Freeloader Friday: 69 Free Things To Do This Weekend

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

Unicorn Art Show 7

Unicorns are a powerful muse. Through the generations, they have inspired horse girls, fantasy writers, Tarot card readers, and even Bronies. Their ubiquity–especially in today’s glittery, kawaii, space screensaver era–suggests that they have one hell of a hold on us. Case in point: the “Unicorn Art Show,” a group exhibition that is now in its seventh installation. A variety of artists have taken the unicorn (and a few other otherworldly creatures) as inspiration in this collection. There will be paintings, there will be sculptures, there will be embroidery, and photography. Check it all out at the opening party on Friday, which will feature cocktails from Twin Spirits and food served up by Que Tal Street Eats. 4-10 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Artspace Jackson Flats, 901 18 1/2 Ave. NE, Minneapolis.

Black Widows

Surf-roxotica. 6-9 p.m. Psycho Suzi’s, 1900 Marshall St. NE, Minneapolis.

Bands on the Bluff: Bend in the River Big Band

Swing tunes from the WWII era. 7-8:30 p.m. 200 Tower Ave., St. Paul.

The Lonesome Spectacular

The Fox & Beggar Theater presents a show featuring circus artists, clowns, musicians, acrobats, and puppeteers from a pop-up, solar-powered, double-decker traveling stage. Free; donations are encouraged. 7 p.m. Minnehaha Falls, 4801 Minnehaha Ave., Minneapolis.

Ferris Bueller’s Day Off

Movie screening accompanies the release of four new ciders. 8 p.m. Minneapolis Cider Company, 701 SE Ninth St., Minneapolis.

Robot Slide, We Are the Willows (solo), Ellie Jackson and Caley Conway

8 p.m. White Squirrel Bar, 974 W. Seventh St., St. Paul.

Sparkling Review, Killing Spree, FEEGEE

21+. 9 p.m. 331 Club, 331 13th Ave. NE, Minneapolis.

The Belfast Cowboys

Rock. 7:30 p.m. Lake Harriet Bandshell, 4135 W. Lake Harriet Pkwy, Minneapolis.

An Ode to the Journey

Check out new work from spring artist intern fellows Bereket Adamu, Mikha Dominguez, and Sebastian Alfonzo. 6-8 p.m. NE Sculpture/Gallery Factory, 1720 Madison St. NE, Minneapolis.

One Good Deed Charity Garage Sale

All proceeds will be donated to Prism and YouthLink. 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday. 1315 Valders Ave. N., Minneapolis.

Black History Month: Free Family Music

5-7 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. 

Carnival at Father Hennepin Days

Featuring rides, foods, and games, and free admission to the park. 5-10:30 p.m. Friday; noon to 10:30 p.m. Saturday; noon to 5:30 p.m. Sunday. Mississippi Point Park, 399 E. River Pkwy., Champlin.

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.

SATURDAY

Northern Spark 2022

University Avenue, St. Paul 

Pour yourself another cup of coffee, because this festival goes all night. This year the fun is in St. Paul, namely in five venues: Victoria Theater Arts Center, Rondo Community Library, Springboard for the Arts, Minnesota Museum of American Art, and Raspberry Island. At each spot you’ll find a variety of art installations, performances, and other things to explore. A few options: Rooted in Rondo, a neighborhood docu-series and podcast made by kids and teens; the Drive-In Movie Extravaganza, where you’ll watch puppet shows while sitting in a cardboard art car; and screenprint patch making with Grupo Soap del Corazón. The closing party on Raspberry Island will offer paintings, tunes, and light installations. Find more info at northernspark.org. Free. 9 p.m. to 2 a.m.; closing event on Raspberry Island 2-5:30 a.m. Saturday.

7th Annual Chalkfest at Arbor Lakes and Mural Tour

This street-art festival features entertainment, food, family fun, and sidewalk chalk by over 40 professionals, amateurs, and art enthusiasts from across the world. The Chalkfest at Arbor Lakes Mural Tour also features 16 sites you visit for more art. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Main Street at Arbor Lakes Elm Creek Boulevard/Main Street in Maple Grove. Find more info at chalkfestArborLakes.com.

3 Volumes

Eighteen artists explore capitalism. 7-10 p.m. Rosalux Gallery, 315 W. 48th St., Minneapolis.

Dan Israel

Flying Dutchman Spirits, 6801 Flying Cloud Dr., Eden Prairie.

Grunge Unplugged

7-10 p.m. Inbound BrewCo., 701 N. 5th St., Minneapolis.

Encanto

9:45 p.m. Bossen Field Park, 5798 33rd Ave. S., Minneapolis.

Hmong Rappers Food Truck Fest and Concert

5 p.m. to 1 a.m. Smokin' Ninjas Food Truck Lounge, 879 Rice St., St. Paul.

Brews, Blues, & BBQ for St. Judes

Featuring a full day of live music on two stages (Joe Flip Band, Erik Christenson, The Cobras, Scotty Reed), food and drink, plus raffle ticket sales benefitting St. Jude. 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Wicked Wort Brewing Co., 4265 W. Broadway Ave., Robbinsdale.

