Staff Directory 6370682

Melissa Walker

News Assistant | Calendars
Phone: 612-673-4461
A self-proclaimed "List Maker to the Stars," Melissa spends her days coordinating calendars, sorting through press releases and combing the internet for a variety of events for Twin Citian's to occupy themselves in their free time for Star Tribune and Vita.mn entertainment calendars. In rare, spare moments, she writes stories and book reviews.
Recent content from Melissa Walker

Tickets go on sale this week for Ben Platt, Ludacris, T-Pain, Lalah Hathaway and Whitney Cummings

Other shows include Dosh, Dungeons and Daddies, Future and Metro Boomin, Nate Smith and Emily Nenni.
Children meet with baby goats at the Eden Prairie Eco Expo in 2023.

9 free things to do in the Twin Cities this week

Celebrate Earth Day and the coming of spring with a variety of events.

Tickets go on sale this week for Shakey Graves, the Struts, Goose and Little Big Town.

Other shows include Aaron Chen, Comedy Bang! Bang!, Lo Moon and more
Michigan players arriving at Frozen Fest during the NCAA 2018 Men's Frozen Four.

9 free things to do in the Twin Cities this week

It's a week full of expos with Frozen Fest, Geekend, gems and sports cards.
The Black Keys

Tickets go on sale this week for The High Kings, Koe Wetzel, The Black Keys and Over the Rhine.

Other shows include Sheng Wang, Twenty One Pilots, Dashboard Confessional and more.
Fraser Festival offers sensory-friendly activities.

9 free things to do in the Twin Cities this week

Food trucks and a yoga magazine make their debuts this week along with karaoke and singing sergeants.
Lissie will streaming live from the Parkway on Sunday.

Tickets go on sale this week for Korn, Mike Birbiglia, the Kid Laroi and Laura Ramoso

Other shows include Qveen Herby, Charlie Mars, Nourished By Time, Sawyer Hill and more.
Dale Bachman marks a variety of flowers at the Bachman's/Galleria flower show "Spring is in the Air." [ Saxo #1005666928 flowers032718

9 free things to do in the Twin Cities this week

Egg hunts are the activity of the week, along with a flower show and juried art exhibition.

Tickets go on sale this week for Lindsey Stirling, the Avett Brothers and Trampled By Turtles

Other events include WWE Monday Night Raw, Blake Shelton, Ruthie Foster, Fletcher and more.
This frog was part of 2023's Hop Into Spring. This year's event happens Saturday and Sunday at Como Park Zoo & Conservatory.

9 free things to do in the Twin Cities this week

Spring activities abound with an egg hunt, seed exchange and maple sugaring.
Chance the Rapper performs at the BET Awards in June 2022,at the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles. The Grammy winner will take the Grandstand stage Au

Tickets go on sale Friday for Weezer, Chance the Rapper and Loudon Wainwright III

Other concerts include Arrows in Action, Russ, Lil' Ed & the Blues Imperials, Robert Jon & the Wreck and Morgan Jay.
Scene from St. Paul's St. Patrick's Day Parade in 2023.

9 free things to do in the Twin Cities this week

Everyone becomes a bit Irish this week with parades, Irish dancing and music.
Singer-songwriter and folk legend Judy Collins will perform April 30 at the Dakota.

Tickets go on sale Friday for Cage the Elephant, the Revivalists, Judy Collins and Donny Osmond

Other concerts include Cigarettes After Sex, Southside Aces, Bad Bad Hats, Conan Gray, Two Door Cinema Club and La Luz.
"Koma" by Sayaka Suzuki, who will give a talk on her art Friday at the Foci Minnesota Center for Glass Art.

9 free things to do in the Twin Cities this week

Female comics, glass art and navigating Medicare entertain and inform.
The Minnesota Jewish Community Center Symphony Orchestra will perform Wednesday at Capp Center in St. Paul.

9 free things to do in the Twin Cities this week

Classical music, vinyl records, fine art and readings for thrifty entertainment.
The Greater Twin Cities Youth Symphonies' Camerata & Harmony ensembles will perform Saturday at Humboldt High School.

