Kramarczuk's Kielbasa Festival
Eastern European deli Kramarczuk's has been a favorite among local carnivores for three generations. It was even featured on an episode of "Diners, Drive-ins and Dives," and Mayor R.T. Rybak has been known to sing its praises. After doing Octoberfest for a few years, in 2010 the deli decided to throw its own party. Expect plenty of Kramarczuk's famous house-made sausages -- the traditional Kielbasa garlic and pepper sausage; the Moroccan lamb sausage; the andouille Cajun sausage -- plus pierogi, cabbage rolls, sauerkraut and local and European beers. With festivities including traditional Eastern European live music (polka!), Red Daughters and Lucy Michelle and the Velvet Lapelles, it's sure to be a real sausage fest. (5-10 p.m. Fri. & 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Sat. $10 daily. Kramarczuk's, 215 E. Hennepin Av., Mpls. www.kramarczuk.com.)
Babes in Bikeland
The largest alleycat ride and race for women in the Twin Cities is back for a sixth year. Organizers of the competitive, scavenger hunt-inspired race for dedicated female riders have attempted to make it more inclusive in recent years. For instance, anyone who finishes the ride can enter a raffle for a free bike. Hardline cyclists still compete for top honors, which include prizes from local bike shops. The 20-mile ride starts at Powderhorn Park, travels throughout Minneapolis (a map will be provided) and ends in a giant party at Peacock Groove Bikes. (Registration at 4 p.m.; race at 6 p.m. Sat. $5. Begins at Powderhorn Park, 3400 15th Av. S., Mpls. www.babesinbikeland.com.)
Revolver magazine launch party
Literary publications seem to be popping up all over the place lately, and this new wave of lit geeks sure knows how to throw a party. Readings have gotten competitive; book clubs have moved into bars, and launch parties have become bona fide blowouts. Revolver, a new literary arts and culture online publication, is no exception -- its tagline is "rowdy reading." Its launch party looks to be appropriately raucous; it promises live boxing matches between contributing writers, taking the phrase "literary smackdown" to new heights. Guests can also take part in Polaroid storytelling, enjoy eats from Chef Shack and browse the new website via an Xbox 360 Kinect. (9 p.m.-midnight. Sat. Free. Uppercut Gym, 1324 NE. Quincy St., Mpls. www.around-around.com.)
