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

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Amy Klobuchar wins Minnesota Democratic primary for governor

Klobuchar will face the GOP nominee in November.

Politics & Policy

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2026/01/22/amy-klobuchar-minnesota-governor-fundraising-filing" data-vars-content-id="4d069a10-5e78-406f-aed4-3b9da0e32772" data-vars-headline="Amy Klobuchar wins Minnesota Democratic primary for governor" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2026/01/22/amy-klobuchar-minnesota-governor-fundraising-filing" target="_self">U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar</a> sailed to victory in Minnesota&#x27;s Democratic primary for governor on Tuesday. The big picture: Polling indicates that the four-term senator and 2020 presidential candidate will be a formidable contender in Democrats&#x27; bid to hold the open seat this November.

Frey proposes steep Minneapolis levy hike

Years of generous salary increases and mounting inflationary pressures are beginning to overtake City Hall.

News

Minneapolis may soon endure its largest property tax levy hike in recent memory — 11.3% — but still would have to cut jobs under a budget proposal Mayor Jacob Frey rolled out Wednesday.Why it matters: Years of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="generous salary increases" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2024/07/18/minneapolis-police-contract-city-council-approval" data-vars-content-id="17d5c085-f624-4b38-89f8-5740b93f6c72" data-vars-headline="Frey proposes steep Minneapolis levy hike" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2024/07/18/minneapolis-police-contract-city-council-approval" target="_self">generous salary increases</a> and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="mounting inflationary pressures" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2025/08/13/minneapolis-budget-tax-hike-mayor-frey" data-vars-content-id="17d5c085-f624-4b38-89f8-5740b93f6c72" data-vars-headline="Frey proposes steep Minneapolis levy hike" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2025/08/13/minneapolis-budget-tax-hike-mayor-frey" target="_self">mounting inflationary pressures</a> are beginning to overtake City Hall.The big picture: Now, the mayor’s proposal will tee off the most painful budget fight in years, with some City Council members likely to go to bat for pet programs and other members likely to push just as hard for deeper cuts and a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="smaller levy hike" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2025/11/19/property-tax-increases-minnesota-minneapolis-metro" data-vars-content-id="17d5c085-f624-4b38-89f8-5740b93f6c72" data-vars-headline="Frey proposes steep Minneapolis levy hike" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2025/11/19/property-tax-increases-minnesota-minneapolis-metro" target="_self">smaller levy hike</a>.

Peggy Flanagan wins Democratic primary for Minnesota's open U.S. Senate seat

Flanagan's victory over U.S. Rep. Angie Craig is seen as a win for progressives.

Politics

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2026/03/30/minnesota-senate-primary-flanagan-craig-ice-raids-dfl-endorsement-delegates" data-vars-content-id="11e14895-e73e-4285-847b-b14b377eda6d" data-vars-headline="Peggy Flanagan wins Democratic primary for Minnesota&#x27;s open U.S. Senate seat" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2026/03/30/minnesota-senate-primary-flanagan-craig-ice-raids-dfl-endorsement-delegates" target="_self">Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan</a> defeated U.S. Rep. Angie Craig to win Tuesday&#x27;s Democratic primary for Minnesota&#x27;s open U.S. Senate seat, the AP projects. Why it matters: Flanagan&#x27;s victory over the moderate congresswoman is another win for progressives in the broader fight over the future of the Democratic Party.

Map: Minnesota primary results by county for Peggy Flanagan, Lisa Demuth

County results show metro strength for both winners — and Flanagan's reach across Greater Minnesota.

Election

Big vote totals in the Twin Cities and surrounding suburbs fueled Lisa Demuth and Peggy Flanagan&#x27;s landslide wins in their respective GOP gubernatorial and DFL U.S. Senate primaries.Why it matters: Minnesotans living in the vote-heavy metro will play a pivotal role in picking the winners of the high-stakes races for governor and U.S. senator this fall.<ul><li>How voters break in suburban swing districts will also determine control of the narrowly divided state Legislature. </li></ul>

Minneapolis heeds call: Don't call 911 for fireworks noise

Noise complaints tie up dispatchers who need to direct first responders to higher-priority calls.

