Sales + Events: Aug. 5-11 features a pop-up picnic dinner, immigrant- and refugee-owned restaurants, and art

This week’s sales and events highlights in the Twin Cities.

PopUp Dinner Twin Cities 2019

Courtesy Handmade Events

From across the country, the California-based traveling PopUp Dinner takes on the Twin Cities this weekend. This “flash picnic” was designed to bring together thousands of people to enjoy a night full of spontaneity and fun while sharing dishes, dancing together, and stargazing.

The 21-plus event will supply the chairs, tables, and entertainment, but the goal is for each event to be unique to the city they’re visiting. On its website, Handmade Events states that “all-white attire is the theme that pulls this summer evening gathering together, but creativity is the only thing that’s mandatory.”

Along with the white clothing and personal food you’ll need to bring along, guests are also encouraged to pull together tabletop décor to spice up their tables, so that after setting up, fellow guests can wander the venue and look at other creations.

Don’t miss out! Minneapolis is one of only six locations to host this event. Tickets are on sale now, and through Aug. 9 they’ll will be priced at $28. Remaining tickets will be priced at $38. Saturday, 5-10 p.m. @ Minneapolis Sculpture Garden, 725 Vineland Place, Minneapolis, handmade-events.com 

Eat & Art on Lake

On Aug. 10, Lake Street Council will host “Eat & Art on Lake: A Community Meal,” featuring a diverse menu from immigrant- and refugee-owned restaurants on Lake Street, as well as artwork from local illustrator Cori Lin. At the event, Lin will present “What We Feed Ourselves,” her year-long project that explores the nature of food and culture through five interviews with Lake Street restaurant entrepreneurs.

While perusing the artwork, enjoy dishes from restaurants including Moroccan Flavors, International Cuisine Bar & Grill, Taqueria Las Cuatro Milpas, Willo Somali Bakery, and Gandhi Mahal.

The event will take place on Moon Palace Books’ outdoor patio, with tickets available for $10. Ten percent of sales will be donated to the Minnesota Freedom Fund. Saturday, 6-9 p.m. @ Moon Palace Books, 3032 Minnehaha Ave., Minneapolis, moonpalacebooks.com

For something feline, festive, or famous, check out these other fun events:

Cat Video Festival

Forget interior design for just one night and cuddle up with cats instead! The fourth annual Cat Video Festival celebrates all things feline, bringing together cat lovers, cat video lovers, and anyone in between. The event is hosted by myTalk 107.1 and the St. Paul Saints. Thursday, 6-9 p.m. @ CHS Field, 360 N Broadway St., St. Paul, catfestmn.com

Irish Fair of Minnesota

Be transported to the heart of Ireland right here in Minnesota at the 40th annual Irish Fair on Harriet Island. Enjoy Irish culture through dance, food, and drink, with traditional music playing all weekend long by dozens of local and international Irish and Celtic acts. Admission is free, but in order to purchase alcohol, wristbands are required. Friday-Sunday, @ Irish Fair of Minnesota, 836 Prior Ave. N, St. Paul, irishfair.com

The Sound of Simon at Lake Harriet Bandshell

For fans of Simon and Garfunkel, the Lake Harriet Bandshell will host a free tribute concert to the famous pop duo. Bring dinner, drinks, and your excitement to this outdoor concert near one of Minneapolis’ most popular lakes. Monday, 7:30-9 p.m. @ Lake Harriet Bandshell, 4135 W Lake Harriet Pkwy., Minneapolis, minneapolisparks.org

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