Twin Cities weekend guide: Roller derby, open studios, Santa returns
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Forget the Vikings/Packers game — some of the highest-contact sports action this weekend will take place on roller skates.
What's happening: The Minnesota Roller Derby kicks off its 23rd season this Saturday, bringing the fast, full-contact sport back to St. Paul to battle for the Golden Skate.
How it works: Skaters zip around a track trying to help their "jammer" score points by lapping the other team, Axios Des Moines' Linh Ta writes.
- It's known for its wild energy and quirky flair, including creative nicknames and fun makeup and outfits.
What to expect: Defending champion Bodies of Water will go skate-to-skate with Wednesday Warnings before Roller Vortex attempts to freeze out the Maul Rats.
If you go: Saturday at 6pm. Roy Wilkins Auditorium in St. Paul. $18+ in advance, $20+ on game day, kids 9 and under free.
More things to do…
🎨 Explore Northeast Minneapolis' arts district at the return of Fall Open Studios this weekend.
- Hundreds of artists across five buildings will open their doors for shopping and hands-on activities, including jewelry making, clay tower building and community painting. Friday–Sunday, hours vary per building. Free entry.
🔨 Prep for your winter home improvement project at the Eagan Home Show, which brings up to 150 professionals serving the south metro under one roof. Saturday, 10am-4pm. Free entry and parking.
📚 Find your next read at Black. Lit. Local., the quarterly author fair featuring Twin Cities Black authors and storytellers.
- Black Garnet Books in St. Paul will host the event, which also serves as a sneak peek for next year's Midwest Black Book Fair. Saturday, 12–5pm. Free, registration requested.
🤣 ICYMI: Steve Martin and Martin Short's rescheduled comedy shows are this Saturday at the Orpheum Theatre in Minneapolis. Act fast — only a few tickets are left for each set. Saturday, 3pm and 8pm. $244+
🎸 Too chilly for outdoor live music? Head inside at the return of Indoor Porchfest, where 24 local bands will play across three floors of the Meraki building in Minneapolis' Kingfield neighborhood. Saturday, 4–9pm. $15, ages 13 and under are free.
🎻 Watch the metro's best Appalachian-style cloggers at Clog-O-Rama, a St. Paul showcase of "fancy feet [and] old time beats."
- Expect high-energy percussive footwork, a string band and plenty of fiddle. Saturday, 7pm. $25 in advance, youth 18 and under free.
🎅 Christmas is in 43 days, but Santa is already heading to the Mall of America. The mall's annual kickoff to the holiday season features giveaways, a game show, the Sleigh Bell Dancers and of course, Mr. and Mrs. Claus. Sunday, 12pm. Free.