9 free things to do in the Twin Cities this week

The New York City-based Paragon Ragtime Orchestra opens the 43rd concert season hosted by MPR’s Steve Staruch. Conductor Rick Benjamin speaks at a preconcert conversation. (3:30 p.m. Sun. concert conversation, followed by 4 p.m. concert, Bethlehem Lutheran Church, 4100 S. Lyndale Av. S., Mpls., bethlehemmusicseries.org)

Bait and other equipment are provided for amateurs and experienced fishers to see what they can catch. Professional anglers will be available to give advice and tips. (5-7 p.m. Thu., Lake Nokomis North Dock, 4955 W. Lake Nokomis Pkwy., Mpls., minneapolisparks.org)

Learn safety tips on how to protect your home from fires. Tour fire trucks, participate in demonstrations and other activities. (5-7 p.m. Thu., Station #2, 1001 Station Trail, Eagan, cityofeagan.com)

Throw on your costume for games, crafts and treats. A screening of “The Addams Family” follows. (5 p.m. Fri., Sanborn Park, 42nd & Chowen Avenues N., Robbinsdale, robbinsdalemn.com)

Give your home and accessories a refresh, while supporting local artisans. Throughout the weekend shop from jewelry designers, photographers, mixed media artists and others for original pieces. (5-9 p.m. Fri.; 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Sat.; noon-6 p.m. Sun., 214 E. 4th St., St. Paul, uniondepot.org)

Sewing enthusiasts who have unused/extra fabric, tools and more can swap items for something new. Even if you don’t have scraps on hand, all are welcome to take away, swap and donate. (9 a.m.-2 p.m. Sat., Fiber Works Mpls., 158 13 Av. NE., Mpls., fiberworksmpls.com)

Kids can get dressed up as their favorite princess, superhero or character for Halloween-themed fun. Collect goodies during a trunk or treat and enjoy family activities and fall-inspired shopping. (1-4 p.m. Sat., Lewis Street, downtown Shakopee, shakopee.org)

Bakers will compete for bragging rights in the third annual pie contest. Festivalgoers can enjoy pie tastings and participate in field games, crafts and demonstrations. (3-5 p.m. Sat., Tilden Park, 1521 Albany Av., St. Paul, district10comopark.org)

Minneapolis-based artists Harriet Bart and Jon Neuse present an exhibit on banned books. Titled “Banned,” the exhibition features works by a group of multidisciplinary artists. Ends Oct. 17. (1-7 p.m. Mon.-Thu., Metropolitan State University, Library and Learning Center, 645 E. 7th St., St. Paul, metrostate.edu)

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