luminous symphony that's anything but simple. The flags of Finland and Denmark fly high with the Violin Concerto by Osmo Vänskä’s beloved late friend, Jaakko Kuusisto, and the last symphony by Carl Nielsen. At first, Nielsen thought it would be “completely idyllic” in character, a Sinfonia semplice. When it was finished 16 months later, he wasn’t sure the name still made sense. Come prepared to discover its complexities.

Zachary Cohen Premieres Deak’s Bass Concerto, St. Paul Chamber Orchestra, Ordway Concert Hall (StP), Fri – Sat, Nov. 13 – 14
The world premiere of an imaginative fairytale in the form of a concerto for double bass! Developed over the course of two seasons for his Sandbox Composer Residency, Jon Deak's newest work, Under a Spell, invites listeners on a whimsical journey performed by Principal Bass Zachary Cohen and guided by narrator Bill Gordh. As the former Associate Principal Bass of the New York Philharmonic and "a composer-performer who has learned to make stringed instruments ‘talk,’ Deak brings a lifelong familiarity of the instrument to his music and teachings. Under a Spell was commissioned by Linda Hoeschler and Peter Blyberg for The Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra in honor of the artistry and artistic leadership of Kyu-Young Kim.

The Best of Steve Martin & Martin Short, Orpheum Theatre, Sat, Nov. 14 (3pm / 8pm)
The jokes come at you at a rapid-fire pace with little set-up and big punch lines as they mock Hollywood and the fickle nature of celebrity, but the comedy truly soars when they lovingly (and relentlessly) roast each other. Martin and Short's chemistry and timing on stage reflects a friendship forged over three decades which developed when they met for the first time on the set of the 1986 film "Three Amigos." These two titans of comedy have been touring together since 2015, when they launched their first live show entitled "A Very Stupid Conversation."

Ana Gasteyer’s Sugar & Booze Holiday Spectacular, Parkway Theatre, Sat – Sun, Nov. 14 – 15 (8pm/7pm)
The acclaimed SNL alum and Broadway sensation, also an accomplished singer and songwriter, returns to Minneapolis for TWO NIGHTS ONLY, performing favorites from Sugar and Booze, her 2019 album of seasonal favorites..A seasoned Broadway veteran, Ana has dazzled on stage in productions such as Wicked (as Elphaba), The Threepenny Opera, and the 2024 Broadway revival of Once Upon a Mattress. Her additional stage credits include originating the role of Debra in the Tony Award-winning Kimberly Akimbo at Manhattan Theatre Club and portraying Miss Hannigan in a sold-out production of Annie at the Hollywood Bowl. Most recently, she originated the role of Mildred Layton in the Broadway production of the Tony-winning musical Schmigadoon!, for which she was nominated for the Tony Award for Best Featured Actress in a Musical.

Carly McMenoman Presents: The Dirty Comedy Showcase Late show!, Underground Club, Sat, Nov. 14 (9pm)
Nationally touring headliners convene for one night only to tell you their funniest, dirtiest jokes. Be prepared to laugh as much as you blush at the Dirty Comedy Show! Alexa Kocinski, Joe 'Addict' Johnson, Eric Anton, Ira Ford, and Carly McMenoman. Located underneath Spring Street Tavern in North Minneapolis.

Elgar and Dvořák, MN Orchestra, Orchestra Hall (Mpls), Thur – Fri, Nov. 19 – 20
Edward Elgar and Antonín Dvořák are two of the most celebrated Romantic-era composers, whose works—particularly their cello concertos—are frequently paired together in concert programs and landmark recordings. Mezzo Sasha Cooke compares Elgar’s Sea Pictures to entering a painting by J.M.W. Turner: “They are very dark and murky, but beautiful with radiant, shimmering light.” They’ll ease you into Dvořák’s nature-infused Symphony No. 8, composed when one of his biggest fans, Johannes Brahms, said that Dvořák’s head was “full of ideas.”

Fall Concert: Time Signature, (MN) University Dance Theatre, Luminary Arts Center, Fri – Sun, Nov. 20 – 22
A dynamic concert performed by Dance students and directed by Laura Selle Virtucio. Inspired by the musical meaning of “time signature”—the rhythm and meter that shape a musical movement—the title also speaks to the distinct imprint each choreographer makes in time. The program features a 30-minute restaging of Bill T. Jones’ Story/Time, reimagined by members of the Bill T. Jones/Arnie Zane Company and Assistant Professor Carlo Antonio Villanueva; a new work by Marjani Forté-Saunders; and new choreography by Professor Ananya Chatterjea.

Paul Aldrich’s Smothers & Others Tribute Show, Heart of the City Music Factory (Anoka), Sat, Nov. 21 (7pm)
For over four decades Paul Aldrich’s hilarious song parodies & impressions of artists like Willie Nelson, Adam Sandler, Taylor Swift, The Beatles, Bob Dylan, Johnny Cash, The Rolling Stones. Roger Miller, Weird Al, Jim Stafford, Ray Stevens, Steve Martin and The Smothers Brothers are just some of the comedy greats celebrated in this one-of-a-kind, one-man-tribute. As a recording artist, Paul has sixteen projects to his credit, including his award-winning CD, MOCK ‘n’ ROLL and his recently released DRY BAR Comedy Special.

Marc Maron: Yammering into the Void Tour, Pantages, Sat, Nov. 21
Maron has released five hit stand-up comedy specials throughout his career, most recently: "MARC MARON: PANICKED" in 2025. Maron also has a peerless reputation in the podcasting world through his landmark podcast "WTF with Marc Maron" and has starred in television series and films such as "GLOW", "To Leslie", "The Bad Guys", "Stick" and more.

Williams’ Zodiac Suite with the Aaron Diehl Trio, St. Paul Chamber Orchestra, Ordway Concert Hall (StP), Fri – Sun, Nov. 27 – Nov. 29
Grammy Award-winning conductor-composer Teddy Abrams leads this star-studded exploration of two American masterworks in a nod to our country's 250th anniversary. With roots in American folk and jazz traditions, there's an undeniable groove in the rhythms and orchestration of Mary Lou Williams' Zodiac Suite, edited here for chamber orchestra by Aaron Diehl. His jazz trio is joined by multi-disciplinary vocalist Mikaela Bennett for the song cycle Honey and Rue, set to the poetry of Nobel laureate Toni Morrison.

Niche or Off-beat

Cribbage Tournament, Tue, Nov. 3 (6pm), Fulton Taproom
The first Tuesday of every month, come down to test you skill. Single player play, random matchups, best score of five games. All skill levels welcome. Bring a board and recieve a free pint!

Gaming Drop In, Wed, Nov. 4, Frenchman’s Pub (Richfield)
Bring your favorite card or board games to play, or learn a new one! There will be old favorites, as well as new games to try out. For your best experience, come for an hour or more. This is planned to be a monthly event at Frenchman’s Pub; game play will start at 1:30 p.m. and be cleaned up and out by 4. Hosted by AnriasGames.com

Record Night, Thur, Nov. 5, (6 – 8), Fulton Taproom
Stop by the taproom on the first Thursday of every month with your favorite vinyl – on theme – to share with the taproom! If they play it, you get a pint on them.

