Events: Cinco de Mayo weekend

FRIDAY-SUNDAY

Wizard World Comic Con

Judging by its lineup of TV and movie actors, comic artists and writers, Wizard Word is back in full force. This year's biggest stars include "The X-Files"' Dana Scully (er, Gillian Anderson); Karl Urban (Dr. McCoy in the "Star Trek" reboot); Lance Reddick of "The Wire" and "Lost"; Jason Mewes, aka the speaking half of the duo Jay and Silent Bob in various Kevin Smith films; TV's "Hercules" himself, Kevin Sorbo; and the original "Buffy the Vampire Slayer," Kristy Swanson. Events include sci-fi speed dating, a Saturday party at the Pourhouse with Japanese punk band Peelander-Z, discussions with actors and comic artists, costume contests and a Q&A with Smith at the State Theatre. (3-8 p.m. Fri., 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Sat., 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sun. $35-$350. Minneapolis Convention Center, 1301 2nd Av. S., Mpls. www.wizard­world.com.) Jahna Peloquin

SATURDAY

Envision

Envision is one of the most consistent, well-attended fashion shows in town — and the place to see new collections from top and emerging local designers. The runway show features spring lines from local favorites George Moskal, Jenny Carle, Idle Child and Kjurek, plus a collaborative line from recent Twin Cities transplants House of Gina Marie and Mien Kielo. A VIP event room (hosted by Public Functionary gallery) has live artists, a silent art auction and performances by Greg Grease, Proper T and DJ Just Nine. (7 p.m. VIP, 9 p.m. show Sat. $30-$80. Orchestra Hall, 1111 Nicollet Mall, Mpls. www.envisionmpls.com.) J.P.

SATURDAY-SUNDAY

With its vibrant Mexican communities, the Twin Cities area always brings the party for Cinco de Mayo. District del Sol's fiesta on St. Paul's West Side has a parade, low-rider car show, live Latin/reggaeton/Tejano music and authentic Latin-American food, plus a jalapeño-eating contest and roving mariachi bands. (10 a.m.-6 p.m. Sat. Parade begins at 10 a.m. along Cesar Chavez St., www.cincodemayosaintpaul.com.) Minneapolis will celebrate with El Nuevo Rodeo's annual festival, with live music from acts including Maria Isa and Malamanya on three stages, plus folk dance and food. (1 p.m. Sun. Free. Lake St. & 27th Av. S., Mpls.) J.P.

SUNDAY

MayDay Parade & Festival

Celebrate the arrival of spring with some neo-pagan ceremonies. The 41st annual parade kicks it off with its 10-foot-tall puppets, papier-mâché masks, dancers and musicians, leading to a festival in Powderhorn Park with music, dance, canoe rides, yoga, food vendors and probably a hacky-sack circle or two. It culminates with the Tree of Life Ceremony on Powderhorn Lake. (Parade: 1 p.m. Sun., Bloomington Av. S. from 25th St. to Powderhorn Park. Festival: noon-7 p.m. Sun. at Powderhorn Park, 3400 15th Av. S., Mpls. www.hobt.org/mayday.) J.P.

THURSDAY-SUNDAY