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. For our picks of the week's best events, price be damned, click here.
FRIDAY
Movies in the Park: Night of the Living Dead
This O.G. zombie movie from 1968 is still great. Food trucks and activities are scheduled before the screening. 5:49 p.m. Mears Park, 221 Fifth St. E., St. Paul.
Wicked Weekend: ’90s Party
As the youngest Racket staffer, nothing makes me feel the horrifying passage of time quite like a themed party set during the decade I was a kid. (On one hand, of course old age comes for us all. On the other hand… even me??) “Dig out your denim jackets, bucket hats, and jelly shoes,” the folks at Inbound implore, for a weekend of ’90s fun that includes a Cake tribute band among other cover bands, decade-specific trivia from Trivia Mafia, and, of course, a costume contest in Inbound's Wicked Weekend photo booth. And I mean… bucket hats? Baby tees? Low-rise jeans? Fanny packs? Enough of this stuff has come back around that the ‘fit should be no problem. There’ll also be an arcade lounge all weekend long, plus ’90s-themed slushies and maybe even some new beers. Free. 7-10 p.m. Fri.; 3 to 11 p.m. Sat. Inbound BrewCo, 701 N. Fifth St., Minneapolis. Through Saturday—Em Cassel
Closing Party: Other Significance
Textile artist Brandi Kole and aerosol artist Rock “CYFI” Martinez, a married couple, explore the intersection of their art and relationship. 5-8 p.m. NewStudio Gallery, 2303 Wycliff St., St. Paul.
Laura’s Birthday Bash For All Good People to Attend
With Unstable Shapes, 120 Minutes, Butter Boys. 7 p.m. White Squirrel Bar, 974 W. Seventh St., St. Paul.
Tethered to the Ether Film
A free screening of artist M. Thomsen’s feature-length debut, a psychological art horror film. With a pop-up exhibit of handmade props, masks, artwork, and more, plus an after party with drinks. 6-11 p.m.; screening at 7:30 p.m. PNA Hall, 1304 Fourth St. NE, Minneapolis.
Tim Cheesebrow, Cassandra Cole, Tarius and the Sound
10 p.m. 331 Club, 331 13th Ave. NE, Minneapolis.
A Gathering of Friends Fall Market
Antiques and vintage home goods with 20+ dealers. 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Fri.; 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sat.; 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sun. Bachman’s, 6010 Lyndale Ave. S., Minneapolis.
Drag Tea Time
Dinner and a show? How about a cup of tea, a show, and a side of gossip? This week, Dark Muses Performing Arts is hosting a free drag tea time where guests can grab a cup, enjoy some snacks, and celebrate BIPOC-focused drag with performers Aranya, Kamaree Williams, and Lady Cummeal. How is all this free? According to the event site: “This activity is made possible by the voters of Minnesota through a grant from the Metropolitan Regional Arts Council, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the arts and cultural heritage fund.” Sweet! Dark Muses invites you to put on a cute outfit, live your best life, and "spill the tea"; it’s what that Kermit the Frog meme would want. Free; reserve a general admission spot on Eventbrite. 8 p.m. Phoenix Theater, 2605 Hennepin Ave., Minneapolis.—Makenzi Johnson
A Tisket, A Tasket
Featuring an exhibition reception, artist’s talk, and flameworking demonstration with glass artist SaraBeth Post Eskuche. 5-8 p.m. Foci - Minnesota Center for Glass Arts, 2213 Snelling Ave., Minneapolis.
Spooktacular Jack-O’-Lantern Walk
Features tons of carved pumpkins, apple cider and s’mores, a pet parade, and other fun. 4:30-7:30 p.m. Kordiak Park, 1845 49th Ave. NE, Columbia Heights.
Four Pints Shy
Irish tunes. 8 p.m. Kieran’s Irish Pub, 85 N. 6th St., Minneapolis.
Warehouse District Live
Enjoy a closed-off street open to pedestrians, with food trucks, tables and seating, activities, and added restrooms every Friday through Saturday through Halloween. Find more info on the official website, but in general events start around 7 p.m., with the street closed from 9 a.m. Friday to 10 a.m. Sunday. First Avenue North, between Fifth and Sixth streets, Minneapolis.
Friday Night Open Mic
21+. 10 p.m. The Comedy Corner Underground, 1501 S. Washington Ave., Minneapolis.
Farmers Markets
Minneapolis Farmers Market
Possibly the city’s largest and most popular 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., 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 27. 1225 S. Robert St., St. Paul; stpaulfarmersmarket.com.
SATURDAY
Fall Popup
Shop from a variety of artists, house plant vendors, handmade clothing, and small businesses, and meet local nonprofits. Bring items like clothing and books for The People's Closet/Bookshelf at George Floyd Square. 2-6 p.m. 1850, 1850 E. 38th St., Minneapolis.
