Twin Cities weekend guide: Free Park Day, indie bookstore tour
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The 2022 Indie Bookstores Passport, pictured in Magers & Quinn. Photo: Audrey Kennedy/Axios
In search of your next spring read? Independent Bookstore Day is this Saturday, and Twin Cities shops are offering exclusive discounts to celebrate.
How it works: Pick up a free Independent Bookstore Passport at 38 participating stores across the metro and get a stamp at each location you visit through Sunday — no purchase necessary.
- Each stamp activates a future discount at that store. Collect at least 10 stamps to activate all 38 coupons.
📚 Audrey's recommendations: The Book House in Dinkytown is my favorite spot for unique used books, and I've nabbed some great local zines and comics from Boneshaker Books in Lowry Hill East.
- St. Paul's newest store, Acorn Bookshop, has the cutest children's reading area I've ever seen, and you can't go wrong with a recommendation from the staff of SubText Bookstore.
- Yes, and: If you're a romantasy reader, the Twin Cities' first romance bookstore Tropes & Trifles is a must-visit.
More things to do ...
🎨 Art in Bloom is in full swing at the Minneapolis Institute of Art, with over 100 floral installations inspired by pieces in the museum's permanent collection on display now through Sunday. Free
- Pro tip: If you value your sanity, do not try to park anywhere near the museum. The #2, #11 and #18 buses have stops nearby, or consider biking.
🌳 Celebrate Arbor Day this Friday at Minneapolis' annual tree-themed festival. Visitors can help plant saplings at Bethune Park, play lawn games and climb trees using arborists' harnesses — under professional supervision. Free
🏞️ Saturday is Free Park Day! All Minnesota state parks will waive entrance fees, and visitors won't need a vehicle permit to stay overnight.
- Pro tip: Saturday is also free admission day at all 27 Minnesota Historical Society sites and museums. If you're headed to a park, see if there's a site near you.
🏎️ Cars and Caves returns to Chanhassen for the 2026 season Saturday morning with hundreds of classic, muscle, antique, street rod and exotic cars and motorcycles.
- It's free to all and family-friendly, though patrons can donate to this month's nonprofit beneficiary, Wishes & More, at the event.
🥬 Farmers market season has arrived. St. Paul's is back in Lowertown Saturday from 7am-1pm and Sunday from 8am-1pm, while the Minneapolis Farmers Market near North Loop returns Saturday and Sunday from 9am-12pm. Free entry