Public Safety

Do your neighbors turn into pyrotechnicians on the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Fourth of July" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2025/07/03/july-4-safety-tips-minneapolis" data-vars-content-id="64a9f7dc-029c-4035-83e5-5dd7f5569bfc" data-vars-headline="Minneapolis heeds call: Don&#x27;t call 911 for fireworks noise" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2025/07/03/july-4-safety-tips-minneapolis" target="_self">Fourth of July</a>? Twin Cities public safety officials want you to think twice before calling 911.Why it matters: Fireworks calls have historically made Independence Day one of the busiest holidays in the region&#x27;s 911 dispatch centers.

A 1-minute guide to holiday fun across the Twin Cities

Things to Do

Holiday fun is in full swing across the Twin Cities.Why it matters: It&#x27;s the most wonderful time of the year.State of the (decked) halls: Here are some local happenings to help make the most of the season.

Holiday shows on stage at Twin Cities theaters

Here are the holiday shows playing at Twin Cities theaters this season

The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="holiday season" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/holidays" data-vars-content-id="b54e012b-755e-4d7d-81fe-37249e6d80a3" data-vars-headline="Holiday shows on stage at Twin Cities theaters" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/holidays" target="_self">holiday season</a> is upon us! Here&#x27;s what&#x27;s on stage at local theaters this year.🔔 &quot;<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Chaos of the Bells" data-vars-click-url="https://hennepinarts.org/events/the-chaos-of-the-bells-2025" data-vars-content-id="b54e012b-755e-4d7d-81fe-37249e6d80a3" data-vars-headline="Holiday shows on stage at Twin Cities theaters" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://hennepinarts.org/events/the-chaos-of-the-bells-2025" target="_blank">Chaos of the Bells</a>&quot; is this year&#x27;s laugh-out-loud Brave New Workshop sketch holiday show.<ul><li>Now -Jan. 17. $55+</li></ul>

Twin Cities' new "pumpkin concierges" turn porches into fall art

Packages range from hundreds to thousands of dollars.

A growing field of &quot;<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="pumpkin concierges" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/09/14/porch-pumpkin-delivery" data-vars-content-id="bf8944a2-2472-4a4a-b912-7f7f6c3ceb9c" data-vars-headline="Twin Cities&#x27; new &quot;pumpkin concierges&quot; turn porches into fall art" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/09/14/porch-pumpkin-delivery" target="_self">pumpkin concierges</a>&quot; will deliver custom-designed gourd displays for those willing to drop serious dollars on their seasonal decor.The big picture: Professional porch decorating is becoming big business, with services cropping up in cities ranging from <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Denver" data-vars-click-url="https://www.denverporchpumpkins.com/" data-vars-content-id="bf8944a2-2472-4a4a-b912-7f7f6c3ceb9c" data-vars-headline="Twin Cities&#x27; new &quot;pumpkin concierges&quot; turn porches into fall art" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.denverporchpumpkins.com/" target="_blank">Denver</a> to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Washington, D.C." data-vars-click-url="https://www.pumpkincityporches.com/" data-vars-content-id="bf8944a2-2472-4a4a-b912-7f7f6c3ceb9c" data-vars-headline="Twin Cities&#x27; new &quot;pumpkin concierges&quot; turn porches into fall art" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.pumpkincityporches.com/" target="_blank">Washington, D.C.</a><ul><li>At least two — <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Pumpkin Lane Delivery" data-vars-click-url="https://pumpkinlanedelivery.com/" data-vars-content-id="bf8944a2-2472-4a4a-b912-7f7f6c3ceb9c" data-vars-headline="Twin Cities&#x27; new &quot;pumpkin concierges&quot; turn porches into fall art" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://pumpkinlanedelivery.com/" target="_blank">Pumpkin Lane Delivery</a> and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Sota Pumpkins" data-vars-click-url="https://www.sotapumpkins.com/?fbclid=IwY2xjawNDkxxleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFMcWQ5UE1iczFHdXM5RVJmAR7KwIE_SZp4cLrWd9tx1wq3XL4ITQFUbTd9lPAtss2rGKigPqGQ1vDYYDSF1g_aem_RPnUftC_ifGFMkpIWEZyAQ" data-vars-content-id="bf8944a2-2472-4a4a-b912-7f7f6c3ceb9c" data-vars-headline="Twin Cities&#x27; new &quot;pumpkin concierges&quot; turn porches into fall art" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.sotapumpkins.com/?fbclid=IwY2xjawNDkxxleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFMcWQ5UE1iczFHdXM5RVJmAR7KwIE_SZp4cLrWd9tx1wq3XL4ITQFUbTd9lPAtss2rGKigPqGQ1vDYYDSF1g_aem_RPnUftC_ifGFMkpIWEZyAQ" target="_blank">Sota Pumpkins</a> — have recently launched in the Twin Cities.</li></ul>

