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A guide to fun things to do in Twin Cities this weekend.

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Celebrate the arrival of warm weather in the Twin Cities with the help of our spring guide. 

Here are a handful of ways to take advantage of the season.

St. Paul Brewing is built on the remains of the historic Hamm's Brewery. Photo courtesy of St. Paul Brewing

Enjoy the warming weather at these local outdoor spots. 

🏖 For the view: Spring Park's Back Channel Brewing offers a beachy, open-air vibe on the shore of Lake Minnetonka. 

💕 For date night: Amore Uptown has a romantic rooftop deck just a few blocks from the Chain of Lakes. 

🎶 For live music: Aster Cafe hosts a variety of live musicians, like jazz Sunday brunches, on the courtyard patio.  

🐶For the whole family: The eclectic Saint Paul Brewing, built in the historic Hamm's Brewery, has a spacious dog-friendly patio and outdoor pizza oven. 

🍹 For drinks: Hai Hai's tropical craft cocktails are best served outside. 

A large vase of pink and red flowers next to a pink and red painting.

"Art in Bloom" at Minneapolis Institute of Arts showcases local florists' art-inspired creations. Photo courtesy of Minneapolis Institute of Arts

👠 Fashion Week Minnesota is seven days of runways celebrating the best designers, brands and creatives from around the state. April 24-30.

💐 Art in Bloom at Minneapolis Institute of Art showcases 140 fresh floral arrangements inspired by the museum's permanent collection. April 28-May 1. 

🎨 Art-A-Whirl, which the Northeast Minneapolis Arts Association says is the largest open studio tour in the country, opens 60 art galleries, studios, and businesses to the public for free. May 20-22.  

🌭 GrillFest at CHS Field hosts over 100 vendors offering unlimited samples of grilled food, wine and specialty beers. May 21-22. 

🎭 The Flint Hills Family Festival provides $5 tickets to performances at the Ordway and Landmark Center, free outdoor entertainment and art activities for all ages. June 3-4. 

🎸 Rock the Garden, the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden's signature music festival, returns after three years, headlined by Sleater-Kinney and Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats. June 11. 

Photo: Brace Hemmelgarn/Minnesota Twins/Getty Images

The Twins return to Target Field on Thursday to play the Seattle Mariners in their home opener. But they're not the only sports team you can catch outdoors as the weather warms.

⚽ Minnesota United FC plays all summer at Allianz Field. 

⚾ And the St. Paul Saints kicks off its home season at CHS Field on April 12.

While you're there, check out the new foods like Bloody Mary burgers and baseball-themed cocktails. 

4. Skip town for a weekend at a nearby Airbnb

A treehouse home with a spiral staircase.

This treehouse Airbnb is only accessible by spiral staircase. Photo courtesy of Kathryn Wallentine

Go "glamping" — a mashup of glam camping — in this lakeside treehouse in the Chippewa National Forest. 

The one-bedroom Airbnb has water, electricity, a half-bath, wifi and peace and quiet. 

Of note: No kitchen, heat, AC or shower, hence the camping part.

If you're anything like us, you're ready to stretch those legs after a long winter. 

Lace up your sneakers and hit one our favorite walking trails.

Four-legged friends can join and run free at one of our local off-leash parks.

Prefer to travel on two wheels? There's no shortage of local bike routes to explore. Try Minnehaha Falls to Raspberry Island (18.6 miles round trip) or Minneapolis Grand Rounds (up to 51 miles).

Two seafood burgers on an outdoor picnic table.

Sea Salt Eatery in Minnehaha Park. Photos: Emma Way/Axios

If you're spending your day outdoors, don't forget to stop for a meal at one of these seasonal restaurants. Of note: Dates are weather-dependent. 

Sea Salt Eatery in Minnehaha Park serves some of the best seafood in the Twin Cities. Opens April 15. 

Bread and Pickle at Bde Maka Ska sources its ingredients from local farmers and offers a variety of craft beer and wine. Opens May 6. 

Sandcastle at the Lake Nokomis beach has frequent "tap takeovers" by Twin Cities breweries. Opens April 15. 

Dock & Paddle at the Como Lakeside Pavilion hosts live music throughout the week. Open now, Friday-Sunday, with extended hours to be announced. 

A crocodile plant and monstera plant from Planty Queens. Photo courtesy of Planty Queens

Whether you're new to plant parenting, adding to your collection or replacing the ones that met a tragic end this winter, you'll find something at these local nurseries. 

🌱 Our plant recommendation: If you have a black thumb, a pothos plant requires little sunlight and can go weeks without watering.

