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Get smarter, faster about what’s happening in your backyard with local reporters Nick Halter, Audrey Kennedy and Torey Van Oot.

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

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Should you obey homemade no parking signs?

You've probably seen them on boulevards, asking drivers not to block the walkway from the sidewalk to the street.

Neighborhoods

If you park on residential city streets, you may have noticed homemade no parking signs placed in the boulevard, asking drivers not to block the paved walkway between the sidewalk and the street.Why it matters: These are not new, but I&#x27;ve noticed them more often and can&#x27;t resist the urge to write about a Nextdoor-type <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="issue" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2024/08/18/house-shoe-etiquette-minnesota-debate-parties" data-vars-content-id="989ef33f-2af6-497f-83c2-7ecacb3b0a0e" data-vars-headline="Should you obey homemade no parking signs?" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2024/08/18/house-shoe-etiquette-minnesota-debate-parties" target="_self">issue</a> that makes neighbors <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="squabble" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/newsletters/axios-twin-cities-79ecdf0a-5bb8-4c66-ae25-be1adfd1201e.html?chunk=2&amp;utm_term=emshare" data-vars-content-id="989ef33f-2af6-497f-83c2-7ecacb3b0a0e" data-vars-headline="Should you obey homemade no parking signs?" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/newsletters/axios-twin-cities-79ecdf0a-5bb8-4c66-ae25-be1adfd1201e.html?chunk=2&amp;utm_term=emshare" target="_self">squabble</a>.

Paperback Exchange to reopen 2 years after devastating flood

The 50-year-old bookstore was destroyed in 2025 after a city water main break.

News

A long-running south Minneapolis bookstore destroyed by a city <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="water main break" data-vars-click-url="https://www.southwestvoices.news/stories/paperback-exchange-bookstore-a-loss-for-now,141103" data-vars-content-id="a08f6c77-6664-4e99-b0cd-1ec806f9ed20" data-vars-headline="Paperback Exchange to reopen 2 years after devastating flood" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.southwestvoices.news/stories/paperback-exchange-bookstore-a-loss-for-now,141103" target="_blank">water main break</a> last year has finally found a new home — literally.Driving the news: Paperback Exchange will reopen in a converted single-family house near its original location next spring.<ul><li>The shop, which opened at 50th and Penn in 1975, boasted more than 150,000 titles before a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="burst pipe flooded" data-vars-click-url="https://www.startribune.com/after-dark-chapter-flooded-minneapolis-bookstore-works-to-turn-page/601227409?utm_source=gift" data-vars-content-id="a08f6c77-6664-4e99-b0cd-1ec806f9ed20" data-vars-headline="Paperback Exchange to reopen 2 years after devastating flood" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.startribune.com/after-dark-chapter-flooded-minneapolis-bookstore-works-to-turn-page/601227409?utm_source=gift" target="_blank">burst pipe flooded</a> its building in February 2025.</li></ul>

Council demands mayor's plan to manage police during chief's suit

An investigator found the mayor's relationship with police leadership remains strained.

Some St. Paul City Council members are calling on Mayor Kaohly Her to explain how she&#x27;ll oversee police matters while simultaneously <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="being sued by the city&#x27;s police chief" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2026/09/23/st-paul-police-chief-sues-mayor" data-vars-content-id="bb9faef2-e6cf-47af-8e78-d311c99bfcab" data-vars-headline="Council demands mayor&#x27;s plan to manage police during chief&#x27;s suit" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2026/09/23/st-paul-police-chief-sues-mayor" target="_self">being sued by the city&#x27;s police chief</a>.Why it matters: An independent investigator&#x27;s report released last week concluded the mayor and chief Axel Henry&#x27;s working relationship broke down months ago — and concluded that the ongoing strain between &quot;two important City leaders&quot; is &quot;not sustainable.&quot;

Midway Diner opens in St. Paul's United Village

The café is the first new establishment to open its doors from the current wave of construction in the long awaited United Village development.

