Twin Cities weekend: Northeast art crawl, LEGO convention, tree lighting
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Love Art-A-Whirl, hate the crowds? Enjoy many of the same spots with far fewer people this weekend at the unofficial fall version of the open studio tour.
Driving the news: Popular buildings in the Northeast Minneapolis Arts District are opening their doors to the public Friday-Sunday for a variety of unique activities.
- Northrup King's "Art Attack" weekend features studio tours, art demonstrations (like "flameworking") and an Indigenous experimental performance/music/art festival.
- California Building's "California Dreamin'" classes include block printing, jewelry making and a ceramics class to "build your own tower."
- Casket Arts' "Open Casket" highlights 100+ artists and makers across its four floors and hosts a basement speakeasy with custom cocktails.
- Q.Arma and Solar Arts will also have markets, live music and open studios.
📍Details: Friday-Sunday in Northeast Minneapolis. Most activities are free, but classes may have fees.
More things to do ...
🍭 Get creative with candy at one of Norway House's Community Gingerbread Builds this weekend.
- The Norwegian organization in Minneapolis will provide the kits, frosting and decorations, and the completed creations will become a part of its popular Gingerbread Wonderland display. All skill levels welcome. Free
🥁 Richfield's annual Powwow returns this Friday with traditional Indigenous drumming, dancers in full regalia, artist markets, food vendors and more. The event is open to the public and all ages are welcome. Free
💰 Discover what your family heirlooms are worth at Anoka's free appraising event Saturday. A certified antique appraiser will be on-site at Amoré Antiques to inspect anything that can be "easily carried in" (except furniture or firearms). No appointment necessary, 15 minutes per person. Free
🧱 "The Great Minnesota Brick-Together," AKA the annual LEGO convention, is taking over the fairgrounds this Saturday-Sunday. Expect original creations, displays of collections, resellers with hard-to-find sets and LEGO-themed activities. $10 ages 5-12, $12 ages 13-17, $15 ages 18+
🎄 It's that time of year already: St. Paul's tree lighting in Rice Park is at 5:30pm Saturday. Expect music, including beats from the Saint Paul Police Drum Corps, free hot chocolate and holiday cheer. Free