
Top Things to Do in Minneapolis this May
Parades. Colorful Pride celebrations. Hot Chocolate Winter Runs. Improv Festivals. Pond hockey tournaments. Seasonal Beer Celebrations. There is no shortage of events happening in Minneapolis all year long. We are an extremely active community of artists, creators, musicians, foodies, dancers, runners & bikers – a community of doers that can’t stand the thought of missing out. With something always going on, we’re confident you’ll find something you won’t want to miss too.
*Note: Please be sure to check the official event website or with event organizers for up to date cancellations and postponements.
Directors Isaac Gale and Ryan Olson attending May 15 7:00pm screening for post-film Q&A.
ABOUT THE FILM
Winner of the MSPIFF43 Audience Award and directed by Minneapolis filmmakers and musicians Isaac Gale and Ryan Olson, Swamp Dogg Gets His Pool Painted follows the eccentric and legendary musician Swamp Dogg, who has been described as "one of the great cult figures of 20th century American music" and "the soul genius time forgot." He is a genuine eccentric responsible for some of the most unique rock-influenced R&B (and wildest album covers) ever made. Hidden away deep in suburban Los Angeles, Swamp Dogg, alongside housemates Moogstar and Guitar Shorty, has transformed his home into an artistic playground. Together, they navigate the tumultuous waves of the music industry, and forge a wonderfully bizarre and inspiring path across time and space. Amazing access to Swamp Dogg, along with incredible archival material, creates a fun, hilarious and unconventional film for a perfectly unconventional life.
MN Made: Swamp Dogg Gets His Pool Painted115 Main St SE
Minneapolis, Minnesota 55414
The largest open studio tour in the country, Art-A-Whirl happens annually throughout Northeast Minneapolis the third weekend of May.
Over 1,600 NEMAA member artists, galleries, and businesses participate across all of Northeast Minneapolis at 100+ locations. Art-A-Whirl is a fantastic way to connect with artists in their own spaces, enjoy demonstrations and interactive activities, listen to live music, and enjoy local restaurants and breweries. Art-A-Whirl is free and open to the public.
Friday: 5 - 10pm
Saturday: Noon - 8pm
Sunday: Noon - 5pm
Art-A-WhirlSolar Arts Building
711 NE 15th Ave
Minneapolis, MN 55413
Sway through the streets of 1950s Paris with Peter Davison's An American in Paris. This ballet is inspired by the musical starring Gene Kelly and set to memorable George Gershwin melodies, such as "I Got Rhythm." Follow along as Jerry, our aspiring American painter, works to succeed in both art and love.
Choreographed by: Peter Davison
Performed by: The Company and School of Ballet Co.Laboratory
DATES / TIMES
Friday, May 16, 2025 @ 7:00pm
Saturday, May 17, 2025 @ 2:00pm
Saturday, May 17, 2025 @ 7:00pm
Sunday, May 18, 2025 @ 2:00pm
An American in ParisEM Pearson Theatre
312 Hamline Ave N
St. Paul, MN 55104
Despite what the meteorological calendar says, the summer season starts with Whirlygig at Indeed Brewing Company. Mark your calendars for May 16-18 to take part in the whirlwind that is Whirlygig. Come for the music and beer, stay till your heart's content of both.
Entry to this event is free and open to all ages (must be 21+ to drink beer and THC beverages). Whirlygig will go on rain or shine. The event is cash only, both inside and outside, with ATMs on-site.
Whirlygig coincides with Art-a-Whirl presented by NEMAA, the largest open studio tour in the country. There will be artwork from nearly 1,000 artists in every medium at more than 60 locations, including the Solar Arts Building.
WhirlygigIndeed Brewing Company
711 NE 15th Ave
Minneapolis, MN 55413
It's the kick off to Spring in the NE during Art-a-whirl weekend! Join us for art, shop from over 35 makers, delicious food, live music & plenty of drinks to go around! (Cider, beer, THC, N/A)
Art-A-Whirl at Sociable Cider WerksSociable Cider Werks
1500 Fillmore St NE
Minneapolis, MN 55413
Join us for "le mur bleu", a monthly pop-up exhibit series spotlighting local artists in Studio 114 at the Casket Arts Building.
Each Second Saturday, a new artist transforms our blue feature wall, offering a fresh, intimate look into their work and creative process. Come meet the artist, explore the space, and experience art up close!
05/10 Featured Artist: LILI LENNOX. Lili Lennox draws inspiration from the vast backdrops she once painted in her career as a theatrical Scenic Artist. Using the same techniques, her paintings dive into a realm where highly saturated colors converge with the Minnesota landscape, depicting luminous trees and brooding skies infused with unconventional hues. Her work serves as a jubilant exploration of light, form, and the transformative power that nudges the natural world toward the supernatural. See her work at Second Saturday and during Art-A-Whirl in Studio 114 of the Casket Arts Building. For more on Lili, visit lililennox,com.
