Freeloader Friday is your weekly guide to having fun no matter what your budget looks like. Each week we have a list of 100% free events like gallery parties, music, and films in the park, as well as free admission events like special happy hours, markets, and more.
FRIDAY
The Bad Companions
Roots, rock, rockabilly. 8 p.m. White Squirrel Bar, 974 W. Seventh St., St. Paul.
Chroma Zone Mural Fest: Rodrigo Oñate
Check out a new mural in St. Paul, created by Rodrigo Oñate. Northwest Packaging Inc., 1996 University Ave. W., St. Paul.
The Haws, Chad Erickson & The Untimely
7 p.m. 612 Brew, 945 Broadway NE, Minneapolis.
Unscripted Stories
Documentary examines the experiences and stories of East African business owners during the unrest. RSVP for free here. 7 p.m. Mixed Blood Theatre, 1501 S. Fourth St., Minneapolis.
Full Catholic, Lifestyle Shakes, Lucid VanGuard
Blues, folk-rock. 21+. 9 p.m. 331 Club, 331 13th Ave. NE, Minneapolis.
Family Fridays
Free music celebrating Black History Month. 5 to 7 p.m. Midtown Global Market, 920 E. Lake St., Minneapolis.
Friday Night Open Mic
21+. 10 p.m. The Comedy Corner Underground, 1501 S. Washington Ave., Minneapolis.
Adult Game Night
Featuring drunk specials, DJ tunes, and games, including giant Jenga, Uno, Connect 4, dominoes, and more. There’s also karaoke every 1st and 3rd Fridays of the month. Hyde Kitchen & Cocktails, 24 University Ave. NE, Minneapolis.
SATURDAY
Minnesota Songkran Festival
สุขสันต์วันสงกรานต์! For Racket’s vast English-speaking readership, that means “happy Songkran day,” the celebration of Thai New Year. The Thai Cultural Council of Minnesota expects up to 25,000 attendees at this year's event, which will aim to spread "Asian joy" during Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month amid an atmosphere of increasing intolerance. Among the festivities set for outside the Capital: a whole lotta delicious Thai food, a papaya salad eating contest, cultural performances on a stage imported from Thailand, arts 'n' crafts, Thai boxing, Tuk-Tuk vehicles, a blessing booth for the soul, and a photo booth for the selfies. Free. 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sat.; 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sun. State Capital, 75 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., St. Paul; find more info here.–Jay Boller
We Are Still Here
This group exhibition features Native artists Ray Janis, Sheldon Starr, Missy Whiteman, and mentor artist Jonathan Thunder. You might recognize some works as being recently featured as digital billboards in downtown Minneapolis along Hennepin Avenue. 6-8 p.m. All My Relations Gallery, 1414 E. Franklin Ave., Minneapolis.
Queer Bazaar: Sexy Spring Edition
This afternoon, the Aliveness Project hosts a festival filled with artists, makers, health resources, queer vibes, and a marketplace featuring around 30 queer owned and operated businesses. That includes cool visual art such as intricate drawings from Casper Warren Art, beauty products from Hannah’s Paradise, and leatherwork from Datura Leather. Free health services include STD screenings, info on HIV programs, and acupuncture. There will also be podcasters, advocates, and some people who want to turn a golf course into a public sex forest. Sounds like fun! Free. Noon to 5 p.m. The Aliveness Project, 3803 Nicollet Ave., Minneapolis. –Jessica Armbruster
Rise and Remember Festival
Featuring a self-care fair, kids' zone, food trucks and stations, live music, community resources, mutual aid info, art installations, memorials, and more. Find more info here. George Floyd Square, 38th and Chicago, Minneapolis.
MAAHMG Community Quilt Project
Join members in making quilt squares honoring Black people who have been murdered by police. 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. George Floyd Square, 38th and Chicago, Minneapolis.
Summer Costume Party
Show up in costume and compete for prizes. Categories include best individual and group costumes. 7 p.m. 1 a.m. Up-Down Minneapolis, 3012 Lyndale Ave. S., Minneapolis.
MPLS Pet Market
Featuring local pet businesses and adoptable animals. Find more info here. Every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. through August. 200 E Lyndale Ave N, Minneapolis,
Free Saturday Yoga at Union Depot
Bring a yoga mat, water, and towel if you need them. 9 a.m. Union Depot, 214 Fourth St. E., St. Paul.
Free Ice Cream Extravaganza
Free treats while supplies last. 4-7 p.m. Sumo & Smoh, 1579 Hamline Ave. N., Falcon Heights.
Saturday Sounds
Free music celebrating Black History Month. Noon to 2 p.m. Midtown Global Market, 920 E. Lake St., Minneapolis.
Super Flasher, Floodwater Angel, Battery Eyes
9 p.m. 331 Club, 331 13th Ave. NE, Minneapolis.
Richfield Farmers’ Market
Featuring live music, cooking demos, morning yoga, food, and more. Find info here. 8 a.m. to noon through October 15. 6335 Portland Ave., Richfield.
Northeast Farmers’ Market
Featuring fruits, vegetables, plants, flowers, artisans, specialty foods, prepared foods, kids’ activities, live music, and community spirit. Find more info at northeastmarket.org. Every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. through October 15. St. Boniface Church, on the corner of University Avenue NE and Seventh Avenue NE, Minneapolis.
Mill City Farmers’ Market
Now outside through October! With local farmers, artisans, ceramics, giftables, food, and more. 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Mill City Museum, 704 S. Second St., Minneapolis.
SUNDAY
Backyard Boombox: Memorial Day Party
House/disco tunes from Immersa, Pearlescent, Agent C, Stereogo, Davilla, and Minidnts. Noon to 7:30 p.m. Falling Knife Brewing Company, 783 Harding St. NE, Minneapolis.
Death Cafe Twin Cities
Meet with friendly folks to discuss all things death and dying. 6 p.m. Rogue Buddha Gallery, 357 13th Ave. NE, Minneapolis.
American Primitive Guitar Series
With Mike Gangeoff and Adam Kiesling. 21+. 3 p.m. 331 Club, 331 13th Ave. NE, Minneapolis.
Linden Hills Farmers Market
10 a.m. to 1 p.m. 2813 W. 43rd St., Minneapolis.
Game Night
Chris H. stops by with board games. Or bring your own. Noon to 5 p.m. LynLake Brewery, 2934 Lyndale Ave. S., Minneapolis.
Open Mic Night
Music, poetry, comedy, whatever is welcome. Sign up at 4:30 p.m. The Cave at Keg and Case Market, 928 W. 7th St., St. Paul.
MONDAY
JoJo Green, The Roe Family Singers, Matt Arthur Contraption
Music at 6, 8, and 10 p.m. 331 Club, 331 13th Ave. NE, Minneapolis.
Top Shelf Band, Big Mike’s Retro Soul & The Westside Horns
Contemporary country rock, soul. 5:30 p.m. Lake Harriet Bandshell, 4135 W. Lake Harriet Pkwy, Minneapolis.
