Friends, I am sick. Nothing serious, just one of those seasonal colds that have got me wrapped up in a nest of blankets, drinking Gatorade and feeling like my skull is full of cement. Rather than subject you to some NyQuil-induced ramblings, why don’t we just get right into all the fun things I will not be doing this weekend.
Stay home if you’re sick, and have a good weekend. Wishing health and wellness to you and yours!
Friday
MAPS are closed this Friday. Take those kiddos to the Children’s Museum of Southern Minnesota! There, they will host Reindeer Games and craft reindeer antlers. Plus, REAL reindeer will be on site from 1-4 p.m.! Mayo Clinic Health System will also stop by from 1-3 p.m. for a special “The Air We Breathe” program. The museum will be open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. VINE invites you to attend their FREE Zumba class! Enjoy fun music and dance along with gentle, easy-to-follow dance moves. This hour-long class will begin at 11:15 a.m. Register here.
The Arts Center of Saint Peter Holiday Market will be open from 1-5 p.m., alongside their Pot Luck: A buy-and-take exhibition of functional pottery by Arts Center Ceramists. Shop and explore woodworks and pottery. Stop by the 410 Project to check out their latest gallery, Convergence: Exhibition of Paintings by Craig Groe and Charlie Putnam.
Get your live music fix! Andrea Lyn & The Wildflowers will be at The Grand Kabaret beginning at 7 p.m. Rock of Ages will play the WOW! Zone from 7-10 p.m., call ahead to reserve a table. Finally, catch Group Therapy, a hip-hop show, at the What’s Up Lounge from 8 p.m. to midnight. Cover is $5.
Saturday
The Zonta Club of Mankato will be at Wooden Spoon this Saturday from 9-11:30 a.m. with “Stop to Start,” a time to listen, learn and reflect. This wellness gathering will begin with a light breakfast, followed by an optional stretch/meditation, then a guided reflection and share. Email amy@forwardbpc.com to reserve a spot.
The YMCA STRIDE program will host a fun, family-friendly 5k race. All are welcome; the event starts at Sibley Park and ends at Riverfront Park. A shuttle will be provided for any participants who need it. Register here. Don’t want to get running early? Join the Donut Dash 5k starting at 1:30 p.m. at the Myers Field House on Stadium Road. Registration is $30; stick around for donuts, drinks and fun at the Myers Field House after the race. The 410 Project will host an open house for their latest exhibition, Convergence, from 3-6 p.m.
Book lovers! The Greater Mankato Area United Way is hosting its annual Reading Festival, sponsored by Capstone and in partnership with local organizations to promote literacy and celebrate reading. This year’s theme: the Great Outdoors! Stop by from 9 a.m. to noon at the Mankato YMCA for this FREE, expo-style event.
Head to the Circle Inn for Sips 4 Shelter, open from 1-5 p.m. Enjoy live music by the Jeremy Poland Band, food from the Pelican Food Truck and a whole host of wine and beer vendors. Get your tickets here. Head to the Coffee Hag from 6-7:30 p.m. for Share the Love: The REACH Fundraiser. Check out belly dancing, swords, silk veils and more, with 100% of donations going to the local youth resource center, the REACH.
Sunday
The Mankato Farmers’ Market will be open from 10 a.m. to noon at Drummers Garden Center in Mankato. Stick around for the Drummers Holiday Open House, open 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., with snacks, craft projects, holiday music, giveaways and new Holiday decorations.
The Wine Café will host another Art Pop-up on the Patio from 4-7 p.m., with art, music and cocktails.
Added Value: Natural healing
While I’m laid up on the couch, I’m drinking tea from Lakota Made to alleviate my symptoms. I especially love their Goldenrod and Nettle teas. Their products are sustainably harvested, eco-friendly and I’m always a fan of shopping locally. Stock up for your next cold.
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Weekend High Notes is a regular feature by Molly Butler. Molly covers weekend events, live music, and culture in the Greater Mankato Area. Suggestions are welcome using the MankatoLIFE contact form.
