An Evening with Kevin Wilson, April 24, 6:30 p.m., Trinity Lutheran Church in Stillwater. Kevin Wilson is the author of five novels, including this year’s NEA Big Read in the St. Croix Valley selection, Nothing to See Here, a New York Times bestseller. Wilson will talk about his inspiration, writing process, and his own anxiety and unpredictability.
Forest Bathing Earth Day/Arbor Day Combo Walk, Friday, April 25, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., Lake Elmo Park Reserve, Lake Elmo, Minn. Experience an ancient wellness practice being rediscovered anew in the 21st century. Join an immersive, meditative, and awe-inspiring Japanese forest bathing experience (Shinrin-Yoku).
Looking Glass Land, April 26 to May 4, presented by Merrill Arts Center at East Ridge High School, Woodbury. Performances by kids for kids of a silly version of the sequel to Alice in Wonderland.
Saint Paul Art Crawl, April 25-27, May 2-4, and May 9-11 at various locations in St. Paul. This event showcases the work of local artists in various studios and galleries.
The Spongebob Musical – Youth Edition, Friday, April 25 through May 4, Phipps Center for the Arts in Hudson, Wisc. When the citizens of Bikini Bottom discover that a volcano will soon erupt and destroy their humble home, SpongeBob and his friends must come together to save their undersea world.
2025 Community Showcase, Saturday, April 26, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Park High School Activity Center, 8040 80th St S, Cottage Grove. This free event is open to all ages and is a family-friendly experience with a lot to offer. There will be business booths, job fair, kids activities, entertainment, shopping, local restaurants, great food, and prizes.
Spring Fling Craft & Vendor Show, Saturday, April 26, 2025, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Stillwater Area High School, Oak Park Heights. This event will feature a variety of crafts and goods from local vendors.
Volunteer Tree & Shrub Planting, Saturday, April 26, 2025, from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. at Brown’s Creek Park in Stillwater. Join the Brown’s Creek Watershed District for a hands-on opportunity to make a positive impact on the environment by planting native trees and shrubs at the Brown’s Creek restoration site. Volunteers of all ages are welcome to join! Minors must be accompanied by an adult volunteer.
Valley Eco Fair, Saturday, April 26, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Pioneer Park, 515 2nd St N, Stillwater. The third annual Valley Eco Fair is a vibrant community event celebrating sustainability, creativity, and our connection to the Earth.
Eco Fair, Saturday, April 26, 2025, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Castle Elementary School in Oakdale. The City of Oakdale will host an Eco Fair to provide education about a variety of environmental topics and initiatives. There will also be family-friendly activities throughout the day and a food truck.
Haunted History at the Warden’s House: Afterlife Sentences, Saturday, April 26, 6 p.m. to 7:15 p.m., Warden’s House Museum, 602 Main Street North, Stillwater. The Warden’s House Museum is excited to host the Twin Cities Paranormal Society (TCPS) for a presentation sharing its spookiest evidence from past ghost investigations, including an investigation at the Warden’s House Museum in November 2024. Doors open at 5 p.m. for guests to tour the museum. Tickets: $25 per person.
2025 Warden’s House Museum Open House, Sunday, April 27 from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m., Warden’s House Museum, 602 Main Street North, Stillwater. Chat with knowledgeable volunteers and hear harrowing stories about the territorial/state prison and tales about the wardens and their families. Free.
Woodbury Friends Fest 2025: A Supper Club Soirée, Sunday, April 27, from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., The Confluence Hotel, Hastings. A night of community in support of the Woodbury Community Foundation. Experience the charm of a classic supper club, where friends and neighbors gather to enjoy great food, conversation, and camaraderie. This unique evening will feature a menu that celebrates the heart of supper club traditions, opportunities to connect with others who share a passion for building a stronger, more vibrant community, an incredible variety of silent and live auction items, games, music, and more. Proceeds from this event will benefit the Woodbury Community Foundation, supporting programs that uplift and strengthen the community. Advance tickets required.
The Qeej and Hmong Arts Festival, Sunday, April 27, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., at the RiverCentre in St. Paul. This free festival will showcase traditional Hmong music, dance, games, vendors, and food.
Family Bingo, Sunday, April 27, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., 3rd Act Craft Brewery, 4120 Radio Drive. Benefits Basic Needs Thrift Shop in Cottage Grove.
East Metro LGBTQ Conversation, Tuesday, April 29, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., Christ Episcopal Church, 7305 Afton Road. Prism hosts a listening session about what could help better serve LGBTQ folks in communities throughout Washington County and the east metro.
Fair Food Festival, Wednesday, April 30 to Sunday, May 4, Cub Foods, 8690 E Point Douglas Rd S, Cottage Grove. Solem Concessions is offering a chance to grab some favorite fair food, including cheese curds, corn dogs, French fries, Pronto Pups, and mini donuts.
SoWashCo Cares May Mixer, Friday, May 2, from 7 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. at the Cottage Grove VFW, 9260 E. Point Douglas Road, S. Fundraiser benefits a new scholarship fund for 833 students. Dance to the cover band Basic and Boring. Admission $35.
A Wrinkle in Time, Friday, May 2 and Saturday, May 3 at 7 p.m., Sunday, May 4 at 2 p.m., Math and Science Academy, 8460 Woodbury Crossing.