Tips for a safe Fourth

Here's some official guidance on fireworks, when to call 911, and more.

Holidays

July 4 is often one of the busiest days of the year for emergency dispatchers. Here&#x27;s some advice from authorities to make their lives easier — and your Fourth more fun.

Now showing: Holiday performances to get you in spirit

Local theaters are going big for the holidays

Friday is the unofficial start of the holiday season and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Twin Cities" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities" data-vars-content-id="67837954-3f56-494e-b442-ef5491e67665" data-vars-headline="Now showing: Holiday performances to get you in spirit" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities" target="_self">Twin Cities</a> theaters have a deep slate of productions to get you in the spirit. Here&#x27;s a roundup of some of them.

Minnesotan wins pumpkin weigh-off with 2,471-pound gourd

The giant gourd will be turned into a  jack-o'-lantern.

A Minnesota horticulture teacher remains the reigning champ of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="growing ridiculously large pumpkins" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2024/09/21/largest-pumpkins-in-america-weight-contest" data-vars-content-id="4462c20a-b6ae-477b-8848-7441a68fe98c" data-vars-headline="Minnesotan wins pumpkin weigh-off with 2,471-pound gourd" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2024/09/21/largest-pumpkins-in-america-weight-contest" target="_self">growing ridiculously large pumpkins</a>. The big picture: A giant gourd grown by Travis Gienger of Anoka was crowned the winner of the Safeway World Championship Pumpkin Weigh-Off in Northern California on Monday.

What's closed in Minnesota on Juneteenth

The newest state holiday may affect opening hours. We run down what's likely open and closed.

Minnesota will mark Black Americans&#x27; emancipation from slavery by observing the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Juneteenth holiday" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/06/19/juneteenth-federal-holiday-banks-closed" data-vars-content-id="6863fc44-7ecc-446d-9ac5-39ad3bbcb3ef" data-vars-headline="What&#x27;s closed in Minnesota on Juneteenth" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/06/19/juneteenth-federal-holiday-banks-closed" target="_self">Juneteenth holiday</a> on Wednesday, June 19.Zoom in: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="The newest state holiday" data-vars-click-url="https://www.mprnews.org/story/2023/02/03/juneteenth-is-now-a-holiday-in-minnesota" data-vars-content-id="6863fc44-7ecc-446d-9ac5-39ad3bbcb3ef" data-vars-headline="What&#x27;s closed in Minnesota on Juneteenth" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.mprnews.org/story/2023/02/03/juneteenth-is-now-a-holiday-in-minnesota" target="_blank">The newest state holiday</a> may affect hours for some businesses and services. Here&#x27;s some of what will be open and closed:

Holidays

Minneapolis heeds call: Don't call 911 for fireworks noise

St. Paul fireworks return after 10 years

A 1-minute guide to holiday fun across the Twin Cities

Holiday shows on stage at Twin Cities theaters

Twin Cities' new "pumpkin concierges" turn porches into fall art