Panel Discussion & Mixer: Paris In Style, MIA, Target Reception Hall, Thur, Nov. 5 (5-8)
Enjoy an evening that blends fashion, conversation, music, and community with an engaging museum experience. The night begins with a mixer and red-carpet interviews. Then, join in a meaningful conversation about fashion, identity, adornment, craftsmanship, and artistic expression that highlights local creatives. Panelists include Robert Elder (MartinPatrick3), Richard Moody (IAmMoody), Mimi Nguyen, and Kathryn Rogers (House of Klynn). The discussion is moderated by Rashawnda Scott (Pieces of Kandakes). Free, Registration required.

Lowertown First Fridays, Fri, Nov. 6 (6-9)
Artists throughout Lowertown open their studio doors or team up with a local venue for a pop-up table for an evening that celebrates the creativity, history, and vibrant community that define our neighborhood. Meet the artists of Lowertown, discover new work in the galleries, and make a night of it by visiting the restaurants and shops that bring our historic district to life.

Pitchfest: Hennepin Co., McNamara Alumni Center (Mpls), Fri, Nov. 6
An inaugural event designed to spark creative collaborations between Hennepin County staff and University of Minnesota faculty, staff researchers, and graduate students around real-world challenges. County experts are invited to give fast, three-minute "reverse pitches" highlighting specific challenges from their work that could benefit from external expert support. Attendees will then have the opportunity to explore where their research or expertise might contribute to solutions. After the event, the HUP team works to match County staff with interested experts from the UMN research community. Pilot City has been supporting local partners in co-hosting versions of the Pitchfest since 2024.

MFR Cribbage Series, Surly Brewery (Mpls), Sat, Nov. 7 (2pm)
Pre-register, challenge your friends, and join us for some fun competition and prizes. Generally, we start with a Pool Play format, guaranteeing everyone 3 games. From there, each individual's point totals will be used for seeding a single elimination bracket to close the evening.

Argentine Tango class & practice session, Dany Ahora Si Tango Argentino (StP), Sat, Nov. 7 (3 – 6)
If you’ve ever been tango-curious this is your big chance. Two hours of practice with tango, milonga, canyengue, vals and alrternative tango.

West Cone Swing, Cinema Ballroom (StP), Sat, Nov. 7 (7pm)
A quarterly West Coast Swing social dance and workshop in St. Paul with free icecream and a free beginner crash course (7pm) and reduced price for those that attend. Enjoying its second anniversary. Taught by Elli Warner and David Carrington.

Collector’s Day 2026, Bell Museum, Sat, Nov. 7 (10 – 3)
Day-long event where members of the community are invited to share and showcase their own personal collections. Visitors get a chance to interact with collectors, who share stories about their gathering process and their passion and enthusiasm for their collections. Visitors can also learn more about the Bell Museum’s scientific collections and their important role in research and understanding natural history.

Ultimate Touchdown Tour, U.S. Bank Stadium Sun, Nov. 8
This is the ultimate experience to explore U.S. Bank Stadium as it prepares for game day! This reserved guided tour features views of the Vikings Locker Room being set for game day, broadcast spaces being prepared for media operations, and never-before-seen views of one of the most luxury private bars inside U.S. Bank Stadium ahead of their Monday Night Football home game against the Buffalo Bills. Advanced scheduled times from 9am to 2:30pm.

The Jury Experience: Deadly Boat Ride, Granada Theatre, Sun, Nov. 8 (4:30 or 7)
The next frontier in true crime radio: You as the jury. On a summer night, the son of a powerful politician took the wheel of the family’s speedboat with an ex-lover and old friends on board. Hours later, one was dead, one in a coma, and the son is facing murder charges. Was it an act of jealous rage? Or is there more to this tragedy than meets the eye? Throughout the show, analyze witness testimonies, examine the evidence, and try to uncover what really happened. Every word matters. Every detail counts. And at the end, cast the vote that determines the fate of the accused. 60 minutes. Dinner available pre- and post-show in Uptown Lobby, reservations encouraged; repeat engagement Sun, Dec.. 13.

Second Sundays, Sun, Nov. 8 (noon), Minnesota Genealogical Society (Mendota Heights)
Break down some of the walls you’ve found doing your family search. You can use the various resources, including the free Beginning Class offered twice a month to get you started, work with their knowledgeable volunteers to unravel the mystery of your past heritage. (Do call ahead, sometimes there aren’t sufficient volunteers.)

Monthly Music Industry Meetup, Hook & Ladder’s Zen Arcade, Tue, Nov. 10 (7pm)
Meet the second Tuesday of every month in a communal space to share in the joys and pains of functioning within the music industry. Collaborate with like minded industry folks! Monthly conversations on topics we can all relate to. For anyone who makes the music happen: artists, managers, agents, promoters, engineers, crew, venue staff, security, and family. Acoustic jam at the end. Led by mental health professional Mark Femling (LPCC).

Tipsy Tabletops, King Coil Spirits, Tue, Nov. 10 (6 – 8)
Game makers & lovers night: Play games with the people who make them! Games by James gift card prizes. $2 from every drink supports Everymeal.org. Every second Tuesday of the month.

YouClassical Happy Hour: Bell Museum w/ Havana Quartet, Tue, Nov. 10 (4pm)
YourClassical host Melanie Renate will set the mood with a curated soundtrack, followed by a special live performance by the Havana Quartet. Two complimentary screenings of A Dance of Seasons will run during the Happy Hour event. Attendees can select their screening upon arrival, first come, first served. Each screening will be introduced by Whitney and Elizabeth MacMillan Planetarium Manager Sally Brummel. This event will also include light hors d’oeuvres and a bar with beverages available to attendees for a price.

Buck Slam Monthly Poetry Slam, Indeed Brewing Company, Wed, Nov. 11 (5:30pm signup)
This open poetry slam occurs the second Wednesday of every month and features 12 poets who sign up that day and are present when the slam begins at 7pm and the slots are chosen at random. (This helps insure attendance whether or not people get to perform. It’s done in two rounds with a cut down to six and then the winners, as chosen by five random audience members who will rate them 1 to 10.

MN State High School Girl’s Volleyball Tournament, Grand Casino Arena, Wed – Sat, Nov. 11 – 13
The state’s best high school women athletes competing in exciting matches all weekend long.

CannaFest, The Lowlands (StP), Thur, Nov. 12 (6 – 9)
Designed for cannabis enthusiasts and the canna-curious alike, CannaFest offers an approachable, highly social way to experience Minnesota’s evolving cannabis marketplace. Guests can discover Minnesota brands and makers, purchase cannabis flower and other products, legally consume cannabis on-site, sample eligible THC products, learn what’s new in the industry, and enjoy interactive experiences throughout the evening. Comes with commemorative shot glass.

Make It, Take It: Ghoul on a Stool, Bumbling Fools Mead, Thurs, Nov. 12 (5 – 7pm)
You've heard of a certain elf-type creature who sits on a shelf; now make your own ghoul on a stool and celebrate a new tradition this year! You'll receive instruction on how to make your ghoul and all supplies are included.

