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Melissa Walker

News Assistant
Calendars
A self-proclaimed "List Maker to the Stars," Melissa spends her days coordinating calendars, sorting through press releases and combing the internet for a variety of events for Twin Citians to occupy themselves in their free time for the Minnesota Star Tribune and Vita.mn entertainment calendars. In rare, spare moments, she writes stories and book reviews.

Latest from Melissa Walker

Chase the thrilling ‘Twisters’ and 8 other free things to do

Salute to all things potatoes, watch hobby horse geeks compete and check out why ABBA mania is still a thing.
August 18, 2025
Glen Powell and Daisy Edgar-Jones in  "Twisters." (Universal Pictures via AP)

Dining al fresco? Here are the best Twin Cities parks with amenity-filled picnic spots.

Whether it’s for a family reunion or a couple on a date, spaces offer everything from barbecue grills to trails and water activities.
August 12, 2025
The Lake Harriet Bandshell Pavilion in Minneapolis.

Giant trolls and 8 other free things to do this week

Also check out pepper and pickle festivals, music paired with movies and cultural celebrations.
August 11, 2025
A playful troll in one of the secret locations around Detroit Lakes for artist Thomas Dambo's treasure hunt.

All ears for buttered corn — plus eight other free things to do

Check out a paddle party, Mall of America’s birthday bash and a music pop-up with Liz Draper and Charlie Parr.
August 4, 2025
Chase, with the Prince tribute band, "Chase and Ovation," was photographed at Bunker's Music Bar and Grill on Friday, April 14, 2017 in Minneapolis, Minn..

9 free events in the Twin Cities this week

Watch a movie on Lake Harriet, catch up on "Bachelor in Paradise" with fellow fans and dance the night away at a disco party.
July 28, 2025

‘Wicked’ sing-along and other free Aquatennial fun — plus 8 more free things to do

Take your pet to the park, see a basketball documentary, enjoy chalk art and learn about Nigeria’s Yoruba culture.
July 23, 2025
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T. Mychael Rambo, Cowboy Killers and steel drummers perform for free — plus 6 more no-cost events

Also, check out Longville’s turtle races, a two-day music festival and outdoor jazz concerts.
July 14, 2025

Celebrate French culture on Bastille Day, plus 8 other free events in Minnesota

Check out concerts at Lutsong Music Festival, a vegan night market and outdoor staging of a Jules Verne classic.
July 7, 2025

Minnesota’s big bang show: A guide to fireworks for July 4th

While the skies light up in an array colors, the streets celebrate the holiday with concerts, parades and food.
July 4, 2025

Celebrate the Fourth with free concerts at 9 venues

The holiday weekend features concert series, the first Jug Jamboree and more.
June 30, 2025
Dan Israel photo by Steve Cohen

Mark Mallman debuts a new album, plus 8 other free things to do this week

Head to a sauerkraut festival, two night markets and an Indigenous fashion show.
June 23, 2025
Is that Mark Mallman or David Bowie? Who can say?

Beat the heat at these 10 cool Twin Cities area water parks

From a 200-foot waterslide to a 700-foot lazy river, there are a variety of attractions to soak up fun.
June 20, 2025
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