Pride Month Art & Crafts Fair

Featuring over 20 LGBTQIA+ vendors, makers, and artists. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday; 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. Hidden MN, 1975 Oakcrest Ave., Roseville. 

Pride Party 

Featuring a burlesque show at 2 p.m., Glitter Crash Strawberry Blonde Beer Release, Seltzer Flights, and vendors from the Side Hustle Farmers Market. 11 a.m. to midnight. Broken Clock Brewing Collective, 3134 California St. NE, Minneapolis.

Pride Fest 2022

Featuring a parade of floats and people starting from McNamara Stadium and ending at Jaycee Park, food trucks, music, drag performers, crafts, vendors, and games. At 8 p.m. grownups can enjoy the Neon Party, followed by an afterparty at the Social Tavern. 11 a.m. 420 Lock and Dam Rd., Hastings. 

House of Pride Day Dance Party

Lakehouse presents a day of dancing to deep house, disco, funk, and more. 2-11 p.m. Royal Foundry Craft Spirits, 241 Fremont Ave. N., Minneapolis.

Julie Snidle: Artistic Lichens

There will be an artist’s reception from 7-9 p.m. Kolman & Reeb Gallery, Studio 395 in the Northrup King Building, 1500 Jackson St. NE, Minneapolis.

Shadow Falls Art Fair

Featuring work from a variety of local artists down by the river. 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. 50 N. Mississippi River Blvd., St. Paul.

I.S.S. Block Party

Featuring new beer releases and infusions, BOGO pints for teachers with a school I.D., outside games and activities, live music with Tony Sammis. 2-11 p.m. Ineffable Brewing Co., 1905 County Rd. 42 W., Burnsville. 

Spring Fling Arts Fest

Featuring a pop-up artist and makers’ market, music from KRSM Community Radio, food and beverages, and more. 2-6 p.m. 2116 Nicollet Ave S, Minneapolis,

The Black Market: BBIB Market

Shop clothing, beauty items, jewelry, food, and more from local BIPOC-owned businesses. Reserve a free ticket at theblackmarketmpls.com. 2-6:30 p.m. The Lab – Pilot Facility and Taproom, 767 N. Eustis St., Minneapolis. 

Machinery Hill

5-7 p.m. Sociable Cider Werks, 1500 Fillmore St. NE, Minneapolis.

Excelsior Art on the Lake 2022

Featuring local artists, live music, performances, and food vendors. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday; 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday. Water Street, Excelsior.

Change is God-Take Root Among the Stars: Black Abstraction in the Midwest 

Soo Visual Arts Center

This week, SooVAC celebrates the work of Black Abstractionists with an intriguing group show that looks to be big in the gallery’s small space. Curated by Gregory J. Rose, the exhibition includes around 20 artists working out of America’s flyover zone, including Ta-Coumba Aiken, Alexandra Beaumont, Amirah Cunningham, Nicole Davis, Christopher E. Harrison, Stephanie Lindquist, Lela Pierce, Marcus Rothering, and Sarah White. While these artists work in the abstract, their pieces grapple with very real world issues like racism, Blackness, unrest, and the current news. There will be an opening reception on Saturday, June 11, from 7 to 10 p.m. 2909 Bryant Ave. S., Minneapolis.

Voltage Controller Vol. 6

With Fluidic, Peter Bregman, and Jesse Whitney. 3-5 p.m. 9 p.m. 331 Club, 331 13th Ave. NE, Minneapolis.

Pedal Lab: A Gear & Beer Extra-Vaganza

Featuring full demo boards from Chase Bliss, Benson Amps, Electronic Audio Experiments, Old Blood Noise Endeavors, and fellow Minneapolis-based company ZVEX Effects. Noon to 5 p.m. Bauhaus Brew Labs, 1315 Tyler St. NE, Minneapolis.

Jeweler, Suzie, Mr. Submissive

10 p.m. 331 Club, 331 13th Ave. NE, 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.

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

Family Day: Be Proud of Your Story

Featuring free take-home art kits and totes. 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Minneapolis Institute of Art, 2400 Third Ave. S., Minneapolis.

Come Out & Party: Pride Party

Parking lot party features a dunk tank, Pryes beer on tap, DJ tunes, Du Nord cocktails, and pizza by the slice. 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Stanley’s Northeast Bar Room, 2500 University Ave. SE, Minneapolis.

commUNITY Block Party: A Celebration of Juneteenth

Enjoy activities, inflatables, food from local food trucks West Indies Soul Food, Phal’s Best Steak and Gyros, Rollin’ Nolen’s BBQ, and Tropical SnoMN. Plus live performances by Voice of Culture, and more. 1-6 p.m. The Bridge for Youth, 1111 W. 22nd St., Minneapolis.

Celebration of Life for Jerry Corrick

Friends and patrons celebrate the life of Source co-founder Jerry Corrick. In the game room. 3-6 p.m. Source Comics & Games, 2057 Snelling Ave. N., Falcon Heights. 

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.