Black locust flowers. Photo courtesy of Ironwood Foraging

Take a walk on the wild (food) side by learning to spot edible treats in your own backyard.

Ironwood Foraging offers weekend workshops on finding fruit, nuts, berries, leafy greens and herbs and more in nature areas within an hour of the Twin Cities.

What they're saying: "There's awe, to realize, like, hey, that dandelion is edible. Or you can find raspberries in an alleyway or hey, this tree provides great salad greens," Ironwood founder Tim Clemens, who leads the classes, tells Axios.

Don't wait: Spring classes, which cost $69 for a 2.5-hour walking tour, are filling up fast. 

A large garden of orange, red and yellow tulips.

The 2021 tulip display at the Arboretum. Photo courtesy of Minnesota Landscape Arboretum

Usher in spring at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum, where 40,000 (!) tulips are set to bloom in late April and early May. 

Check the current status on the Arb's Facebook and Instagram. 

9 spring things to do in the Twin Cities

Grab dinner and drinks al fresco or bike across the Cities.

Tulip season has arrived at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum. Photo courtesy of Minnesota Landscape Arboretum

Celebrate the arrival of warm weather in the Twin Cities with the help of our spring guide. <ul><li>Here are a handful of ways to take advantage of the season.</li></ul>

Things to Do

Axios Twin Cities, anchored by Torey Van Oot, Nick Halter and Audrey Kennedy, is here to help readers get smarter, faster on the most consequential news and developments unfolding in their own backyard

Looking for a new workout? Mindbody sent Axios a list of popular studios and workouts in the Twin Cities, based on booking data and user nominations. 

[solidcore] in St. Louis Park focuses on low-impact training. Prices depend on length of membership and number of classes.

ONX + Amelia, a yoga and fitness studio in St. Paul's Cathedral Hill, offers multiple membership packages, including a virtual pass, with varying prices.

ALTR in the Minneapolis North Loop focuses on high-intensity interval training and strength work. Prices depend on length of membership, amount of sessions and type of class.

Barry's studio, a national chain also located in the North Loop, offers cardio and strength-building workouts. Prices vary based on length of classes and membership.

Popular workouts: Strength training, yoga and Pilates were the top workout types in Minneapolis, according to Mindbody.

Hands-on and personal training exercises are popular at the St. Louis Park fitness club, McKinney said.

Low-intensity training and greater impact training are popular among most of the Americans surveyed by Mindbody.

Stretching and restorative yoga to recover from a workout are popular nationwide, too, per the survey.

Ice baths: More than one-third of those surveyed said they've tried or are interested in ice baths. Sounds perfect for Minnesotans.

Where to work out in the Twin Cities

A general view of a bootcamp and yoga workout as Fitbit Local Minneapolis launches at with a free event at Target Field

A yoga workout at Target Field. Photo: Stephen Maturen/Getty Images for Fitbit

Looking for a new workout? Mindbody sent Axios a list of popular studios and workouts in the Twin Cities, based on booking data and user nominations. Studios:<ul><li><a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="[solidcore]" data-vars-click-url="https://classpass.com/studios/solidcore-slp-saint-louis-park" data-vars-content-id="68c9f392-77f3-45a3-9f6f-6b1990e6723a" data-vars-headline="Where to work out in the Twin Cities" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://classpass.com/studios/solidcore-slp-saint-louis-park" target="_blank">[solidcore]</a> in St. Louis Park focuses on low-impact training. <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Prices" data-vars-click-url="https://www.solidcore.co/mn/minnesota/maple-grove/pricing/" data-vars-content-id="68c9f392-77f3-45a3-9f6f-6b1990e6723a" data-vars-headline="Where to work out in the Twin Cities" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.solidcore.co/mn/minnesota/maple-grove/pricing/" target="_blank">Prices</a> depend on length of membership and number of classes.</li></ul>

Sick of the snow? Why not spend a weekend (or weeknight) playing tourist in your own city? 

Driving the news: We asked Axios Twin Cities readers to share their go-to spots for showing off our great metro to visitors. Hundreds of you responded!

Why it matters: Now is about the time of year when many Minnesotans start wondering why they live here at all.

While many of the recommendations might seem obvious — or be places you've been many times before — these tried-and-true activities and attractions are worth another look. 

The bottom line: Whether you're hosting friends, new to the area or just looking to see your city through fresh eyes, we're here to help you get through the rest of winter.

Nine out of 10 of your out-of-town guests will probably request a tour of the mother of all Minnesota tourist attractions, complete with a ride at Nickelodeon Universe (RIP Camp Snoopy!). 

