The Twin Cities of Minneapolis & St Paul are full of fun stuff, and summer is the best time to explore! Thanks to MCTC’s Denise Liu for putting together a great list of recommended places to check out.
Independent Bookstores, Cool Stores & Special Libraries
Birchbark Books – 2115 W. 21st St, Minneapolis
Owned by formidable author Louise Erdrich, Birchbark whole-heartedly celebrates the works of indigenous authors, illustrators, artists. Check out the lakes while you’re there.
Boneshaker Books – 2002 23rd Ave S, Minneapolis
Volunteer-run, collectively organized and ziney, Boneshaker is centered around social justice through radical literature and community gathering. Venue for the July 14 Zine Swap/Reading!
East Side Freedom Library – 1105 Greenbrier St, St. Paul
ESFL is powered by volunteers and community activism! Home base for The Hmong Archive, and houses collections focused on political and diasporic histories. Â M-F, 9am-2pm, closed Sat & Sun.
The Future – 2223 E. 35th St, Minneapolis
Aquarian lab + Project space + Local artist market + Witchy library + Zines + Stationery + Big inviting communal picnic table. The Corcoran neighbourhood is a lovely stroll.
Moon Palace Books – 3032 Minnehaha Ave, Minneapolis
This local fave has zines, books for all ages, used books aaaand a literary-themed pizza joint inside, Geek Love Cafe (yes, the pizza is tasty). Stay fueled while you power-browse!
Quatrefoil Library – 1220 E. Lake St, Minneapolis
Quatrefoil is the 2nd oldest GLBT library in the United States!! Volunteer-run, it’s a beloved and ever-growing hub for researchers and community members, alike. M-F, 5-9pm, Sat-Sun 10am-5pm. In the same vibrant East Lake Street neighbourhood is The Somali Museum of Minnesota, and good eats at Midtown Global Market.
The Shop at MCBA & Milkweed Books – 1011 Washington Ave S., Minneapolis
The Minnesota Center for Book Arts just so happens to have a finely curated shop rammed with zines and gorgeous paper-everything. Next door at Milkweed, you’ll find lots of children’s books, YA, poetry and non/fiction from non-profit, independent or artist-driven presses.
Places to Eat
Q = quick bite
V = vegetarian options available — vegan options are rare 🙁
$ = nicey but pricey
Near Minneapolis Community and Technical College (Thursday venue)
- Barrio (V)
- Butcher & the Boar (opens after 5pm) $
- Dancing Ganesha (V)
- The Bird (open until 2pm) (V)
- Eli’s (V)
- The Local (V)
- Lunds & Byerlys Caribou Coffee stand (Q, V)
- Rock Bottom Brewery (V)
Near University of Minnesota Twin Cities Campus (Friday venue)
- Bordertown Coffee (Q, V)
- Burrigato (Q, one V)
- Kafe 421 (V) $
- Loring Bar (V) $
- Himalayan (Q, V)
- Pagoda (Q, V)
- Purple Onion Cafe (Q, V)
- Tasty Pot (V)
- Wally’s Falafel & Hummus (Q, V)
Near Minneapolis Central Library (Saturday venue)
- Dong Hae Korean Grill & Sushi $
- Dunn Bros Coffee (inside library lobby) (Q, V)
- Eatery 112 Â (opens after 5pm) $
- Five Guys (Q)
- Pizza Luce (V)
- Red Cow (V)
- Red Rabbit (V)
- Whole Foods (Q, V)
More Fun Times
Pay 2 Play Zine Launch: A Look at Race and Art Space in MPLS – FREE
Thursday July 12, 6-8 pm
2007 Emerson Ave N
A zine launch event happening in connection with the current exhibition at Juxtaposition Arts titled “Recourse: With Notes From Black Wall Street”
Where does your healing come from? Zine workshop – FREE (we think!)
Sat July 14, 1-3pm
1619 Dayton Ave in St Paul
One in a series of workshops held by Tactical Urbanism Lab Lead Adrienne Doyle
Nicollet Farmers Market – FREE, family friendly
Thursdays, 6am-6pm
Nicollet Avenue, between 6th & 9th St. (near Minneapolis Central/ MCTC)
Paisley Park Tour – $38.50 – $160.00
*Book in advance online
7801 Audubon Rd, Chanhassen MN
Prince’s mammoth recording studio is a 30 minute drive out of town (carpooling recommended) #purplepilgrimage
Prince from Minneapolis exhibit – FREE
Tues-Sun (until Dec 8), check hours
Weisman Art Museum
333 East River Road (on University of MN TC campus)
Twin Cities World Refugee Day – FREE, family friendly
Sun July 15, 12-6pm
Loring Park, 1382 Willow St (adjacent MCTC)