Things To Do

Live music with Erica West and 8 other free things to do this week

Holiday themed events include Thanksgiving meal giveaways along with holiday markets.

By Melissa Walker

The Minnesota Star Tribune

November 17, 2025 at 5:00PM

Erica West performs Friday at Umbra in Minneapolis.

1. Erica West

R&B vocals influenced by the greats including Whitney Houston, Nina Simone, Lizz Wright and others. (6 p.m. Fri.Umbra, 708 S. 3rd St., Mpls. umbrampls.com)

2. Turkey Giveaway

Those in need can receive turkeys, hats, gloves and community resources. (10 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Wed. Northside Community Safety Resource Center, 1201 West Broadway, Mpls. 10 a.m-2:30 p.m. facebook.com)

3. Julemarket and Hygge Happy Hour

Spend the most joyous time of the year with music by Peter and the Jazzstronauts, the lighting of the Norway House Christmas tree, carols by Kvinnekor, the Women’s Choir of the Mindekirken Language and Culture Program and shopping from artisans. (4-8 p.m. Thu. Norway House, 913 E. Franklin Av., Mpls. norwayhouse.org)

4. Minneapolis Christkindl Market

The second annual German-style market opens Friday with twinkling lights, alpine-style wooden huts, live music and performances. Santa makes visits every Saturday-Sunday and shop from more than 35 vendors. (4-9 p.m. Fri.; 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Sat.; 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Sun. North Loop Green, 350 N. 5th St., Mpls. minneapolischristkindlmarket.com)

5. Holiday Artisan Market

Holiday shopping with handcrafted and festive finds from local vendors. (10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sat. Mississippi Crossings Event Center, 307 E. River Pkwy., Champlin. ci.champlin.mn.us)

6. The Bored

The indie band performs for the first time at Sociable Cider Werks as it prepares to go on tour this winter. (7 p.m. Sat. 1500 NE. Fillmore St., Mpls. sociablecider.com)

7. Thanksgiving Dinner Bags Distribution

Receive a bag of essential ingredients for a holiday meal. (4-6 p.m. Sat. Cornerstone Light of Life Church, 674 Johnson Pkwy., St. Paul. cllc.church)

8. Border Battle Bash

A watch party for the Vikings vs. Packers with prizes for best dressed fan and border battle couple and free cheese and tater tot hot dish raffle. (Noon-3:30 p.m. Sun. Forgotten Star Brewing, 38 Northern Stacks Dr., Fridley. forgottenstarbrewing.com)

9. Music Mayhem

A live game show that challenges participants to guess the titles of songs and artists from a variety of genres and eras. (7 p.m. Tuesdays. Five Hole Sports Bar & Grill, 3701 Stinson Blvd. NE., St. Anthony. fiveholesb.com)

Have a free event? Email events@startribune.com three weeks in advance of publication for consideration.