Food and Drink

Kyle here. Midway Diner opened its doors a week ago next door to St. Paul&#x27;s Allianz Field — so I had to stop by ASAP to sample the food.Why it matters: The café is the first establishment to open its doors from a new wave of construction in <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="the long awaited United Village development" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2025/02/28/allianz-field-united-village-construction" data-vars-content-id="357e92a8-15f0-4e5c-89be-f846a19de908" data-vars-headline="Midway Diner opens in St. Paul&#x27;s United Village" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2025/02/28/allianz-field-united-village-construction" target="_self">the long awaited United Village development</a>.

Twin Cities weekend guide: Pumpkin boats, Oktoberfest, Posters for Parks

How fast can you kayak down a river — in a giant pumpkin?

Things to Do

How fast can you kayak down a river — in a giant pumpkin?Paddling the news: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Stillwater Harvest Fest" data-vars-click-url="https://www.harvestfeststillwater.com/" data-vars-content-id="578c583a-7c17-47b2-9254-da53f4f313cd" data-vars-headline="Twin Cities weekend guide: Pumpkin boats, Oktoberfest, Posters for Parks" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.harvestfeststillwater.com/" target="_blank">Stillwater Harvest Fest</a>, a celebration of all things pumpkin, returns this weekend with some of the most unique fall activities you&#x27;ll find on this side of the St. Croix.

Our social calendars haven't kept up with warmer fall 

Fall has warmed 5.2 degrees in the Twin Cities, but pools, restaurants and concert series haven't kept up.

The party in the Twin Cities is lasting longer into fall, but many businesses and recreational organizations are still turning out the lights early. Why it matters: Winters are long here! We try to pack as much as we can into a few short months, but we might be leaving meat on the bone during what is typically some of the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="nicest weather of the year" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2025/03/07/september-minnesota-best-month-survey-june-october" data-vars-content-id="834c5491-270e-4a11-9600-6a3f04150233" data-vars-headline="Our social calendars haven&#x27;t kept up with warmer fall " data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2025/03/07/september-minnesota-best-month-survey-june-october" target="_self">nicest weather of the year</a>.

Twin Cities weekend guide: "Paris Couture," Crypticon, fall fun

Calling all fashionistas: This new exhibition is sure to inspire your fall wardrobe.

Calling all fashionistas: The Minneapolis Institute of Art&#x27;s new exhibition is sure to inspire your fall wardrobe.What&#x27;s happening: Sunday marks the debut of &quot;<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Paris Couture" data-vars-click-url="https://new.artsmia.org/exhibition/paris-couture" data-vars-content-id="4684ef9c-a111-4633-ae4e-f93873eba717" data-vars-headline="Twin Cities weekend guide: &quot;Paris Couture,&quot; Crypticon, fall fun" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://new.artsmia.org/exhibition/paris-couture" target="_blank">Paris Couture</a>,&quot; a showcase of more than 80 works of haute couture from Paris fashion museum Palais Galliera.

How to embrace October in the Twin Cities

Seasonal fun adds (pumpkin) spice to your life.

October is almost upon us, which means it&#x27;s time to lean into ghosts and gourds.Why it matters: Seasonal fun adds (pumpkin) spice to your life.

Axios Social Club brings mystery dinners to Minneapolis

Meet fellow locals over dinner at a restaurant we hand-picked.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Axios Social Club" data-vars-click-url="https://axiossocialclub.dnnr.io/" data-vars-content-id="d45ef50f-e8a5-4afd-879c-253dd52745ae" data-vars-headline="Axios Social Club brings mystery dinners to Minneapolis" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://axiossocialclub.dnnr.io/" target="_blank">Axios Social Club</a> is bringing readers together for dinner in Minneapolis&#x27; North Loop neighborhood on Tuesday, Oct. 6.Why it matters: Your city is full of interesting people you haven&#x27;t met yet. We&#x27;re making it easier to change that.