When: Saturday, May 10, 11a-4p (Second Saturday Open Studios at Casket Arts), & May 16-17-18 during official Art-A-Whirl hours
Where: Studio 114, Casket Arts Building, 681 17th Ave NE, Minneapolis MN 55417
Admission: Free, Open to the Public, All Are Welcome
Event Link: https://insidetherobot.com/eve...
Event Contact: linnea@insidetherobot.com
Showcase 114 le mur bleu presents LILI LENNOX681 17th Ave NE
Minneapolis, Minnesota 55413
The largest open studio tour in the country, Art-A-Whirl happens annually throughout Northeast Minneapolis the third weekend of May.
We’re so happy to be participating in the greater art culture of Northeast Minneapolis and building relationships with the community!
We will have Minneapolis Cider Company Craft Cider, Crispin Hard Cider, Trail Magic THC Drinks, and N/A options as well.
Live Music lineup
- Steve Solkela
- Adam Bohanan
- Morning Kings Trio
- Colton Warren
- Cassandra Cole
- Barbra Bow
- Maryann & The Money Makers
Happens on the following Dates:
May 16, 2025, 5:00pm to 8:00pm Timezone: CDT
May 17, 2025, 5:00pm to 8:00pm Timezone: CDT
Art-A-Whirl at Minneapolis Cider Co701 SE 9th Street
Minneapolis, Minnesota 55414
Mark your calendars for a night of music at UMBRA! Join us as Sweet Keys Dueling Pianos takes over the Umbra stage inside Canopy by Hilton Minneapolis Mill District. Get ready for an unforgettable showdown where two talented pianists go head-to-head, playing your favorite songs and keeping the crowd entertained all night long! From classic anthems to today’s hits, no request is too wild! Grab a seat and enjoy our full service dinner menu or the bar menu for the perfect pairing with this energetic, interactive performance. Lounge seating and tables are first come, first served—RSVP on Eventbrite does not guarantee a seat. For UMBRA table reservations please make a reservation here. Don’t miss out on this musical face off in the heart of downtown Minneapolis!
Downtown Minneapolis Dueling Pianos Night708 S 3rd st
Minnesota 55415
Join us for an evening of folk and bluegrass!
Doors at 6pm, music at 7pm
Day Block Brewing opens at 4pm, so come early for a pizza and a pint!
Dead North and Luke Leblanc @ Day Block Brewing Company1105 S Washington Ave
Minnesota 55415
🔥🎉 Premier Latino Events Presents: RITMO TROPICAL FRIDAYS! 🌴🎶
Mark your calendar for Friday, May 16 and head to Bruhaven (1368 Lasalle Ave, Minneapolis, MN) for a night packed with Salsa, Bachata, Merengue, and nonstop Tropical flavor! 💃🕺
🎧 DJ Angel on the decks bringing the hottest Latin beats!
💪 Kick things off with a high-energy dance class by CMS Fitness!
🕘 Party starts at 9 PM | 📅 Every 3rd Friday
💵 Cover: $10 at the door – or 🎟️ pre-order & save by scanning the QR code on the flyer!
📞 Questions/Info: Call/Text/WhatsApp 612-703-7417
🚗 FREE PARKING: Lot at Emerson School, street parking, or 3-hour validated LPM ramp (ask bartender for code)
Hosted by Premier Latino Events, Paraiso Musical, and Bruhaven Craft Co. 🌺🍹 Let’s turn up the heat and dance the night away – tropical style! 🥁🔥
Premier Latino Events Presents: RITMO TROPICAL FRIDAYS!1368 La Salle Ave
Minnesota 55403
Praxis Gallery • Opening Reception • 2 New Exhibits!
Minneapolis, MN –
An opening night reception on May 17, 2025 celebrates the debut of two new exhibitions at Praxis Gallery & Photographic Arts Center in the Seward neighborhood of Minneapolis.
This event is free and open to the public. Guests are invited to mingle with artists and fellow photography enthusiasts while exploring four galleries of contemporary photographic art and enjoying complimentary refreshments.
Twenty-two Minnesota artists are featured in group shows, along with artists from 22 other states and 7 foreign countries.
Exhibition Details
The exhibitions will be on display from May 17 – June 14, 2025.
Featured Exhibitions
• New! Gallery 1: The Shape of Things
This exhibition explores photographic composition—how visual elements are arranged to create rhythm, contrast, balance, and expression. All genres and processes were considered.
• New! Gallery 2: Journeys • People, Passage & Place
Photographers explore the concept of the journey in all its forms—real or imagined, internal or external—and how movement shapes our understanding of place and transformation.
• Gallery 3 – Ongoing Exhibit: You Belong Where You Feel Free (Solo Exhibition by Christine Armbruster)
Praxis Gallery • Opening Reception • 2 New Exhibits!2601 27th Ave. S
Minneapolis, Minnesota 55406
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