9 free things to do in the Twin Cities this week
Grab a jacket and get outdoors with harvest festivals and Halloween-themed events.
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)
2. Fall Family Fishing Night
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)
3. Fire Safety Open House
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)
4. Birdtown Boo Bash
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)
5. St. Paul Art Crawl at Union Depot
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)
6. Northeast Community Fiber Swap
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)
7. Shak-O-Lantern Festival
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)
8. Harvest Festival
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)
9. Gordon Parks Gallery
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)
Free tickets! Sign up for the Star Tribune Going Out newsletter to enter a drawing to win free tickets to Twin Cities events at startribune.com/goingout.
Have a free event? Email events@startribune.com three weeks in advance of publication for consideration.
The singer’s Dollywood theme park and the eastern Tennessee mountains are a great place to spend the holidays.