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
Twin Cities Black Film Festival: Mahogany
8:30 p.m. Water Works Park and Pavilion, 333 First St. S., Minneapolis.
Northeast Showdown
With Phantom Fields, The Right Here, James Russell. 21+. 9 p.m. 331 Club, 331 13th Ave. NE, Minneapolis.
A Night of Stand Up Comedy
Open mic night hosted by comedian Boima Freeman. If you perform you get a drink ticket and $1 beer specials all night. Sign up at 7:30, show at 8:30 p.m. Dual Citizen Brewing Company, 725 Raymond Ave., St. Paul.
New Primitives
Reggae, funk, and world tunes. 7:30 p.m. Lake Harriet Bandshell, 4135 W. Lake Harriet Pkwy, Minneapolis.
Friday Art-Making in the Garden
Featuring free art-making activities for kids ages 4 and up. 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Walker Art Center, 725 Vineland Place, Minneapolis.
The Violet Nines
Grooves pop. 7 p.m. Minnehaha Falls, 4801 Minnehaha Ave., Minneapolis.
P.O.P at 50th & France: Chris Koza and Katy Vernon
5 p.m. 3945 Market St, Minneapolis.
Heather Friedli Solo Exhibition
Landscape paintings. 6-8 p.m. Friedli Gallery, 943 7th St. W., St. Paul.
Yoni Treats Grand Opening
Learn more about steaming your yoni (yes, we’re talking about crotch steaming). Featuring a ribbon cutting, special vendors, food and drink, and more. 3-8 p.m. 1440 Arcade St., St. Paul.
Love’s Labor’s Lost
Classical Actor’s Ensemble is back in the parks this summer to bring free theater to the masses. This year’s production is Shakespeare’s Love’s Labor’s Lost, a comedy poking fun at masculine desire while celebrating feminine intelligence. The plot: The young King of Navarre forces he and his friends to swear off “worldly pleasures” for three years of fasting and academia. His virtuous goal gets completely fucked, however, when a French princess and her crew show up in town to talk diplomacy. Horniness ensues, and—spoiler alert!—wins. Find times and locations at classicalactorsensemble.org. This week:
Friday: 7 p.m. at Como Lakeside Pavilion in St. Paul
Saturday: 7 p.m. at Lake of the Isles in Minneapolis
Sunday: 7 p.m at Harriet Island Target Stage in St. Paul
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.
Farmers’ Markets
House of Hope Farmers’ Market
1:30 to 5 p.m. Fridays through October 28. House Of Hope Presbyterian Church, 797 Summit Ave. (parking lot on Portland Ave.), St. Paul; stpaulfarmersmarket.com.
Minneapolis Farmers Market
Arguably the city’s largest and most famous market, with hundreds of vendors weekly. 6 a.m. to 1 p.m. daily, EBT hours 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thu.-Sun. June through Oct. 312 E. Lyndale Ave. N. (near International Market Square), Minneapolis; mplsfarmersmarket.com.
Signal Hills Farmers Market
Featuring fresh, locally grown fruits and vegetables sold direct from producer to consumer, located in the lot of West St. Paul’s Signal Hills Mall. 8 a.m. to noon Fridays, through October 28. 1225 S. Robert St., St. Paul; stpaulfarmersmarket.com.
West Broadway Farmers Market
Featuring local foods, arts, and community development, promoting healthy food access for North Minneapolis, with fresh produce, artisanal goods, grab-and-go eats, and locally grown plants. 3 to 9 p.m. Fridays, June 17 through Oct. 14. The Plaza @ the Capri, 2027 W. Broadway Ave. N. (Broadway and Oliver Street), Minneapolis; appetiteforchangemn.org/wbfm.
SATURDAY
Free First Saturday: Spin Song
Join hip-hop producer DJ Kool Akiem for an inside look into the science, art, and skill of spinning beats, plus tunes from Kashimana and her band, art kits, activities, film screenings, and more. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Walker Art Center, 725 Vineland Place, Minneapolis.
Somali Independence Day Festival
This street fest kicks off Somali Week, a 15-day cultural celebration featuring a variety of events. 1 p.m. Lake Street and Blaisdell Avenue, Minneapolis.
