It’s spring, folks. That unpredictable Minnesota season that is never the same experience twice. Sometimes you get slush and flooding, sometimes you get lilacs and baby bunnies, other times we just skip straight to summer. This year we’re getting a little bit of everything, from 75-degree days to snowstorms this Saturday. 

Thankfully, unpredictable weather has never stopped us from having fun, so here we are: Welcome to the 2026 spring guide. Bring your sunscreen and waterproof boots ‘cause you never know what you’re gonna get.

30 Days of Biking

All Around the World

What’s one of the best signs of spring? The return of 30 Days of Biking, a challenge that started locally and grew into a worldwide celebration. You can take things at your own pace, whether that means commuting to work more regularly, enjoying afternoon rolls around the block with your kids, biking to a nearby brewery, or hitting up a trail you’ve been meaning to explore—this is a choose-your-own-adventure sort of deal. (And this April is shaping up to be one of the more forgiving ones if you’re a cold-weather biking wuss like me.) If you’re looking for a bike community they have that too; group events including a pre-30 Days get together at Lynnhurst Park on March 31, and plenty of more community rides via the Joyful Riders Club. Watch the org’s Facebook page for updates on events, and sign up for the challenge at 30daysofbiking.com. April 1-30—Jessica Armbruster

Minneapolis-St. Paul International Film Fest 45

The Main Cinema

That’s right, this year MSPIFF is turning 45. For nearly half a century, this locally organized annual mega-fest has brought us a huge lineup of award- and soon-to-be award-winning flicks, rare screenings, international blockbusters, documentaries of every flavor, Minnesota-made selections, and much, much more. There’s over 200 films screening over the next 11 days, making this a true choose-you-own-adventure film fest. There are many gems to discover, but highlights include The Christophers, a Steven Soderbergh flick starring Ian McKellen and Michaela Coel; Everybody to Kenmure Street, a doc following a 2021 standoff between Scottish immigration enforcement and protestors protecting their Muslim neighbors’ rights; and Paralyzed by Hope, a Judd Apatow-directed documentary on Duluth comic Maria Bamford. Check out the complete fest schedule online. $17 per screening; $10 student rush; multi-show passes available. 115 SE Main St., Minneapolis. April 8-19—Jessica Armbruster

Saint Paul Art Crawl

Various Locations

What have the artists of Lowertown, Cathedral Hill, West Seventh, and the Creative Enterprise Zone been up to lately? Find out at the Saint Paul Art Crawl, a biannual event featuring open studios, special parties and receptions, pop-ups markets, and more. A few spotlights: the Union Depot will host 20-plus artists and a makers mart; a pop-up gallery, fittingly called The Gallery, will feature a variety of artists in the skyway level of Wells Fargo Place; and the Schmidt Artists Lofts will have foods trucks, beer, and tons of ceramics (among other things) from over 80 local creatives. This year, weekends are again divided by ward, so be sure to check online for which ‘hood to go to each week. Free. 6-10 p.m. Fri.; noon to 8 p.m. Sat.; noon to 5 p.m. Sun. Find more details here. April 10-25—Jessica Armbruster 

Cinco de Mayo Fiesta

Harriet Island, Castillo Park

What’s one of the best signs that street festival season is back again? The arrival of Cinco de Mayo parties. The big one is on the West Side of St. Paul, and is a multi-day celebration of Mexican culture. Things kick off on Friday on Harriet Island, where there will be two days of food, tunes, and a big-ass car show featuring the kinds of bombastic, pimped-out vehicles that inspired War’s “Low Rider.” Saturday’s happenings include a 10 a.m. parade along (possibly soon-to-be renamed) Cesar Chavez St. with floats, dancers, and cultural organizations. Along the main drag you’ll find tons of food vendors, live music stages, roving mariachi bands and folklórico dancers, a makers market, and plenty of stuff for families to explore. Free. 5:30-8:30 p.m. Fri.; 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sat. Harriet Island, 151 Water St. W., St. Paul. Castillo Park, 149 Cesar Chavez St., St. Paul. Find more info here. May 1-2—Jessica Armbruster

