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It's that time of year again — Loti Pencil is receiving its annual sharpening.

Catch up quick: Since its creation in 2022, owner John Higgins has thrown a massive annual party for the community to celebrate the (originally) 16-foot-tall pencil sculpture, carved from a tree in Higgins' front yard by chainsaw sculptor Curtis Ingvoldstad.

What to expect: Professional pencil sharpener David Rees will return for the ceremony, as will the human pencil dancers, marching band and matching giant pencil sharpener. 

Organizers upgraded the PA system for those at the edge of the crowd.

🧠 Audrey's thought bubble: As an unofficial Loti Pencil historian (I've been documenting it since before its creation), I've seen this event go from about 100 people in 2022 to thousands in 2025. Here's my advice:

Don't drive. Seriously. Parking is scarce and the roads are narrow, meaning you can get stuck for nearly an hour trying to go three blocks (ask me how I know). Take the E Line to Hennepin Avenue and walk from there. 

Create a meet-up plan for your group, especially if you bring kids. Children are encouraged to come to the front during a portion of the ceremony — make sure they can find you after it's over!

Bring lots of water and sunscreen. The tree that previously provided the most shade is now a pencil. 

Prepare to stand the whole time. Though the pencil is slightly elevated, the surrounding area is flat — if you sit, you won't be able to see a thing. 

Be patient with your fellow pencil lovers. It's a lot of people in a relatively small space, but we're all here to have fun! 

📍 Details: Saturday, June 6, from 1–2:30pm at 2217 E. Lake of the Isles Parkway.

While you're there, grab a free ticket for the afterparty at Icehouse.

Celebrate Prince's legacy at one of the many events around downtown Minneapolis this weekend.

Members of his bands the Revolution and the NPG will reunite at the Armory's 10th Anniversary Concert Friday night ($94+), and the city will host a free block party and sing-along on Saturday.

Head to Plymouth on Sunday for the grand opening of the People's Museum for Prince, featuring works by over 60 artists across seven countries. Free

🎨 It's a big weekend for art fairs, starting with the popular Edina Art Fair Friday–Sunday at 50th & France. Pro tip: Avoid parking battles by taking the free shuttle from City Hall.

Shop under the canopy of Swede Hollow Park at St. Paul's Art in the Hollow Festival on Saturday, or head north to the St. Anthony Park Arts Festival. The latter features 65 artists, a beer and mead garden, live music and a library book sale. Free

🚂 Union Depot is celebrating its 100th anniversary this weekend with Train Days, the family festival featuring all things railroad. Activities include large-scale models, tours of historical trains and a music festival on Saturday with five local artists. Free

💒 Break out your wedding dress — the Garter Toss Wedding Chapel is throwing a bridal dive bar crawl in North St. Paul this Saturday.

Expect a swag bag, stops at six nearby pubs and a wedding cake eating contest. Wedding attire heavily encouraged.

🚶 PSA: Two major Twin Cities roads will be closed for street festivals this Sunday. Open Streets Lyndale shuts down Lyndale between 22nd and 42nd streets and Grand Old Day closes Grand Avenue from Snelling to Dale.

The latter features a parade, car show, skateboard competition, six live music stages, family activities, wiener dog races and more. Both free

Twin Cities weekend guide: Pencil sharpening, Open Streets, Edina Art Fair

Here's what you need to know before Saturday.

Two-panel outdoor scene: left shows a giant orange pencil prop by a white house with two men; right shows people in yellow pencil costumes around scaffolding and a performer on top.

John Higgins and Curtis Ingvoldstad next to Loti Pencil, left, and human pencil dancers. Photos: Audrey Kennedy/Axios