9 free things to do in the Twin Cities this week

Aactivities for gardeners, art lovers and Black History Month.
Students competed in the Minnesota FIRST Tech Challenge robotics event in 2023. This year's event is Saturday at St. Paul RiverCentre.

9 free things to do in the Twin Cities this week

Show love to MIA art, jive with the Jolly Pops and STEM activities this week.
Red Bull Heavy Metal is coming to St. Paul on Feb. 10. Last year, Brantley Mullins dropped into the bottom section of zone two at Red Bull Heavy Metal

9 free things to do in the Twin Cities this week

This week features rail riders, kite flying and Lunar New Year celebrations.
The Hudson Hot Air Affair in Hudson, Wis., is set for Fri.-Sun. with hot air balloons, family-friendly events and winter fun throughout the weekend.

9 free things to do in the Twin Cities this week

This week features meat raffles, hot air balloons and winter festivals.
Artist Julie Mehretu's Untitled work is featured in “Flowing Abstraction: Contemporary African Diaspora Printmaking” at Highpoint Center for Print

9 free things to do in the Twin Cities this week

Events include the Winter Carnival, concerts and poetry readings.
A fire show is among the events at the World Snow Sculpting Championship in Stillwater on Saturday.

9 free things to do in the Twin Cities this week

Fun at a firehouse, winter festivals, author readings and more.

9 free things to do in the Twin Cities this week

Cat-themed bingo, live music and more.

Nine free things to do in the Twin Cities this week

They include a scavenger hunt, concert and learning the fun side of physics.
An installation view of the Staff Art Show at the Minneapolis Institute of Art.

9 free things to do in the Twin Cities this week

From Pokémon to Kwanzaa, Minnesota has it all — cheap.
An artist worked on her painting for the immersive art experience Canvas Convergence in St. Louis Park.

9 free things to do in the Twin Cities this week

From winter solstice to window displays, Minnesota has it all — cheap.

9 free things to do in the Twin Cities this week

From photos with Santa to SantaCon, Minnesota has it all — cheap.

Sightseeing tours show off Twin Cities area holiday light displays

Whether you travel by trolley, bus or limo, you can see holiday light displays in comfort.

9 free things to do in the Twin Cities area this week

From holiday concerts to dances, Minnesota has it all — cheap.
Ana Perez and her daughter Iivy Perez 6, enjoyed the lights at the GLOW Holiday Festival Lights now on display at CHS Field in November.

9 holiday displays that light up the Twin Cities and beyond

Santa, reindeer, s'mores and more are available at these themed events.
Downtown Stillwater, seen in 2020, will kick off this year’s holiday season with Victorian carolers and holiday lights throughout the weekend.

Nine free things to do in the Twin Cities area this week

Get in the holiday spirit with Christmas tree lightings, meeting Santa and tours.
Julmarknad at the American Swedish Institute is one of the many holiday markets in the Twin Cities.

Looking to shop local? Check out these 33 Twin Cities area holiday markets

The Twin Cities area has a bounty of holiday boutiques. Use our list to get your shop on.
zAmya Theater Project offers performance workshops at the Central Library in Minneapolis.

9 free things to do in the Twin Cities area this week

From turkeys to Father Christmas, Minnesota has it all — cheap.
This old-fashioned cash register crank is part of the “Women’s Work, Life & Labor in Scott County” exhibit at the Scott County Historical Societ

9 free things to do in the Twin Cities area this week

From Hmong New Year to an artisan market, Minnesota has it all — cheap.
Denny’s is offering a free “build your own grand slam” breakfast for veterans and military personnel on Saturday.

Nine free things to do in the Twin Cities area this week

From free food to meeting the Grinch, Minnesota has it all — cheap.
Nirmal Raja "Peace Offering, 2021" Sumi ink, gouache, silver and yellow ink on Hanji 60" x 114"

9 free things to do in the Twin Cities area this week

From authors to composting, Minnesota has it all — cheap.
A scene from Pryes Brewing’s Vampire Family Reunion in 2022.