2026 Autumn Fest, an Arts & Crafts Affair, Canterbury Downs (Shakopee), Thur – Sun, Nov. 12 – 15
A vibrant show featuring hundreds of talented artists and crafters from 30 states. Recognized as one of the Top 100 Shows in the country by Sunshine Artist Magazine, this event is the perfect place to explore unique, handcrafted home décor and exclusive gifts for every occasion. Hourly gift certificate drawings. Paid admission is good ALL weekend with a handstamp. Free Parking!

Skechers Hot Chocolate Run, Minneapolis Convention Center / Boom Island, Fri – Sat, Nov. 13 – 14 (8am)
There are 5K, 10K and 15K runs, and a post-race part on Boom Island with music, vendors, and a Chocoholic finisher's mug full of fondue, dippables, and hot chocolate. The expo is taking place at the Minneapolis Convention Center on Friday, the day before the race from 10 – 5pm. That’s where you can pick up your runner’s kit and gift bag.

Art Attack: Northrup King Studio Tour, Northrup King Building (Mpls), Fri – Sun, Nov. 13 – 15
Grab a bite from one of our guest food trucks as you wander through the building and watch live art demonstrations, immerse yourself in interactive art experiences, learn more about the creative process, and maybe even find something special to take home. Come meet the artists behind the work, explore their studios, discover something you’ve never seen before, and experience the incredible diversity of art created right here in our community.

Make It, Take It: Throw Pillows, Bead-making, Brooklyn Park, November 14 & 28
An unusual but alluring crafting opportunity. Create up to two decorative pillows with Ralph Lauren fabrics. This is not a sewing class, but rather a hands-on opportunity to freshen your skills, be creative, and take home the fruits of your labor for a small fee. The Nov. 28^th session features bead-making.

Merrily Ever After Book Con, Union Depot, Sat, Nov. 14 (10-5)
The week after Bookfest, enjoy a warm, welcoming space filled with Christmas cheer, bookish fun, and plenty of room to stroll, shop, explore, and spend the day surrounded by people who love books just as much as you do. Meet the people behind the stories, discover new-to-you authors, grab signed books, and connect with some of your favorite bookish personalities! Free admission.

MN Roller Derby’s 23^rd Season, Roy Wilkins Auditorium (StP), Sat, Nov. 14 (6pm)
Minnesota Roller Derby’s home team season is here, and we’re bringing you “The State of Derby,” Minnesota style. Think Snoopy and the Peanuts, the Minnesota State Fair, the Boundary Waters, and all the things that make the North Star State one of a kind. Two games, Bodies of Water vs. Wednesday Warnings and Maul Rats vs. Roller Vortex.

Richfield Boardgame Night with Games By James, Richfield Community Center, Sat., Nov 14 (4 – 9)
A fun-filled night of board games at the community center! Games by James and Air Traffic will be providing newly-released games and modern classics to play. Recreation staff will be on hand to help learn the rules, and help with any questions that may come up. This is a great way to connect with other community members looking for a fun night of board games! No registration required. Ages 10 and up; youth under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. Free.

Twin Cities Book Bus Tour, (Meet-up Address After Purchase), Sun & Sat. Nov. 15 & 28 (10:30/11-4:30)
You’ve driven past those indie bookstores a hundred times. You’ve said “one Saturday I’ll go.” And then Saturday comes, nobody’s free, and walking in alone feels like a whole thing. That’s why this bus exists. Women board alone, walk into bookstore after bookstore together, and get off with a stack of books and a group text. EVERY ride. It’s not luck. It’s the design. Come alone. Leave connected. Discount at the (3-4) shops visited, with mocktails for purchase and a lunch stop (on your own).

Storytelling Open Mic, Mon, Nov. 16 (7pm), American School of Storytelling
This is an ongoing monthly series of storytelling open mics takes place on the 3rd Monday of the month. Up to 10 Tellers, 10 minutes each. Any style. Sign-up is first come, first serve. Doors at 6:30pm.

Vinyl Crates & Vodka Shakes, King Coil Spirits, Wed, Nov. 18 (6 – 9)
A vinyl listening night at a distillery, with records spinning from deep cuts to dance classics and vodka cocktails in hand. Flip records, sip vodka cocktails, and stay awhile while the needle drops on everything from deep cuts to dance floor classics. Every Third Wednesday of the month.

Womxns Monthly Tournament, Litt, Thurs, Nov 19 (6:30pm)
Third thursday every month at litt, this competition welcomes all womxn, gnc, nonbinary, enby, trans players of all skill levels. Litt funds the IFPA entry fees for participants to keep the event free. Prizes from Nightingale, Modist and other cool stuff you’ll have to come play for a chance to win.

Catan Tournament, Thurs, Nov. 19 (6pm), Curious Crow (Circle Pines)
The king of European strategy board games, Catan challenges the player to balance their goals against the environs. The open atmosphere welcomes seasoned players and newcomers from 6pm – 9pm.

Lit & Libations, King Coil Spirits, Thurs, Nov. 19, (5:30-8:30)
Join us every third Thursday for Lit & Libations — a spirited evening celebrating local authors and literary lovers at King Coil Spirits. Sip on book-inspired cocktails, meet featured writers, and browse indie reads in a relaxed, mid-century-modern cocktail lounge setting. It's a monthly indie book fair!

13 ^th Annual FashionFestm The Depot / Renaissance Minneapolis Hotel, Fri, Nov. 20 (6pm-12)
A fashion show and auction benefiting the Masonic Institute for the Developing Brain, with curated shopping and runway looks. Now in its 13th year, FashionFest has raised more than $4 million for crucial, life-changing pediatric services, programming, and activities.

Baklava Cooking Class, Valley Natural Foods (Burnsville), Fri, Nov. 20
Baklava is a traditional pastry dessert that is known for its sweet, rich flavor and flaky texture. Cook alongside instructor Mimi who is passionate about cooking and loves to share her knowledge. Prepare flavorful but easy to learn Baklava to take home and bake yourself in this Baklava cooking class. Hands-on class with samples provided.

Twin Cities (Comic) Con 2026, Minneapolis Convention Center, Fri – Sun, November 20-22
Three full days celebrating comics, toys, video games, anime, manga, tv, movies, and more. Special features include cosplay contests, concerts, wrestling shows, burlesque performances and expanded programming and party rooms in the Hyatt Regency!

Restaurant Opening Celebration: The Legacy Pot, Avana Minnetonka, Sat, Nov. 21 (4-7pm)
Free celebration for the West African restaurant with foot tastings, mocktails, and community-building. Guests can enjoy food tastings featuring The Legacy Pot blends, refreshing mocktails, shop The Legacy Pot and other local businesses, and meet local creatives.

Freedom to Adorn, MIA, Pillsbury Auditorium, Sat, Nov. 21 (10-4:30)
Presented in conjunction with MIA’s newest art exhibit, “Paris Couture,” Freedom to Adorn is an intriguing daylong program curated by Womxn in Windows that explores fashion as a language of identity, authorship, and self-determination. Through film, conversation, and critical reflection, this event considers who gets to participate in fashion’s mythology, how clothing shapes the way we are seen, and how adornment can become a form of cultural and personal freedom. Join artists, filmmakers, designers, archivists, performers, and cultural thinkers to reexamine couture beyond luxury. Free, Registration required.