Yes, but: The shopping and entertainment complex's 5.6 million square feet of stores, restaurants and entertainment means there's almost always something new to see. 

Recent additions include luxury stores perfect for window shopping, an indoor climbing zone and a state-of-the-art esports studio.

Pro tip: Swing by before the stores open for a walking tour to avoid crowds.

We know you know that you can tour Prince's Chanhassen estate-turned-museum/shrine. But did you know you can pay $160 to record in the studio?

For an even more local (and probably less expensive) Prince experience, hit up a show at the Dakota, one of the late artist's go-to haunts, or snap a selfie outside the "Purple Rain" house (3420 Snelling Ave.). 

Speaking of Prince, a show at First Avenue is never a bad idea (80s vs. 90s party anyone?). 

Bored with beer crawls? Eat your way through the Twin Cities instead by spending an afternoon touring one of our many food halls. 

From the pioneering Midtown Global Market to new entrant Eat Street Crossing, options abound. 

Plus: The new Asia Mall in Eden Prairie is one of a number of great international grocery stores in the metro area worthy of a stop. 

Minneapolis Institute of Art recently debuted a new full-sensory, immersive exhibition from Oscar-winning art director Tim Yip.  The Walker, Cafesjian Art Trust Museum in Shoreview and Bell Museum are also good bets. 

And don't forget about the American Swedish Institute museum, which includes the FIKA cafe and the Turnblad Mansion. 

🕹️ Can Can Wonderland offers mini golf, pinball, arcade games and more. Grab a beer at BlackStack Brewing before or after.

🍯 The Mill City Farmers Market, located inside the Mill City Museum during the winter months, has a few upcoming dates for your artisanal goods needs. The Twin Cities team picked up delicious pastries on a recent visit. 

🔭 After you shop, take a stroll to the Guthrie's Endless Bridge. The observation area runs 178 feet and is 55 feet above the parkway. It's open to the public starting at 11am Tuesday through Sunday — no show ticket required! 

🎥 "Scream it Off Screen" at the Parkway Theater in Minneapolis is always a good time. Audiences for the short film competition decide which entrant gets a cash prize. It takes place the first Friday of every month.

🏈 Treat your favorite Vikings fan to a behind-the-scenes tour of U.S. Bank Stadium. We're pretty sure they won't let you blow the Gjallarhorn, but it's worth an ask! 

🌸 Pretend you've escaped to somewhere warm at Como Zoo and Conservatory. If you're willing to bundle back up, winter's a great time to see polar bears and Arctic foxes romp in the snow. Staying indoors? Keep an eye out for Chloe the sloth in the Tropical Encounters room.

🛝 And for parents or those with young guests, there are plenty of indoor playgrounds and kid-friendly indoor activities around, too. Here's our guide.

Prince's Chanhassen estate-turned-museum/shrine.

How to play winter tourist in the Twin Cities

Now is about the time of year when many Minnesotans start wondering why they live here at all.

Bryan Erickson clears snow in front of First Avenue nightclub Thursday, Feb. 23, 2023 in downtown Minneapolis, Minn.

First Avenue nightclub downtown. Photo: Alex Kormann/Star Tribune via Getty Images

Sick of the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="snow" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2023/02/21/national-weather-service-twin-cities-winter-storm" data-vars-content-id="b0b61ca5-46ae-4829-b26c-3c6a9ba4e67c" data-vars-headline="How to play winter tourist in the Twin Cities" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2023/02/21/national-weather-service-twin-cities-winter-storm" target="_self">snow</a>? Why not spend a weekend (or weeknight) playing tourist in your own city? Driving the news: We asked Axios Twin Cities readers to share their go-to spots for showing off our great metro to visitors. Hundreds of you responded!

It may not feel like it right now, but spring is technically here.

Why it matters: You've probably forgotten what beautiful weather and warm temperatures feel like. Can we just stop with this whole snow thing?

To get you prepped for the spring season, here's a look at what to do as the weather warms.

"Art in Bloom" at Minneapolis Institute of Arts showcases local florists' art-inspired creations. Photo: Courtesy of Minneapolis Institute of Arts

The Arboretum has 1,200 acres of gardens, plant collections and trails to see. There are also a number of events — from a pancake breakfast to a full pink moon hike — to participate in this spring.

Axios' Audrey Kennedy recommends visiting Art In Bloom, a free exhibit April 27-30. Local florists create arrangements inspired by pieces in Minneapolis Institute of Art's collection.