It&#x27;s that time of year again — Loti Pencil is receiving its annual sharpening.Catch up quick: Since its creation in 2022, owner John Higgins has <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="thrown a massive annual party" data-vars-click-url="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DIerWZ2sqGo/" data-vars-content-id="2b56ba31-d9ea-4e78-a5eb-0bf980566ab7" data-vars-headline="Twin Cities weekend guide: Pencil sharpening, Open Streets, Edina Art Fair" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DIerWZ2sqGo/" target="_blank">thrown a massive annual party</a> for the community to celebrate the (originally) 16-foot-tall pencil sculpture, carved from a tree in Higgins&#x27; front yard by chainsaw sculptor <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Curtis Ingvoldstad" data-vars-click-url="https://woodsculpture.net/" data-vars-content-id="2b56ba31-d9ea-4e78-a5eb-0bf980566ab7" data-vars-headline="Twin Cities weekend guide: Pencil sharpening, Open Streets, Edina Art Fair" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://woodsculpture.net/" target="_blank">Curtis Ingvoldstad</a>.What to expect: Professional pencil sharpener <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="David Rees" data-vars-click-url="http://www.artisanalpencilsharpening.com/" data-vars-content-id="2b56ba31-d9ea-4e78-a5eb-0bf980566ab7" data-vars-headline="Twin Cities weekend guide: Pencil sharpening, Open Streets, Edina Art Fair" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="http://www.artisanalpencilsharpening.com/" target="_blank">David Rees</a> will return for the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="ceremony" data-vars-click-url="https://www.instagram.com/p/DY-Z7JelOpC/?img_index=1" data-vars-content-id="2b56ba31-d9ea-4e78-a5eb-0bf980566ab7" data-vars-headline="Twin Cities weekend guide: Pencil sharpening, Open Streets, Edina Art Fair" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DY-Z7JelOpC/?img_index=1" target="_blank">ceremony</a>, as will the human pencil dancers, marching band and matching giant pencil sharpener.

Things to Do

See ya, San Antonio — St. Paul is finally recognizing its own riverwalk.

Driving the news: Saturday marks the official inauguration of the "Downtown Riverwalk," the two-mile stretch connecting downtown St. Paul and the Mississippi.

The route loops around Kellogg Boulevard and Shepard Road and encourages meanderers to stop at the Science Museum, Union Depot and green spaces like Lower Landing.

What to expect: Saint Paul Parks Conservancy and other organizations have planned guided walking tours, live music, food trucks and family-friendly activities along the Riverwalk.

Plus: If you have kids in tow, bring them a block north to the Ordway for Saturday's Flint Hills Family Festival.

👶 An opera for babies, a cow-themed musical, circus performances and more will take over Ordway for the return of said Flint Hills Family Festival Friday night and all day Saturday.

The kid-friendly arts fest in downtown St. Paul has plenty of free outdoor performances and activities for all ages, and indoor show tickets are just $8.

🐦‍⬛ Can you replicate a crow call? Find out at Saturday's inaugural Minneapolis Crow Picnic, an event for and by local crow-lovers. 

Exchange trinkets, dress in your best "crowcore" and if the Merlin Bird ID app thinks your crow call is from a real bird, you have a chance to win $100. Free

🪀 Watch the Midwest's best yo-yo players "throw down" at Saturday's regional Yo-Yo Championship, hosted in Mall of America's rotunda. Categories include best freestyle, the multi-trick "sport ladder" and for the amateurs, "beginner's luck." Free

💃 Minneapolis' hottest club this Saturday is the Bde Maka Ska Pavilion, which will transform into a salsa dancing spot from 5-8pm. No experience or partner required, just show up and groove to salsa, bachata and timba. Free

🐢 "Shell-ebrate" local turtles at TurtleFest, held at Plymouth's French Regional Park this Sunday.

Experts from Three Rivers Park District, Minnesota Zoo representatives and more will be on-site for visitors to meet turtles, create turtle-themed art, spot wild turtles in Medicine Lake and more. Free

🍔 Dine out for a good cause on Sunday at the return of Modist Brewing Company's Burgertopia, an all-you-can-eat burger festival with patties from Black Duck Spirits + Hearth, Dark Horse, Angry Line Cook and more.

Proceeds benefit Help the House Foundation, a local nonprofit that provides physical and mental health support for hospitality industry workers. $40 adults, $20 kids, $100 VIP

Twin Cities weekend: St. Paul Riverwalk, TurtleFest, crow picnic

A view of city buildings in downtown St. Paul with the Mississippi River in the foreground. 

