Reflection: Made Here
The Hennepin Theatre Trust’s latest season of Made Here, its Minneapolis urban window art exhibition, launches Dec. 3 at Mayo Clinic Square (600 Hennepin Ave.) and City Center (40 S. 7th St.). This season, dubbed “Reflection,” features works from more than 60 Minnesota artists and 35 students exploring this light-minded theme. The free, public launch will feature live performances, guided walking tours, live music and a new holiday market in City Center. “Reflection” will have more than 44 venues, many of them vacant spaces open for new users, across downtown Minneapolis and Mall of America.
Where: Mayo Clinic Square, 600 Hennepin Ave.
When: Thursday, Dec. 3 from 5-9 p.m.
Cost: Free
Info: madeheremn.org
Holiday No Coast Craft-o-Rama
The Holiday No Coast Craft-o-Rama, now in its tenth year, will bring designers, artists and crafters and their handmade goods to Midtown Global Market. The fair runs Friday, Dec. 4 from 3-8 p.m. and Saturday, Dec. 5 from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. at 920 E. Lake St. The Craft-o-Rama is known for bringing in the best indie craft artisans in the Twin Cities, from leather workers, jewelers to children’s toymakers.
Where: Midtown Global Market, 920 E. Lake St.
When: Friday, Dec. 4 and Saturday, Dec. 5
Cost: Free
Info: nocoastcraft.com
Donut Run
While a Thanksgiving food coma says “do not run,” the runners at Mill City Running are saying “donut run.” The Northeast Minneapolis-based running retailer is hosting a donut run across nine miles of the city’s donut shops. The new event will feature four donut shops and an opportunity to become donut royalty and win prizes. The run is capped at a couple hundred participants, but there will be a wait list for registrants.
Where: Mill City Running, 411 E. Hennepin Ave.
When: Sunday, Nov. 29 at 9 a.m.
Cost: Free, RSVP required
Info: millcityrunning.com
Winter Market
The Northeast Farmers Market will host its first annual Winter Market at Chowgirls’ space in the Solar Arts Building. The event in Northeast Minneapolis will run November through March, typically on the third Saturday of Minneapolis’ colder months from 10 a.m.-2p.m., on Nov. 28, Dev. 19, Jan. 16, Feb. 20 and March 19 (see exact times on the market’s website). Fans of the Northeast Minneapolis farmers market, in its sixteenth year, can expect music from DJ The Ring Toss Twins, activities for children and plenty of local vendors and artisans. The regular community-based market is located in the parking lot of Church of St. Boniface in the St. Anthony West neighborhood.
Where: Solar Arts by Chowgirls, 711 15th Ave. NE
When: Nov. 28 through March 19
Cost: Free
Info: northeastmarket.org
Blank Friday
Instead of experiencing the chaos of Black Friday, the Minnesota Zen Meditation Center would rather you practice a little mindfulness with them. On Nov. 27, guests can forgo the biggest shopping day of the year and instead take one of two free, one-hour classes on mindfulness at the center’s historic facility near Lake Calhoun. The intro-level classes are hosted at 9 a.m., 10:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m. and 2 p.m. Guests can also learn more about the center’s practices and daily meditation during this unique alternative to Black Friday.
Where: Minnesota Zen Meditation Center, 3343 Calhoun Pkwy.
When: Nov. 27 from 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Cost: Free, donations accepted
Info: mnzencenter.org
Humanly Possible
Instinct Art Gallery’s next exhibition. “Humanly Possible,” seeks to inspire the choice of empathy in its audience. The Nicollet Mall art gallery will host an opening reception Nov. 21 from 6-8 p.m. On Dec. 5, one of the “Humanly Possible” artists and others will record lullaby songs for Syrian refugees from 3-6 p.m., and on Jan. 7, a Wilderness Inquiry-supported event will feature Catherin Johnson’s pine tree series from 6-8 p.m. Instinct is open Tuesday through Saturday from 12-5 p.m.
Where: Instinct Art Gallery, 940 Nicollet Mall
When: Nov. 21 through Jan. 16, 2016
Cost: Free
Info: instinctmpls.com
Winter Biking Expo
As the country’s coldest metro area, it’s no wonder Minneapolis and St. Paul are home to so many dedicated winter bikers. For those bikers, the Midtown Freewheel Bike Center is hosting its fifth Winter Bike Expo with two days of seminars and exhibitors from bike companies and others. Guests can visit seminars to learn about winter biking, whether they’re just interested in trying it out or are already regular winter cyclists. Freewheel Bike will be announcing more event details soon, but past years included seminars on winterizing your rig, the history of fat bikes and bike transportation for families. Expect bikes, art and beer.
Where: Midtown Freewheel Bike Center, 2834 10th Ave. S.
When: Dec. 5 and Dec. 6
Cost: Free
Info: winterbikingexpo.com
I AM MPLS!
Minneapolis’ eclectically creative show I AM MPLS! will be returning First Avenue this year with an evening packed with comedy, fashion, music and art. Twin Cities-based stylist and “connector” Sarah Edwards conceived the show, along with its St. Paul counterpart, to celebrate “who we are, what we do and the common bond that ties us to our fair city.” Jana Shortall of Kare 11 News will be taking the helm as host this year. The show is always a unique opportunity to connect with Minneapolis’ locally grown creatives.
Where: First Avenue, 701 1st Ave. N.
When: Thursday, Dec. 3
Cost: $15
Info: iammpls.com