Twin Cities weekend: Pumpkins and Powerdrills, adult book fair
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Pumpkins and Powerdrills in 2024. Photo: Minnesota Tool Library
Need some porch decor before Halloween? Get creative with a jack-o'-lantern while supporting a Twin Cities community resource this weekend.
Drilling the news: The Minnesota Tool Library's Pumpkins and Powerdrills returns for its 10th year Saturday and Sunday, offering an outdoor opportunity to carve a jack-o'-lantern with a variety of provided power tools.
- No experience is required and all ages are welcome. Volunteers will be on-site to assist both kids and adults.
How it works: Carvers can bring their own pumpkin (fee applies) or purchase one from the Tool Library for $8. Bring a container to collect the seeds; innards will be cleaned up and composted by volunteers.
- Proceeds support the organization's lending libraries, scholarships and operating costs.
Details: Saturday, 1-5pm at Broken Clock Brewing Cooperative in Minneapolis; Sunday, 1-6pm at Dual Citizen Brewing Company in St. Paul. Advance registrations are appreciated.
- Free walk-in admission, but those bringing their own pumpkins must pay a flat $10 fee per group.
More things to do ...
🎺 Step back in time at The Saint Paul Hotel's annual Spooky Swing Night on Friday. The historic Promenade Ballroom will host a 17-piece big band for an evening of "vintage Halloween glamour" — costumes encouraged.
- Dancers Studio will lead a 30-minute complimentary lesson before the band begins. Friday, 6:30-9pm. $25 in advance, $35 day-of.
🔮 If you didn't already sense it, the Fall Psychic Fair returns to Linden Hills on Saturday with the Twin Cities' top psychics and mediums offering readings, "energy healings" and more metaphysical needs.
- Additional programming includes aura photographs and free workshops on breathwork, runes and intuition. Saturday, 10am-5pm. Free entry.
📚 Missing your childhood Scholastic Book Fair? The popular Book Fair for Adults takes over the Minnesota State Fair Grandstand this Saturday with local authors, publishers and bookstores spanning at least 25 genres.
- Tickets are timed to prevent overcrowding, with prices decreasing throughout the day. Saturday, 11am-6pm. $5-$20 in advance, $10-$25 day-of.
💃 The Hmong Arts Celebration is back at Mall of America's rotunda with cultural performances, fashion shows, music and a maker's market for all ages. Saturday, 12-5pm. Free.
👻 Watch a costume parade through The Halloween Capital of the World at Anoka's annual Grande Day Parade on Saturday.
- Want a good viewing spot? Better wake up early — spaces can be reserved with blankets and chairs starting at 4am, per the city. Saturday, 1-3:30pm. Free.