Twin Cities weekend: Rock the Cradle, St. Paul Pride, Juneteenth
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Rock the Cradle at Mia. Photo: Courtesy of Darin Kamnetz for MPR
Missing the Walker's Rock the Garden? There's another museum-hosted music festival in town this Saturday — for ages 2 to 10.
What's happening: Minneapolis Institute of Art will be taken over by "Rock the Cradle," an arts and music festival specifically for young children.
- The lineup includes Will Sings Songs, popular YouTube dance duo Koo Koo, and The Laamartians — a group headed by Minneapolis musician Laamar.
Inside, you'll find a kids' disco, art studios and dance parties. Free
Zoom out: The "older" crowds in search of outdoor live music can check out plenty of tribute bands this weekend.
- Enjoy Grateful Dead tunes at Lake Nokomis Friday (free), or head to Hook & Ladder for a back-to-back Blues Brothers and Steely Dan tribute concert that same night ($35+).
- If you've got a Swiftie in your life, Taylor Swift-inspired band Blank Space is taking over Allianz Field on Saturday ($49+).
🎻 Audrey's tip: If none of the above are your thing, I find great local shows via DIY promoter UnderCurrent Mpls and Racket's weekly Complete Concert Calendar.
- I'm personally eyeing "Quartet for the End of Time" on June 28, an eight-movement piece of chamber music performed in Lakewood Cemetery's stunning Memorial Chapel.
More things to do ...
🎭 Shakespeare in Our Parks is back for the summer! Classical Actors Ensemble will be performing "The Tempest" at Lake Harriet Rose Garden on Friday, Lake of the Isles on Saturday and Matthews Park on Sunday.
- All performances are free and open to all ages, but registration is recommended. Picnics are encouraged.
🎉 Juneteenth is Friday, June 19, but you can get a head start on celebrations this weekend throughout the Northside.
- Bethune Park will have an all-day party Saturday with music, a small business market and meet-and-greets with local politicians, while Webber Natural Pool hosts a family swim day, barbecue and free ice cream on Sunday.
🏳️🌈 Everyone is welcome at this weekend's St. Paul Pride Festival, hosted by Dual Citizen Brewing Company. The family-friendly event will have 22 back-to-back live performances, including a wrestling competition and breakdancing group, art activities and plenty of food trucks.
- Expect a more "relaxed and intimate" atmosphere versus massive events like Twin Cities Pride Festival, organizers told the Pioneer Press.
🎨 Professional and amateur artists turn pavement into large-scale chalk art at the return of Chalkfest in Maple Grove. Over 50 artists will be working in real time Saturday and Sunday, and attendees can vote for their favorite to win the People's Choice award.
- Pro tip: If you can't make it out this weekend, Monday is an extra viewing day — until the pieces are washed away in the evening. Free
🖼️ In search of more permanent art? Take a guided tour of South Minneapolis murals at Lake Street Mural Day this Saturday; English and Spanish options available. Free, registration required
- Stop by Midtown Global Market on the way for its Arts and Music Festival, featuring plenty of live performances, storytelling, henna, kids' activities and more. Free