Twin Cities weekend guide: Banana Ball slides into Target Field
Add Axios as your preferred source to
see more of our stories on Google.
Acrobatics are part of the fun. Photo: Stuart Cahill/MediaNews Group/Boston Herald via Getty Images
"Banana Ball" boogies onto Target Field this weekend, as the Savannah Bananas and Loco Beach Coconuts face off in front of local fans.
Why it matters: Have you seen the viral clips? These guys are so fun.
For the uninitiated, the traveling exhibition league combines America's favorite pastime with wacky antics and performances.
- Think acrobatic dance routines, lip-syncing, trick plays and plenty of props.
Zoom in: The league has some... unusual rules that keep the games interesting.
Case in point: If a fan catches a foul ball, you'reeeee oouuuuuutttt!
Between the lines: The squads rehearse (vs. practice) their nightly shows (vs. games), as our Axios colleague Tyler Buchanan has reported.
- But they say the baseball itself — including who wins — isn't choreographed.
💭 Kyle's thought bubble: I've been to a "Banana Ball" game.
- Purists, stay home.
- If your idea of a baseball game is a few chill beers and chatting with friends, consider sitting this one out. (Thumping music, dance breaks and on-field gimmicks will constantly interrupt you.)
Yes, but: The players' talent is undeniable, the rules are innovative — and if you hate it, the longest you'll have to watch is two hours.
If you go: The shows are scheduled for Friday and Saturday nights and Sunday afternoon.
- The lottery for tickets was months ago, but we spotted a few via the league's resale site for as low as $40 as of Thursday morning.
Tickets on other secondary markets are much pricier, with seats going for $200-plus.
More weekend events...
🎨 The Uptown Art Fair returns to Minneapolis this weekend, reimagined on Lake of the Isles with art, performances, food, and family-friendly activities. Free; Friday-Sunday
🍀 Twin Cities Irish Fest offers three days of family-friendly fun on Harriet Island in St. Paul. Expect Irish bands, dance performances, food, workshops, and more. $30+ (kids 12 and under enter free); Friday-Sunday
🐶 Paw Patrol is on a roll at Mall of America this weekend, as Chase, Marshall and Skye headline a meet-and-greet with fans. Kid-friendly snacks will be served at the ticketed event. $19.99; Saturday, 10:30-11:30am
🌮 The City of Eagan's Food Truck Festival brings tasty eats, drinks and live music to the Eagan Festival Grounds. The fun culminates with fireworks around 9:15pm. Free; Friday, 4-9pm
🎵 Bloomington's all-ages On The One Music Festival will rock Central Station Park with headliner Carl Thomas and local acts. Free; Saturday, 3-9pm