WEDNESDAY, DEC. 4
Pop music icon Cyndi Lauper comes to Target Center on her "Girls Just Wanna Have Fun Farewell Tour," with special guest Gayle. Show at 8 p.m. All ages, $25+
Southside Aces brings Christmas in New Orleans to the Dakota. Show at 7 p.m. $15-$25
Hometown hero Mike Earley returns to Minneapolis for a four-night stand at Acme Comedy Co. Show at 8 p.m. Ages 18+, sold out
It’s doodle breed night at Unleashed Hounds & Hops from 4-9 p.m. All ages, free
A string quartet performs the best of Joe Hisaishi, a Japanese composer who created scores for Studio Ghibli movies, by candlelight at the Luminary Arts Center. Shows at 6:30 and 8:45 p.m. $57-$72
Lakeside Weddings & Workshops leads a wreath making workshop at Brühaven Craft Co. from 6-8 p.m. $50
Psychedelic death metal band Blood Incantation comes to the Fine Line with Midwife. Show at 8 p.m. Ages 18+, sold out
King Caesar tops a bill at the Zhora Darling venue with Primitive Broadcast Service, Helseher, and Blacklighter. Show at 7 p.m. Ages 21+, $12
Late Earl plays low-stress, high-fun traditional and original instrumental music at Berlin. Show at 7 p.m. $10
Singer-songwriter Belles headlines 7th St Entry with Trevor Martin and Monique Smaz. Show at 7:30 p.m. Ages 18+, $15/$18
WEEKLY:
Minneapolis Cider Co. holds an open mic night for musicians, First Take, every Wednesday from 7-10 p.m.
Local band Twine plays Bunkers. Show at 9:30 p.m. Ages 21+, $8
Roxy’s Cabaret hosts game night with classic board games and Mario Kart on the wall of LED screens from 7-11 p.m. Free
It’s also game night at North Loop Galley from 5:30-8:30 p.m. All ages, free
Trivia Mafia returns to Brit’s Pub for Wednesday night trivia at 7 p.m. Free
Chris Maddock hosts Ding Batz open mic at The Comedy Corner Underground from 8-9:30 p.m. Free
A neighborhood safety walk travels through the Mill District from 4:30-6 p.m. Meet on the staircase behind the Guthrie Theater and wear an orange hat or shirt. Free
RECURRING:
The Holidays on Nicollet pop-up market returns to IDS Center for the second year Tuesday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. until Christmas. All ages, free
The Dayton’s Project holiday market runs almost daily through Dec. 28, with more than 100 vendors. Open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. All ages, free
THURSDAY, DEC. 5
A celebration of Heid E. Erdrich's tenure as the inaugural Minneapolis Poet Laureate takes place from 4-6 p.m. at the Minneapolis American Indian Center. All ages, free
Mandolin superstar Avi Avital and the Minnesota Orchestra perform the best of Bach at Orchestra Hall. Show at 11 a.m. $40-$84
Gamut Gallery’s 13th annual holiday market, Raging Art On, returns for three weekends ahead of the holidays. VIP preview for members from 5-9 p.m. All ages, free entry
Travis Anderson Trio takes on Vince Guaraldi‘s holiday classic “Charlie Brown Christmas” at the Dakota. Shows at 7 and 9 p.m. $15-$25
An ugly Christmas sweater-themed singles-only mixer takes over the upper level of Graze Provisions + Libations from 7-10 p.m. Ages 21+, $15-$17
All Systems Go hosts game night at Modist Brewing Co, every first Thursday of the month from 6-9 p.m. All ages, free
A string quartet covers the best of hip-hop by candlelight at the Luminary Arts Center. Show at 8:45 p.m. $57-$72
Country singer Drew Baldridge performs at the Fine Line with Tori Martin and Dylan Wolfe. Show at 7:30 p.m. Ages 18+, $20-$40
Fulton Beer holds record night every first Thursday of the month in the taproom starting at 6 p.m.