Crash Course: Building a Computer Breadboard, Pavek Museum (SLP), Sat, Nov. 21 (10-11:30)
Embark on an empowering journey of learning electronics repairs! Learn a new skill with Crash Course: Building A Breadboard, tailored to demystify this essential prototype tool. Designed to be accessible to everyone, Crash Course operates on a pay-what-you-can model. Join us in fostering a community of knowledge-sharing and skill-building. Seize the opportunity to overcome intimidation and make electronics repair an approachable adventure.

Journaling Club, Center for the Performing Arts, Sat, Nov. 21
They say: "Once a month we meet to write from prompts and make space for creativity and conversation. Prompts provided, just bring pen and paper. Each meeting has its own rhythm, sometimes funny, sometimes reflective, always meaningful. You’ll write, but sharing is always optional." They meet the third Saturday of every month.

46^th Annual Minnesota Hmong New Year, RiverCenter (StP), Sat – Sun, Nov. 28 – 29
This two-day celebration will showcase the many traditions and talents that make the Hmong community unique. Guests can experience an exciting variety of cultural programming, including Hmong singing and dance competitions, traditional and contemporary performances, cultural arts, community engagement activities, food, merchandise, informational displays, and opportunities to connect with local organizations and businesses.

Monthly IFPA Pinball Tournament, Litt’s, Sun, Nov. 29 (Signup begins 3:30)
The last Sunday of every month Litt hosts an official IFPA tourney with a $5 entry. This month is a four-round, four-player matchplay tournament with a 5/3/2/1 scoring, with the finals head to head. $4 Fair State pours.

Book Readings and Expert Talks

For the definitive Author Speaking list, check out Rain Taxi's Literary Calendar

Glenn R. Miller Presents Rough Cuts, Subtext Books, Wed, Nov. 4 (7pm)
It's 1926, and the world of film is about to change forever. On the cusp of "talkies," directors and actors fear their greatest days might soon be behind them. Patrick J. Shepard, a director at the end of his career, has just completed his masterpiece, his vehicle for eternal fame. But there's one problem: Ohio. Harold Dawdry, the young, second-string minister at a small church in a corner of Ohio, has been appointed to the State Film Censorship Board. He regards this appointment as his ticket to the power and relevance he desperately craves. And there is one director who has particularly rankled his delicate sensibilities: Patrick J. Shepard. The minister feels Ohio is best served if Shepard makes drastic cuts to his final film. The silent film era is about to get loud.

Kao Choua Vue’s The Spirit of Fearless Living, XIA Vooks & Cafe (StP), Thur, Nov. 5 (6pm)
Vue penned her mother’s memoir based on interviews with her mother about her experience in Laos and Thailand on her way to the U.S., her journey from childhood to motherhood. Said Pa Der Vang, editor of Staring Down the Tiger, “It is an important and deeply human story that invites all readers to better understand the experiences of Hmong women while reflecting on themes of survival, identity, family, and hope."

Roxy Taylor’s Claimed By the Orc King with Cassandra Metcalf, Tropes & Trifles, Thur, Nov. 5 (7pm)
Thena came to FantastiCon to survive the weekend with minimal human interaction and maximum sarcasm. She didn’t plan on catching the attention of a seven-foot orc painted in war green—or the way her pulse stutters when he looks at her like she’s already his.Viggo Klausson isn’t a cosplayer. He’s the High Chieftain of the Eastern Orcs, stranded in the human world while searching for the mate fate promised him. The moment he scents Thena, the bond snaps tight. Then a portal drags her into Korule—a fractured kingdom where women are rare, power is carved in blood, and claiming a mate can start a war.

Rain Taxi’s Bookfest Opening Night Reception, 1881 Eating House, Mezzanine, Union Depot (StP), Fri, Nov. 6 (5:30 – 7)
The happy hour reception will feature light fare and drinks from 1881’s proud partner, Lake Elmo Inn. Word to the wise: A brief toast you won’t want to miss will take place at 6:15 pm. Ticket holders may arrive at anytime.

Maruice Draine’s Race of Deception, Once Upon A Crime (Mpls), Sat, Nov. 7 (12-2:30)
Draine authors gripping thrillers that place Black characters at the center of high-stakes stories where power, technology, and human ambition collide. His latest follows a fearless journalist whose search for truth collides with the rise of AI, political corruption, and family secrets too dark to remain buried.

Frank F. Weber’s A Superior Affair, Once Upon a Crime, Sun, Nov. 8 (12-2)
Reeling from a bitter breakup, Beth Lockwood thinks she's found the perfect rebound in Lorenzo Turrisi Caruso—a handsome, chivalrous stranger. Instead, their whirlwind romance ends in a nightmare when Lorenzo is found murdered on her bedroom floor. As Beth digs deeper, she discovers their "chance" meeting was anything but a coincidence. Investigator Jon Frederick uncovers a chilling connection between Lorenzo’s murder and his wife Serena’s suspicious accident. Kirkus Review: “The novel is funny and compelling…the revelation of the perpetrator of the murder comes as a true surprise."

Jess Lourey, Kristi Belcamino, & Erica Ruth Neubauer, Once Upon a Crime, Sun, Nov. 8 (3-5)
All of these authors have more than one series, so there's sure to be something for everyone! Lourey’s written The Crying Killer, The Blackthorn Women and The Verdant Cage: A Dystopian Young Adult Thriller. Belcamino’s written thrillers in the Stella Larosa and Eva Santella series. Neubauer writes Lorraine Highsmith and Jane Wunderly mysteries.

Steven E. Jones’s Everything is Everything: Tom Wilson and Pop Music in 1966 with Jamie Schwesnedl, Moon Palace Books (Mpls), Tue, Nov. 10 (6pm)
It would be hard to find a figure more solidly located at the junction of the currents traversing America in 1966: a Black man working in almost exclusively white studio settings, Wilson played a vital role in an astonishing array of landmark records: after producing Bob Dylan and Simon & Garfunkel in the previous year, in 1966 alone Wilson produced albums from Frank Zappa & the Mothers of Invention, The Velvet Underground, Hugh Masekela, The Animals, and more. Any one of these would be a standout on most producers' resumes. Taken together, they testify to an influential career, and invite a new appraisal of a pivotal moment in American pop culture. Schwesnedl owns Moon Palace Books with his wife.

Max Brallier, The Last Kids On Earth And The The Zombie Parade: The Graphic Novel, Red Balloon Bookshop (StP), Tue, Nov. 10 (6pm)
The zombies are disappearing. This might seem like a good thing, since zombies eat your brains and all, but normal human kid Jack Sullivan is suspicious. He keeps hearing an eerie shrieking noise that seems to be almost summoning the zombies-but to where, and for what (probably) foul purpose? Brallier is a #1 New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal bestselling author. His books and series include The Last Kids on Earth, Eerie Elementary, Mister Shivers, Galactic Hot Dogs, and Can YOU Survive the Zombie Apocalypse? He is a writer and producer for Netflix's Emmy Award-winning adaptation of The Last Kids on Earth.