9 free things to do in the Twin Cities area this week

From tricks to treats, Minnesota has it all — cheap.
The Wargo Fall Festival at Wargo Nature Center in Lino Lakes happens Saturday.

9 free things to do in the Twin Cities this week

From poets to pumpkins, Minnesota has it all — cheap.
A scene from Locally Grown Theatre’s “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow,” based on the Washington Irving story.

10 free things to do in the Twin Cities this week

From documentaries to kite festivals, Minnesota has it all — cheap.
The Minnesota Zoo hosts the Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular each year with intricately carved pumpkins.

Choose your own Halloween adventure in the Twin Cities: From family-friendly to gory

Halloween attractions in the Twin Cities can be bone-chilling or kid-friendly cute.
Enjoy a 23-mile bike ride as part of the Twin Cities Tweed Ride and Lawn Party.

9 free things to do in the Twin Cities this week

From fall festivals to a vintage bicycle ride, Minnesota has it all — cheap.

9 free things to do in the Twin Cities this week

From book readings to artwork, Minnesota has it all — cheap.
Ruby Pearsall, 7, leapt over hay bails in the kid's maze at Sever's Corn Maze at it's new location in Shakopee, Minn., on Friday, October 4, 2019. ] R

Corn pits. Polkas. Goat petting. Here's your guide to fall fun, Minnesota.

Here are 17 fun spots to try for family fun in Minnesota this fall.

9 free things to do in the Twin Cities this week

From a raptor release to a corn maze, Minnesota has it all — cheap.
A pop-up Malibu Barbie Cafe hits the Mall of America this fall.

10 family-friendly seasonal events for a festive fall in the Twin Cities

A Barbie Cafe, Lego Brick Fest, orchards, monster trucks and more are perfect for kids.
A sampling of competitors in 2022’s Bloody Mary Festival.

10 things to do for grown-up fun this fall in the Twin Cities

Think drag brunches, pub crawls, ghost tales and more.
OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

9 free things to do in the Twin Cities this week

From horse shows to festivals, Minnesota has it all — cheap.
These pups were up for adoption as part of Linden Hills Woofstock 2022. Woofstock 2023 is Saturday.

9 free things to do in the Twin Cities this week

From art shows to bank raid reenactments, Minnesota has it all — for cheap.
The Monarch Tapestry Project Celebration takes place at the Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge in Bloomington on Saturday.

9 free things to do in the Twin Cities this week

From monarch tagging to art exhibits, Minnesota has it all — cheap.
“Let Freedom Ring,” a march and concert at Northrop on Monday, commemorates the 60th anniversary of the March on Washington and the Rev. Martin Lu

9 free things to do in the Twin Cities this week

From cosplay to car shows, Minnesota has it all — cheap.
The Jack Brass Band performs and leads a second line through Como Zoo in St. Paul on Mondays through Labor Day.

9 free things to do in the Twin Cities this week

From a brass band second line to a rom-com party, Minnesota has it all — cheap.
IndiaFest, celebrating the 50th anniversary of the India Association of Minnesota, takes place Saturday at the State Capitol grounds.

9 free things to do in the Twin Cities this week

From movies to festivals, Minnesota has it all — cheap.
A scene from Slavic Experience 2022.

9 free things to do in the Twin Cities this week

From karaoke to storytelling, Minnesota has it all — cheap.
Gardeners at Marjorie McNeely Conservatory take questions and discuss the conservatory’s operations in Gardener Chats.

9 free things to do in the Twin Cities this week

From beaches to block parties, Minnesota has it all — cheap.
The Minneapolis Aquatennial will conclude with a fireworks show at 10 p.m. Saturday on West River Parkway near the Stone Arch Bridge.

9 free things to do in the Twin Cities this week

From summer festivals to outdoor movies, Minnesota has it all — cheap.

9 free things to do in the Twin Cities this week

From dance to dragonfly festivals, Minnesota has it all — cheap.
The Honoring All Veterans Memorial by Travis Gorshe is one of the stops on the Richfield Public Art Tour.