Lerner Publishing Group presents Bands for the Banned, a concert supporting the freedom to read diverse voices, at 7th St Entry. Show at 7:30 p.m. Ages 18+, $15
Live Band Karaoke returns to Inbound BrewCo with A Little Too Short to Be Stormtroopers from 7-10 p.m. Free
Your Bearded Artist leads a paint and sip class from 6-8 p.m. at North Loop Galley. $38
Dale Alexander fills Berlin with early-evening jazz from 4:30-6:30 p.m. No cover
Cody Steinmann Trio holds an album release at Berlin from 7:30-10 p.m. $15
Hometown hero Mike Earley returns to Minneapolis for a four-night stand at Acme Comedy Co. Show at 8 p.m. Ages 18+, sold out
WEEKLY:
The Initials Game Live, a competitive trivia game based on the KFAN “Power Trip Morning Show” game, takes over Brühaven from 6:30-8:30 p.m. All ages, free
Ben Katzner and Ellie Hino host Darlings Comedy Show at Zhora Darling starting at 9 p.m. Free
Thermaculture Thursdays offer a combination of steam aromatherapy, light breathwork and meditation from 7-9 p.m. in the Hewing Hotel's rooftop sauna. $65
Jaybee & the Routine perform at Bunkers. Show at 9:30 p.m. Ages 21+, no cover
RECURRING:
Winter Warm-Up inline skating and indoor running sessions return to U.S. Bank Stadium on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5-9 p.m. through mid-January. All ages, $11.50
The Holidays on Nicollet pop-up market returns to IDS Center for the second year Tuesday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. until Christmas. All ages, free
The Dayton’s Project holiday market runs almost daily through Dec. 28, with more than 100 vendors. Open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. All ages, free
“A Christmas Carol” marks its 50th year as the cherished holiday tradition of the Guthrie Theater, where it runs until late December. Shows at 1 and 7:30 p.m. $51+
“Big Christmas Energy,” an annual holiday show of sketches and songs, runs at Dudley Riggs Theatre through January. Show at 7:30 p.m. Recommended for ages 14+, $45
FRIDAY, DEC. 6
Talmi Entertainment’s 32nd annual touring Nutcracker! Magical Christmas Ballet enchants the Orpheum Theatre. Show at 7 p.m. All ages, $36-$116
WWE SmackDown takes over Target Center, featuring Cody Rhodes, Bianca Belair, LA Knight, and other WWE superstars. Event at 6:45 p.m. All ages, $35-$268
Teenage country singer Mason Ramsey, who went viral when he yodeled Hank Williams’ “Lovesick Blues” at Walmart in 2018, comes to 7th St Entry. Show at 7:30 p.m. All ages, $20/$25
The New Standards hold their annual holiday show over two nights at the State Theatre. Show at 8 p.m. $50-$130
Local cover band Viva Knievel puts on its Sleigh Ball at First Avenue. Show at 8:30 p.m. Ages 18+, $20/$25
Hometown hero Mike Earley returns to Minneapolis for a four-night stand at Acme Comedy Co. Shows at 7 and 9:30 p.m. Ages 18+, $25
“Family Dinner,” a holiday-themed improv show created and directed by Molly Ritchie, makes a comeback at the Dudley Riggs Theatre on Fridays and Saturdays through December. Show at 8 p.m. $25
Singer-songwriters Joe Pug and Robert Ellis stop at the Dakota on their tour. Show at 7 p.m. $40/$45
Americana band Tophouse performs at the Fine Line with Griffin William Sherry. Show at 8:30 p.m. Ages 18+, $28-$40
Christianity podcast Girls Gone Bible brings a live show to the Pantages Theatre at 7 p.m. $45-$55
Billy Johnson & the Hill Cats rock out at Bunkers. Show at 9:30 p.m. Ages 21+, $10
Long Island post-hardcore legends Quicksand come to town for two nights to play the Zhora Darling venue with fellow New York band Pilot to Gunner. Show at 7 p.m. Ages 21+, $40
Nick Bhalla fills Berlin with early-evening jazz from 4:30-6:30 p.m. No cover
Righteous Rooster takes over at Berlin from 7:30-10 p.m. $15
Then the night at Berlin ends with a late-night lounge DJ set from Sarah Maricha White starting at 10:30 p.m. No cover
Mandolin superstar Avi Avital and the Minnesota Orchestra perform the best of Bach at Orchestra Hall. Show at 8 p.m. $20-$111
