Long before Erin Burnett was going "OutFront" on CNN every night, one Minnesota group was using that moniker to fight the good fight for GLBT equality. OutFront Minnesota is celebrating its 25th anniversary with a takeover of the Walker Art Center on Friday night.

For years, the nonprofit has been a strong voice for pushing GLBT issues forward (and helped make us one of the gayest cities in the country -- No. 1 in 2011!). The Walker party will feature music by DJ Shannon Blowtorch, plus tours of the hit exhibit, "Lifelike," and a photo booth with 1980s accessories. Drinks and food will be available as well. A big part of the night will be an OutFront retrospective program with speakers like U.S. Rep. Keith Ellison and awards for OutFront's 25 leaders under 25. Bring the whole family. Proceeds from the ticket price will benefit OutFront's mission.

Muddy Pig gets its own beer

Does the Muddy Pig have clout, or what? On Saturday, the St. Paul beer bar will celebrate the tapping of its 1,000th beer style. And it's not just any old beer. Summit has brewed an exclusive beer just for the acclaimed pub. The beer has been dubbed 10³ Anniversary IPA (because 10 cubed is 1,000 -- duh). Next month is also the Muddy Pig's 10th anniversary. The special beer was made on Summit's new pilot brewing system, which allows the brewery to experiment with small batches. It contains 10 malts and 10 varieties of hops. The beer's alcohol content clocks in at 6.8 percent, with 70 IBUs. With only five kegs of the stuff, the Pig's owners don't expect the beer to last through the weekend. Also of note: The bar will have 10 additional Summit styles on tap Saturday.

Calamity at Art-A-Whirl

Few people throw a better art party than the design kings at CO Exhibitions. For this year's Art-A-Whirl, the northeast Minneapolis gallery is producing one of its biggest all-in-one parties yet. Starting Friday, "CO-lamity" will feature an art market (shop for screen-printed posters, handmade jewelry, clothing and other Twin Cities-made gifts). There will also be carnival games (bring the kids!) and DJs later on. Saturday is the big day, with more arty carnival fun during the afternoon. The evening brings the Chef Shack food truck, DJ sets by the Get Cryphy crew and the closing party of Isaac Arvold's Second Hand Emotion exhibit. The night will be capped off by live performances from Wolf Lords (Aby Wolf and Grant Cutler) and the multimedia-minded Seawhores.

B-Fresh Photography, Star Tribune
DJ Shannon Blowtorch

  • 5-8 p.m. Fri. 5/18, Noon-10:30 p.m. Sat. 5/19 and Noon-5 p.m Sun. 5/20
  • 1101 Stinson Blvd., Suite 2, Mpls
  • Free
  • 612-379-4151
  • www.coexhibitions.com

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