Twin Cities weekend events: Aquatennial, Nate Bargatze, chalk festival

The Aquatennial has begun! Though last night's Torchlight Parade was cancelled due to weather, Minneapolis' official civic celebration has plenty of activities through Saturday night.

• Here are three happenings we're watching this weekend.

🛹 Alley Jam: This party in the alley behind FAIR School in downtown Minneapolis features skateboard demonstrations, food, shopping, DJ sets and more. Practice up — there are cash prizes for skateboard tricks. Friday 6-8pm; free

🇯🇲 Carifest: Party on West River Road at the Twin Cities' premier Caribbean festival with food, music, arts, crafts and a traditional costume parade. Bonus: You can see the fireworks from the grounds. Saturday 11am-10pm; $25 entry, kids 12 and under free

🧨 Target Fireworks: They're a staple for a reason — and if you secure your spot along West River Parkway hours before showtime, check out the nearby car show and vintage market down the road. Saturday 10pm, free

More things to do....

☀️ Stare at the sun safely at the Bell Museum's Solar Observing party Saturday afternoon. Staff will walk visitors through use of specialized telescopes, filters and more to see sunspots and solar prominences.

• Note: It will be canceled in case of clouds or rain. Included with cost of admission, which is $15 ages 22+, $12 ages 3-21

🔎 Forget garage sales — find everything you don't need in one place at Saturday's ThriftCon, a vintage and collectibles convention in downtown Minneapolis with over 140 booths where, according to organizers, most items purchased range between $10-$50.

• If that's too pricey, the event will also have a By the Pound installation with over 10,000 pounds of "curated vintage finds" to dig through, all sold by weight at $10/lb. $17 admission, $40 for early bird access

🎨 The W.E. Chalk Festival returns to St. Louis Park's Shops at West End Saturday and Sunday from 10am-6pm. Expect 2D and 3D chalk art creations by professionals from across the country, food trucks, art vendors and opportunities to try the art form yourself. Free

🏮 Light up St. Paul at the Water Lantern Festival Saturday night, where attendees gather to assemble and decorate their own rice paper lantern before setting it free at Phalen Park. (The ticket price also pays for the cost of lantern cleanup by staff.) $37.99 in advance, $57.99 at the door

🤣 In need of a good laugh? Nate Bargatze, the popular and family-friendly comedian known for his deadpan delivery, is making stops at Xcel Energy Center Saturday and Sunday nights. Tickets start at $44.95 Saturday and $37 Sunday

• Pro tip: If you're not familiar with Bargatze, you might recognize him from this "Saturday Night Live" sketch with nearly 25 million views.