WEEKLY:
Patnacia of Trivia Mafia hosts trivia at Brit’s Pub from 5-6:30 p.m. Free
A rotating selection of local DJs spin at Modist from 2-6 p.m. Free
The Comedy Corner Underground holds Friday Night Open Mic from 10-11:30 p.m. Ages 21+, free
Drag performers impersonate iconic divas during Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner? at Roxy’s Cabaret. Show at 7 p.m. $15
RECURRING:
Gamut Gallery’s 13th annual holiday market, Raging Art On, returns for three weekends ahead of the holidays. Open from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. All ages, free entry
Minneapolis Christkindl Market brings holiday cheer to North Loop Green on weekends through mid-December. Open from 4-9 p.m. All ages, free entry
The Holidays on Nicollet pop-up market returns to IDS Center for the second year Tuesday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. until Christmas. All ages, free
The Dayton’s Project holiday market runs almost daily through Dec. 28, with more than 100 vendors. Open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. All ages, free
“A Christmas Carol” marks its 50th year as the cherished holiday tradition of the Guthrie Theater, where it runs until late December. Show at 7:30 p.m. $81+
“Big Christmas Energy,” an annual holiday show of sketches and songs, runs at Dudley Riggs Theatre through January. Show at 7:30 p.m. Recommended for ages 14+, $45
SATURDAY, DEC. 7
Santa Cycle Rampage MSP takes off from The Loop at 10 a.m., travels to several Minneapolis breweries, and wraps up at Fulton Beer at 5:30 p.m. Free
Songwriting pianist Jim Brickman performs original and classic holiday songs at the Pantages Theatre. Show at 8 p.m. $50-$80
The Black Market Events brings a two-day holiday market to The Nordic’s plaza from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. All ages, free
WWE brings its third annual NXT Deadline to the Armory. Show at 5:30 p.m. All ages, $65+
Local punk band Dillinger Four headlines an Extreme Noise Records 30th anniversary show at First Avenue. Music at 6 p.m. All ages, $30/$35
Flip Phone Events puts on Dolly Parton’s “Hard Candy Christmas” drag brunch at Union Rooftop. Shows at 10 a.m., 12:30 and 3 p.m. All ages, $18 plus entree purchase
Local clothing brand WAY the Label hosts a holiday market at Modist Brewing Co. from 1-6 p.m. All ages, free entry
Former MMA fighter Khabib Nurmagomedov, the longest-reigning UFC Lightweight Champion, visits the Minneapolis Convention Center. Event from 7-11 p.m. All ages, $30-$60
Burlesque brunch takes over Zhora Darling starting at noon. All ages, $15+
A quintet composed of Macphail Center for Music faculty and guest musicians perform compositions by young artists during Mysticism, Legends and Traditions: From Darkness to Light at Antonello Hall. Show at 7 p.m. $5+
Just Being Me Productions presents “Troubled Man” at the Luminary Arts Center. Show at 6 p.m. $20-$25
Drag queens Genevee Love and Julia Starr present DOLLS at Roxy’s Cabaret every first Saturday of the month starting at 10 p.m. $10
Alex Rossi brings the funk to Bunkers. Show at 9:30 p.m. Ages 21+, $10
gavn! performs at 7th St Entry with Kate Yeager, Adam Yokum and Brompton. Ages 18+, $18/$20
Zacc Harris and Bryan Nichols warm up Berlin’s stage with early evening jazz from 4:30-6:30 p.m. No cover
Will Schmid Quartet takes over at Berlin from 7:30-10 p.m. $15
Then the night at Berlin ends with a late-night lounge DJ set by Drew Christopherson, the drummer for Poliça and Marijuana Deathsquads, starting at 10:15 p.m. No cover
Wolves of Glendale stop at the Fine Line on their Scorpion Train Tour with Loreweavers. Show at 8:30 p.m. Ages 18+, $25-$40
The English Beat brings their unique sound to the Dakota. Show at 7 p.m. $65-$75
Hometown hero Mike Earley returns to Minneapolis for a four-night stand at Acme Comedy Co. Shows at 7 and 9:30 p.m. Ages 18+, $25-$40
