June 09–15
Gogol Bordello (06/12)
The gypsy-punk rabble-rousers make another stand in the Twin Cities, this time outside at the Cabooze. The Brooklyn- by- way- of- Ukraine- and- elsewhere band does for Slavic Europe what the Pogues did for Ireland: Crib some traditional sounds, amp up the romantic melancholy and menace, add booze, and play it like punk rock is meant to be. Their albums are all rewarding -- frontman/ringleader Eugene Hutz's cracked lyricism especially -- but this is a band that has to be seen live. Count on woozy singalongs, relentless tempos, acrobatic theatricality and sleazy accordion and power-chord orchestration right out of a mythic, degenerate Europe. They're one of the few bands with any sense of Iggy-style abandon and risk; Hutz may get up close and personal with you. Everyone who sees their show comes away with a story; go get yours. Dusty Rose and the River Band open. -GEOFF CANNON
'Star Wars: Where Science Meets Imagination' (06/13–08/24)
If you've ever wanted to levitate, here's your chance. This touring exhibit, bound to be another hit for the Science Museum, is an ambitious melding of movie memorabilia and the science that created it -- either real or imagined. You can see Luke Skywalker's landspeeder and jump into a real hovercraft yourself. All six "Star Wars" movies are represented, but to this writer, the best props come from the oldest movies, such as a Yoda puppet and the costume for the dark lord himself, Darth Vader. -CHRISTINA SCHMITT
Red Stag Block Party (06/14)
The greenest festival of the summer is back, hosted by everyone's favorite "supperclub," the Red Stag. This year's edition will have a flea market featuring Familia Skate Shop and Fifth Element, a hula hoop contest, the North Star Roller Girls, organic food and beverages, and music from Lady Hard On, the Owls, Buffalo Jack and the Plow Boys, Mike Mictlan, DJ Paper Tiger from Doomtree, E.L.nO. and DJ Misses MCFeely. The event will be emceed by on-sabbatical surrealist comedy troupe Electric Arc Radio. -JAHNA PELOQUIN
USER PICK: Martin Zellar at Alive After Five (06/12)
Martin Zellar The monthlong downtown Minneapolis music/happy hour at Peavey Plaza is always a great way to blow off some steam after work, and take in the sights and sounds of the city. Martin Zellar is usually one of the biggest draws for this event. Just don't expect him to play that Zamboni song. Six Mile Groove opens. -camurphy66
June 16–22
Vita.mn Poolside Fashion Show (06/19)
Photo by Carlos Gonzalez 2007 Vita.mn Poolside Fashion Show Hot models in swimwear and hot beats on the rooftop of a swanky members-only club as the sun sets -- how can you go wrong? One of the top events of last summer returns, with beach-ready looks for women and men from Cliché, Macy's, Il Vostro Boutique and American Apparel. The event will also feature mini-makeovers from Pull Out a Plum Salon and music from DJs A-Ray and Richie Rivera. Stick around afterward for a "celebrity pool toss," for which the chance to dunk a local celeb will be auctioned off. A word to the wise: Wear a swimsuit under your clothes just in case you're the one getting tossed. -JAHNA PELOQUIN
Rock the Garden (06/21)
New Pornographers We get a limited supply of beautiful summer afternoons up here. Luckily, two of our finest institutions, the Walker Art Center and 89.3 the Current, have at least one of them covered in spades. The Rock the Garden party returns in time for the 20th birthday of the world-famous Sculpture Garden, so slap on the sunscreen and wish the big spoon well. Headlining the day is folk classicist Andrew Bird; supporting are power-pop genius army the New Pornographers, the homegrown and anthemic Cloud Cult and the spectral rural-soul auteur known as Bon Iver. -GEOFF CANNON
'A Midsummer Night's Dream' (through June 22)
Photo by Steve Rice This may be one of the most entertaining shows I've ever seen. You don't have to be able to follow all the dialogue to have a rip-roaring good time. So, if you're not a Shakespeare fan, now is the time to give the Bard a spin! -ayahoo
I loved the actors, costumes, music and high energy level. I would definitely recommend it to people who think Shakespeare plays are just men in tights reciting dramatic soliloquies. -mindgrapes