Here are the MSR editors’ top picks of free (and low-cost) events, arts and activities to enjoy throughout the Twin Cities and greater metro area.
OCTOBER 11 – 20
October 11-14
Twin Cities Black Film Festival
SPNN, 550 Vandalia St., St. Paul. $10+
Four days of films, panels, fashion and mixers showcasing independent filmmakers of color.
Info: tcbff.org
October 13
National Black MBA Development Day
9 am-1 pm @ U of M Carlson School of Management, 321 19th Ave. S., Mpls. Free
National Black MBA – Twin Cities hosts this annual event featuring professional development sessions and a meet and greet with the corporate sponsors and networking.
Info: bit.ly/2pL9Glc
18th Annual Twin Cities Book Festival
10 am-5 pm @ Minnesota State Fairgrounds, 1265 Snelling Ave. N., St. Paul. Free
Largest literary event in the Upper Midwest featuring hundreds of exhibitors, dozens of presenting authors and special children’s programming.
Info: raintaxi.com/twin-cities-book-festival
FrogTown Comedy Hour
8-10 pm @ Heritage Tea House, 360 W. University Ave., St. Paul. $10
Baddie’s Comedy Co. presents a night of laughter, food and music every second Saturday of the month.
Info: baddiescomedy.com
October 16
From Redlining to Predatory Lending- The Racial Wealth Gap
5:30-8 pm @ Minneapolis Urban League, 2100 Plymouth Ave. N., Mpls. Free
Panel discussion and community conversation about the lifecycle of redlining, disinvestment, predatory lending, and gentrification and displacement.
Info: bit.ly/2C5askA
October 17
Candidate Forum: Hennepin County District 2
8-9:30am @ Jax Cafe, 1928 University Ave. NE, Mpls. Free
Candidates Irene Fernando and Blong Yang will talk workforce, economic development regulations, policies and more with Minneapolis Regional Chamber.
Info: bit.ly/2Ea1V2t
Northside Legal Law Clinic
11 am-1 pm @ New Rules, 2015 N. Lowry, Mpls. Free
Every third Wednesday of the month, Northside Legal Clinic provides small business owners free legal consultation. Attendees can meet with an attorney for up to 30 minutes individually, on a first come, first serve basis.
Info: bit.ly/2A0HEbD
Ladies Night Of Comedy
7:30-9:30 pm @ House of Comedy, Mall of America, 408 E. Broadway, Bloomington. $15+
Shed G presents a night of comedy featuring B Phlat, one of St. Louis’ hottest comedians.
Info: bit.ly/2y8HVaL
October 18
Voices of Our Community Input Session
5:30-7:30 pm @ Hamline University Klass Center, 1537 West Taylor, St. Paul. Free
Part of a listening sessions series hosted by City of St. Paul to share info about the city’s equity work and gather community feedback. This week’s topic: Real Employment Opportunity
Info: facebook.com/pg/MayorMelvinCarter/events
Elevate Your Network
5-10 pm @ The Pourhouse, 10 5th St. S., Mpls. Free
Weekly networking and happy hour event highlighting various business sectors and causes.
Info: facebook.com/ElevateYourNetwork
October 19
Cool Like That Hip Hop Fashion Show
7-11 pm @ Public Functionary, 1400 12th Ave. NE, Mpls. $10+
Black Fashion Week MN presents a fashion show honoring hip hop. Featured designers include Nsod Guy, Creed Hostetter and STUDIIYO23. Performance by Chadwick “Niles” Phillips.
Info: bit.ly/2pH6xD3
FAM Fridays
8 pm-Midnight @ Radisson RED, 609 S. 3rd St., Mpls. Free
Sound Vérité Records curates an evening of fashion, art and music every Friday night with pop-up shops from local fashion designers, craft makers, artists, and live entertainment.
Info: soundveriterecords.com
October 20
THINK PINK Breast Cancer Awareness
2-7 pm @ El Nuevo Rodeo, 2709 E. Lake St., Mpls. $15
Love Promotions hosts an evening celebrating those impacted by breast cancer. Hosted by KMOJ’s Glamlife Kim and honoring Sharlene Young, Sandra Hales, Susan Brown, Debbie Gatlin and Tamiko Edwards. The event includes live entertainment, swag bags and more.
Info: bit.ly/2ycRaqu
The Wenso Ashby Experience
6-8:30 pm @ Capri Theater 2027 W Broadway Ave., Mpls. $17+
Pianist Wenso Ashby brings his full band for a musical experience incorporating smooth jazz, culture and history.
Info: brownpapertickets.com/event/3607588
Have an event you’d like to submit for consideration? Add it for free to our calendar at spokesman-recorder.com/calendar.