Sonja Swift’s Red Sky in the Morning: Of Water, Whales, and Warnings with Shanai Matteson, Milkweed Books, Wed, Nov. 11 (6pm)
Dive into a mesmerizing exploration of the ocean’s depths and the intricate web of life it sustains. Red Sky in the Morning is more than just a book; it’s a journey into the heart of our planet’s most vital ecosystem. With lyrical prose and keen insight, the author blends personal stories, scientific research, and Indigenous wisdom to illuminate the profound connections between water, weather, whales, and humanity. Swift is a writer and poet of hybrid forms. Her first book, Echo Loba, Loba Echo: Of Wisdom, Wolves and Women (Rocky Mountain Books, 2023) was shortlisted for the Banff Mountain Books & Film environmental literature award. She is also the author of Alphabet Atlas, a chapbook of prose poems from Deconstructed Artichoke Press and Tarot of Transformation, a series of short stories from True Story. Matteson is a visual artist, writer, and cultural organizer

Talking Volumes: Colson Whitehead, The O’Shaughnessy @ St. Catherine (StP), Wed, Nov. 11 (7pm)
Two-time Pulitzer Prize winner and #1 New York Times bestselling author Colson Whitehead. joins MPR News journalist Catharine Richert to discuss Cool Machine, the conclusion to his acclaimed Harlem Trilogy. Spanning 1981 to 1986, the novel paints a transforming New York City gripped by Reagan-era capitalism. Follow beloved furniture dealer and master fence Ray Carney and his fierce partner, Pepper, as they navigate one last high-stakes heist, the violent underbelly of the East Village, and a dangerous rescue mission.

Kathleen Kilcup presents Between the Light and Me with Kelly Foster Lundquist, Magers & Quinn, Thur, Nov. 12 (7pm)
Just one month before September 11, Kathleen Kilcup enlisted in the US Army with all the fervent idealism of an untested teenager. Between the Light and Me is her unflinching account of encountering violence―both in the military and beyond―and a desperate, sometimes ill-conceived, search for God that sustained her through addiction and trauma on the long road to true freedom. Kilcup is the author of poetry chapbook, Rough Hymns, and Between the Light and Me: A Memoir of Beauty and Violence. Kelly Foster Lundquist is the author of Beard: A Memoir of a Marriage, winner of the 2026 Minnesota Book Award in Memoir and Creative Nonfiction. Her work can be found in People Magazine, the Times of London, the Huffington Post, and Writer’s Digest, among other places.

Leila Renee’s Soft Spots with Dr. Chelda Smith Kondo, ASC James B. Woulfe Alumni Hall (St. Thomas), Thur, Nov. 12 (7pm)
Soft Spots is a darkly comedic coming-of-age novel that follows a recent college graduate after she flees her abusive family, only to land a seedy job and become obsessed with her new roommate. It explores themes of family, estrangement, friendship, and reconciliation In conversation with St. Thomas Associate Professor of Education, Dr. Chelda Smith Kondo.

Carson Faust’s If The Dead Belong Here with Sequoia Nagamatsu, Milkweed Books, Fri, Nov. 13 (6pm)
When six-year-old Laurel Taylor vanishes without a trace, her family is left shattered, struggling to navigate the darkness of grief and unanswered questions. Carson Faust captivates in this chilling literary debut that confronts the specter of colonization and the generational scars it leaves on Native American families. Steeped in Indigenous folklore and drawing from the author’s own family history, it asks what it means to be haunted—both by the supernatural and by terrors of our own making. Sequoia Nagamatsu is the author of the novel, How High We Go in the Dark, a national bestseller and New York Times Editors’ Choice, as well as the story collection, Where We Go When All We Were Is Gone.

Christy Leppanen’s Agents of the Current Thinking, Subtext Books, Fri, Nov. 13 (7pm)
A first-hand account of wrongdoing at the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, our federal agency tasked with protecting our public health. In 2009, the Tobacco Control Act extended its purview to tobacco products. Then in 2019, scientists at its Center for Tobacco Products were directed to "eyeball" data, and leadership retaliated when they objected. In 2022, the U.S. Office of Special Counsel disclosed that wrongdoing and the agency was supposed to, but didn’t self-correct. Instead, it continued unscientific, uninformed, and misleading arguments in its role to regulate tobacco products. This is the story of a regulatory agency misaligned with its mission, mandates, and messaging, where superficial oversight has created a U.S. tobacco market that is effectively unregulated.

Steven Kuehn’s Trapped By Time, Once Upon A Crime (Mpls), Sat, Nov. 14 (12-2)
Kuehn is the author of the Jake Cain Archaeology Mysteries. In his latest book, Trapped In Time, Professor Jacob Caine is running an archaeological field school at the Wildcat site. While mapping the weir, the students discover a Native American skull fragment that eroded out of the riverbank from an unknown site upstream. Before they can search for the new site, another skull is found in the weir-a modern skull, from a young female, with a bullet hole The local sheriff fails to appreciate the 'Jane Doe' skull as evidence of a cold-case crime, so Jake and Pam Hauser plan to investigate the origins of both skulls. With time running short, can Jake and Pam find the missing site, identify Jane Doe, and bring a killer to justice?

Sarah Deschamps’ I Coudn’t Tell You with Mindy Greiling, Big Hill Books, Sat. Nov. 14 (1pm) FREE
Local author Sarah Deschamps discusses her latest memoir, I Couldn’t Tell You. Descahamps’ book is an honest, fast-paced and deeply moving story about the hidden toll of chronic illness and the strength required to keep going when hope feels out of reach. Greiling, a significant statewide and national figure in the mental health arena, is the author of Fix What You Can.

MYRA Awards Celebration of John Schu, Wild Rumpus, Sat, Nov. 14 (2pm) FREE
Celebrating the Lovelace Division 2 winner, John Schu. Author of Louder Than Hunger, with a book signing, one-on-one converstations, refreshments, activities and prices.

Aurore Sibley presents Some Things Don’t Burn, Subtext Books, Sat, Nov. 14 (7pm)
Sibley tells the full story of this influential Milwaukee underground paper Bugle American: its founding ideals, its creative energy, its brushes with fame, and its lasting impact. With access to rare materials and family insights—her parents met at the Bugle American, and her father served as one of its editors—Sibley layers investigative research with personal narrative, exploring how revisiting the past helped her reconcile with her father’s complicated life and death.

Stephan Pastis’ Pearls Jubilee, Magers & Quinn, Sun, Nov. 15 (6pm)
Arriving on the 25th anniversary of one of America's most popular comic strips, Pearls Jubilee is a celebration of all things Pearls Before Swine. From creator Stephan Pastis's hand-picked top-10 lists to crossover comics by other cartoonists, essays, fan mail, hate mail, photos, and sketches, this book will delight longtime readers while welcoming a new generation of fans.Pastis is the creator of the syndicated comic strip Pearls Before Swine, which appears in over 900 newspapers. There have been more than 40 Pearls book collections published by Andrews McMeel Publishing. In 2003, 2006, and 2014, the National Cartoonists Society named Pearls the Best Newspaper Comic Strip, and in 2019, Stephan won the Society's highest honor, the Reuben for Cartoonist of the Year. Free, but registration required.