Woodbury Home Show 2025, Saturday, May 3, 2025, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., M Health Fairview Sports Center in Woodbury. This event features 200 companies for home, lawn, and garden projects, including remodeling and landscaping, with free admission and parking, giveaways, and show-exclusive savings.
Cottage Grove’s 1st Annual Food Truck Kick-Off, Saturday, May 3, from 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., 8690 E Point Douglas Rd S, Cottage Grove. Join in for an exciting celebration where local food trucks bring their best dishes and a vibrant atmosphere, all in one place!
Fill the Cupboard, Saturday, May 3, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., Today’s Harvest Maplewood, 1740 Van Dyke Street. A night filled with food, friends and philanthropy to feed our community and benefit our local food shelf. Open Cupboard has expanded its programs to help feed over 6,200 families each week and operates the two busiest food shelves in Minnesota. This year’s gathering will be held in the center of its work – the new Today’s Harvest warehouse – where attendees can enjoy heavy appetizers and wine/beer from local caterers, a silent auction, wine pull, tour of the market, stories of impact, and join together to Fill the Cupboard. Tickets are $75 in advance.
Music Theater Trivia Night, Sunday, May 4, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., at 3rd Act Craft Brewery 4120 Radio Drive. Open Door Theatre invites you to show off your trivia knowledge and support their upcoming show, “The Producers.” Just $5 to compete for great prizes.
Hudson Community Expo 2025, Sunday, May 4, 2025, from 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Hudson High School in Hudson, Wisconsin. This expo showcases local businesses and community organizations.
Belwin Conservancy Frog Walks, Monday, May 5 and 19, from 7:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., Belwin Main Office, 1552 Stagecoach Trail, Afton. Enjoy an evening stroll around Belwin’s Bulrush Slough while listening for the spring calls of native frogs (Spring Peepers, Wood Frogs, Chorus Frogs). After gathering for a brief introduction, the group will follow a paved trail to listen and look for signs of spring. The total length of the walk is about one mile, walking at a moderate pace with several stops along the way. This program is appropriate for anyone 8 years and older. Please dress for the weather. This program will go on rain or shine. Sliding scale fee of $10, $18 or $25/person. Advance registration required.
Woodbury Lions Club’s 48th Annual Citywide Garage Sale, May 8–10. Registration ends April 27 at midnight. The widely anticipated sale spans neighborhoods across Woodbury, drawing crowds in search of unique finds, bargains, and a chance to support a great cause.
Woodbury Lakes Half Marathon 2025, Saturday, May 10, half marathon starts at 8 a.m., the 10K at 9 a.m., and the 5K at 9:30 a.m. at Colby Lake Park in Woodbury. This is a scenic running event around the lakes of Woodbury. Registration required.
Black & White Movie Night: “Detour” (1945), May 13 from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m., Washington County Heritage Center, 1862 South Greeley St., Stillwater. While hitching cross-country, a down-on-his-luck pianist becomes entangled in a web of deceit and murder. A classic film noir directed by Edgar G. Ulmer. As always, an educational introduction and discussion about the film will be provided by Steve Schroer. No reservations required. In-person attendance only.
Master Gardeners Host Annual Plant Sale, Saturday, May 17, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Building A, Washington County Fairgrounds, located at Highway 5 and Manning Avenue in Lake Elmo. Hosted by the University of Minnesota Extension Washington County Master Gardener Volunteer program. Home gardeners can buy a wide selection of plants, including varieties featured in ready-made garden exhibits, and get their gardening questions answered at a free Diagnostic Clinic.
Belwin Bison Festival, Saturday, May 17, from 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. at Lucy Winton Bell Athletic Fields, 15601 Hudson Rd. N, Lakeland. This beloved annual event features the release of the 2025 Northstar Bison herd onto Belwin’s Bison Prairie for their summer stay of grazing on the prairie. In addition to the release, visitors can also enjoy fun activities for all ages, such as live music, eco-arts, and food trucks. Prior to the release, Belwin will host a 5K “Run with the Bison” Fun Run at 9:00 a.m. so visitors can run through the Prairie before the bison arrive. Cost: sliding scale of $10 – $35 per car (cash or check). Separate advance entrance fee for 5K “Run with the Bison” Fun Run at 9 a.m. No dogs are allowed at this event.
Free Kids Event: The Magic of Science, Saturday, May 17, from 11 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Lakeshore Learning, 1721 Beam Ave., Maplewood. This is an interactive science event for children.
50th Anniversary Gala Event — Valley Chamber Chorale, Saturday, May 17, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Lake Elmo Event Center, 3712 Layton Ave. N., in Lake Elmo. This is a formal event featuring a performance by the Valley Chamber Chorale. Tickets: $75 per person.
2025 Stillwater Historic House Tour, Sunday, May 18, 2025, hosted by the Washington County Historical Society in Stillwater. This tour allows attendees to view historic homes in Stillwater.
Discover the History of Woodbury – Guided Bus Tour, Wednesday, June 4, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., loading at St. John Lutheran Church in Woodbury. Join members of the Woodbury Heritage Society for a relaxing and informative afternoon exploring the rich history of Woodbury, Minnesota. Travel in comfort aboard a luxury mini coach from Minnesota Coaches, equipped with Wi-Fi and an onboard restroom for your convenience. The guided tour will take you through key landmarks and hidden gems, including Miller Barn, Woodbury Heritage House, Woodbury’s first school, historic churches and the first residential development, notable roads and the stories behind their names, and farms and agricultural sites that shaped the community. Tickets: $45 per person.