Puppet Story Time
Saturday, April 5
10:30 AM – 12:30 PM
The Avalon Theater
1500 E Lake Street
Free
Kids and families: head to the Avalon the first Saturday of every month to sing, dance and play… in other words, to catch another mesmerizing puppetry storytelling session with In Heart of the Beast’s own puppet librarian, Chelly! No registration required!
Close to Home
April 10 – 27
Pillsbury House + Theatre
3501 Chicago Avenue S
$5 – $30
This play by Director Sharifa Yazmeen traces three southerners: Zara, a sharp-witted and determined Trans teen, Colt, a rugged yet compassionate construction worker, and Kaysar, a devoted and steadfast Muslim immigrant, each on their own journey as they discover transformative connections in this vibrant and deeply human comedic drama about belonging and second chances.
For showtimes and tickets, go to pillsburyhouseandtheatre.org/close-to-home.
HerStory Book Fair
Saturday, April 12
Noon – 3 PM
Midtown Global Market
920 E Lake Street
Free
This month the Midtown Global Market will hold its first HerStory Book Fair, celebrating the literary contributions of Minnesota women authors from all backgrounds. Expect storytelling, book signings, and interactive sessions, and of course, authors showcasing and selling their work! Don’t miss this chance to discover your next favorite author at Midtown Global Market.
Building Community by Studying the Past: A Conversation with the Historian of Pioneers & Soldiers Cemetery
Saturday, April 12
2 -3 PM
Hennepin History Museum
2303 3rd Avenue S
Pay What You Can (Reservation Req)
Join Hennepin History Museum’s Executive Director John Crippen in a conversation with Susan Hunter Weir, tireless public historian and alley Cemetery Tales columnist. Learn about her research process, which is driven by a sense of responsibility to tell the stories of the average people who lived in Minneapolis in earlier times, shining a light on the unsung immigrants, African Americans, women, children, pioneers, and veterans who helped build this city.
This presentation commemorates the designation of Minneapolis’s Pioneers & Soldiers Cemetery as part of the National Park Service’s Underground Railroad Network to Freedom program. Reservations at hennepinhistory.org/events.
Makers Night
Thursday, April 17
6 - 8:30 PM
American Swedish Institute
2600 Park Avenue
Free
Makers Night is a monthly opportunity for makers to gather in a friendly environment every 3rd Thursday of the month at ASI. Bring a project to work on and any tools you need, and be ready to share conversation, tips and questions! No registration required.
Peavey Egg Hunt
Saturday, April 19
1 – 3 PM
Peavey Park
730 22nd Street E
Free
Hop into spring with a fun-filled Egg Hunt for the whole family. Search for hidden eggs filled with treats and surprises for all ages to enjoy. Stay afterwards for an open gym to burn off your sugar rush!
Tales of Dagsi Turtle & Jisdu Wabbit
Saturday, April 19
10:30 AM and 1:30 PM
Open Eye Theatre
506 E 24th Street
Suggested donation $5-$15
Hinterhands’ Wishworks Puppet Series presents an out-of-this-world adventure by Z Puppets Rosenschnoz. Dagsi Turtle & his sidekick Jisdu Wabbit race through time and space to help Grandmother Turtle keep the Cherokee language alive. This show will delight you with catchy original tunes and inventive puppet characters! Recommended for ages 5+.
Kids Yoga and Music Class
Saturday April 19
10:30 – 11:30 AM
Midtown Global Market
920 E Lake Street
Free
Start the weekend with a stretch and a dance at this monthly morning of movement and music for kids at the Midtown Global Market. Kid’s story and yoga time begins at 10:30, followed by a Music and Movement class at 11.
Feel free to bring mats, towels, or rugs for the yoga class, which will be bilingual in English and Spanish. The Music activity incorporates instruments such as shakers, tambourines and bells, along with favorite songs to get your child moving and singing!
East Phillips Park and Cedar Avenue Field Redesign Showcase
Tuesday, April 22
East Phillips Park
2307 17th Avenue S
6-7:30 PM
Free
Many thanks to everyone in the East Phillips Community who weighed in on the Park Plan for East Phillips Park and Cedar Avenue Field. The final concept designs reflect and address what residents shared, including safety concerns and visions for more culturally appropriate and multi-generational amenities.
All neighbors are invited to East Phillips Park on April 22 to view the designs and enjoy food, music, and games together!
Love Rising
Saturday, April 26
10:30 AM
Pillsbury House + Theatre
3501 Chicago Avenue S
Free (RSVP Req)
Love Rising weaves the fun of Drag Story Hour with the magical realm of theatrical storytelling, creating an unforgettable adventure for early learners. Join best friends Doña Pepa, Sid Sity and Old Man Zimmer as they tell stories, sing songs, and dance in an interactive program that will take you all the way to the Boundary Waters for a journey of discovery, growth, and connection—with the environment and each other.
RSVP at http://pillsburyhouseandtheatre.org/drag-story-hour-mn-love-rising.
Indian Health Board Block Party
Thursday, May 1
12 – 3 PM
2020 Minnehaha Avenue
Free
This year’s American Indian Month Kickoff Parade will end at the Indian Health Board’s Minnehaha Avenue location. To honor the kickoff, they’ll be hosting a community lunch and concert by Thomas X, plus vendor tables and raffle prizes! Details to come on IHB’s facebook page.
TOP: Doña Pepa, Sid Sity and Old Man Zimmer of Drag Story Hour MN bring joyful theatrical storytelling to Pillsbury House on April 26th.
BOTTOM: Youth soccer players at East Phillips Park offer their input at one of last year’s park redesign community planning events.