Nikki Ervice’s Roadshow with Claire Lombardo, Moon Palace Books, Tue, Nov. 17 (7pm)
Annie is burning out. She performs at Club X as Dog-Faced Girl, a burlesque act in which she hides her face behind a dog mask. It’s the only way she can dance—her greatest love—while making enough money for rent. But when she receives an unexpected letter from her estranged mother, Vera, postmarked from the remote island in rural Alaska where Annie grew up, her world stops. Roadshow explores the power of passion, inheritance, legacy, and class, and the grueling, smiling work of the stage and the hospitality industry. Ervice is the winner of the VQR Emily Clark Balch Prize for fiction. Lombardo is the New York Times bestselling author of The Most Fun We Ever Had and Same As It Ever Was.

Tamara Skidmore’s Summer & Other Stories with Mary Hannah Terzino, Magers & Quinn, Tue, Nov. 17 (7pm)
Summer & Other Stories follows protagonist Ruby through a series of vignettes that map her teen escape from the Midwest to early eighties San Francisco, and then, coincidentally back to Michigan in mid-life—a tour that spans the AIDS crisis at its peak on the west coast to the malaise of motherhood and a post-Vietnam brand of emotional abandonment. It is a dark portrait of the nature of dreams, discontent, and the benumbing effects of war. This is her first published collection. Terzino is a Midwestern fiction and non-fiction writer whose work has been published in The Forge Literary Magazine, Pithead Chapel, MacQueen’s Quarterly, Hypertext Review, and elsewhere.

Gloria Muñoz’s They Called Us Wicked, McNeely Hall Rm 100 (St. Thomas), Wed, Nov. 18 (1:30pm)
The book follows four budding bruja BFFs face off against an anti-magic regime. Equal parts coming-of-age friendship story and supernatural dystopia, this dazzling novel finds resistance to oppression in the extraordinary and the ordinary, from magic and spellcraft to friendship, heritage, and love.

Mary Lou Logsdon’s Passage: Relections on Life’s Pace and Patterns, Subtext Books, Wed, Nov. 18 (7pm)
Short, soulful reflections on the passage of time—how we spend time, how we remember time, and with whom we share time. It fills a need for simple reflections that ground us when so much of life has been upended by a pandemic, climate chaos, and political polarization. These essays speak to people in grief, people in recovery, and people in life transitions, such as retirement, widowhood, career change, or health crisis. They encourage readers to pursue mindfulness, presence, and reflection as an antidote to the anxiety amplified by the ever present demands on our time, attention, and energy. They speak to the universality of the human spirit.

Looking Back, Designing Forward: Karl Lagerfeld & Fashion History, MIA, Pillsbury Auditorium, Thur, Nov. 19 (6:30pm)
Christophe Koné, a professor of German at Williams College, will put some of Karl Lagerfeld’s designs for Chloé & Chanel in context with works from the exhibition, showcasing the designer’s great knowledge of fashion history and how he looked at past designers to create modern fashion. Koné is the author of Uncanny Creatures: Doll Thinking in Modern German Culture, published by the University of Michigan Press (July 2024). He’s currently writing a book on Lagerfeld. Free, Registration required.

Jennifer Chang’s An Authentic Life (Edelstein-Keller Visiting Writer), Pillsbury 412 (U of MN), Thur, Nov. 19 (7pm)
Poet and scholar Jennifer Chang is the author most recently of the collection An Authentic Life (Copper Canyon Press, 2024), which won the Kingsley Tufts Award and was a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize in Poetry, the National Book Critics Circle Award, and the Library of Virginia Award. Her debut, The History of Anonymity (2008), was an inaugural selection for the Virginia Quarterly Review Poetry Series and a finalist for the Shenandoah/Glasgow Prize for Emerging Writers. Her second book, Some Say The Lark (Alice James Books, 2017), was longlisted for the 2018 PEN Open Book Award and won the 2018 William Carlos Williams Award. Free & open to the public.

Alysandra Dutton’s The Stolen Women, University Club of St. Paul, Thur, Nov. 19 (8pm)
Safinia is fine to focus on her training as a warrior, providing for her sisters, and minding her own business. She feels no great need to meddle in anyone else's, until women in her town, including her former lover, begin disappearing. Dissatisfied with the half-hearted attempts to hand wave away the alarming and mysterious cases of the vanishing women, Safinia takes matters into her own hands, embarking on a journey to a neighboring village in search of answers or at the very least clues that might unearth threads she can begin to pull at. Despite his eerie sense of knowledge, Safinia is unable to uncover to missing women, thwarted more often than not by the girls' fathers themselves. As war with Rome looms on the horizon, Safinia must face the reality that the only one she can trust to bring them home is herself.

Carter Wilson’s When They Find Me with Joshua Moehling, Once Upon A Crime, Fri, Nov. 20 (6pm)
On the heels of his nationally-bestselling, breakout thriller TELL ME WHAT YOU DID, Wilson returns with WHEN THEY FIND ME, a bone-chilling thriller perfect for readers of Tracy Sierra, Heather Gudenkauf, and Taylor Adams. It delivers an edge-of-your-seat story of suspense set in the isolation of a small Colorado town, where a woman on the run from her past finds trouble on her doorstep. Hailed as "electrifying" by Alex Finlay and "heart-pounding" by Tess Gerritsen.

Cornelius Eady: Conversation & Reading with 2026 McKnight Judge in Poetry & Spoken Word, The Loft @ Open Book, Fri, Nov. 20 (7pm)
Acclaimed writer, poet, and Cave Canum co-founder, Cornelius Eady's celebrated work confronts history, celebrates resilience, and captures the rhythms of everyday life. Following the reading, Eady will sit down for an on-stage conversation with the Loft’s Senior Director of Craft, G.E. Patterson. Together, they will dive into the power of voice, the craft of truth-telling, and what it takes to build life-sustaining communities.

Arnold and Augusta Newman Lecture with artist An-My Lê, MIA, Pillsbury Auditorium, Sun, Nov. 22 (2-3pm)
Distinguished artist and educator An-My Lê explores the effects of war on culture and the environment. She’s received numerous honors, including a MacArthur Foundation Fellowship and a Guggenheim Fellowship, and has been a member of the American Academy of Arts and Letters since 2024. In this year’s Newman Lecture at Mia, Lê will discuss the arc of her career as well as her most recent projects. She’ll also explore how her own journey as an immigrant to the United States following the American War in Vietnam shaped and informed her artistic practice. Free, Registration required.

Joey Clift’s We’ve Been Here the Whole Time With Sean Sherman, Magers & Quinn, Mon, Nov. 23 (7pm)
Put away the construction paper: this contraband book contains everything your high school refused to teach you about Native American history, people, and culture--illustrated in an irreverent textbook-meets-notebook style by Diné artist Julie Fiveash. Comedian Joey Clift (Cowlitz tribe) walks you through a wide range of misconceptions, weird questions, and even weirder assumptions, covering everything from Pocahontas and sports mascots to ancestry claims and the Land Back movement. Sherman is a member of the Oglala Lakota Tribe and his work focuses on the revitalization and evolution of Indigenous food systems throughout North America. Free, but registration required.