6th Annual Minnehaha Creek Duck Race

Minnehaha Creek

Racing live ducks is probably unethical. But tossing a few hundred bright yellow rubber duckies into a creek to see which ones arrive down stream first? Now that’s just wholesome shenanigans! This quirky annual event serves as a fundraiser for the Field Regina Northrop Neighborhood Group, and it’s cute as hell. Buy a duck online for $3, and root for it as it meanders from point A to point B in a slow moving yellow cluster. And if your buddy is one of the first 20 ducks to cross the line, you’ll win prizes from local businesses. The after party includes free face painting for kids, a handful of food trucks, live music from the Jolly Pops, and hands-on fun. Also, don’t worry about the fate of the ducks: All are collected from the creek to be reused again next year. Free; $3 to sponsor a duck. 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Ducks enter the creek at 11 a.m. from the bridge at 12th Ave. & Minnehaha Pkwy., ending at 17th Ave. Find more info and sign up to help here. 1700 E. Minnehaha Pkwy., Minneapolis. May 2—Jessica Armbruster

MayDay Celebrations

Powderhorn Park

In 1975, a bunch of neighbors came together in Powderhorn Park to celebrate spring and the end of the Vietnam War. Decades later the tradition endures, and has grown to be one of the city’s most beloved festivals. First up is the MayDay Parade, where giant puppets, stiltwalkers, steampunk machinery, and fire breathers come together to dazzle crowds along Bloomington Avenue. At the park, guests will watch the Tree of Life Ceremony, a land- and water-bound production featuring more giant puppetry and live music. Afterwards, head over to Reverie Cafe + Bar for a daylong party featuring food trucks, a beer tent, and live music. All events are free. The parade is at noon; the performance at 1 p.m.; and the block party is from 1-9 p.m. 3400 15th Ave. S., Minneapolis; find more info at maydaympls.org. May 3—Jessica Armbruster

Open Trails to the Rails

Cedar Lake Trail

What’s one of the least scary ways to bike from the southern ‘burbs (or just south Minneapolis) to the Lyndale farmers’ market or Target Field? The long, flat, car-free stretch known as the Cedar Lake Trail. But it’s been closed since 2019, due in part to construction of the LRT Green Line extension as well as the old asphalt trail itself needing a little love. Segments have been opening up this season, and that’s something to celebrate. Today’s festivities include group rides and a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the West Lake Street Station, followed by family friendly happenings along the trail. While there is still a little bit of construction near the stadium, Kenilworth Trail has been reopened and getting around Uptown and the ‘burbs is easy again. Free. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Cedar Lake Trail, between West Lake Street Station and downtown Hopkins Station; find more info here. May 9—Jessica Armbruster

Doors Open

Various Locations

Open Doors is like an open house, but for the city. During the next two days, a variety of spaces will be open for special tours, self-led explorations, and events. Venues include breweries, theaters, music venues, and public works facilities. Visit the Ritz Theater, which is turning 100 this year; make your way through the Metropolitan Council West Meters Odor Control Facility, where you’ll learn where the water goes after you flush your toilet and how they stop it from stinking up the Mississippi River; check out the Minneapolis Club, a historic members-only venue once featured on The Bachelorette; go behind the scenes at KFAI-FM; and gaze upon millions in shredded cash at the Federal Reserve Building. For a complete list of buildings and what the folks who run ‘em will be up to, keep an eye on doorsopenminneapolis.org. Most events are free; some require tickets/RSVPs. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sat.-Sun. May 9-10—Jessica Armbruster

Art-A-Whirl

Northeast Minneapolis

Like I wrote last year: “The crowds are big, but so are your options.” There are over 1,600 artists showcasing their work at over 100 locations. But like Disney World or the Louvre, you can’t expect to see everything all in one day—hell, you shouldn’t expect to see it all over three days. But you can still have a good time, just don’t aspire to see it all. If you want to go big, make your way through an artists’ building (Northrup, California, Grain Belt, Q.arma, Flux, Holland, Thorp, or Casket are great places), hop a trolley to a lunch spot or brewery (Broken Clock, Earl Giles, Stanley’s, and Momo Cafe are all tasty), then hit up a smaller space (Turbo Tim’s, Moth Oddities, and Quincy Hall have guest artists coming in). If you’re really feeling it, stay even longer for free live music at 331 or hit up Whirleygig at Indeed. And while parking is possible at Art-A-Whirl (a lot of these places have big lots and nice off-street options), this is also a bike-friendly event. Or score a free ride via MetroTransit. Find more info for AAW online. 5-10 p.m. Friday; noon to 8 p.m. Saturday; noon to 5 p.m. Sunday. May 15-17—Jessica Armbruster