The Free Black Table Open Mic
Open mic for Black artists. 6-10 p.m. Black Table Arts Co-op, 3737 Minnehaha Ave. S., Minneapolis.
Exposición de Emprendedores
Noon to 6:30 p.m. Crafters exposition. Noon to 6 p.m. La Doña Cervecería, 241 Fremont Ave. N., Minneapolis.
World UFO Day
Featuring art installations, hands-on activities, alien movies, tarot readings, telescope viewings, and food and drink. 5 to 11 p.m. NE Sculpture Garden, 1720 NE Madison St., Minneapolis.
Yoga at Union Depot
Hosted by Studio 9-to-5. Bring a matt and some water; sign up here. 9 a.m. Union Depot, 214 Fourth St. E., St. Paul.
Yoga in the Park
Hosted by Be That Neighbor. 9 a.m. Gold Medal Park, Second Street and 11th Avenue South, Minneapolis.
Johnny Sincerely’s Traveling Blues Orchestra Residency
With sets by Lonesome Dan Kase and Daniel Rossen (of The Gentlemen’s Anti-Temperance League). 8 p.m. White Squirrel Bar, 974 W. Seventh St., St. Paul.
The Crimson Boys, Tony Sig, Matt Vold
10 p.m. 331 Club, 331 13th Ave. NE, Minneapolis.
King Richard
See Will Smith before the slap. 9:30 p.m. Lake Harriet Bandshell, 4135 W. Lake Harriet Pkwy, Minneapolis.
Carnival at Coon Rapids 4th of July Celebration
Featuring a carnival, live music, fireworks, and a parade. Noon to 10 p.m. Sat.-Mon. Coon Rapids Ice Center & Recreation, 11000 Crooked Lake Blvd. NW, Coon Rapids.
39th Annual 4th of July Celebration
This three-day festival features live music, local food vendors, a carnival, street dance, kids’ activities, a parade, and more. Visit chanhassenmn.gov/4th for info and event maps. 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday through Monday. City Center Park and Lake Ann Park, 7700 Market Blvd, Chanhassen.
Minneapolis Pops Orchestra
7:30 p.m. Lake Harriet Bandshell, 4135 W. Lake Harriet Pkwy, 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,
Farmers’ Markets
Apple Valley Farmers Market
8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays, through October 29. 7100 147th St. W., Apple Valley; stpaulfarmersmarket.com.
Fulton Farmers Market
Traditional and heirloom vegetables, fruits, breads, and pastries. 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays, through October 29. 4901 Chowen Ave. S., Minneapolis; neighborhoodrootsmn.org.
Lakeview Terrace Farmers’ Market
Formerly known as the Camden Farmers Market, this small market has teamed up with Robbinsdale to offer fresh produce and artisanal goods. 8 a.m. to noon Saturdays, through September 17. Find it on the northeast corner of Bottineau Blvd. (CR 81) and Lakeland Avenue in Robbinsdale, across from HyVee; thenewmpls.info/farmersmarket.
Midtown Farmers Market
Urban market serving produce and more to Powderhorn, Phillips, and Longfellow. In a new location this year. 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays through Oct.; 3 to 7 p.m. Tuesdays, through Oct. 2225 East Lake St., Minneapolis, facebook.com/MidtownFarmersMarket.
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.
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. Saturdays 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.
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.
St. Paul Downtown Farmers’ Market
Lowertown’s pride and one of the state’s largest markets. 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays; 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sundays. Through Nov. 20. 290 5th St. E., St. Paul; stpaulfarmersmarket.com.
SUNDAY
Taste of Food Truck Fair
Over a dozen tasty trucks. 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Gustavus Adolphus Lutheran Church, 1669 Arcade St., St. Paul.
Issho II
Taiko arts. 2 p.m. Lake Harriet Bandshell, 4135 W. Lake Harriet Pkwy, Minneapolis.
Standup Sundays
Hosted by Grant Winkels and Courtney Baka. 7:30 p.m. Fair State Brewing Cooperative, 2506 Central Ave. NE, Minneapolis.
The 4th of July Pre-Party with DJ Advance
Admission is free before 11 p.m. if you RSVP here. The Exchange & Alibi Lounge, B100 South 5th #10, Minneapolis.