Gregroy Ripley’s An Introduction to Daoism with Heidi Barr, Magers & Quinn, Tue, Nov. 24 (7pm)
Ordained Daoist priest Gregory Ripley reveals a lesser-known treasure of spiritual practice: mindfulness verses drawn from centuries-old Daoist texts. Ripley provides historical context and commentary that reveals how uniquely fresh and relevant the Daoist view is in our contemporary world. Drawing from two traditional texts, The Precepts of Initial Perfection and The 58 Prayers of Great Clarity, Ripley offers a complete framework for cultivating presence, compassion, and harmony with the natural world. He presents a full day's spiritual routine--from waking to sleeping--integrating meditation, altar setup and use, and embodied practices (sitting, lying down, walking, and standing), appealing to those seeking a holistic and grounded approach to Daoism beyond just philosophy. Author of several books of creative nonfiction and poetry, Barr writes at the intersection of wellness, spirituality, and nature connection. Free, but registration required.

Paul Legler’s The Last Dakota Cowboy, Subtext Books, Sat, Nov. 28 (7pm)
In a small North Dakota town, Sheriff Ray Adams faces the dangers of a changing world where bigotry and violence are fueled by social media. As he confronts these challenges, he reflects upon his own life, the life of his ex-wife—a former Miss Rodeo North Dakota—and the prejudices faced by their daughter growing up in a small town on the prairie. The peace is about to be shattered, and there will be blood. a former lawyer turned writer. Legler grew up on a small farm in North Dakota and was educated at the University of North Dakota, University of Minnesota, and Harvard University. He worked as a poverty and civil rights attorney and served as a presidential appointee and public policy advisor in Washington D.C.

Weekly Activities

Pool Tournament, Tuesdays 7pm, Midway Saloon
All matches are best-of-three. $10 entry, winner takes all, second place gets a t-shirt (instead of steak knives). Must register online (link) beforehand.

Jeopardy League, Tuesdays, Punch Bowl Social
A phone-enabled two-hour Jeopardy game. Compete singly or in teams of up to six with real prizes.

Pinball League, Tuesdays (7pm), Litt
Seven-weak league, with five games/week between 3-4 players. Each player gets at least one game choice per night. $20 entry & weekly coin drop. 100% to payouts. $4 Fulton pours. Random drawing prices from First Avenue & Wrecktangle. Winter season begins November 10.

Open Chess, Tuesdays, Mad Jacks Sports Cafe (Brooklyn Park)
All levels welcome free chess competition in Brooklyn Park. Mean fellow afficionados, gather tips, enjoy the fellowship of casual/competitive play.

D & D One-Shot Wednesdays, The Forge (Chaska)
Play at a beginner-friendly table with an experienced Dungeon Master and receive a free appetizer and a boba tea, as well as a premade character sheet and a 7-dice set, for an adventure designed to finish before the night’s out.

MtG Thrifty Sixty Curated Deck Tournament, Wednesdays, Curious Crow (Circle Pines)
It’s a twenty-person tournament featuring “pauper” decks culled from the 10-cent bin of MtG cards. Each deck has a theme. Every participant will be assigned a deck based on a D20 roll. As this is a weekly event, the decks will be tracked and potentially retired if OP. Entry fees paid 100% to the top players.

Digital (National) Darts League, Wednesdays (7pm), Fowling Warehouse (Mpls)
They have two electronic dart boards connected to a nationwide network of dart boards allowing players to compete against other players and teams across the country. There are cash prizes and the games are handicapped to allow people of different skill levels to compete. Leagues are about three months long, and the latest league start was Sept. 23. Doubles league games are about 60-90 minutes.

Foosball Tournament, Wednesdays (7:30pm), Mortimers
One of the premier Foosball spots around, and an all-around cool local institution, Mort's hosts a weekly foosball tournament on Wednesdays. They also host an 8-week league season.

Sommelier's Table Wine Tasting, Every Wednesday (4pm – 6pm), Prelude at the Westin Edina Galleria
“Settle into Prelude for complimentary tastings of 2–3 featured wines, thoughtfully selected and available by the glass throughout the evening. A guided exploration for both the curious and the seasoned palate."

History Center Free Thursday Nights (4pm – 8pm)
During Thursday visits, you can experience a variety of world-class exhibits, including Our Home: Native Minnesota, Reframing Our Stories, Minnesota’s Greatest Generation, Weather Permitting, and Then Now Wow.

Walker Art Center Free Thursday Nights (5pm – 9pm)
There’s special programming each week, besides the open galleries.

In-Gallery Conversation, Thur – Sun (1pm – 2pm), Minneapolis Institute of Art (MIA)
Pick up a tour map in the lobby for a self-directed gallery quest with guide-facilitated stops throughout the museum. Meet the MIA Guide at the Information Bar in the lobby. October’s subject is Fashion and Identity in Art: Explore fashion trends throughout the ages as seen in MIA’s galleries.

MIA Inspired By Books Tour, Last Three Tues & Thurs (11:30am & 1:30pm Tu/6pm Th)
This months book facilitated guide is focused on Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein. Inspired by Books tours, facilitated by Mia guides, relate works of art to popular books. A new book is presented each month. Tours are free and begin in the General Mills Lobby of the Minnesota Institute of Art, on the first floor at the Information Bar. Tours take place the last three Tuesdays of each month at 11:30 am and 1:30 pm and the last three Thursdays of each month at 11:30 am and 6 pm.

MtG League Night, Every Other Friday, Curious Crow (Circle Pines)
You arrive and play commander. Let them know, before the match starts, which match you will count for the week. (You only get 1 to count for the week). If you win the match, you get 2 points. Everyone who took part in the match gets to vote on which person/person's deck was the most fun to play against. Each person gets one vote and can't vote for themselves. Every time a person's name is written down (for being the most fun), they get 1 point. There will be a $10 entry fee, and all entry fees will be put into the pool to be paid out at the end of the season. The top 4 point-holders at the end of the season will be invited to a play-off, where places 1, 2, and 3 will get a mixture of gift cards and product. The season started in January and takes place every other Friday at 6pm until the end of December.

Yoga & Beer, Sundays, Utepils Brewery
If you’re rolling your eyes at the idea of drinking after a 10am yoga class, you are not alone. But there are so many types in the world, that I am beyond presuming anymore. For a little over $15, you get a 5-minute class and a pint. All levels, gentle flow, slow morning and smooth moves.

Bottomless Drag Brunch, Sundays, Roxy’s Cabaret
The $15 brunch kicks off with a variety of dishes from fluffy pancakes drizzled with maple syrup to savory brunch classics, there’s something for everyone. Don’t forget the bottomless mimosas while entertained by the talents of All American Goddess 2024 Nina DiAngelo, the fabulous Monica West, and the iconic Winner of RuPaul's Drag Race, Bebe Zahara Benet.

Sarah Does Puzzles, (gen) Sun – Thur, Variable Locale
Sarah is a particularly intrepid dissectologist on a mission. (Yes, Virginia, there is a English word for people who like to solve jigsaw puzzles. Take that Germans!) She wants to turn cooperative puzzling into a competitive sport. Or just help people pass the time doing something mentally stimulating. That doesn’t stop you from drinking to keep things balanced. She’s a roving dissectologist, so you might want to wait until she’s in your neighborhood.