Kickoff to Summer at the Fair 

Minnesota State Fairgrounds

Need a fair fix before the real deal returns in August? This mini version of the Great Minnesota Get-Together is a perfect dry run for the real thing. Well, maybe not dry. There will be beer, hard seltzers, and probably some Minnesota wines on tap. There will also be food, of course, with 40-plus vendors serving up donuts, churros, cheese curds, cheese curd tacos, and burgers. Did the line for last year’s seed art show scare you away? You might have better luck this weekend at the “Second Glance Crop Art Exhibit.” The giant slide will be open, local merchants will be selling their wares, and there will be lots of live music. There will also be horses: Tickets include free admission to the Hunter & Jumper Horse Show, which the fairgrounds is also hosting this weekend. $14-$17. 4-9 p.m. Thu.-Fri.; 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sat.-Sun. 1265 Snelling Ave. N., St. Paul; find tickets and more info here. May 21-24—Jessica Armbruster

Asian Street Food Night Market

The Pan Asian Center

Have you been to this much-loved Asian street fest in downtown St. Paul? If you have, then you know it gets super crowded. Expanding the days it’s offered helped a bit, but now the event is ready for more room to spread out. So this year the gang is moving to Maplewood’s Pan Asian Center. There will, of course, be an insane variety of food— momos, meats on skewers, sticky rice, halo halo, eggrolls, boba—and there will be a beer garden for those who like to wash that pad thai down with a cold brew. A variety of cultural acts will appear onstage, from traditional lion and dragon dances to modern K-pop jams, ending with DJ club tunes in the evening. Kids’ activities will keep the little ones busy, and an artist market promises old-world finds as well as kawaii cuteness. Free. 5-11 p.m. Fri.; 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Sat.; 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sun. 3001 White Bear Ave. N., Maplewood; find more info at asianstreetfood.org. June 5-7, August 8-9—Jessica Armbruster

MNCBA SpringCon 2026

Minnesota State Fairgrounds

Do you prefer your geekery to be locally generated? This enduring nerd summit has been celebrating all things comics, cosplay, and gaming for nearly 40 dang years. This spring, attendees will find 200+ tables to explore, hosting a variety of creators, vendors, and activities. Panel talks feature comic-book artists, writers, and inkers, and there will be free drawing classes and workshops for folks looking to improve their skills. Kids will find plenty of hands-on activities and play at the Arkham Asylum Carnival, and the cosplay contest is always a must-see. There will also be prizes and gift bags while supplies last. $10; kids nine and under are free. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. 1265 Snelling Ave. N., St. Paul; find more info at mncba.org. June 6—Jessica Armbruster

Grand Old Day

Grand Avenue

OK, technically Grand Old Day is a kickoff to summer. But according to the ol’ Gregorian calendar, the season change isn’t officially for a couple of weeks. Still, this St. Paul street fest is a big deal—it’s known as the biggest free street fest in the Midwest. And there’s plenty to enjoy, including parking-lot beer gardens, live music stages, local artists, and family zones. Dachshunds will race, classic cars will be on display, and there will be a parade first thing in the morning. Be prepared to head home as soon as it’s over though, as street sweepers usually start clearing the area at 6 p.m. sharp. Find more details over at grandave.com. Free; some concert stages are ticketed. 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Grand Avenue, St. Paul. June 7—Jessica Armbruster