See ya, San Antonio — St. Paul is finally recognizing its own riverwalk.Driving the news: Saturday marks the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="official inauguration" data-vars-click-url="https://www.visitsaintpaul.com/events-calendar/downtown-riverwalk-inauguration/" data-vars-content-id="2e691a66-44fd-4f59-ace7-1e1b5cec010d" data-vars-headline="Twin Cities weekend: St. Paul Riverwalk, TurtleFest, crow picnic" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.visitsaintpaul.com/events-calendar/downtown-riverwalk-inauguration/" target="_blank">official inauguration</a> of the &quot;Downtown Riverwalk,&quot; the two-mile stretch connecting downtown St. Paul and the Mississippi.<ul><li>The route loops around Kellogg Boulevard and Shepard Road and encourages meanderers to stop at the Science Museum, Union Depot and green spaces like Lower Landing.</li></ul>

Happy Art-A-Whirl! The largest open artist studio tour in the country kicks off Friday with a packed three days celebrating local creatives — and almost every event is free to the public.

Not sure where to start? Here are three spots we recommend. 

❤️ Alight-A-Whirl: Shop hundreds of pieces donated by artists at this fundraiser by Minneapolis-based humanitarian organization Alight. 100% of art sales will benefit displaced families. Friday-Sunday

🌪️ Whirlygig: Indeed Brewing's coinciding three-day music/beer festival features 18 music acts, a vendor market, glassblowing, a silent disco, "unicycling unicorn" and much more. Note: The event is cash only. Friday-Sunday

🚘 Crush-A-Whirl: Cat-themed auto shop Turbo Tim's is bringing back its live car-crushing event alongside an artist market, live music and kids activities. Noon-6pm Saturday

🪩 "Divas of a certain age" dance the night away at Amsterdam Bar & Hall's Hot Flash Dance Friday night. Gen X and millennial women can rock out to tunes from "all the excellent decades [they've] been alive." And with a 7pm start time, you can be in pajamas by midnight. $20.55

🏷️ It's a great weekend for community garage sales. We spotted at least 15, including in Bloomington, Brooklyn Park, Lakeville, Richfield and Anoka.

Prefer a smaller area? Check out a neighborhood sale in Como Park, Hale-Page-Diamond Lake, Kingfield and Lyndale. 

❤️ "Heal in nature" this Saturday at the second annual Saint Paul Peony Festival, held in the China Friendship Garden at Phalen Regional Park.

Visitors can take a guided sensory walk through the gardens, watch a peony "flower dance," paint stones with water calligraphy and purchase their own peonies. Free entry

🇹🇭 Celebrate Thai New Year this weekend at the return of the Minnesota Songkran Festival, now held in St. Louis Park.

Activities include the Maha Songkran parade, cultural performances, papaya tasting and Thai temple blessings for good fortune in the new year. Free

🐻 Dine with brown bears, moose and more at Feast with the Beasts, the Minnesota Zoo's adults-only night. Saturday.

Guests can enjoy a complimentary barbecue slider while the carnivores are fed carcasses — but if that would ruin your appetite, the rest of the zoo is available to explore. $40+, plus $10 parking

Twin Cities weekend: Art-A-Whirl, garage sales, peony festival

Cat-themed auto shop Turbo Tim's is bringing back its live car-crushing event.

Nighttime street festival with a dense crowd under string lights and colorful pennant bunting; white tents line the area, a stage glows purple in the distance, blue evening sky overhead.

Whirlygig at Indeed Brewing. Photo: Indeed Brewing 

Happy Art-A-Whirl! The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="largest open artist studio tour" data-vars-click-url="https://nemaa.org/art-a-whirl/" data-vars-content-id="7c6029b5-8b0b-4a48-a39d-0a6c10fceac8" data-vars-headline="Twin Cities weekend: Art-A-Whirl, garage sales, peony festival" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://nemaa.org/art-a-whirl/" target="_blank">largest open artist studio tour</a> in the country kicks off Friday with a packed three days celebrating local creatives — and almost every event is free to the public.<ul><li>Not sure where to start? Here are three spots we recommend. </li></ul>

Want to be the star of your own cooking show? This historic Minneapolis home has the kitchen for you.

Driving the news: Twin Cities baker, cookbook author and television host Zoë François just put her home on the market — and you may recognize that chef's kitchen as the backdrop of her HBO Max show "Zoë Bakes." 

Why we love it: Built in 1902 and located near the lakes area of Minneapolis, the two-part chef's kitchen features high-end appliances, including a double wall oven and two refrigerators, plus a butler's pantry, marble counters and butcher block island. 

The home's stained glass windows, wood wainscoting and grand staircase have also been meticulously restored by François and her husband.