Spooky Double Feature Night
Featuring a screening of Clue at 7:30 p.m. followed by The Shining at 9:30 p.m. (Donations and costumes are welcome.) Strike Theater, 824 18th Ave. NE, Minneapolis.
Scream Queens Makers Market
A Halloween-y market hosted by The Gay Agenda Collective with 16 queer vendors. Noon to 5 p.m. Moon Palace Books’ Outdoor Lot, 3032 Minnehaha Ave., Minneapolis.
Pumpkins and Power Drills
Bring your own pumpkin or purchase one and make something rad using tools from the Minnesota Tool Library. Pre-register and/or purchase pumpkins at mntoollibrary.simpletix.com. Proceeds from donations will benefit the Tool Library. Noon to 4 p.m. Bauhaus Brew Labs, 1315 Tyler St. NE, Minneapolis.
Tiger Blue (album-release show), The Great Went, Stay At Home Astronaut
10 p.m. to 1 a.m. 331 Club, 331 13th Ave. NE, Minneapolis.
Annual Northeast Fall Music Sale
Featuring thousands of items at deep discounts, including $.25 CDs, cassettes, and 45s and records at low prices. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sat.-Sun. 1433 Fifth St. NE, Minneapolis.
Early Show
With Jonger, Sunset Over Flowers. 1 p.m. White Squirrel Bar, 974 W. Seventh St., St. Paul.
The 241’s Vinyl Release
With Boots & Needles, Jeffery Robert Larson. 9 p.m. White Squirrel Bar, 974 W. Seventh St., St. Paul.
Fall Popup Market
Featuring locally made goods, DJ sets, spiked hot cider, Heggie’s Pizza and Kramarczuk’s brats, and BOGO beer deals for people who show up with a dog in costume. 1-5 p.m. Fair State Brewing, 2506 NE Central Ave., Minneapolis.
Barktoberfest
With local dog vendors, photo ops, Oktoberfest food and drink specials, live music. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Unleashed Hounds and Hops, 200 East Lyndale Ave. N., Minneapolis.
Letters, Numbers & Symbols/Nude Geographies
Two new photography collections in the galleries. 6-8 p.m. Praxis Gallery, 2637 27th Ave. S., Minneapolis.
Washington Post Columnist Kate Cohen
The writer discusses her new book, We of Little Faith: Why I Stopped Pretending to Believe (and Maybe You Should Too). 3 p.m. First Unitarian Society of Minneapolis, 900 Mt. Curve Ave., Minneapolis.
Riot Act Reading Series
Featuring punk poet Paul D, slam poetry, and the “Paintallica” exhibition. 6:30 p.m. NE Sculpture Gallery Factory, 1720 Madison St. NE, Minneapolis.
Fremont Ave. Makers Market
Hosted by Minneapolis Craft Market. Noon to 5 p.m. La Doña Cervecería, 241 Fremont Ave. N., Minneapolis.
Market Collective MN Makers Market
Shop from BIPOC and queer vendors and allies. 1-6 p.m. Indeed Brewing, 711 15th Ave. NE, Minneapolis.
Open Studio + Closet Sale
Featuring vendors selling upcycled clothing items, reworked vintage pieces, and genderless fashion. Noon to 5 p.m. Ivy Building for the Arts, 2637 27th Ave. S., #226, Minneapolis.
Goth/Halloween Market
Noon to 5 p.m. Sat.-Sun. Hidden MN, 1975 Oakcrest Ave., Roseville.
Manchester City FC vs. Brighton (PL)
9 a.m. Brit's Pub, 1110 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis.
Kids’ Yoga
Featuring story time and yoga at 10:30 a.m., followed by Rockin' Robins Music and Movement Class at 11 a.m. Midtown Global Market, 920 E. Lake St., Minneapolis.
Spaghetti Monetti and the Sauce
Psychedelic soul blues. 6 p.m. Boom Island Brewing, 5959 Baker Rd., Minnetonka.
Spooktacular Bootique
Shop spooky goods from 10 local artisans and makers. Noon to 5 p.m. White Bear Meadery, 1320 County Rd. D Cir., Maplewood.
Trick-or-Teeing
Featuring treats, tricks, games, and activities for kids at each hole. Come in costume, of course. 5-7 p.m. Mendota Heights Par 3 Golf Course, 601-737 Bachelor Ave., Mendota Heights.
MLS Decision Day Watch Party: MNUFC vs SKC
Hang with the Loons at this watch party featuring a DJ, $5.95 Coors Lights, an appearance by Loons mascot PK. 7 p.m. Brit's Pub, 1110 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis.