There's a free guided tour and plenty of family-friendly activities, like creating a fresh flower art project that you get to take home.

Of note: The Como Conservatory's spring flower show debuted Saturday. It's free and open daily through April 30.

St. Paul Brewing is built on the remains of the historic Hamm's Brewery. Photo: Courtesy of St. Paul Brewing

Enjoy the warming weather at these local outdoor spots.

🏖 For the view: Spring Park's Back Channel Brewing offers a beachy, open-air vibe on the shore of Lake Minnetonka.

🎶 For live music: Aster Cafe offers a variety of live music, like jazz Sunday brunches, on the courtyard patio.

🐶For the whole family: The eclectic Saint Paul Brewing, built in the historic Hamm's Brewery, has a spacious dog-friendly patio and outdoor pizza oven.

🍹 For drinks: Hai Hai's tropical craft cocktails are best served outside.

Here are some of our favorite places to eat this spring:

The Minnesota Twins return to Target Field on April 6 to play the Houston Astros in their home opener.

⚽ Minnesota United FC plays all summer at Allianz Field.

⚾ St. Paul Saints kick off their home season at CHS Field on April 4.

While you're there, check out the new foods like Bloody Mary burgers and baseball-themed cocktails.

embers of the Sendero Flamenco & Studio Sendero gave dance demonstration during the St. Paul Art Crawl 2017.

Members Sendero Flamenco & Studio Sendero dance during the St. Paul Art Crawl 2017. Photo: Jerry Holt/Star Tribune via Getty Images

Dozens of private Twin Cities artist lofts, studios and galleries will open for the public to explore during this spring's art crawls.

The IMS Art Crawl in Minneapolis May 3-4 hosts more than 20 artists, with live performances and plenty of art for sale during the back-to-back evenings.

The Saint Paul Art Crawl — the nation's longest-running art crawl — spans 21 venues over four weekends in April and May.

Torey’s dog Kirby (in the water) and his friend Gus hanging at Minnehaha off-leash Photo: Torey Van Oot/Axios

Torey’s dog Kirby (in the water) and his friend Gus hang out off-leash at Minnehaha. Photo: Torey Van Oot/Axios

Many of our favorite walking trails are open for the season, or take your dog to one of the local off-leash parks. You can walk those trails with or without snow.

There are also plenty of local bike routes to explore, including one with skyline views of both Minneapolis and St. Paul.

Browse Minnesota-grown produce at the Mill City Farmers Market this year. Photo courtesy of Mill City Farmers Market

Browse Minnesota-grown produce at the Mill City Farmers Market this year. Photo: Courtesy of Mill City Farmers Market

Hmongtown Marketplace is an indoor/outdoor Asian market that has items available year-round. The outdoor market runs June to October.

The downtown St. Paul Farmers' Market is open every Saturday from 9am-1pm; the outdoor market is now heated on colder days.

Minneapolis Farmers Market— one of the largest markets in the state —  will reopen its outdoor venue for three weekends in April, kicking off on April 1.

Yes, but: Don't expect to see much variety in the produce selection until  June. 

Discovery Bay was open during the recent "Zoo After Hours" event. Photo: Andrew Lichtenstein/Corbis via Getty Images

Turn it up at the zoo with Zoo After Hours,  a recurring ages 18+ night for zoo fans looking for a kids-free experience.

Beer, wine and zoo-themed cocktails are available for purchase.

7 ways to make your spring awesome in the Twin Cities

Here's a look at what to do as the weather warms.

It may not feel like it right now, but spring is technically here.Why it matters: You&#x27;ve probably forgotten what beautiful weather and warm temperatures feel like. Can we just stop with this <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="whole snow thing" data-vars-click-url="https://twitter.com/FOX9/status/1637820262874841090" data-vars-content-id="d4b79235-0b4a-4dc3-a081-b50b1584eca4" data-vars-headline="7 ways to make your spring awesome in the Twin Cities" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://twitter.com/FOX9/status/1637820262874841090" target="_blank">whole snow thing</a>?

As exercisers return to in-person workouts, some gyms and studios are emphasizing a more holistic approach to fitness, which can only elevate community and overall wellness.

Why it matters: In addition to being good for your body, exercise can improve mental health and even boost memory.  

Zoom in: Alchemy 365 — which combines yoga, conditioning and strength training at its studios across the Twin Cities — aims to deliver results that will impact people's everyday lives, CMO Grace Bettino told Axios. 

That could range from more traditional fitness goals like running a faster marathon to being able to "chase their kids around the park without getting tired," she said. 

"We challenge people to live their best lives inside and outside the studio," Bettino said. 

