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. Go here to add your event to our community calendar.
November 17
Ballers Challenge Presents 100 Turkeys Giveaway
12 pm @ 38th & Chicago Ave., South, Minneapolis. Free
Come get a free turkey while supplies last — first come, first served.
November 18
Healthy Life Expo
10 am-5 pm @ Minneapolis Convention Center, 1301 2nd Ave., S., Mpls. $6
Enjoy three stages of speakers, demonstrations and nearly 200 exhibitors offering everything for maintaining health and success in all areas of life.
Info: mediamaxevents.com
“How to Have Fun in a Civil War” Performance & Discussion
3-4:15 pm @ Minnesota History Center, 345 W. Kellogg Blvd., St. Paul. $9-$14
In this autobiographical multimedia piece, Ifrah Mansour explores Somalia’s civil war through the eyes of a 7-year-old girl.
Info: mnhs.org/event/6384
Rondo Family Reunion: Verse and Visions
4-6:30 pm @ Penumbra Theatre Company, 270 Kent St., St. Paul. Free
Celebration of Black life in Saint Paul’s Rondo neighborhood through the photography of Rondo native Chris Scott and the poetry of fellow Saint Paul natives Hawona Sullivan Janzen and Clarence White. The event will also feature readings and performances Seitu Jones, T. Mychael Rambo, Robin Hickman, Lauren Williams, Anika Bowie and a special appearance by St. Paul Mayor Melvin Carter III.
Info: bit.ly/2T7f9Ax
November 20
States of Incarceration: Carceral Colonialism Opening Reception
6:30 pm @ Minnesota History Center, 345 Kellogg Blvd. W., St. Paul. Free
Enjoy the opening night of a traveling exhibit which explores mass incarceration, with the goal of fostering dialogue about next steps. Hear from activists, organizations, spoken word artists and incarceration survivors on the impact of mass incarceration in community. The exhibit runs until Feb. 8.
Info: http://bit.ly/2Fm1SRG
November 22
Thanksgiving Community Dinner
3:00-6:30 pm, Minnehaha Temple, 1614 Plymouth Ave., N, Minneapolis
Grab friends, family or someone who could use a meal and enjoy a free community meal.
Info: http://bit.ly/2zR7NIw
November 23
Black Friday Northside Pop Ups
4-8 pm @ Various locations in North Mpls. Free
The Northside Holiday Crawl kicks off with multiple community events, including pop-ups featuring dozens of Northside vendors, makers and entrepreneurs at seven locations. Event repeats on Nov. 24 from 11 am-6pm.
Info: northmpls.org/holidaycrawl
Jack Friday Karaoke & Game Night
7pm-Midnight @ Brookview Golf Course, Golden Valley. $10
Thee Urbane Life hosts game night featuring spades, dominoes, poker, Monopoly — along with prizes for the winners.
Info: theeurbanelife.com
Poets Of The City: Jazzville, USA Edition
8-11 pm @ Prime 6, 609 Hennepin Ave., Mpls. $12-$15
Acclaimed spoken word troupe Edupoetic Enterbrainment and slam poet Danny Solis headline the reboot of this Twin Cities performance-poetry series.
Info: bit.ly/2QFNViG
November 24
Small Business Saturday Northside Pop Ups
11 am-6 pm @ Various locations in North Mpls. Free
The Northside Holiday Crawl kick-off with multiple community events, including pop-ups featuring dozens ofNorthside vendors, makers and entrepreneurs at seven locations.
Info: northmpls.org/holidaycrawl
#iamGREATNESS Kids Fashion Show
4-6 pm @ Indigenous Roots Cultural Arts Center, 788 East 7th St., St. Paul. $5-$10
The fashion show will showcase youth fashion and entrepreneurship, including designs from Ice Cream Bow Ties, StudTies and Black Excellence. Additional clothing & accessories sponsored by Children’s Orchard.
Info: icecreambowties.com
Tangible Thoughts Open Mic
7:30- 10 pm @ A-Mill Artist Lofts, 315 S.E. Main St., Mpls. Free
Enjoy an open mic and visual art showcase for poets and performers celebrating millennial Black thought.
Info: bit.ly/2RMY4Ko
November 29
Reconnect & Reboot
6-9 pm @ Glen Nelson Center 370 Wabasha Street North #500, St. Paul. Free
Attend this post Bit-Con meetup to continue the conversations started at the conference and share your input on what you want to see from BIT Twin Cities locally.
Info: blacksintechnology.net
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