Things To Do in Minneapolis and around the Twin Cities

Find things to do in Minneapolis and around the Twin Cities. Including events from venues such as Orpheum Theater, Xcel Energy Center, Target Center and more. 

Every meal at Standish Cafe should begin with an order of æbleskivers for the table.

The 5 best things our food writers ate in the Twin Cities area this week

The case for brunch dessert, a classic meatless burger, fried artichokes, the sweet side of a hummus house and a memorable chicken dish are among our best bites of the week.
Music
8:20am
Conductor Christopher Warren-Green opens the show of George Frideric Handel’s oratorio, “Messiah,” with the Minnesota Orchestra and the Minnesot

Review: Minnesota Orchestra's 'Messiah' muddy and lacking 'crisp clarity'

However, countertenor Reginald Mobley was a standout performing awe-inspiring arias from the George Frideric Handel masterwork.
Music
December 8
Cantus performs several programs in the Twin Cities this holiday season.

Review: Delightful 'Christmas With Cantus' concert weaves songs and stories

The singers recited passages from literary works, including "A Christmas Carol," "A Letter from Santa Claus" and "The Hawai'i Snowman," in between songs.
Taste
December 8
Can you match the wall and floor art to the Twin Cities restaurant in this quiz?

Can you match the wall and floor art to the Twin Cities restaurant in this quiz?

We go to these new local restaurants for the food, but stay for the design.
TV & Media
December 8
Santa’s sleigh and reindeer are suspended above the Grand Foyer in the White House as part of the holiday decorations.

TV shows to watch: Take a tour of a decked out White House with HGTV's Scott brothers

Also catch up on holiday concerts by Barry Manilow and country singers and the last episodes of "The Crown."
Travel
December 8

Buenos Aires is incredibly cheap for tourists right now — but will it last?

Taylor Swift and a special "tourist dollar" made one of the loveliest and safest cities in South America very appealing.
Music
December 8
Taylor Swift is Time magazine’s Person of the Year.

6 cool things in music this week include Taylor Swift, Brian Setzer and Christian Nesmith

Shoutouts, too, to Joshua Ray Walker and Marcus M. Martin in "Aladdin."
Books
December 7
Anthony Veasno So

Even unfinished, works in 'Songs on Endless Repeat' are not to be missed

FICTION: Portions of a novel blend with nonfiction in posthumous work from Anthony Veasna So.
Music
December 7
Def Leppard guitarist Rick Collen, with singer Joe Elliot behind him, rocked U.S. Bank Stadium in 2022.

Target Field flashback: Def Leppard and Journey returning to Twins ballpark in 2024

The Steve Miller Band will open the Aug. 19 gig, the third big rock show at the Minneapolis stadium next summer.
Variety
December 7
Local tour companies offer drivey-bys of local holiday light displays.

Sightseeing tours show off Twin Cities area holiday light displays

Whether you travel by trolley, bus or limo, you can see holiday light displays in comfort.
TV & Media
December 7
British historian Lucy Worsley explores the life and work of mystery queen Agatha Christie in a three-parter on PBS.

PBS documentary unravels the mystery of Agatha Christie's disappearance

British historian Lucy Worsley explores the enigma of the mystery queen.
TV & Media
December 7
Archival footage of John Lennon in “John Lennon: Murder Without A Trial” on Apple TV+.

TV review: 'John Lennon: Murder Without a Trial' explores the motives of the music icon's killer

The Apple TV+ docuseries includes interviews of witnesses to Lennon's fatal shooting.
Books
December 7
Delphine de Vigan

A YouTube celebrity panics when her star/child disappears in novel 'Kids Run the Show'

FICTION: Questions of authenticity abound in tale of motherhood and online fame.
Stage & Arts
December 6
Senzel Ahmady plays Jasmine and Adi Roy is Aladdin in “Disney’s Aladdin” at the Orpheum Theatre in Minneapolis.

Review: Yikes! 'Disney's Aladdin' underwhelms at Minneapolis' Orpheum

The romantic leads lack vocal power but the Genie shines in a mixed production that runs through Sunday.
Books
December 6
Viktoria Lloyd-Barlow

A family with autism braves the world in a novel by a writer with autism

FICTION: "All the Little Bird-Hearts" is an assured debut from gifted Viktoria Lloyd-Barlow.
Eat & Drink
December 6
The bar at Porzana in Minneapolis’ North Loop is among the best seats in the house.

13 buzzy cocktail bars to visit before the end of 2023

With spirited (and spirit-free) drink menus and cozy surroundings, these are among the best places in Minneapolis and St. Paul to raise a glass and impress out-of-town friends.
Music
December 6
Doja Cat, seen here at Coachella in 2022, headlines Target Center on Thursday with opener Ice Spice.

The Big Gigs: 10 best concerts to see in Twin Cities this week

Highlights for Dec. 7-13 include Doja Cat with Ice Spice, Curtiss A's Lennon tribute, Arlo Parks, Los Lobos and Lukas Nelson.
Stage & Arts
December 5
T. Mychael Rambo says he keeps his role authentic as Santa in Hallmark’s “Rescuing Christmas.”

Hallmark picks a St. Paul Santa's helper for lead part in a Christmas movie

In "Rescuing Christmas," actor/singer T. Mychael Rambo plays a character he's often compared to in real life.
Movies
December 5
From left, Charity Angél Dawson, Sara Bareilles and Caitlin Houlahan in “Waitress: The Musical.”

6 slices of life from 'Waitress: The Musical'

The lyrics from the filmed production of a stage show give an insight to fun melodies and taboo topics.
Books
December 5
Kate Christensen

Maybe 'Welcome Home, Stranger' should be your next book club pick

FICTION: Returning home after her mother's death, a journalist must face her past and reorient her life.
Music
December 5
Emmy- and Tony-winning Kristin Chenoweth sings a holiday show with the Minnesota Orchestra on Dec. 18.

Classical music Christmas: 8 great performances this season in the Twin Cities

"Frozen" and Kristin Chenoweth come to Orchestra Hall, two orchestras offer a "Messiah," and holiday choral tradition abounds.