Between the lines: Brian McKinney, a personal trainer at Life Time in St. Louis Park, attributes a surge in people working out in groups in the past year to an underlying "longing" for community after pandemic-related shutdowns.

"I just think that's inherently built within us — to connect with others," he told Axios.

Alchemy also focuses on community, hosting social gatherings after weekend workouts. 

Zoom out: What's happening in the Twin Cities tracks with national trends, according to Mindbody's 2023 wellness trends to watch.

Nearly 40% of consumers say they'll use physical exercise to improve their mental wellness, per the survey.

The bottom line: 75% of consumers see wellness as more important than ever, according to the survey, and about 65% say it is more important than other leisure activities. 

Mindbody's 2023 wellness trends to watch.

Bringing wellness back

In addition to being good for your body, exercise can improve mental health and even boost memory.

Group yoga at Boom Island Park. Photo: David Joles/Star Tribune via Getty Images

Exercise

As exercisers <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="return to in-person workouts" data-vars-click-url="https://www.startribune.com/gyms-like-anytime-fitness-snap-fitness-and-life-time-attract-more-exercisers-than-before-pandemic/600251302/" data-vars-content-id="f85d8afc-3fb8-4167-a7a5-b826319176e1" data-vars-headline="Bringing wellness back" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.startribune.com/gyms-like-anytime-fitness-snap-fitness-and-life-time-attract-more-exercisers-than-before-pandemic/600251302/" target="_blank">return to in-person workouts</a>, some gyms and studios are emphasizing a more holistic approach to fitness, which can only elevate community and overall wellness.Why it matters: In addition to being good for your body, exercise can improve mental health and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="even boost memory" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2022/10/20/exercise-memory-study-walking-recall" data-vars-content-id="f85d8afc-3fb8-4167-a7a5-b826319176e1" data-vars-headline="Bringing wellness back" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2022/10/20/exercise-memory-study-walking-recall" target="_self">even boost memory</a>. Zoom in: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Alchemy 365" data-vars-click-url="https://alchemy365.com/" data-vars-content-id="f85d8afc-3fb8-4167-a7a5-b826319176e1" data-vars-headline="Bringing wellness back" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://alchemy365.com/" target="_blank">Alchemy 365</a> — which combines yoga, conditioning and strength training at its studios across the Twin Cities — aims to deliver results that will impact people&#x27;s everyday lives, CMO Grace Bettino told Axios. <ul><li>That could range from more traditional fitness goals like running a faster marathon to being able to &quot;chase their kids around the park without getting tired,&quot; she said. </li><li>&quot;We challenge people to live their best lives inside and outside the studio,&quot; Bettino said. </li></ul>Between the lines: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Brian McKinney" data-vars-click-url="https://experiencelife.lifetime.life/article/get-to-know-your-trainers-meet-brian-mckinney/" data-vars-content-id="f85d8afc-3fb8-4167-a7a5-b826319176e1" data-vars-headline="Bringing wellness back" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://experiencelife.lifetime.life/article/get-to-know-your-trainers-meet-brian-mckinney/" target="_blank">Brian McKinney</a>, a personal trainer at Life Time in St. Louis Park, attributes a surge in people working out in groups in the past year to an underlying &quot;longing&quot; for community after pandemic-related shutdowns.<ul><li>&quot;I just think that&#x27;s inherently built within us — to connect with others,&quot; he told Axios.</li></ul><ul><li>Alchemy also focuses on community, hosting social gatherings after weekend workouts. </li></ul>Zoom out: What&#x27;s happening in the Twin Cities tracks with national trends, according to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Mindbody&#x27;s 2023 wellness trends to watch" data-vars-click-url="https://www.mindbodyonline.com/business/education/blog/fitness-focused-findings-2023" data-vars-content-id="f85d8afc-3fb8-4167-a7a5-b826319176e1" data-vars-headline="Bringing wellness back" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.mindbodyonline.com/business/education/blog/fitness-focused-findings-2023" target="_blank">Mindbody&#x27;s 2023 wellness trends to watch</a>.<ul><li>Nearly 40% of consumers say they&#x27;ll use physical exercise to improve their mental wellness, per the survey.</li></ul>The bottom line: 75% of consumers see wellness as more important than ever, according to the survey, and about 65% say it is more important than other leisure activities.

Herb Scribner

Featured stories

7 ways to make your spring awesome in the Twin Cities

How to play winter tourist in the Twin Cities

Where to work out in the Twin Cities

Bringing wellness back

9 spring things to do in the Twin Cities