Back to 50s highlights car show scene

More than 11,000 classic cars and street rods will fill every nook of the State Fairgrounds this weekend for the Minnesota Street Rod Association's 35th Annual Back to the 50s show. Starting today, this huge extravaganza offers evening Friday and Saturday '50s rock concerts, an auto auction, hundreds of automotive exhibits and vendors, and more.

The event features classic vehicles from 1964 or earlier. The event is this week's 600-pound auto-show gorilla, but the calendar also includes some cruise-ins, a brave local show featuring newer cars, and shows in Longville, Perham and Warroad, Minn., and Hayward, Wis. (see www.autoswalk.com).

NOTE: Admission for spectators is free at events below unless noted.

Tonight-Sunday - 35th Annual Back to the 50s show, State Fairgrounds

When - Fri/Sat: 8 am – 11 pm; Sun: 6 am – 3 pm

Admission - $10 per day (under 13 free with paid adult)

Highlights -

10th Annual Mecum Auto Auction (Sat 10 – 5)

Evening concerts (Fri: Richie Lee, Rockin' Hollywoods; Sat: Bobby Vee)

Ladies Showcase (Fri-Sun - fashion shows, speakers on health and other issues, vendors)

Kids games (Sat 10-3)

Cruise-N-Art Craft Fair (Fri-Sun)

Tonight

North St. Paul History Cruze (6-10 pm; 651-773-8274).

Prior Lake Roll-In, Main St., downtown (5-9 pm; 952-440-2277).

County Market lot, St. Francis (5 pm-dusk; 763-753-6116, www.sffriniterally.org).

Saturday

3rd Annual Car Show, St. Gerard Church, Brooklyn Park (1-5 pm; 763-566-7707). The show is part of "Tater Daze."

St. Paul Downtown Beat Classics Show (5-10 pm; 651-224-4133, www.downtownbeatclassics.com).

Anoka Saturday Night River Run (5 pm-dark; 763-427-1460).

Monday

Tuesday

Scoops Ice Cream, Bloomington (6-7:30 pm, mswavinak@msn.com).

American Legion Post 334, Coon Rapids (5 pm-dusk; 763-421-6260).

VFW Post 295, South St. Paul (6-9 pm, 651-455-7408).

El Tequila, Inver Grove Heights (5:30-8:30 pm; 651-455-1650).

Denny's Classic Diner, Rogers (5 pm-dusk; 763-428-1574).

Oak City, Brooklyn Center (7-9 pm; 763-531-0235, 612-529-4630).

Central Park, North Branch (6:30 pm departure for a short cruise to a restaurant; 651-674-0020, 651-283-3359).

Pizza Ranch, Waconia (6-9 pm; 952-442-9255, 952-448-4946).

Thursday

Culver's, Lakeville (6-9 pm; 952-223-0332).