DISPATCH offers up a six-pack of tried and true seasonal entertainment options to make the most of our all-too-short summer season.
Fourth of July always feels like a turning point of summer, but don’t fret—there’s still plenty of summertime left in Minneapolis-St.Paul! The trick is not to let indecision (“I don’t know, what do you want to do?”) stop you from going big when going out. Here are a few ways to approach summer, pick one or pick ’em all.
Once you’ve got the right vibe, check DISPATCH events listings to pick your show, movie, etc.
Night #1: Afternoon Patio, Nighttime Rock Show
Ah yes, peak patio season. Start your evening out early and catch some afternoon rays on a patio or two for happy hour and dinner, then close things out inside. Think of it like summertime thermo-cycling!
Where to Go
Don’t just limit yourself to one patio! Soak up enough sun to make it refreshing to head into the cool climate control of a rock club. Luxuriate in the old-money, shade-filled vibe of WA Frost or kick back at the Spot, mayhaps?
And as always, ending the night at either Palmer’s (early) or White Squirrel (medium) or 331 Club (late) can combine both a great patio and an indoor rock show.
What to Wear
vintage sundress, madras shorts
What to Bring
A sweatshirt, just in case.
Night #2: Northeast Taproom Tour
Even if you have been to numerous Northeast Minneapolis taprooms, you likely haven’t been to all of them.
Where to Go
Couldn’t get a beer at Art-a-Whirl from the flagship breweries such as Indeed, Bauhaus or Dangerous Man? Plan your summertime trip. Looking for more variety? 56 Brewing, Broken Clock, 612 Brewing, Buch (in the former ABLE space), even the fancy new Earl Giles will all be busy and full of summer-fun seekers.
What to Wear
Come as you are in a band T-shirt and cutoffs.
What to Bring
Water bottle
Night #3: Beat the Heat in Some Theater Seats
Maybe it’s the Midwest in you or you’re just not that outdoorsy…July and August can be peak times to hide out, not hop around the Twin Towns. There’s a reason that dinner (inside) and a movie or theater production is a classic combo.
Where to Go
How about Creekside Supper Club before the Parkway?
What to Wear
Layers! A/C can be chilly!
What to Bring
Night #4: Navigating the North Loop
It’s one of the hippest neighborhoods for a reason. When detractors say that “Downtown Minneapolis is dead,” they don’t include the area north of the Twins Stadium.
Where to Go
Grab food at Graze, take in both Inbound BrewCo, No 12 Cider, Fulton, and/or Modist, and end the night watching a show from one of the regular bands at the legendary Bunker’s Bar.
What to Wear
Hip clothing, nonchalant attitude
What to Bring
Night #5: A Classic Summertime Porch/Backyard Hang
Sometimes the most fun you can have is to stay in one spot. Summertime can be about the people, not just the places. But before you park it on someone’s porch or in a camping chair, get the right look going.
Where to Go
A backyard in Northeast Minneapolis; a front porch in Powderhorn or Uptown.
What to Wear
Swing through a vintage store to get a statement piece to strike up a conversation.
What to Bring
Modelos with some limes and beer salt; White Peach THC Seltzers from Number 12 Cidery; pints of ice cream from Milkjam Creamery; various candies from United Noodle
Night #6: Beach Time Baby!
Where to Go
Get outta town! Two suburban faves: Square Lake in Stillwater with its cold, crystal clear water and shady picnic tables and sunny beaches or the wide-open Carver Lake in Woodbury (yes, Woodbury) with its eminently swimmable beach, places to change, and playground for the kids.
What to Bring
A picnic basket filled with goodies from the St. Paul Cheese Shop or deli counter at Mo’s Tropical Deli. A volleyball for the sand court.
What to Drink
Will anyone know those are THC seltzers in mason jars?
What to Wear
Go cazh in swimsuits and voluminous linen coverups, statement sunglasses, and generous amounts of your best SPF.