Plus: The third floor, which has three bedrooms, two bathrooms, an office and kitchenette, can serve as guest living quarters or an independent rental unit. 

Additional features: Formal dining and living rooms, wood-burning fireplaces, cedar sauna, three-season porch, fenced backyard with fire pit and dog run, two-car detached garage.

Details: Contact listing agents Lindsey Ronning and Josie Johnson for more information.

Dark wood dining room with a coffered ceiling and crystal chandelier. A wooden table with six upholstered chairs, a fur throw, and a china cabinet by paneled walls and tall windows.

Luxurious foyer with dark wood paneling, ornate wrought-iron screens, and a carved staircase. Warm hardwood floors flow into a sitting area with a brick fireplace and cream seating.

Spacious living room with white coffered ceiling, dark wood beams and columns, built-in bookshelves, and artwork. Two light gray armchairs rest on a red patterned rug beside a brick fireplace.

A traditional living room with dark wood paneling, curved bench seating with gray cushions and red pillows, a wooden coffee table, a patterned rug, decorative carved screens, and framed art.

Bright white kitchen with a large wooden island, four metal stools, copper pots hanging, stainless appliances, white subway tile, and a bookshelf by the window.

Bright white kitchen with tall white cabinets, stainless steel double ovens, and a butcher-block island. Copper pots hang over a white subway tile wall; dark flooring and a pendant light.

Bright white kitchen with a wooden island, two metal stools, and a large stainless refrigerator. White subway tile, pendant lights, and a can of rolling pins on the island.

Bright white kitchen with marble countertops and backsplash, white cabinets, a tall stainless appliance with a glass door, a red stand mixer, a sink with an arched faucet, and a blue utensil jar.

Bright living room with a fireplace and a large flat-screen TV above it. A beige patterned sofa and ottoman face a wooden sideboard with abstract art and a lamp; a brown chair sits by a window with blinds.

White room with a large central window framed by decorative trim, flanked by stained-glass panels depicting green trees and hills. Outside, a yard and neighboring houses. Left: radiator and a wooden bench; right: stairs.

Bright home office with a white desk and black chair centered before three large windows. Vintage cabinets flank the desk, a teal fan on a shelf, shelves of books, framed art, and a patterned rug.

Bright living room with white paneled walls and a sloped ceiling. A brown leather armchair and ottoman, floor lamp, gray sofa, beige chair, and a colorful rug surround a large bay window and a doorway

Spacious basement with white ceiling and recessed lights. Beige sofa and gray sectional around a coffee table near a black stone fireplace with a TV. Gym area has a squat rack, weights, and mirrors.

Backyard scene with a circular stone fire pit surrounded by Adirondack chairs on gravel, a wooden fence, and leafless trees under a blue sky. Left shows a screened porch; right has a patio table and chairs.

"Zoë Bakes" star lists Minneapolis home with TV-ready kitchen

François' chef's kitchen served as the backdrop for her HBO Max show "Zoë Bakes."

Bright kitchen with white cabinets, subway tile, and a wooden island with five metal stools. A brick pillar and bookcase wall separate the space; a chalkboard door with ornate trim and a red rug.

Baker Zoë François' kitchen served as the backdrop for her HBO Max show "Zoë Bakes." Photo: Spacecrafting

Want to be the star of your own cooking show? This historic Minneapolis home has the kitchen for you.Driving the news: Twin Cities baker, cookbook author and television host <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Zoë François" data-vars-click-url="https://mspmag.com/shop-and-style/zoe-francois-rise/" data-vars-content-id="b53c4956-f651-4ac1-9a0f-6ad5b20afb81" data-vars-headline="&quot;Zoë Bakes&quot; star lists Minneapolis home with TV-ready kitchen" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://mspmag.com/shop-and-style/zoe-francois-rise/" target="_blank">Zoë François</a> just put her home on the market — and you may recognize that chef&#x27;s kitchen as the backdrop of her HBO Max show &quot;<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Zoë Bakes" data-vars-click-url="https://www.hbomax.com/shows/zoe-bakes/85d7df13-47b2-4d07-a5b4-35674ffd86ef" data-vars-content-id="b53c4956-f651-4ac1-9a0f-6ad5b20afb81" data-vars-headline="&quot;Zoë Bakes&quot; star lists Minneapolis home with TV-ready kitchen" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.hbomax.com/shows/zoe-bakes/85d7df13-47b2-4d07-a5b4-35674ffd86ef" target="_blank">Zoë Bakes</a>.&quot;

Real Estate

Taxidermy, funeral collectibles, sideshow performers and "all things weird" are coming to Minneapolis this weekend for the return of the Oddities and Curiosities Expo.

