Aragti Wadaag Residency Exhibit
Through June 20
Soomaal House Gallery
2200 Minnehaha Ave
Minneapolis, MN 55404
Free
Aragti Wadaag Residency provides Somali-American artists with a supportive environment to think, work, and develop their creative practices. This year’s residents are artists Abdimalik Ahmed, Miski Omar, Mumtaz Salad, and Sabrin Nur. A film Screening of Nafta Neef Sii with Sabrin Nur & Nadwa Hussein will be held on June 6, and an open Mic Night with Abdimalik Ahmed on June 13. Check the Soomaal House facebook page for details. Gallery Hours during the exhibit are 2 – 5 PM, Saturdays and Sundays.
Better Things 5×5 Reading and Open Mic
Tuesday, June 2
7 PM
Moon Palace Books
3032 Minnehaha Avenue
Free
Re-Entry Lab’s Better Things May 5X5 reading features 5 fantastic writers: mk zariel, Antonio Duke, Willard Malebear Jr., Adrien Wright, and Eemanna, followed by a community open mic hosted by Davi Gray and Erin Sharkey. ASL interpretation will be featured for the entire event. Please note that masks are required at Moon Palace Books. Learn more about this month’s readers at
reentrylab.org/better-things.
Illuminating Immigration in Media: Contemporary Perspectives from Sweden and the Twin Cities
Thursday, June 4
6 – 8 PM
American Swedish
Institute
2600 Park Avenue
Sliding Scale: $1 – $20
Immigrant communities around the world have specific information needs and have historically benefitted from news sources dedicated to their distinct experiences. Panelists from Sweden and Minnesota (Sahan Journal) will discuss their experiences working for mission-driven newsrooms covering stories for and about immigrants in Sweden and Minnesota. Registration: asimn.org/events-calendar/illuminating-immigration-in-media-contemporary-perspectives-from-sweden-and-the-twin-cities/.
Four Sisters Farmers Market
Thursdays through Oct.
11 AM – 3 PM
1414 E Franklin Avenue
Free
The wait is over! Phillips’ own neighborhood Market celebrating Indigenous pride, health, and well-being launches its season on Thursday June 4. Enjoy local food, handcrafts, and community spirit every Thursday through October. SNAP/EBT benefits, Market Bucks, Gus Produce Market Bucks, cash, and cards are accepted and welcome. Follow the Four Sisters Farmers Market facebook page for special weekly programming, including art making, music, and food.
All At Once Collective: Boundless / Sin límites
June 4 – 14
Pillsbury House + Theatre
$5 – $45
All at Once, a Twin Cities-based collective of puppeteers of color, presents a time-traveling puppetry performance depicting a young person who is carried through memory, myth, and the histories of South Minneapolis while sheltering from ICE. Blending visual storytelling with memory, myth, and place, All at Once creates an immersive experience that bridges personal and collective transformation. For showtimes and tickets, visit pillsburyhouseandtheatre.org/production/all-at-once.
6th Annual Poetry and Jazz at the Cemetery
Saturday, June 6
2 PM
Pioneers & Soldiers Cemetery
2945 Cedar Ave S
Free
Join neighbors and friends for relaxing afternoon of poetry and music by local artists in beautiful surroundings. Light refreshments will be served. Service animals only, please.
Grave Matters: The Story of a City as Told Through its Cemetery
Sunday, June 7
1 – 2:30 PM
Pioneers & Soldiers Cemetery
2945 Cedar Ave S
$15 – $20
Join Alex Weston from Hennepin History Museum for a guided walking tour of the historic Pioneers & Soldiers Cemetery, home to a diverse cross-section of average Twin Cities’ residents buried there between 1853 and 1919. The tour highlights forgotten individuals as opposed to the wealthy and well known in order to reconstruct a history of Minneapolis from the “ground up.” For more event details and to register, visit hennepinhistory.org/event/grave-matters-the-story-of-a-city-as-told-through-its-cemetery-3.
Guillotine City
June 11 – 14
Open Eye Theatre
506 E 24th Street
Sliding scale: $10–$25
Presented by Commutator Collective, Guillotine City is a darkly comic neo-noir set in a not-so-distant future of the Twin Cities. The premise? A factory machinist is courted by two opposing political leaders: will she choose socialist revolution, charismatic politics, or a secret third path? Recommended for ages 13 and up. For details on the production and to get tickets visit openeyetheatre.org/guillotine-city.
Lake Street Mural Day
Saturday, June 13
10:30 AM – 2:30 PM
Midtown Global Market
920 E Lake St
Free
The third annual Lake Street Mural Day will be a four-hour free family-friendly event featuring self-guided and group mural tours, mural-themed games, and more – all experienced among 35+ businesses at the Midtown Global Market. Register for group tours is online at visitlakestreet.com/public-art; for all other activities, just show up!
Somali Traditional Weaving Workshop
Saturday, June 13
2 – 4 PM
Somali Museum
2925 Chicago Avenue
Greenway basement (ground) level
Free
Come join a hands-on cultural experience to learn traditional weaving techniques and create intricate and vibrant woven artworks. This is a wonderful space to learn and listen to the stories and experiences that shape this beautiful craft from the Somali Museum’s Weaving Instructors. For more information, visit the Somali Museum of Minnesota facebook page.