Concerts

Taxpayers 

Underground Music Venue

This largely Portland-based (OR, that is), Minneapolis-affiliated folk-punks got introspective last year. When Rob Taxpayer wondered "Where have all my oldest friendships gone?" in his yearning Weakerthan warble, the line was poignant even if you didn’t know that Circle Breaker was yet another album partially recorded in memory of August Golden, the local musician killed at punk house Nudieland in 2023. But 2026 called for defiance, and in league with L.A. singer-songwriter Ryan Cassata (also on the bill tonight), the Taxpayers stepped up. Somehow back in February I missed “Power Trippin’ Dipshits,” one of the year’s great ICE protest numbers about toting “water guns filled up with our piss” as they joyously take on the fascists. Cassata takes lead vocals on “We Don’t Fuck With Cops.” Both tracks will be available on a split 7-inch tonight, with proceeds going to immigrant families affected by ICE. This show itself is a benefit for Twin Cities Trans Mutual Aid. $25.97. 5:30 p.m. 408 N. Third Ave., Minneapolis; find more info here. April 3—Keith Harris

Mary Halvorson: Canis Major

Cedar Cultural Center

As Halvorson’s reputation and her innovation have grown, so have her ambitions. And so in recent years this singular jazz guitarist has worked with slightly larger, more sprawling ensembles, particularly sextets, as on her most recent album, About Ghosts. But with the quartet Canis Major, which she convened last year, she’s scaled back—in personnel, that is, not in artistry. Her smallest band in about a decade features frequent collaborator Tomas Fujiwara on drums along with trumpeter Dave Adewumi and bassist Henry Fraser. Minneapolis-based saxophonist Devereaux works in a broad range of styles, from traditional jazz to his synthy project Reel Mu$ic as Cool Nel D. $40/$45 at the door. 7:30 p.m. 416 Cedar Ave. S., Minneapolis; find more info here. April 5—Keith Harris

Florence + the Machine 

Target Center

Where all the arena/stadium concerts at this season? Over at U.S. Bank Stadium, there's only Morgan Wallen (yeesh) and Bruno Mars (shrug). Grand Casino Arena, which we're told is the erstwhile Xcel Energy Center, has Lady Gaga (not bad), K-pop's Twice, and norteña veterans Los Tigres Del Norte. Hitless Demi Lovato and something billed as Phil Wickham are coming to Target Center, as is the only full-throated recommendation we can muster: Florence + the Machine. Those grandiose English rockers delivered their sixth full-length, Everybody Scream, last fall. It was warmly received by critics and buoyed by indie collabs like Mitski and Aaron Dessner, though none of its four singles landed with the oomph of 2009's career-defining hit "Dog Days Are Over." Then again, 99.9% of bands don't score one such triumph. Rachel Chinouriri opens. $71-$286. 7:30 p.m. 600 N. First Ave., Minneapolis; find more info here. April 8—Jay Boller

Art Brut 

Cloudland 

Damn, a nice little score here for the intimate Longfellow venue—two nights of the punky British jokesters, two decades after they first, you know, “Formed a Band.” It may not have become “the song/That makes Israel and Palestine get along” or “as universal as Happy Birthday,” but that first single did capture the “why not?” spirit of DIY. And if it was the enthusiasm of frontman Eddie Argos that always snagged your attention, whether he was describing sex with a new girlfriend or belatedly discovering the Replacements, it was that band, especially lead guitarist Ian Catskilkin, who kept you coming back. Friday night’s show with American Cream Band is already sold out, but tickets remain for Thursday—though I can’t say how many. With Christy Costello & the CC Club. $29.99. 6:30 p.m. 3533 E. Lake St., Minneapolis; find more info here. April 16-17—Keith Harris

Ratboys

Fine Line

Ratboys are easy to root for. The humble Chicago indie-rock quartet released four serviceable albums after forming in 2010, but didn’t really crack their own code until 2023’s The Window. That album distilled the Ratboys sound—Julia Steiner's delicately chirped vocals, her bandmates swerving from hard-riffing indie to warm Americana to math-rocky Midwest emo—into its ideal form. Steiner & Co. continued that trajectory with February's Singin’ to an Empty Chair, which seems to have cemented the group in the esteem of (what’s left) of the critical establishment. Ohio’s Villagerrr opens. $28-$34. 7 p.m. 318 N. First Ave., Minneapolis; find more info here. April 16—Jay Boller