What's happening: The traveling event features hundreds of vendors selling everything from vintage medical devices to actual skulls. All items are legal to own and "sustainably sourced," according to organizers.

Activities include a six-hour opossum taxidermy course, octopus wet specimen class and a scorpion entomology lesson, where attendees learn to preserve, pin and pose bugs with unique exoskeletons. 

📍 Details: Saturday and Sunday from 10am–5pm at the Minneapolis Convention Center. $16 in advance, $22 day-of, kids 12 and under free

Be smart: While the event is advertised as kid-friendly, parental discretion is still advised.

🌽 Get a Pronto Pup straight from the source at this weekend's Kickoff to Summer at the Fair, the annual chance to enjoy many Great Minnesota Get-Together festivities without the massive crowds.

New this year: a horse show, additional food vendors (including more Amish doughnuts) and the "Second Glance" crop art exhibit, featuring more than 50 pieces from last year's fair. $17

🍒 Would you like to buy 20 pounds of hand-picked apricots, cherries or mandarin oranges this weekend? MyFruitTruck, a nationwide traveling bulk fresh fruit truck, is stopping in Burnsville, Lakeville, Plymouth, Bloomington and more this weekend.

Just don't be late — the pickup window is only 30 minutes. $45–$55 per 10–20 pounds

💥 Celebrate the local comics scene at FLOP, the eclectic Lyn-Lake shop Odd Mart's small press "comix" show this weekend.

Expect 78 artists and publishers, panel discussions, readings, and custom cocktails that come with a free comic. Free

🐑 Eat homemade ice cream alongside farm animals at Gibbs Farm's opening day social Saturday morning.

The family-friendly St. Paul site will have guided tours of its historic buildings, live music and plenty of toppings for your sundae. $5 kids ages 4–16, $7 seniors, $10 adults

🎶 Bob Dylan turns 85 on Sunday, and Turf Club in St. Paul is throwing a birthday bash Saturday night to celebrate. Expect covers of Dylan songs by at least eight local musicians and more special guests. $26

❤️ Honor those who served at Lakewood Cemetery's Memorial Day service on Monday morning, held at the Soldiers Memorial in Section 24 and featuring the Minnesota Freedom Band.

If you can't make it, the ceremony will also be livestreamed. Free

Twin Cities weekend guide: Oddities expo, mini State Fair, Memorial Day

Taxidermy, funeral collectibles, sideshow performers and "all things weird" are coming to Minneapolis.

A two-headed calf in a clear display case at a museum. 

We took a double-take too: It's a taxidermied two-headed calf. Photo: Roberto Machado Noa/LightRocket via Getty Images

Taxidermy, funeral collectibles, sideshow performers and &quot;all things weird&quot; are coming to Minneapolis this weekend for the return of the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Oddities and Curiosities Expo" data-vars-click-url="https://www.showpass.com/minneapolis-oddities-curiosities-expo-2026/" data-vars-content-id="d41177de-db35-4c03-a3bb-e040ff3e116d" data-vars-headline="Twin Cities weekend guide: Oddities expo, mini State Fair, Memorial Day" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.showpass.com/minneapolis-oddities-curiosities-expo-2026/" target="_blank">Oddities and Curiosities Expo</a>.What&#x27;s happening: The traveling event features hundreds of vendors selling everything from vintage medical devices to actual skulls. All items are legal to own and &quot;sustainably sourced,&quot; according to organizers.

Audrey Kennedy

Featured stories

Twin Cities weekend guide: Pencil sharpening, Open Streets, Edina Art Fair

Twin Cities weekend: St. Paul Riverwalk, TurtleFest, crow picnic

Twin Cities weekend guide: Oddities expo, mini State Fair, Memorial Day

"Zoë Bakes" star lists Minneapolis home with TV-ready kitchen

Twin Cities weekend: Art-A-Whirl, garage sales, peony festival