9 free things to do in the Twin Cities this week

From a historic house tour to small wonders, Minnesota has it all — cheap.
The 2022 Summer Fete ringing in Independence Day Sunday, July 3, 2022 at Normandale Lake Park in Bloomington, Minn.

Where to see July 4th fireworks in Minneapolis, St. Paul and the suburbs

Genesis Jazz Orchestra will perform a mix of contemporary jazz and freshened standards Wednesday at the Rosemount Central Park Amphitheater.

9 free things to do in the Twin Cities this week

From canines to outdoor performances, Minnesota has it all — cheap.
Thomasina Petrus and Thom West performed at the 2022 Party in the Parks honoring volunteers. This year’s event will be held Wednesday at Phalen Park

9 free things to do in the Twin Cities this week

From Pride parties to carousel rides, Minnesota has it all — cheap.
The musical group Sounds of Blackness performed during the 2021 Juneteenth celebration at the Minnesota State Capitol.

Looking to celebrate Juneteenth in the Twin Cities area? Check out these events

Here's a roundup of Twin Cities area Juneteenth events.
Minnesota Sinfonia

8 free things to do in the Twin Cities this week

From block parties to live music, Minnesota has it all — cheap.

9 free things to do in the Twin Cities this week

From Blingo to live music, Minnesota has it all — cheap.

9 free things to do in the Twin Cities this week

From a water festival to outdoor opera, Minnesota has it all — cheap.

9 cheap things to do in the Twin Cities this week

From Thai festivals to splash pads, we have it all — free or low-cost.
Ukrainian-born artist Elena Kalman’s paintings on display at the Museum of Russian Art can be seen for free on Thursday.

9 free things to do in the Twin Cities this week

From live music to family fun, Minnesota has it all — cheap.
The new four-day Springtime & Sunshine Festival at the Anoka County Fairgrounds will include plenty of activities for children.

7 free things to do in the Twin Cities this week

From crafts to story time, Minnesota has it all — and they won't leave you broke.
“Late Spring Garden” by John Horejs

9 free things to do in the Twin Cities this week

From art crawls to classical music, Minnesota has it all — cheap.

9 free things to do in the Twin Cities this week

From floral art to and book arts, Minnesota has it all — cheap.
Lena & the LoveKills perform “swingabilly” music Friday in the Mall of America rotunda.

10 free things to do in the Twin Cities this week

From swing dance music to walks in state parks, Minnesota has it all — cheap.
“A girl on a swing” by Alexey Furman is one of 41 images on exhibit in the Mill Commons area of Mill City Museum.

10 free things to do in the Twin Cities this week

From a percussion party for kids to music for adults, Minnesota has it all — cheap.
The Minnesota Capitol building.

Ten free things to do in the Twin Cities this week

From cooking for kids to comedy for adults, Minnesota has it all — cheap.
Santa posed for a photo with Brenda Madrid and son Marcelo, 6 months, as dad Sergio took a photo at Holidazzle in Loring Park in Minneapolis.

22 Twin Cities area light shows and tree lightings add holiday cheer

These options across the Twin Cities area aim to put your family in a festive mood.
Halloween celebrations at Valleyfair introduce Tricks and Treats, the all-new, over-the-top, larger-than-life, gotta-be-there Halloween event with all

Where are the scares? Check out these 12 Twin Cities area haunts

The Halloween landscape has changed with the demise of many popular attractions.
Scene from a Flip Phone Drag Brunch, photo credit Darin Kamnetz

10 things to do for grown-up fun this fall in the Twin Cities

Think drag brunches, comedy shows, winery tours, cocktail cruises and more.
The Minnesota Arabian Horse Breeders Fall Festival Arabian Horse Show will be held on the State Fairgrounds in Warner Coliseum Sept. 30-Oct. 1.

10 family-friendly seasonal events for a festive fall in the Twin Cities

Horse shows, orchards, corn mazes and more are perfect for kids.