Pride of St. Paul

The Twin Cities GLBT Pride Festival isn't until next weekend, but Innuendo has the official kickoff block party this Saturday outside the downtown St. Paul bar. Innuendo owner Sean Fetterman said he and the Pride committee thought the outdoor concert could bring some Pride attention -- which is usually Minneapolis-focused -- to the other side of the river. Circuit-club dance diva Pepper Mashay headlines the event, which will also include singer Yolanda Roth, DJs and drag performances. (6-10 p.m. Sat., 213 E. 4th St., St. Paul. $10. 651-225-4528. www.rumours-stpaul.com)

Nightlife back at MOA?

It looks like the Mall of America is finally making moves to restore its fourth floor as a nightlife destination. While the upper level once teemed with restaurants and entertainment, it's now home to just Hooters and a movie theater. The mall has announced a July 16 grand opening for Cantina #1, a Corona-branded restaurant that will go in the old Fat Tuesday's and Knuckleheads locations. The restaurant/bar will feature upscale Mexican food in a cabana-themed setting. More additions are coming, said Maureen Bausch, the mall's vice president of business development. The mall hopes to open a bowling alley/arcade in the old Jillian's space by the end of the summer and renovate the movie theater in the fall, she said.

A downtown Dive Bar

There are more changes coming to the former Harvey's in downtown Minneapolis. The owners recently changed the bar's name to the Ugly Mug, and they're adding another club upstairs. The unused second level is being turned into the water-themed Dive Bar, which will be a sister club to the original in Maplewood. (That Dive Bar was originally T-Birds, for those taking notes.) Ugly Mug co-owner Bob Carlson said bar-goers can expect many of the same aesthetic touches from the Maplewood Dive Bar, including that cool water-encased bar top. He's hoping to have the second level open by the end of the month, pending city permits. Carlson, who also owns the Majors chain and part of Bootleggers, recently helped open a second Bootleggers in Milwaukee. (The Ugly Mug/Dive Bar, 106 N. 3rd St., Mpls. 612-343-5930.)

Dancing on the water

There will be two Vimlab boat parties this summer (tonight and Aug. 22). The floating dance party on the Minneapolis Queen takes off from Boom Island and goes down the Mississippi. Expect a full bar and DJs Jevne and Love & Payne. (9:30 p.m.-1 a.m. today. 700 NE. Sibley St., Mpls. $30. 21 and older. 612-229-8522. www.vimlab.com)