Talmi Entertainment’s 32nd annual touring Nutcracker! Magical Christmas Ballet enchants the Orpheum Theatre. Shows at 1 and 5 p.m. All ages, $36-$116
The New Standards hold their annual holiday show over two nights at the State Theatre. Shows at 4 and 8 p.m. $30-$130
Long Island post-hardcore legends Quicksand come to town for two nights to play the Zhora Darling venue with fellow New York band Pilot to Gunner. Show at 7 p.m. Ages 21+, $40
WEEKLY:
Now on a winter schedule, the Minneapolis Farmers Market on Lyndale Avenue is open every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. through April. All ages, free
Similarly, the Mill City Farmers Market operates inside the Mill City Museum every first and third Saturday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., until it goes back outside in May. All ages, free
Nina DiAngelo, Monica West and BeBe Zahara Benet (“RuPaul’s Drag Race”) star in FLAMboyANCE at Roxy’s Cabaret. Show at 8 p.m. $15
RECURRING:
Gamut Gallery’s 13th annual holiday market, Raging Art On, returns for three weekends ahead of the holidays. Open from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. All ages, free entry
“Family Dinner,” a holiday-themed improv show created and directed by Molly Ritchie, makes a comeback at the Dudley Riggs Theatre on Fridays and Saturdays through December. Show at 8 p.m. $25
Minneapolis Christkindl Market brings holiday cheer to North Loop Green on weekends through mid-December. Open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. All ages, free entry
A Handmade Holiday Market continues at Brühaven every Saturday and Sunday from 12-5 p.m. through the holidays. All ages, free
The Holidays on Nicollet pop-up market returns to IDS Center for the second year Tuesday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. until Christmas. All ages, free
The Dayton’s Project holiday market runs almost daily through Dec. 28, with more than 100 vendors. Open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. All ages, free
“A Christmas Carol” marks its 50th year as the cherished holiday tradition of the Guthrie Theater, where it runs until late December. Shows at 1 and 7:30 p.m. $81+
“Big Christmas Energy,” an annual holiday show of sketches and songs, runs at Dudley Riggs Theatre through January. Shows at 4:30 and 7:30 p.m. Recommended for ages 14+, $45
SUNDAY, DEC. 8
Old St. Anthony Holiday Bazaar returns to Machine Shop, with two full floors of handmade goods that are perfect for gifting, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. All ages, free entry
Kirk Cousins returns to U.S. Bank Stadium for the Minnesota Vikings-Atlanta Falcons matchup. Kickoff at noon. All ages, sold out
The 37th annual St. Thomas Christmas unfurls with Cherishing Peace, a concert featuring more than 200 student performers, at Orchestra Hall. Shows at 4 and 7:30 p.m. $36
St. Paul-based singer-songwriter Nicholas David puts on his 11th Annual St. Nick’s Day Show at the Dakota starting at 7 p.m. $35/$40
Flip Phone Events puts on “Home Alone” drag brunch at Crave. Shows at 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. All ages, $18 plus entree purchase
Curtiss A stars in the 45th Annual John Lennon Tribute at First Avenue with a little help from his friends. Show at 6 p.m. Ages 18+, $25/$30
The weekly Curated by Ross Hutchens residency continues at Berlin with special guest Mike McClure. Show at 7 p.m. No cover
Johnny Delaware performs at 7th St Entry with C.M.M. Show at 8 p.m. Ages 18+, $12/$15
The Black Market Events brings a two-day holiday market to The Nordic’s plaza from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. All ages, free
Just Being Me Productions presents “Troubled Man” at the Luminary Arts Center. Show at 4 p.m. $20-$25
WEEKLY:
Inbound BrewCo holds bingo in the taproom every week from 3-5 p.m. Ages 18+, $2 per card
Mia of Trivia Mafia hosts trivia night in Fulton Beer’s taproom starting at 5 p.m. Free
