Twin Cities weekend guide: Nerd dating, book festival, relaxed concert
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Thousands of readers will flock to Union Depot this Saturday for the 25th annual Twin Cities Book Festival, Minnesota's gathering for all things literary.
What's happening: A project of Minneapolis-based literary organization Rain Taxi, the festival features over 50 local and national authors spanning a wide variety of genres, from Minnesota bestseller Curtis Sittenfeld to Taylor Swift poetry professor Stephanie Burt.
- Over 140 book-related exhibitors will be on site, including local shops like Magers & Quinn and Red Balloon, and the back hall will host an enormous used books and records sale.
Be smart: If your to-be-read pile is already overwhelming, check out one of the many panels or drop-in workshops, like typewriter poetry, string crafts, manga drawing or a recipe swap.
- 📍 10am–5pm Saturday at Union Depot. Everything is free to attend, and Metro Transit is providing complimentary passes for visitors.
More things to do...
💕 Cuffing season has begun — and if you want a unique meet-cute, Pitch-A-Friend returns to Inbound BrewCo in Minneapolis Friday night.
- Friends of single people give a presentation on why audience members should date their pal. This week's theme is "nerd night," where everyone being pitched is a self-proclaimed nerd. (Prepare for the night via our Instagram.) Free
💥 Meet even more nerds at Twin Cities Con, a celebration of comics, television, film, anime, cosplay, games and more in downtown Minneapolis Friday–Sunday.
- Expect dozens of celebrity guests — including "The Mummy" star Brendan Fraser and Marvel/"Star Wars" actress Rosario Dawson — tabletop and video gaming tournaments, costume contests, panels and wrestling matches. $49.95–$94.95
🧶 Get a head start on holiday shopping at one of four craft shows across the metro this Saturday. Stillwater, Shakopee, St. Louis Park and Minneapolis' Nokomis neighborhood's markets will feature 30 to 100 vendors, and admission is free to all.
đź’Ť Prep for your upcoming nuptials at the Minnesota Bridal & Wedding Expo Sunday, a one-stop shop to find local wedding vendors. Categories include gowns, photographers, venues, bands and more; admission is free with online registration or $10 at the door.
🎻 Bring kids to the Minnesota Orchestra Sunday afternoon for a "Relaxed Family Concert" designed for all ages and people with sensory sensitivities. The one-hour "Magnificent Musical Creatures" performance is inspired by nature and features film snippets from the Minnesota Zoo. $15+