Twin Cities weekend guide: Doors Open, Sculpture Garden art fair, plant sales
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In the Heart of the Beast Puppet and Mask Theatre (left) and City of Lakes Waldorf School (right) will be open for tours this weekend. Photos: Audrey Kennedy/Axios
Ever wanted to snoop inside an off-limits building? This weekend is Doors Open Minneapolis, a rare chance to explore over 70 venues that are often closed to the public.
- Private clubs, churches, city buildings, restaurants, theaters, historic buildings and more will offer free behind-the-scenes tours to curious visitors.
What we're watching: Visitors can tour the U's 32-foot-tall library stacks at its Collections Facility, see inside a sewer manhole or fire station, explore the new location of Minneapolis' puppet theater and so much more.
- If you like unique historic buildings, Audrey can personally recommend the Como Community Center, Scottish Rite Masonic Center, City of Lakes Waldorf School and the Purcell-Cutts House.
Note: Each venue has different hours, so check the guide before you go.
- Though most are free, some specialty tours also require tickets — like Utepils Brewing's first-ever tour of their production facility, led by the brewery's owner. $39.19
🫶 Audrey's thought bubble: I've gone to Doors Open almost every year and firmly believe it's one of the most underrated events in the state. If you're nosy like me, see if a building near you is available for tours!
- Plus: This year's lineup features some of the buildings participating in Art-A-Whirl, like Flux Arts Building — so if you want to skip the massive Whirler crowds next weekend, this is an ideal time to check them out.
More things to do...
🌱 Pick up a new plant at one of the many plant sales this weekend, starting with the enormous Friends School sale at the State Fairgrounds.
- This year's event features over 2,000 varieties and runs Friday–Sunday — and all remaining plants are 33% off on the last day.
- Lake Country School and Edina Garden Council also have walk-up sales all day Friday, while Minnesota Landscape Arboretum's annual selection is available Friday and Saturday (free timed-entry tickets required).
🕰️ Find a new-to-you item at the return of Twin Cities Vintage Flea this Saturday. The pop-up market at North Loop Green will have clothing, accessories and collectibles "from every decade." Free
- For more clothing finds, try the Minneapolis Vintage Market in St. Louis Park on Sunday.
- If you want to avoid the crowds, Audrey recommends the early bird admission for $10. Free general admission
🌭 Feast from over 50 food trucks at the kickoff of Minnesota Food Truck Festivals, held this Saturday in downtown Hopkins. Expect a variety of cuisines, all-day live music, lawn games and giveaways. Free entry
🥄 Enjoy large and small local art at the return of the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden Art Fair this Saturday and Sunday. Over 180 artists will set up around "Spoonbridge and Cherry," including a dedicated marketplace for botanical art.
- Audrey's tip: Though I enjoyed last year's inaugural festival, it became very crowded by noon. Go early, and bring sunscreen — there is almost no shade in the garden!
🐦🔥 Celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month at Arbeiter Brewing Co.'s annual Asian Phoenix Festival on Saturday. This year's event will feature performances, art activities like screen printing, a bouncy castle and plenty of Asian cuisine. Free