THURSDAY-SUNDAY

AWP literary events

This weekend, the Association of Writers & Writing Programs brings its massive annual conference to the Minneapolis Convention Center ($40-$285, www.awpwriter.org). Here are some of the best surrounding events.

Bust Magazine Reading: Feminists will flock to this event with headliner Roxane Gay, actress/poet Amber Tamblyn and more. (7-8:30 p.m. Fri. $5. The Loft, 1011 Washington Av. S., Mpls.)

A Literary Tribute to Grant Hart & Hüsker Dü: Rain Taxi pays tribute to St. Paul indie-rock pioneer Hart and his legendary band Hüsker Dü. (9-11 p.m. Fri. $10. Patrick's Cabaret, 3010 Minnehaha Av. S., Mpls.)

Lit + Art Party: Readings with nine writers, including L.A.'s Amelia Gray and local luminaries Dessa and John Jodzio. (8 p.m. Sat. $5. Public Functionary, 400 12th Av. NE., Mpls.) Jahna PeloQuin

SUNDAY

Rock the Cradle

The annual Rock the Cradle party gives 89.3 the Current-listening parents and their hipsters-in-the-making kids a chance to rock out together. Though perhaps not as hotly anticipated as Rock the Garden, this year's musical entertainment includes the Bazillions (a kiddie offshoot of local power-pop group the Humbugs), the Adam Levy-fronted Bunny Clogs, quirky act Duke Otherwise and the MacPhail Center for Music House Band. Pizza-core twosome Koo Koo Kanga Roo and glockenspiel duo New Kids on the Glock will also appear for pop-up performances. Other activities include storytime with the Current's DJs, a kids' disco, hip-hop dance classes and hands-on musical instrument experimentation. (11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sun. Free. Children's Theatre Company & Minneapolis Institute of Arts, 2400 3rd Av. S., Mpls. www.thecurrent.org.) J.P.