Big Daddy Kane 

Dakota 

Veteran rappers need to eat too, and that’s why I’m glad to see more old-schoolers out on tour playing presumably well-renumerative gigs. Brooklyn’s Big Daddy kept the Cold Chillin’ label in action as surely as label head and beatmaster Marley Marl himself, devising so many dexterous rhymes he could even spare a few for labelmates Biz Markie and Roxanne Shante. The rapper is now 57, and while I haven’t kept up with him after his great run of early singles, following due diligence I can say that I’d be happy if his set included “Enough!,” the 2020 takedown of police violence recorded with Chuck D, where Kane crams “sorta order,” “before da slaughter,” “mortar,” “reporter,” and “unthought-a” into one line. Still ain’t no half steppin’ here. $69.76+. 6:30 & 9 p.m. 1010 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis; find more info here. April 17—Keith Harris

Plastic Constellations 

Turf Club

If you’ll allow Old Man Harris to wax uncharacteristically nostalgic for a moment: For me, the Plastic Constellations will always be the Hopkins High kids wisecracking on the Foxfire Lounge stage in the late ’90s, unlikely to get through a show without breaking a string or two. (If you’re curious what I said about them back when, have at it.) Of course, they became much more than that before they broke up amicably in 2008; this will be their only show since then aside from a one-off at the Cedar for Modern Radio’s 10th anniversary in 2010. Come for the guitars, stay for the banter. With fellow Modern Radio alums Torn Avalanche. $31.38. 8 p.m. 1601 University Ave. W., St. Paul; find more info here. April 18—Keith Harris

Mali Obomsawin Sextet

Icehouse

Conservatory-trained bassist Mali Obomsawin, a member of the Odanak First Nation, began adorning free jazz compositions with vocals in Wabanaki on her acclaimed 2022 debut, Sweet Tooth. Obomsawin then composed the soundtrack to Julian Brave NoiseCat and Emily Kassie’s remarkable documentary about the horrific legacy of Indian residential schools, Sugarcane. Earlier this week, she’ll perform that soundtrack live with a trio for a screening at the Walker. But tonight will be dedicated solely to her sextet work, which adds hymns and Québécois folk to the mix. $25/$35. 7 p.m. 2528 Nicollet Ave., Minneapolis; find more info here. April 18—Keith Harris

Cornbread’s 99th B-Day Party Extravaganza 

Hook and Ladder 

When Palmer’s Bar shut down last year and James “Cornbread” Harris lost his longstanding weekly Sunday gig, you could have easily excused the elderly gent for cutting back on his schedule some. But hey, if you’re not gonna take it easy at 97, why change when you’re 98? Or 99? Cornbread continues to perform jazz and R&B standards every Sunday at the Schooner Tavern and he shows up elsewhere around town regularly as well—it’s not uncommon for him to play more than one gig a day. Tonight we’re promised “some very special guests.” Will that include son Jimmy Jam, with whom Cornbread recently reconciled? $22. 7 p.m. 3010 Minnehaha Ave., Minneapolis; find more info here. April 23—Keith Harris

Fred Eaglesmith 

Parkway Theater

Closing in on 70, the Canadian singer-songwriter doesn’t get out as much as he used to—who does?—and he for sure hasn’t been to Minnesota for a spell. (Is it possible that he hasn’t played in town since a 2012 Cedar show?) He’s built up a cult following over the years, but even mere fellow travellers can appreciate songs like “Time to Get a Gun” and burning questions like “When did we become white trash?” I’m a fan of Eaglesmith’s 2001 live album, Ralph's Last Show, and he hasn’t stopped adding keepers to his songbook in the quarter-century since. Odds of a song about trains? Very high. And don’t be surprised if Fred has something to sing about old cars either. $50/$60. 7:30 p.m. 4814 Chicago Ave., Minneapolis; find more info here. April 18—Keith Harris

Waxahatchee and MJ Lenderman

State Theatre 

Are Katie Crutchfield and MJ Lenderman the Gram and Emmylou of the 2020s? Hackier observations have certainly been made! Crutchfield, the poetic powerhouse behind Waxahatchee, began collaborating regularly with Lenderman on her 2024 album Tigers Blood, and the pair has never really stopped. Tonight at the State, they’ll accompany each other in addition to performing solo. Both artists are locked into exciting grooves at the moment, so they’ll have plenty from which to draw. Tigers Blood didn’t hit as hard as its predecessor, 2020’s Saint Cloud, but Crutchfield now finds herself achieving professional acclaim and success like never before. (Good on her—been a fan since the low-fi emo scratches of American Weekend.) Lenderman, the indie-twang vocal heir to Jason Molina, is simply everywhere these days, whether that’s with his great band Wednesday, solo, or on the best track of 2025. You can bet your ass you’ll hear Waxa and MJ’s banjo-pluckin’, lushly swingin’ collab single "Right Back to It." Brennan Wedl opens. Or not. As you can see, this one's: Sold out. 6:30 p.m. 805 Hennepin Ave., Minneapolis; find more info here. April 29—Jay Boller