Open Studio Saturdays
Open studios, sales, special receptions, and more. Noon to 4 p.m. Northrup King Building, 1500 Jackson St. NE, Minneapolis.
My Roundabout
A new collection of works from Michele Victoria Helen Kraft of Victoria Helen Art. 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Northrup King Building, 1500 Jackson St. NE, 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.
Burnsville Saturday Farmers Market
8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays through October 28. 200 Burnsville Pkwy. W., Burnsville; stpaulfarmersmarket.com.
Fulton Farmers Market
Traditional and heirloom vegetables, fruits, breads, and pastries. 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturdays through October 28. 4901 Chowen Ave. S., Minneapolis; neighborhoodrootsmn.org.
Lowertown Farmers Markets
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. 19. 290 5th St. E., St. Paul; stpaulfarmersmarket.com.
Midtown Farmers Market
Urban market serving produce and more to Powderhorn, Phillips, and Longfellow. 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
Long running market in the shadow of Mill Ruins Park, featuring local, sustainable, and organic groceries and produce. 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays year round. 750 2nd St. S., Minneapolis; millcityfarmersmarket.org.
SUNDAY
The Real Chuck NORAD
7 p.m. 331 Club, 331 13th Ave. NE, Minneapolis.
Luke Callen
3 p.m. 331 Club, 331 13th Ave. NE, Minneapolis.
Rally for Justice in Palestine
Students for Justice in Palestine UMN and other local organizations will be hosting a rally. More information here. 2 p.m. Loring Park, 1382 Willow St. S., Minneapolis.
Boo ‘n’ Brew Halloween Bash
Family-friendly fun includes goodie bags, pumpkin decorating, other hands-on fun, a bounce castle, hot cider, and more. Noon to 4 p.m. Arbeiter Brewing Co., 3038 Minnehaha Ave., Minneapolis.
Trunk-or-Treat
Trick-or-treating for kids, s’mores, a bonfire, and more hosted by Twin Cities Pride. 3-6 p.m. Loring Park, 1382 Willow St. S., Minneapolis.
Golden Cobra Tattoo Grand Opening Party
Check out the new shop at this open house. With music from SOULSDEATHCULT, Rehtek, Ashes from Stone, Bong Reaper, and Waar Party. 5 p.m. Route 47 Pub & Grub, 7820 University Ave. NE, Fridley.
USA Dance-MN Showcase
Dance performances. 2-3 p.m. Mall of America, in the Huntington Bank Rotunda.
Cracked Walnut Literary Festival
This weekend’s installment will feature writers in the LBGTQ+ community. 2 p.m. East Side Freedom Library, 1105 Greenbriar St., St. Paul.
The Mill City Reading Series
Presented by U of M’s MFA Creative Writing program. 5 p.m. Magers & Quinn, 3038 Hennepin Ave. S., Minneapolis.
Early Show
With The Sunny Era, SlipJig, Robin Kyle. 1 p.m. White Squirrel Bar, 974 W. Seventh St., St. Paul.
St. Paul Songwriter Rounds
7 p.m. White Squirrel Bar, 974 W. Seventh St., St. Paul.
Vida Plant Co.’s Plant Pop-up
Shop houseplants and biodegradable eco-pots. 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Misfit Coffee, 207 Humboldt Ave. N., Minneapolis.
Fall Market
Featuring 12 makers selling beauty products, jewelry, incense, candles, and more. 1-5 p.m. Dame Errant Clay, 1729 N. Second St., Minneapolis.
The Warmup Beer Garden
Vikings pregame features draft beer from Indeed Brewing, food from Giulia, live music with appearances from DJ Mad Mardigan, a Bloody Mary bar, lawn games, and more. 9 a.m. to noon. Hotel Emery, 215 Fourth St. S., Minneapolis.
Varsity Gaymes
Weekly event features spots on TVs, beer pong, and other bar games. 2 p.m. LUSH Lounge & Theater, 990 NE Central Ave., Minneapolis.
Farmers Markets
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. 29. MLK Park, 4055 Nicollet Ave. S., Minneapolis; neighborhoodrootsmn.org.
Linden Hills Farmers Market
Featuring ethical meats, baked goods, ready-to-eat items, locally grown veggies and fruits, and live music. 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sundays through Oct. 29. Settergrens of Linden Hills, 2813 W. 43rd St., Minneapolis; lindenhillsfarmersmarket.org.
Savage Farmers Market
8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sundays through October 29. 4800 W. 123rd St., Savage; stpaulfarmersmarket.com.
Woodbury Farmers Market
8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sundays through October 29. 8595 Central Park Place, Woodbury; stpaulfarmersmarket.com.