The cast of Roxy’s Cabaret dazzles with their lip-syncing and dancing during Beauty and Bubbles Drag Brunch from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. $15
Church of Cornbread, featuring legendary local musician Cornbread Harris and his band, takes over Palmer's Bar from 5-7 p.m. Ages 21+, free
Roxy’s Cabaret screens a movie for Cult Cinema Sundays. Doors at 7 p.m., movie at 8 p.m. Free entry and popcorn
Dr. Mambo’s Combo performs at Bunkers. Show at 9:30 p.m. Ages 21+, $10 cover
RECURRING:
“A Christmas Carol” marks its 50th year as the cherished holiday tradition of the Guthrie Theater, where it runs until late December. Show at 7 p.m. $56+
A Handmade Holiday Market continues at Brühaven every Saturday and Sunday from 12-5 p.m. through the holidays. All ages, free
Minneapolis Christkindl Market brings holiday cheer to North Loop Green on weekends through mid-December. Open from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. All ages, free entry
The Holidays on Nicollet pop-up market returns to IDS Center for the second year Tuesday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. until Christmas. All ages, free
The Dayton’s Project holiday market runs almost daily through Dec. 28, with more than 100 vendors. Open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. All ages, free
“Big Christmas Energy,” an annual holiday show of sketches and songs, runs at Dudley Riggs Theatre through January. Shows at 2 p.m. Recommended for ages 14+, $45
MONDAY, DEC. 9
Five-piece ensemble Desert Noir plays partially improvised music that brings to mind the faded motels and neon ruins strewn about the mountain towns of southwestern America at Berlin. Show at 7 p.m. No cover
Two monthly events join forces at Unleashed Hops & Hounds, with puppy playtime from 5-6 p.m. and smol dog night from 6-8 p.m. $9 per dog up to 30 pounds
WEEKLY:
Cream of the Crop, a new weekly drag competition and karaoke party, takes over Roxy’s Cabaret starting at 7 p.m. All ages, free
RECURRING:
The Dayton’s Project holiday market runs almost daily through Dec. 28, with more than 100 vendors. Open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. All ages, free
TUESDAY, DEC. 10
The Nordic holds its third annual tree lighting from 5-7 p.m., with food, drinks, prizes, and a visit from Santa and his elves. All ages, free
Choir, band, and orchestra students from Southwest High School perform at Orchestra Hall from 7-8:30 p.m. All ages, $10-$20 suggested donation
“The Book of Mormon” returns to the Orpheum Theatre through Sunday. Show at 7:30 p.m. $55-$199
Shaun Johnson + the Big Band Experience comes to the Dakota on their Cool Yule Holiday Tour. Show at 7 p.m. $35-$45
Solomon Parham Quartet pays tribute to Miles Davis during Berlin’s inaugural Blue Tuesday dinner and jazz experience from 6-9 p.m. $155
WEEKLY:
A disc golf putting league returns to Modist Brewing Co. for the winter on Tuesdays from 5-9 p.m. All ages, $9-$14 per entry
It’s trivia and taco Tuesday at Brühaven, with Trivia Mafia from 6:30-8:30 p.m. and the El Huarache food truck. All ages, free
International Reggae Allstars perform at Bunkers. Show at 9:30 p.m. Ages 21+, $10
Nina DiAngelo and Monica West host Drag Queen Charity Bingo at Roxy’s Cabaret from 7-9 p.m. $10 suggested donation
Acme Comedy Club holds open mic night starting at 8 p.m. Ages 18+, free
RECURRING:
Winter Warm-Up inline skating and indoor running sessions return to U.S. Bank Stadium on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5-9 p.m. through mid-January. All ages, $11.50
The Holidays on Nicollet pop-up market returns to IDS Center for the second year Tuesday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. until Christmas. All ages, free
The Dayton’s Project holiday market runs almost daily through Dec. 28, with more than 100 vendors. Open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. All ages, free
