A weekly listing of the MSR editors’ top picks of free (and low-cost) events in arts and activities to enjoy throughout the Twin Cities and greater metro area.
Saturday, September 8
Minnesota African American Heritage Museum and Gallery Grand Opening
9 am to 12 pm @ THOR Headquarters, 1256 Penn Ave N 4th Floor, Mpls. FREE
MN’s only African American history museum kicks off its grand opening with a celebration. Its inaugural exhibit, “Unbreakable: Celebrating the Resilience of African Americans in Minnesota,” will showcase pioneers who settled in the state and women who made their mark on Minnesota and on America.
Info: www.maahmg.org
11 am – 8 pm, Selby Ave. at Milton St. N, St. Paul. FREE
A day full of music, art, food, and fun. This year’s lineup includes the Lao Tizer Band, Urban Legends of Jazz, Nachito Herrera, Siama’s Congo Roots, Elaina McRath and Friends, the Minnesota State Band, Walker West Music Academy Students and the Selby Avenue Brass Band!
2 – 9 pm @ Food Building, 1401 Marshall St NE, Mpls. FREE
The Liberian Food and Cultural Festival returns for its second year. Enjoy arts, culture, music, and crafts while sampling dishes from some of the best local Liberian restaurants and vendors at the “Taste Off.”
Info: www.tasteofliberia.com
The Black Floor – A Center Stage for Black Dancers
7 – 9 pm @ TU Dance Center, 2121 University Ave W, St. Paul. FREE
In partnership with Tu Dance Company, Black Table Arts hosts this all ages hip-hop dance class dedicated to Black and POCI dancers featuring some of the best choreographers and instructors in the Twin Cities. Intermediate level and up.
Info: www.blacktablearts.com
Edges: A staged reading
7:30-9:30 pm @ Dreamland Arts, 677 Hamline Ave N, St. Paul. $10
Directed by Joy Dolo, playwright Ashawnti Sakina Ford presents a new work highlighting hair stories of African American women, past and present. Reservations highly recommended.
Info: dreamlandarts.com/exposed-brick-buy-tickets
Sunday, September 9
Jammin’ In The Parks
2-3 pm @ Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Park, 4055 Nicollet Ave. S, Mpls. FREE.
Noir Elite Fitness has partnered with the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board offer free outdoor fitness classes led by Chaz Sandifer and Valerie Fleurantin. Exercises include Zumba, cardio kickboxing and strength and conditioning. Water and a healthy snack provided.
Info: noirelitefitness.com
Thursday, September 13
Black Beauty Bazaar
4 – 8 pm @ Moxy Hotel, 1211 West Lake Street, Mpls. FREE
Sadiaa teams with Black Fashion Week MN to present its pop-up event aimed at showcasing Black-owned beauty businesses and start-ups, as well as the site’s Black beauty directory and guide. Featured vendors include HBW Extensions, Spoon & Theory and MEZAI.
Info: www.sadiaa.com
Author Talk: Susan Burton
7-9 pm @ Minneapolis Central 300 Nicollet Mall, Mpls. FREE
Susan Burton, author of Becoming Ms. Burton: From Prison to Recovery to Leading the Fight for Incarcerated Women, will discuss her book and organization, A New Way of Life, which helps women successfully re-enter the community after incarceration. The event is sponsored by Friends of the Hennepin County Library.
Info: bit.ly/2oD4Eql
Have an event you’d like to submit for consideration? Add it for free to our calendar at spokesman-recorder.com/calendar.
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