Afghan Whigs 

Varsity Theater

With Greg Dulli and his Cincinnati crew celebrating their 40th anniversary as a band, I gotta wonder if any guitar-toting youngsters have recently fallen for the Whigs’ venomous 1993 classic Gentlemen? It’s a galvanizing, unpleasant document, with guitarist Rick McCollum locked into the spot where alt-rock meets hard funk as Dulli explores the nastier side of his sexualized, manipulative, maybe even abusive persona. Coming from Dulli, “Ladies let me tell you about myself/I got a dick for a brain/And my brain/Is gonna sell my ass to you” is both a promise and threat. Always a fan of modern R&B—he used to sneak TLC covers into his set back when that was pretty adventurous—Dulli got even funkier on the follow-up called, erm, Black Love, before label politics fucked the band over. Oh also, he knows Minneapolis enough that he once changed a lyric at First Ave from “Fountain and Fairfax” to “Hennepin and Colfax.” With Mercury Rev. $52+. 6:30 p.m. 1308 Fourth St. SE, Minneapolis; find more info here. May 10—Keith Harris

Courtney Barnett 

Palace Theatre

Plenty of songwriters grapple with mental health afflictions, but what’s wonderful about Barnett is how quietly annoyed she is by her psychological pratfalls. One reason depression sucks, after all, is that it makes it harder to do the stuff you want to. Barnett’s latest album, Creature of Habit, is her fourth in over a decade, and you know what you’re in for: Her mildly perturbed guitar noses in noisy directions as she vents about her insecurities, focused this time on the perils and rewards of inertia. “This never would have happened if I’d stayed in my lane,” she laments on the first song here (been there, Court), and though she claims “I’m ready for a change” she admits “sometimes I just wanna lay around.” But whether she’s voicing hope or regret, each rumbling little epiphany sounds earned. Probably because it was. With Truman Sinclair. $52.99-$58.28. 8 p.m. 17 W. 7th Place, St. Paul; find more info here. May 16—Keith Harris

Hemlocke Springs 

Varsity Theater

It’s been over three years since “Girlfriend” brought this Dartmouth med student TikTok virality, which is a lifetime or two in internet years. But that was time well spent, as Springs’s first full-length, The Apple Tree Under the Sea, sounds well-crafted but not excessively labored over. The singer deploys an arsenal of gripping voices over a variety of theatrically pop settings, with tracks like the domestic fantasy "w-w-w-w-w" and the manically revving “Head, Shoulders, Knees and Ankles” serving up confections more complex than your average sugar rush. And grand finale “Be the Girl!” is aspirational pop at its most epic, a word I do not use lightly, frequently, or without powerful reservations. Her girlie voice scrunched yet weathered, those pulsing synth ostinatos as propulsive as a treadmill, Springs is well on her way to recapturing her lost, better self even before she gets to the climatic key change. $37.65+. 7 p.m. 1308 Fourth St. SE, Minneapolis; find more info here. May 29—Keith Harris

Caterwaul 

Zhora Darling

The noisiest festival in town returns, and this year all three days will take place at Zhora Darling. Big names in 2026 include punk stalwart Mike Watt and his band the Missingmen, Jersey screamo pioneers Rye Coalition, and the brutally mathy Dazzling Killmen, and of course plenty of locals are on hand too, including Buio Omega. P.O.S, and Mad Mojo Jett. If that all sounds way too heavy for you, let me point out that even the snivelling pencilneck writing this blurb had a hell of a time last year. $150 for three-day pass. 509 First Ave. NE, Minneapolis; find more info here. June 5-7—Keith Harris

Comedy

Racket’s picks for live comedy, as chosen by Jay Boller. 

On Cinema Live! 