Reading Beyond the Page
Saturday, June 13
3 PM
Quatrefoil Library
1220 E Lake Street
Free
This one-of-a-kind poetry event hosted by the pre-eminent 2SLGBTQIA+ library in the Twin Cities features the art of five writers who have gone into, though, around, and/or beyond gender(s). The readers are Tanesha Nicole Kozler, Alice Paige, July 23, Gene Gazelka, and Davi Gray. RSVP at qlibrary.org/event/reading-beyond-the-page.
Midtown Arts & Music Festival
June 13–14
Midtown Global Market
920 E Lake Street
Free
Midtown Global Market is bringing back the Midtown Arts & Music Festival for its second year – now extended to a full weekend of creativity, performances, and family-friendly fun all under one roof. Expect live music from Minnesota artists; cultural dance and interactive experiences; visual art from emerging and established artists, local makers and community educators; incredible global food and shopping. For schedule and programming details, visit the Midtown Global Market facebook page.
Juneteenth Ice Cream Social
Thursday, June 18
5 – 7 PM
East Phillips Park
2307 17th Avenue S
Free
Cool off on a hot summer evening and join fellow neighbors for East Phillips’ annual ice cream social honoring Juneteenth, a celebration of resilience and freedom. Expect community joy, ice cream, yard games, inflatables, and music for kids and families.
Juneteenth Freedom Day Celebration
Saturday, June 20
11 AM – 3 PM
Midtown Global Market
920 E Lake Street
Free
Celebrate this year’s Freedom Day Celebration at Midtown on Saturday, June 20th. Details to come; check the Midtown Global Market facebook page for more information.
Somali Heritage and Arts Summer Festival
Saturday, June 20
3 – 7 PM
806 E Lake Street
Free
The annual Somali Heritage and Arts Summer Festival is a joyful outdoor gathering dedicated to highlighting the powerful role of art in building community. With live traditional music, interactive art stations, and a marketplace featuring local Somali artists, it is a great opportunity for people of all backgrounds to honor heritage and explore how artistry connects us to one another.
ASI World Cup
Viewing Parties
June 20 and 25
American Swedish Institute
2600 Park Avenue
Free w/admission
Watch two of Sweden’s World Cup matches in great company at ASI. On June 20th at 12pm, Sweden goes head-to-head with the Netherlands. Come back on June 25th at 6pm to watch Sweden take on Japan. Details at asimn.org/series/world-cup-viewing-parties.
Skateboarding Day at Elliot
Sunday, June 21
Noon – 7 PM
Elliot Park
1000 E 14th Street
Free
Do you love skateboarding or want to learn more about it? Skateboarding Day at Elliot Skate Park will feature fun for the whole family, including games, prizes, food trucks, music, and skateboarding related activities. Show off your skills in a contest, learn new ones from skate instructors, and see demonstrations by the pros. Explore local vendors then skate off into a group ride through the city! For more information call (612) 370-4772.
World Cup on Lake Street: A week-long futbol watch party!
June 23 – 27
El Nuevo Campo
2709 E Lake St
Free
Like it or not, the World Cup is happening – and Lake Street is ready to experience it on a big screen along with local food, a beer tent, and plenty of cheering! Soak up everything Lake Street has to offer by grabbing takeout from one of the neighborhood’s amazing local restaurants and setting up a blanket or chair wherever you like. It’s a laid-back celebration of great soccer and the incredible local businesses that make Lake Street the place to be. For schedule information, refer to the World Cup on Lake Street event page on facebook (host is Lake Street Mpls), or
visitlakestreet.com/events.
Mikwanedun Audisookon Cultural Center Grand Opening
Wednesday, June 24
1-4 PM
2313 13th Avenue S
Free
Join the Indigenous Peoples Task Force in celebrating the grand opening of a new cultural center dedicated to Indigenous wellness through culture and the arts. Mikwanedun Audisookon, which means “remember our teachings,” will provide a theater space, teaching garden, commercial kitchen, healing and clinical spaces. Everyone is invited to welcome and learn about this wonderful new space in our community.
Welcome to the Farm
June 26
11 AM – 1 PM
Location TBD
Free
This special program introduces neighbors to farming, agriculture, and local food systems through sharing family farm Guerilla Pastures’ journey from urban life to farming. Pet and engage with sheep, baby chicks, and goat kids. Activities will include feeding the goats, painting bee boxes, an interactive compost model, a wool spinning demonstration, and yarn friendship bracelet making. For location and details check the Lake Street Mpls facebook page or visitlakestreet.com/events.
Somali Independence Day Festival
June 27
Noon – 7 PM
W Lake Street between
Blaisdell & Stevens
Free
Enjoy a day like none other on Lake Street, when four blocks transform into Minnesota’s biggest Somali cultural celebration, featuring food stalls, art activities, live music, henna, vendors, face-painting, and more. This year’s festival commemorates 66 years of Somalia’s independence and honors and the spirit, creativity and cultural pride that unifies Minnesota’s diverse Somali community. All are welcome and encouraged to participate!
