Axios Twin Cities Weekender

July 30, 2026
TGI... almost Friday!
πΊ WWE SummerSlam rolls into Minneapolis this weekend. We'll have more on that tomorrow morning.
- In the meantime, let's get you ready to ruuuummmmbbbllleeee with a full menu of weekend fun to choose from.
Today's newsletter is 773 words, a 3-minute read.
1 big thing: π Wanderlight wraps up
This weekend is last call for checking out the Minnesota Zoo's whimsical Wanderlight Trail.
Why it matters: The summer counterpart to the annual Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular features towering lanterns and other immersive light-up displays inspired by animals and habitats around the world.
- Its two-month run ends on Sunday night.
β° If you go: Visitors can choose between "twilight" (8-9pm) or "midnight wander" (9:30-11:30pm) entry.
- The trail typically takes just under an hour to complete, the zoo says.
ποΈ Weekend tickets start at $28 for kids 3-12 and $32 for those 13 and up. Discounts are available for zoo members and groups.
What's next: While this the last chance to experience this year's displays, the Zoo tells us that they're already planning to bring back the concept next year following an "incredible amount of positive feedback" from guests.
Other events this weekend:
π‘ The Washington County Fair runs at the fairgrounds in Stillwater through Sunday. Expect rides, live music, 4H exhibits, barrel racing and more fun.
- π· What's new: Not one, but two(!) piglet mascots, our friends at Woodbury News Net report. $12 for ages 8 and older. Free for children 7 and under.
πΌ Panda Fest, hailed as one of the biggest outdoor Asian food festivals in the U.S., brings street food vendors, live performances and a 15-foot inflatable panda to Mall of America's North Lot this weekend. Friday-Sunday. $14+.
- Worth noting: Timed entry tickets were going fast of Thursday afternoon.
πIt's the last weekend to check out the World's Biggest Bounce House, which features 50,000 square feet of inflatable fun at MOA's East Lot. $35+ for a 3-hour pass (non-bouncing visitors can gain entry for $5).
π― Celebrate National Friendship Day on Saturday by helping the Three Rivers Park District make the longest friendship bracelet in Minnesota.
- Parks staff will bring together pieces visitors have been braiding all summer into one long bracelet, which will be unfurled along a trail at Silverwood Park. 10am-2pm Saturday; Free.
π Enjoy food with a view as Minnesota Food Truck Festival rolls up to Minneapolis' Father Hennepin Bluff Park.
- Expect dozens of food and beverae options, plus live music, henna tattoos and trucks dishing up vintage records, photo booths, clothing and more. 11am-9pm Saturday; Free.
π¦ Learn from dinosaur experts at the Science Museum of Minnesota's Dino Fest with a day-long program of talks and shows, including a T-Rex tooth-brushing and a live eagle demonstration. Saturday, 11am-3pm; adult admission $34.95, kids $24.95
π€£ Brave New Workshop's "Battle of the Improv All-Stars" returns for another weekend of laughs at Dudley Riggs Theatre. Audience members get to crown winners of the side-stitching challenges. 7:30pm Saturday; $38.
2. New on streaming: "The Devil Wears Prada 2," "The Drama," "Lioness"
We'll save you some scrolling this weekend. Here are notable titles new to streaming.
The Drama β Film available Friday on HBO Max.
- Zendaya and Robert Pattinson play an engaged couple whose wedding week starts to fall apart in this dark comedy from A24.
- Between the lines: Much of the drama stems from the bride-to-be's dinner-party confession, revealed early, about the worst thing she's ever done.
The Devil Wears Prada 2 β Film sequel now on Hulu and Disney+.
- Andy Sachs (Anne Hathaway) and Miranda Priestly (Meryl Streep) are back nearly 20 years after Andy left Runway magazine.
- Zoom in: Emily Blunt's character now controls Dior's ad budget, putting her in a new power position over Miranda and Runway.
The Super Mario Galaxy Movie β Animated sequel available Thursday on Peacock.
- Mario heads into space in the follow-up to "The Super Mario Bros. Movie," with Brie Larson joining as Rosalina, Benny Safdie as Bowser Jr. and Donald Glover voicing Yoshi.
- By the numbers: The nostalgia-filled blockbuster grossed more than $1 billion worldwide.
Furious β Crime series available now on Hulu.
- Emmy Rossum plays an FBI agent chasing a serial killer (Lola Petticrew) in a story inspired by the 1987 movie "Black Widow."
- Behind the scenes: Creator Liz Meriwether β best known for creating "New Girl" β told Decider that "Furious" pushed her to write about anger without deflecting it through comedy.
Lioness β Season 3 premieres Sunday on Paramount+.
- The CIA thriller returns with Zoe SaldaΓ±a, Nicole Kidman, Morgan Freeman and Michael Kelly.
- Behind the scenes: The series has become another Paramount+ ratings hit from Taylor Sheridan, who's also behind "Yellowstone," "1923," "Landman," "Tulsa King" and "Mayor of Kingstown."
Go Deeper: See last week's picks.
πΎ Torey's weekend plans include working up a sweat at a cardio tennis class!
This newsletter was edited by Kyle Stokes.