Tim Heidecker. Gregg Turkington. Talkin’ movies? No-brainer. $49-$77. 7 p.m. Fitzgerald Theater, 10 E. Exchange St., St. Paul; find more info here. April 8

Dana Gould 

Ex-Simpsons writer with peer respect up the wazoo. $23.75-$28.75. Acme Comedy Co., 708 N. First St., Minneapolis; find more info here. April 9-11

John Mulaney 

Simply put: One of the funniest guys on Earth. Everybody's Live with John Mulaney delivered early Letterman levels of hilarity and weirdness. $122+. The Armory, 500 S. Sixth St., Minneapolis; find more info here. April 10-12

Mick Foley 

The pro wrestling icon is also a gregarious storyteller. $52-$181. 7:30 p.m. Rick Bronson's House of Comedy, 408 E Broadway, Bloomington; find more info here. April 13

Jaboukie Young-White 

This former Daily Show correspondent was one of the best tweeters in the game, back before Twitter became a complete hellhole. $33-$57. 6:30 p.m. Varsity Theater, 1308 SE Fourth St., Minneapolis; find more info here. April 24

Maria Bamford 

As Judd Apatow’s new MSPIFF-screened doc suggests, Duluth’s Maria Bamford is one of the greatest standup comics ever. Period. Sold out. 7:30 p.m. Pantages Theatre, 710 Hennepin Ave., Minneapolis; find more info here. April 25

Lewis Black 

HE’S VERY FUNNY, OK!? $39+. 8 p.m. Mystic Lake, 2400 Mystic Lake Blvd., Prior Lake; find more info here. May 1

Myq Kaplan 

A brainy, word-play-y club vet. $23.75-$28.75. Acme Comedy Co., 708 N. First St., Minneapolis; find more info here. May 6-9

Harland Williams

You loved Half Baked! $42-$68. 7 p.m. Fitzgerald Theater, 10 E. Exchange St., St. Paul; find more info here. May 9

Bobcat Goldthwait 

Stop pigeonholing this longtime standup ace turned indie director, wrote the New York Times in 2018. $23.75-$28.75. Acme Comedy Co., 708 N. First St., Minneapolis; find more info here. May 14-16

Craig Robinson 

The eternally cool and musically gifted Office star could certainly command a bigger venue. Lucky you! $48.75. Acme Comedy Co., 708 N. First St., Minneapolis; find more info here. May 21-23

Charlene Kaye

Presented by comedy Marget Cho, this performance will showcase Kaye’s considerable comedic and rock ‘n’ roll chops. $25-$40. 6:30 p.m. Parkway Theater, 4814 Chicago Ave., Minneapolis; find more info here. May 22

David Spade

Has Spade’s very good podcast, Fly on the Wall, with fellow SNL royalty Dana Carvy, created a new generation of fans? Beats me, but it has confirmed that the Tommy Boy star still has the goods. $49+. 8 p.m. Mystic Lake, 2400 Mystic Lake Blvd., Prior Lake; find more info here. May 30

Gardens

In the spring we check out new buds. In the fall, we leaf peep. And thus is the circle of life. The following are some gardens that will be in full bloom this season.

Como Park Zoo and Conservatory

This conservatory features hundreds of plants from throughout the world. Inside, you’ll find rooms dedicated to orchids, bonsai, tropical plants, and ferns, while outside you can stroll through water gardens, the Japanese garden, and more. Admission is free. 1225 Estabrook Dr., St. Paul; comozooconservatory.org.

Eloise Butler Wildflower Garden and Bird Sanctuary

This 15-acre preserve is great for birdwatchers. Take a trail hike and try to spot all 600 plant and 130 bird species in Theodore Wirth Park. The spring season kicks off on April 15. 1 Theodore Wirth Pkwy. (south of Glenwood Avenue), Minneapolis; minneapolisparks.org.

Franconia Sculpture Park

This 50-acre outdoor museum features a variety of sculptures in a natural setting, and hosts events throughout the year, including festivals, iron pours, movie screenings, and live music. Once again, there will be a farmers’ market the first Sunday of each month May through October. 29836 St. Croix Trail, Shafer; franconia.org.

