Friday, December 8
Tchaikovksy in the Twin Cities
What: A Minnesota Nutcracker
When: 7 p.m.
Where: Ames Center, 12600 Nicollet Avenue, Burnsville
What if the Sugar Plum Fairy lived in Minnesota? Join the Twin Cities Ballet for this local twist on the ballet classic. Performers accompanied by Tchaikovsky’s famous music dance through various Minnesota-inspired settings, from Rice Park to Summit Avenue to the Mississippi River. Additional performances take place on Saturday and Sunday. Learn more.
Party Like It’s 1999
What: Prince from Minneapolis Exhibition & Preview Party
When: 7–10 p.m.
Where: Weisman Art Museum, 333 East River Road, Minneapolis
The Prince from Minneapolis exhibition honors the Minnesota music legend through photos by photographers who worked with Prince, as well as offbeat artwork including seed art, a Prince-themed bicycle, and glass figurines. The preview party will give you a glimpse of the exhibit accompanied by Prince’s best songs, curated by DJ Shannon Blowtorch. Learn more.
Saturday, December 9
An Evening of Politics
What: Joe Biden’s American Promise Tour
When: 8 p.m.
Where: Orpheum Theatre, 910 Hennepin Avenue, Minneapolis
It’s easy to get caught up in the holiday excitement, but former vice president Joe Biden’s lecture series invites audiences to take a broader look at today’s political climate. Biden will speak about his own political career, his experience with his son’s death, and his future. The lecture is moderated by bestselling author and video blogger John Green. Learn more.
Art by Women
What: 25th Annual Women’s Art Festival
When: 9:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
Where: Colin Powell Center, 2924 4th Avenue South, Minneapolis
This festival celebrates more than 130 women artists from various disciplines, including painting, sculpture, jewelry, weaving, printmaking, glass, and ceramics. Coffee, food, and treats are available from a women-owned coffee shop, and local musicians will give live performances throughout the day. Learn more.
Sunday, December 10
28 Years of Lorie Line
What: Lorie Line’s King of Kings Tour
When: 3 p.m.
Where: Fitzgerald Theater, 10 East Exchange Street, St. Paul
Join renowned pianist and composer Lorie Line for her 28th annual Christmas tour. The Minnesota Music Hall of Famer will be accompanied by her Pop Chamber Orchestra and a guest vocalist. If you bring your kids, they may even get a chance to join Line and her orchestra onstage for a song—or to meet Santa. Learn more.
Lights, Music, Action!
What: College of Science & Engineering Winter Light Show
When: 5:30, 6, and 6:30 p.m.
Where: University of MN Civil Engineering Building Courtyard, 500 Pillsbury Drive Southeast, Minneapolis
This event is what happens when you combine engineering students with 250,000 LED lights: an immersive 3D light show set to holiday music. University of MN students also contributed their own compositions and music performances, which were then synced with the light display. Each free show lasts about twenty minutes, but if one isn’t enough, you can stay for two more. Learn more.