Minneapolis Pops Orchestra
5:30 p.m. Lake Harriet Bandshell, 4135 W. Lake Harriet Pkwy, 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.
Farmers’ Markets
Inver Grove Heights Farmers Market
8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sundays, through October 9. 8055 Barbara Ave., Inver Grove Heights; stpaulfarmersmarket.com.
Kingfield Farmers Market
Featuring a large selection of local produce, artisanal crafts, and prepared foods in a new location this year at MLK Park. 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sundays, through Oct. 30. MLK Park, 4055 Nicollet Ave. S. (40th and Nicollet), Minneapolis; neighborhoodrootsmn.org.
Linden Hills Farmers Market
Featuring ethical meats, baked goods, ready-to-eat items, locally grown veggies and fruits, and live musical entertainment. 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sundays, through Oct. 30. Settergrens of Linden Hills, 2813 W. 43rd St., Minneapolis; lindenhillsfarmersmarket.org.
Woodbury Farmers Market
8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sundays, through October 30. 8595 Central Park Pl., Woodbury; stpaulfarmersmarket.com.
MONDAY 7.4
Freedom From Pants Ride
It’s hot out there, folks. Some would say it's too hot to ride a bike and wear clothes at the same time. If you’re in that camp, this is the ride for you! The annual Freedom From Pants Ride is back this weekend, bringing hundreds of pantsless (and often shirtless) cyclists together to celebrate our right to bare legs. Get ready for “lots of friends and lots of skin” on this Fourth of July ride, but if you don’t feel comfy—physically or emotionally—riding around in your underwear? Then put on some shorts and a shirt! This ride is about celebrating your body and loving yourself, whatever that may look like for you. Find the full event listing and all the (very reasonable) rules here. Free. 6 p.m. meetup, 7 p.m. rollout. Nicollet Island Park. —Em Cassel
Ben Cook-Feltz, Matt Arthur Contraption
21+. 8 p.m., 10 p.m. 331 Club, 331 13th Ave. NE, Minneapolis.
Freedom and Free Beer
As a cis woman, I don’t have shit to celebrate this year. Freedom? Naw, people who can get pregnant don’t have that right now. But I can appreciate free beer, which is how Inbound is celebrating this Fourth. Here’s how to score some free brew: Show up in red, white, and blue; buy a beer; and score a token for a free drink. Want two drinks? Show up in red, white, and blue underwear, discreetly flash your it to your bartender, and get two tokens. Indie rocker Kid Dakota will play tunes at 2 p.m., and food truck Tacos Carnales will be stopping by too. 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Inbound Brew Co., 701 N. Fifth St., Minneapolis. –Jessica Armbruster
Opera Under the Stars
7 p.m. Water Works Park and Pavilion, 333 First St. S., Minneapolis.
Chef Sounds
DJ tunes. 8-11 p.m. White Squirrel Bar, 974 W. Seventh St., St. Paul.
Tangletown Fourth of July
Folks in south Minneapolis looking for a chill Fourth of July party, look no further. Tangletown has a bunch of low-stress stuff planned. Things kick off with a parade that leaves from Washburn Highschool at 9:30 a.m., ending in the park. Want to participate? Deck out your bike or just dress in something fun and meet at the school. In the park, there will be food parks offering a variety of American treats, including hot dogs, burgers, snow cones, empanadas, and Asian fusion eats. Bounce houses will wear the kids down, and the Roe Family Singers will be fiddling some tunes. Free. 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Fuller Park, 4800 Grand Ave. S., Minneapolis. –Jessica Armbruster
Logan Park July Fourth Event
Balloon artists, a comedy show, caricature artist. 3-5 p.m. Logan Park, 690 13th Ave. NE, Minneapolis.
Victory Park July Fourth Event
Balloon artists, a strolling magician, family lawn games. 1-3 p.m. 4414 N. Upton Ave., Minneapolis.
Lake Nokomis July 4 Event
Featuring DJ tunes, a balloon artist, yard games. 1-3 p.m. Lake Nokomis, 4800 E. Nokomis Pkwy., Minneapolis.
July Fourth Event
Featuring live music and a caricature artist. 10:30 a.m. to noon. Lake Harriet Bandshell, 4135 W. Lake Harriet Pkwy, Minneapolis.