JD Rivers’ Children’s Garden

Kids and teens learn to grow produce inside this garden in Theodore Wirth Park. Shop from the garden during open hours starting in June; bring cash. 2900 Glenwood Ave., Minneapolis; minneapolisparks.org.

Longfellow Gardens

Featuring downtown views, a gorgeous arbor often used in prom and wedding photoshoots, and plenty of flora and fauna living its best pesticide-free lives in Minnehaha Regional Park. 3933 E Minnehaha Pkwy., Minneapolis; minneapolisparks.org.

Loring Park Garden of the Seasons

This circular garden features native trees and shrubs, a rainbow of flowers, and plenty of green in this deceptively large downtown park, which is on the way to a variety of bars, restaurants, music venues, and museums. 1382 Willow St., Minneapolis; minneapolisparks.org.

Lowry Nature Center

Fun fact: This was the first nature center built in the Twin Cities metro. The prairie preserve is home to deer, raptors, beaver, otters, butterflies, trumpeter swans, and osprey, and Lowry offers nature programs for children, school groups, and families. Carver Park Reserve, 7025 Victoria Dr., Victoria; threeriversparks.org.

Lyndale Park Gardens

This 61-acre park features an historic, 120-year-old rose garden with 250 varieties of roses, a perennial garden, a bird and butterfly garden, and the Peace Garden, built from stones recovered from Hiroshima and Nagasaki. 4124 Roseway Rd., Minneapolis; minneapolisparks.org.

Maplewood Nature Center

This park includes nature trails, an educational visitor center, wetland viewing stations, and outdoor natural play area. 2659 E. 7th St., Maplewood, maplewoodnaturecenter.com.

Minneapolis Sculpture Garden

You guys know this one. The one with Spoonbridge and Cherry. The outdoor sculpture and topiary park is open 365 days a year from 6 a.m. to midnight, and has been known to host a variety of concerts, yoga sessions, kid-friendly activities, and more. It’s also a popular photo stop for tourists and locals alike, and managed via a partnership between the Walker Art Museum and the Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board. 725 Vineland Place, Minneapolis; minneapolisparks.org.

Minnehaha Falls Pergola Gardens

Who doesn’t like walking through a plant-covered structure like you’re a magical fairy? This garden is right by Minnehaha Falls, and features plants native to our regions. It’s also right by something called the Princess Depot. 4801 Minnehaha Ave., Minneapolis; minneapolisparks.org.

Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge

This 34-mile preserve is home to fish, coyotes, foxes, beavers, and a variety of birds and amphibians, with open trails throughout the refuge. 3815 American Blvd. E., Bloomington; fws.gov.

Noerenberg Memorial Gardens

Formal flower gardens along the shore of Crystal Bay on Lake Minnetonka, featuring a blend of perennials, annuals, trees, shrubs, and vines. Open from 8 a.m. to sunset May through October. 2865 Northshore Dr., Wayzata; threeriversparks.org.

Nokomis Naturescape Garden

This four-acre garden at Lake Nokomis Park features native plants and is a big hit with local butterflies. 5001 E. Lake Nokomis Pkwy., Minneapolis; minneapolisparks.org.

Normandale Community College Japanese Garden

This two-acre suburban oasis features a waterfall, lagoon, strolling paths, and landscaping. 9700 France Ave. S., Bloomington; normandale.edu/japanesegarden.

Richardson Nature Center

Featuring raptors, amphibians, and reptiles, plus hiking trails through a variety of habitats. Highland Lake Park Reserve, 8737 E. Bush Lake Rd., Bloomington; threeriversparks.org. 

Song of Hiawatha Garden 

This circular garden is right by the falls, and includes seating amongst natural grasses and flowers. 4801 S. Minnehaha Dr., Minneapolis; minneapolisparks.org.

Tamarack Nature Center

This 320-acre habitat is for heron, turtle, mink, and muskrat with outdoor trails throughout the grounds, plus a kid-friendly hands-on zone for little ones. 5287 Otter Lake Rd., White Bear Township; co.ramsey.mn.us.

University of Minnesota Landscape Arboretum

A thousand acres of public gardens, including annual and perennial display gardens, plants developed for northern climates, natural and native areas, and demonstration gardens. Visit the website to make a reservation. 3675 Arboretum Dr., Chaska; arboretum.umn.edu.