Free Events Guide: Things to Do in the Twin Cities This Week | May 5–11
Your curated guide to free Twin Cities fun—from art exhibits and spring markets to Mother's Day events, it’s all here!
Hey hey, Twin Cities!
It’s officially May, which means we’re swapping winter layers for patio hangs, outdoor markets, and flower-filled weekends. Whether you’re on the hunt for Mother’s Day plans, art walks, or just an excuse to get out of the house without spending a dime, I’ve got you covered. This week’s free events list is packed with local gems and spring vibes—scroll through and find your next favorite thing to do. Let’s make May magical, one free event at a time!
Death, Dying, and Resilience in Buddhist Art and Practice
May 10 | 1:30 – 4:30 p.m.
Location: Minneapolis Institute of Art, Minneapolis
Details: Delve into Buddhist perspectives on mortality and resilience through art.
Embracing Fallibility: A Neon Exhibition by James Akers
May 5–11 | 11:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Location: Foci – Minnesota Center for Glass Arts, Minneapolis
Details: Experience a vibrant neon art exhibition exploring human imperfections.
May 5–11 | 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Location: Northern Clay Center, Minneapolis
Details: Discover ceramic works emphasizing the sense of touch.
May 8 | 5:00 – 9:00 p.m.
Location: Minneapolis Institute of Art, Minneapolis
Details: Enjoy an evening of art, music, and community engagement.
May 10 | 11:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.
May 11 | 11:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Location: Minnesota State Capitol, St. Paul
Details: Celebrate the Thai New Year with two days of cultural festivities.
May 5–11 | 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Location: Northern Clay Center, Minneapolis
Details: Explore ceramic interpretations of the trauma we as a society suffered over the course of COVID-19 and what we left behind.
May 11 | 2:00 – 3:00 p.m.
Location: Minneapolis Institute of Art, Minneapolis
Details: Enjoy a live taping of Mia’s award-winning podcast The Object.
The Weight of the World: An Evening with Climate Writer Mary Annaïse Heglar
May 7 | 5:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Location: The Bell Museum, St. Paul
Details: Engage in a thought-provoking discussion on climate change and storytelling.
May 10 | 2:00 – 5:00 p.m.
Location: Central Park, Brooklyn Park
Details: Participate in outdoor art activities suitable for all ages.
Celebrate the Opening of The River Hub
May 10 | Starts at 10:00 a.m.
Location: Graco Park, Minneapolis
Details: Join the community in celebrating the new riverfront park space.
Experience Milwaukee at Mall of America
May 8–9 | 11:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Location: Mall of America, Bloomington
Details: Discover Milwaukee’s offerings through interactive exhibits and activities at the Mall of America’s Huntington Bank Rotunda.
Free Thursday Nights at the History Center
May 8 | 4:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Location: Minnesota History Center, St. Paul
Details: Explore Minnesota’s history with free evening admission.
Minneapolis Sculpture Garden Art Fair
May 10 | 10:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.
May 11 | 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Location: Minneapolis Sculpture Garden, Minneapolis
Details: Browse artist booths, enjoy live music and explore the sculpture garden.
Mother’s Day Weekend Jewelry Sale
May 10–11 | 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Location: Minnesota History Center, St. Paul
Details: Shop unique jewelry pieces perfect for Mother’s Day gifts.
Spring Big Red Bard Folk Arts & Crafters Fair
May 10 | 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Location: Bruentrup Heritage Farm, Maplewood
Details: Explore more than 100 booths of folk art and crafts at this annual fair.
May 10 | 12:00 – 4:00 p.m.
Location: Springboard for the Arts, St. Paul
Details: Enjoy a spring-themed pop-up event featuring local artists and vendors.
May 9–11 | All Day
Location: Various locations, St. Paul
Details: Explore local art studios and galleries during this city-wide event.
Free Yoga Class at Union Depot
May 5 & 7 | 5:30 – 6:30 p.m.; May 10 | 9:00 – 10:00 a.m.
Location: Union Depot, St. Paul
Details: Participate in free yoga sessions suitable for all levels.
May 7 | 5:30 – 6:15 p.m.
Location: North Loop Green, Minneapolis
Details: Enjoy an outdoor yoga class in the heart of the city.
Baseball Pregame at North Loop Green
May 10 | 4:30 – 6:00 p.m.
Location: North Loop Green, Minneapolis
Details: Kick off your evening with pregame festivities before the baseball game.
Cult Cinema Sundays – Clueless
May 11 | Starts at 7:00 p.m.
Location: Roxy’s Cabaret, Minneapolis
Details: Watch the classic film “Clueless” in a fun, cabaret setting.
Mamacita’s Market – Mother’s Day
May 11 | 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Location: Graze Provisions & Libations, Minneapolis
Details: Shop from local vendors and enjoy Mother’s Day festivities.
May 11 | 1:00 – 9:00 p.m.
Location: Insight Brewing, Minneapolis
Details: Celebrate Mother’s Day with live music and local artisans.
Mother’s Day Weekend Maker’s Market
May 10 | 3:00 – 6:00 p.m.
Location: Forgotten Star Brewing, Fridley
Details: Browse handmade goods from local makers.
Mother’s Day Weekend Cookie Sampling
May 10 | 1:00 – 3:00 p.m.
Location: Minnesota History Center, St. Paul
Details: Enjoy complimentary cookie samples in celebration of Mother’s Day.
Second Sundays Monthly Makers Markets
May 11 | 12:00 – 6:00 p.m.
Location: Twin Cities Maker, Minneapolis
Details: Support local artisans at this monthly market event.
Plan Ahead
Some events require registration or tickets in advance, even if they are listed as free—don’t miss out!
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re here for the art, the yoga, the markets, or the Mother’s Day celebrations, this week is packed with experiences you don’t need to drop cash on to enjoy. Take this as your friendly reminder: fun doesn’t have to cost a thing.
Tag your adventure buddy, make your plan, and let every moment be Worth Every Crumb.
—Maggie
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