Watch "human-powered flying machines" take flight at Flugtag

It's the first time in seven years Minnesota has hosted the wacky event.

Dozens of brave Midwesterners are about to take flight over the Mississippi River — or at least attempt it.The big picture: Saturday marks the return of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Red Bull Flugtag" data-vars-click-url="https://www.redbull.com/us-en/events/red-bull-flugtag-minneapolis/red-bull-flugtag-2026-rules" data-vars-content-id="0d7d5ee4-5201-4624-bedb-fee8fded3c05" data-vars-headline="Watch &quot;human-powered flying machines&quot; take flight at Flugtag" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.redbull.com/us-en/events/red-bull-flugtag-minneapolis/red-bull-flugtag-2026-rules" target="_blank">Red Bull Flugtag</a>, the energy drink&#x27;s wacky competition in which teams launch homemade aircraft off a 30-foot-high platform — with a human pilot in the cockpit — to see how far it can fly.

Twin Cities weekend guide: Red Bull Flugtag, Legacy Cup, crop art 

This weekend's events include two major feline festivals.

Want to show off your joint-rolling skills? There&#x27;s no better place than the Midwest&#x27;s Largest Cannabis Festival.What&#x27;s happening: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Legacy Cup" data-vars-click-url="https://legacycupmn.com/" data-vars-content-id="22cb10f0-a5ab-4142-8e7b-cf9c66aa6cd0" data-vars-headline="Twin Cities weekend guide: Red Bull Flugtag, Legacy Cup, crop art " data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://legacycupmn.com/" target="_blank">Legacy Cup</a> returns to Surly Brewing Festival Field this Saturday for a 21+ festival mixing art, music and cannabis.

Twin Cities weekend guide: Veg Fest, lantern lighting, apple pressing 

Here's what to do across the Twin Cities area.

The suburbs are the place to be this weekend — we&#x27;ve spotted at least 10 major community festivals all around the metro. <ul><li>Here are some of our picks for family-friendly fun. </li></ul>

Celebrate Dolly Parton's life and legacy at these Twin Cities tribute events

First Avenue and Flip Phone will honor the country icon with music, drag and a book drive.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Dolly Parton" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2026/08/25/dolly-parton-has-died-at-80-obit" data-vars-content-id="4e092663-d514-45f8-81f2-0789092137cf" data-vars-headline="Celebrate Dolly Parton&#x27;s life and legacy at these Twin Cities tribute events" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/nashville/2026/08/25/dolly-parton-has-died-at-80-obit" target="_self">Dolly Parton</a> fans can celebrate the late icon&#x27;s life at one of several upcoming tribute events.What&#x27;s happening: First Avenue will host its sixth annual Tribute to Dolly Parton concert at its namesake venue on Jan. 8. <ul><li>For those who don&#x27;t want to wait, Flip Phone is hosting two Dolly drag brunch shows at Crave Minneapolis on Oct. 4. </li></ul>

Video rental stores are making a comeback in Minneapolis 

Nonprofit Saturn Video will open in Minneapolis next month.

Twin Cities movie buffs nostalgic for the days of Blockbuster will soon have somewhere to rewind.The big picture: After three years of pop-ups at local markets and theaters, nonprofit <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Saturn Video" data-vars-click-url="https://www.instagram.com/saturnvideo.cafe/" data-vars-content-id="04041466-a52f-4629-ad74-3dd6c01df3a0" data-vars-headline="Video rental stores are making a comeback in Minneapolis " data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.instagram.com/saturnvideo.cafe/" target="_blank">Saturn Video</a> will open the metro&#x27;s only video rental storefront next month in Minneapolis&#x27; Seward neighborhood.

Things to Do 🗓

Twin Cities weekend guide: Pumpkin boats, Oktoberfest, Posters for Parks

Our social calendars haven't kept up with warmer fall

Twin Cities weekend guide: "Paris Couture," Crypticon, fall fun

How to embrace October in the Twin Cities

Axios Social Club brings mystery dinners to Minneapolis