9 free things to do in the Twin Cities this week
Join in literary events, a fall dinner and decorating Thanksgiving cookies.
Colder weather is in the forecast, but this musician brings warm-weather vibes with entertainment for children. Clap and sing along with familiar songs from the Beach Boys to Elvis. (10:30 a.m. Thu. Edinborough Park, 7700 York Av. S., Edina. edinamn.gov)
2. Fall Dinner: Connecting & Cultivating Community
This annual dinner in partnership with Waite House welcomes all for a meal, live performances, kids’ activities and giveaways. (5-7 p.m. Thu., Phillips Park, 2324 11th Av. S., Mpls. minneapolisparks.org)
3. Thanksgiving Cookie Decorating
Welcome the season of thankfulness with a treat. Guests can decorate turkey-shaped cookies to satisfy their sweet tooth. (10 a.m.-noon Sat. Sally Manzara Interpretive Nature Center, Sunfish Lake Park, 3554 Kelvin Av. N., Lake Elmo. sminc-lake-elmo.org)
4. Friday Night Live
Guitarist Luke LeBlanc plays at the weekly concert series. (6-8 p.m. Fri. Utepils Brewing, 225 Thomas Av. N., Mpls. utepilsbrewing.com)
5. Red Balloon Bookshop 40th Anniversary Celebration
The bookstore honors the day with a story time dance party, face-painting music and more. (10:30 a.m. Sat. 891 Grand Av., St. Paul. redballoonbookshop.com)
6. Objects of the Fur Trade
A drop-in program about the history of Minnesota’s fur trade. See what visitors would see at a fur trading post, including beads, pelts and trading goods. (1-4 p.m. Sat. Lowry Nature Center, 7025 Nature Center Drive, Victoria. threeriversparks.org)
7. DJ Bingo
Grab trivia-savvy friends for music bingo and a chance to win prizes. (6 p.m. Sun., Mermaid Entertainment Center, 2200 Mounds View Blvd., Mounds View. eventbrite.com)
8. Open Mic Mondays
A monthly series of spoken word and poetry featuring up to 15 poets. (7 p.m. Mon. American School of Storytelling, 1762 Hennepin Av. S., Mpls. americanschoolofstorytelling.com)
9. Petite Concerts
A musical experience presented by Breaching Concerts for youths where they can engage with well-known classical music selections through movement and song. (10 a.m. Tue. Galaxie Library, 14955 Galaxie Av., Apple Valley. dakotacountylibrary.libcal.com)
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.
Here’s what to look for this holiday shopping season.