Arts & Performance

Squire House Gardens is pleased to present a group exhibition of six local Minnesota artists whose work is inspired by graceful interpretation of the living world. This year’s annual spring show, entitled “Life Here,” will run from March 11 to March 26, 2017. Portraits, scenes and pieces in watercolor or oil ranging in size from small to large will be available for purchase at affordable prices. Read more about 'Life Here' Spring Art Show at Squire House Gardens

This smash off-Broadway hit takes you to the 1958 Springfield High School prom where we meet Betty Jean, Cindy Lou, Missy, and Suzy, four girls with hopes and dreams as big as their crinoline skirts! As we learn about their lives and loves, the girls serenade us with classic '50s hits including "Lollipop," "Dream Lover," "Stupid Cupid," and "Lipstick on Your Collar." In act two the Wonderettes reunite to take the stage and perform at their ten-year reunion. Read more about The Marvelous Wonderettes

December 1–2 Friends of the Minnesota Orchestra transform the atrium, lobby and mezzanine of Orchestra Hall into a hub of eight to nine activity stations where kids and parents can partake in arts and crafts and learn about this year’s production of Peter and the Wolf, given life and humor on stage by prop-assisted actors, while also trying out the instruments they’ll soon be hearing—no extra charge. All ages. $12. Start times vary; check online for details. Read more about Peter and the Wolf

November 12 and 19 For its two remaining Saturdays in November, this series features several up-and-coming artists from Minnesota and New York who show off their stuff at Pillsbury House Theatre in South Minneapolis. Now in its 19th year, the series features different artists and performers each night. This year, the event will include a tribute to former participant and spoken word artists Kirk Washington, who died in a car accident last year. Arrive early at 8 p.m. and share a meal with the artists before the show at no extra cost. Ages 16 and up. 8 p.m.–midnight. $15. Read more about Pillsbury House Theatre’s Late Nite Series

If you're an animal-lover, and enjoy competition as well, the Wisconsin Working Stock Dog Association's 31st Annual Labor Day Trials are something you'll want to see. Witness some of the best shepherds and sheepdogs in the country compete for the title of "Top Dog" in one of the most beautiful settings anywhere in Minnesota or Wisconsin. You will be amazed at what these dogs can do, how they work using their own talents and in partnership with their handlers to gather sheep and move them with care and precision over hills, around gates and obstacles and into pens. They don't make noise. Read more about Hudson Working Sheepdog Competition

Explore the gardens and exhibitions of the Bakken Museum. Read more about An Evening at The Bakken: Touch the Earth

It's the 6th annual Caramelpalooza festival! Event features free dessert sauce tastings, homemade caramel apples, caramel corn with bacon, 15 kinds of caramel confections, live music all day, appearance by CaramElvis, petting zoo, entertainment for kids, "Creepy Corners" where you can take selfies with costumed characters, hot chocolate and hot food on site. Presented by St. Croix Chocolate Company. Free to attend and park.  Read more about Caramelpalooza: A celebration of all things caramel!

Come join us for an evening under the stars at Pioneer Park in Stillwater on Friday, August 21st at 7:00 p.m.
Bring a chair and a picnic and enjoy a free event performed by the dancers of St. Croix Ballet Read more about St. Croix Ballet's Annual Summer Gala in the Park

This 2012 Fringe Festival favorite has been seen in venues around the Twin Cities, and is now on its way across the border to Hudson!  Pop Up Musical is a fresh, fun new musical revue that audiences call a "fast-paced and hilarious" evening with "lots of laughter and great music." It features four vocalists who'll take you on a high-energy tour of some of Broadwa Read more about Pop Up Musical

August 8–9 More than 140 local
artists converge on Loring Park, a beautiful green space in west
Minneapolis, for this annual juried festival. Check out paintings,
photography, printmaking and handmade paper, woodwork, jewelry,
sculptures, fiber art, mixed media, glass art and more. In addition to
browsing artwork, stop by one of the food and beverage vendor spots for a
cool-down treat. Bring the fam: Strolling musicians and children’s
Read more about Loring Park Art Festival