FLUID Table Tennis (Community Ping Pong League), Mon, Wed, Thur, Various|The league is for all levels and everyone can join with no greater goal than improvement. (Or not!) The money goes directly back into the organization to build up the community. Mondays are $10 at Minneapolis Cider Company, Wednesdays are $12 at the Table Tennis MN Training Center, and Thursdays are $8 at Fowling Warhouse.

Live Athletics

Minnesota Vikings Home Games (Men's Pro Football)
vs. Buffalo Bills, Mon, Nov. 9 ESPN
vs. San Francisco 49ers, Sun, Nov. 22 NBC
vs. Atlanta Falcons, Sun, Nov. 29 FOX
vs. Carolina Panthers, Sun, Dec. 6 CBS
vs. Detroit Loins, Sun, Dec. 20 NBC
vs. Washington Commanders TBD

Minnesota Timberwolves Homes Games (Men's Pro Basketball)
vs. Milwaukee Bucks, Mon, Nov. 2 (7pm)
vs. Utah Jazz, Sun, Nov. 8 (6pm)
vs. Dallas Mavericks, Thur, Nov. 12 (7pm) KARE
vs. Chicago Bulls, Sat, Nov. 14 (7pm)
vs. Portland Trailblazers, Mon, Nov. 16 (7pm)
vs. Portland Trailblazers, Tue, Nov. 17 (7pm)
vs. New York Knicks, Thur, Nov. 19 (7pm) NBATV
vs. Memphis Grizzlies, Sat, Nov. 21 (7pm)
vs. Brooklyn Nets, Mon, Nov. 23 (6:30pm) PEACOCK / NBC
vs. Memphis Grizzlies (CUP), Fri, Nov. 27 (7:30pm)
vs. Los Angeles Lakers, Wed, Dec. 16 (8:30pm) ESPN
(KG Draft Figurine giveaway, first 16K)
vs. Los Angeles Lakers, Fri, Dec. 18 (7pm) KARE
vs. Phoenix Suns, Mon, Dec. 21 (7pm) KARE
vs. Oklahoma Thunder, Thurs, Dec. 25 (7pm) ABC/ESPN
vs. Denver Nuggets, Thur, Dec. 31 (3pm) KARE / PRIME

Minnesota Wild Home Games (Men's National Hockey League)
vs. San Jose Sharks, Fri, Nov. 6 (7pm) KSTP
vs. Tampa Bay Lightning, Sat, Nov. 7 (7pm)
vs. Nashville Predators, Tue, Nov. 17 (7pm) KSTC
vs. Utah Mammoth, Wed, Nov. 25 (7pm)
vs. Colorado Avalanche, Fri, Nov. 27 (7pm)
vs. Philadelphia Flyers, Sat. Dec. 5 (7pm)
vs. Edmonton Oilers, Tue, Dec. 8 (7pm) KSTC
vs. Winnipeg Jets, Sat, Dec. 12 (2:30pm)
vs. Toronto Maple Leafs, Tue, Dec. 15 (7pm)
vs. Anaheim Ducks, Fri, Dec. 18 (7pm) KSTP / PRIME
vs. Montreal Canadians, Sat, Dec. 19 (6pm)
vs. Los Angeles Kings, Tue, Dec. 22 (7pm) ESPN / HULU
vs. Winnipeg Jets, Sat, Dec. 26 (6pm)

Minnesota United FC (Men's Major League Soccer) Games on APPLE TV
vs. San Jose, Sat, Nov. 7 (6pm) Fan Appreciation Night

Minnesota Frost Home Games (Pro Women's Hockey League)
vs. Seattle Torrent, Sun, Dec. 13 SPORTSNET (SN)
vs. Vancouver Goldeneyes, Thur, Dec. 17 (7pm) SN
vs. Montreal Victoire, Sun, Dec. 20 (2pm) TSN
vs. WPHL Hamilton, Thur, Dec. 31 (8pm) SN

Collegiate

Minnesota Gophers Home Football (Huntington Bank Stadium)
vs. UCLA Bruins, Sat, Nov. 7 (TBD)
vs. Northwestern Bears, Sat. Nov. 21 (TBD)

Minnesota Gophers Home Men's Hockey (3M Arena at Mariucci)
vs. Wisconsin Badgers, Thur, Nov. 5 (7pm)
vs. Wisconsin Badgers, Sat, Nov. 7 (TBD) FOX9
vs. Alaska Anchorage Seawolves, Fri, Nov. 13 (7pm) FOX9
vs. Alaska Anchorage Seawolves, Sat, Nov. 14 (6pm) FOX9
vs. Minnesota State Mavericks, Fri, Nov. 27 (4pm) FOX9
vs. Bemidji State Beavers, Sat. Jan. 2 (2pm) FOX9

Minnesota Gophers Home Men's Basketball (The Barn by BC&BS)
vs. North Dakota Fighting Hawks, Mon, Nov. 2 (8pm)
vs. St. Thomas Tommies, Fri, Nov. 6 (7pm) PEACOCK
vs. Southern Jaguars, Thur, Nov. 12 (7pm)
vs. Western Illinois Fighting Leathernecks, Mon, Nov. 16 (7pm)
vs. Illinois Fighting Illini, Tue, Dec. 11 (6pm) PEACOCK
vs. Texas Southern Tigers, Wed, Dec. 16 (7:30pm)
vs. Alcorn State Braves, Sun, Dec. 20 (1pm)
vs. University of Texas-San Antonio Roadrunners, Tue, Dec. 29 (7pm)

Minnesota Gophers Home Women's Basketball (The Barn by BC&BS)
vs. Harvard Crimson, Mon, Nov. 2 (5pm)
vs. Southern Lady Jaguars, Tue, Nov. 10 (7pm)
vs. Kansas Jayhawks, Wed, Nov. 18 (7pm) PEACOCK
vs. Central Michigan Chippewas, Sun, Nov. 22 (2pm)
vs. St. Thomas Tommies, Wed, Dec. 2 (7pm)
vs. Northern Iowa Panthers, Wed, Dec. 9 (7pm)
vs. UMKC Roos, Sat, Dec. 12 (2pm)
vs. Mercyhurst Lakers, Tue, Dec. 15 (7pm)
vs. Grambling State Lady Tigers, Sun, Dec. 20 (10am)
vs. Maryland Terrapins, Wed, Dec. 30 (3pm)

Minnesota Gophers Home Women's Hockey (Ridder Arena)
vs. St. Cloud State Huskies, Fri, Nov. 13 (6pm)
vs. Wisconsin Badgers, Fri, Dec. 4 (6pm)
vs. Wisconsin Badgers, Sat, Dec. 5 (7pm)
vs. Minnesota State Mavericks, Fri, Dec. 11 (noon)

Minnesota Gophers Women's Volleyball (Maturi Pavilion)
vs. #16 Penn State, Fri, Nov. 6 (6pm)
vs. #18 Indiana Hoosiers, Wed, Nov. 11 (7pm)
vs. Michigan State Spartans, Sat, Nov. 14 (7pm)
vs. High Point Purple Panthers, Sat, Nov. 28 (1pm)
NCAA Tournament, Fri, Dec. 4 ESPN+

Minnesota Gophers Women’s Soccer

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