Minneapolis Public Schools

Rev up your engines and join us at Chanhassen Dinner Theater for the matinee performance of Grease! Greased-back hair and leather jackets, ponytails and poodle skirts, fast cars and rock’n’roll, Experience the nostalgia of high school in the ‘50s – peer pressure, love, and teenage life set against the campy backdrop of Rydell High! Discover the drama, comedy, and pop-culture satire that has made Grease one of the most popular productions of all time! Don’t forget the music, with songs like “Summer Nights,” “We Go Together,” “Greased Lightnin’,” “Beauty School Dropout” and so many others, including the hits you love from the movie. Have fun as you groove and bop along! Your ticket includes Sit-Down Lunch, Show, Tax & Gratuity. Appetizers and drinks available to purchase at the table directly with your wait staff. Lunch Seating begins at 11:00 am. Grease Performance begins at 1:00 pm Meet Minneapolis Community Ed Staff at Will Call to pick up your tickets. Location: The Chanhassen Dinner Theater is located at 501 W 78th St, Chanhassen, MN 55317 NOTE: After May 7th you can transfer your tickets but no refunds or cancelations are available. If event is full, please enroll for the waitlist. We will contact you if a space becomes available.

Dominique Morisseau’s Paradise Blue Black community in a fight for its future. Directed by Lou Bellamy Welcome to the Paradise Club, home to a makeshift family of musicians living out their lives in a fast-changing section of Detroit. After a bewitching stranger arrives with ready cash and a secretive agenda, the future of these friendships and the club itself fall into doubt. Morriseau’s noir-inflected musical drama captures people yearning to find their song in a community on the brink. Performance held at Penumbra Theater located at 270 N Kent St, St Paul, MN 55102. Only transfer of registrations after Feb 1st. Transportation is on your own. If event is full, please enroll for the waitlist. We will contact you if a space becomes available.

In the spring of 1861, writer/philosopher/poet/naturalist Henry David Thoreau traveled to Minnesota for the first and only time. Seven years prior, Thoreau published his landmark book “Walden,” which championed nature, the woods, and the act of staring at a body of water for internal and spiritual self-awareness. The next year, Thoreau would die from his lifelong bout with tuberculosis, at 44 years old. Other than botanical notes, Thoreau never had a chance to write about his Minnesota visit. What would he have had to say about our great lakes and big river? Thoreau fan and writer/songwriter/author Jim Walsh has long wondered as much; now in the spring of 2024, join Walsh as he leads a tour of Twin Cities landmarks visited by naturalist/writer/poet Henry David Thoreau during his trek to Minnesota in the spring of 1861. Stops include Nicollet and Hennepin Islands and Bde Maka Ska. 12:45 pm Board Coach Bus 1:00 pm Bus Departs 4:00 pm Return to Southwest High School PICK UP LOCATION: Southwest High School - 3414 W. 47th Street, Mpls, MN 55410 Park & meet in the Chowen Ave. lot on the West side of the school between 46th & 47th Streets. If tour is full, please enroll for the waitlist. We will let you know if space becomes available.

St. Valentine’s Day has long been considered one of the most romantic days on the holiday calendar. But for some during the prohibition era, the day was marked by much more than chocolate and roses! Come and hear stories and lore about gangsters and mobsters who observed the day in their own inimitable fashion. Discover the connections between Chicago outfit and St. Paul’s own Little Italy in this special bus tour that includes an opportunity to break bread at DeGidio’s on West 7th. A perfect gift for your special Valentine, (roses not included)!! Whether you are flying solo or are connected at the hip, you’ll enjoy this novel take on Valentine's Day! Join Marie “Mickey” Comforti, on a brief respite from her usual post in purgatory, as she shares her favorite “last supper” stories. Board Coach bus at DeGidio's Restaurant & Bar located at 425 7th St W, St Paul, MN 55102. Enjoy DeGidio's Italian buffet lunch following the bus tour. Please enroll on the waitlist if the tour is full. We will contact you if a space becomes available.

Join Kao Lee Thao and Christina Vang, local Hmong artists, for a tour of murals around the Twin Cities. Listen to the inspirations and motivations behind these stunning community-building works of art. 2:45 pm Board Motorcoach at Southwest High School located at 3414 W. 47th Street, Mpls, MN 55410. 3:00 pm Bus Departs 6:00 pm @ Return to Southwest High School If the tour is full, please add your name to the waitlist.

Step back in time and explore the vibrant history and cultural richness of Rondo, St. Paul's historic African American neighborhood, on our immersive bus tour. Led by Dr. Artika R. Tyner (award-winning author, civil rights attorney, and Rondo native), this tour takes you on a journey through the heart of Rondo, where you'll learn about its history as a bustling community filled with thriving businesses, arts, culture, and close-knit families. As we wind through the streets, you'll hear captivating stories of resilience, creativity, and community engagement, from the challenges faced during the construction of Interstate 94 to the vibrant cultural scene that once flourished here. Alongside its rich history, Rondo was also a hub of arts and culture, nurturing talented musicians, artists, and writers who left an indelible mark on the city's cultural landscape. You'll visit significant landmarks, including historic churches, schools, and businesses, each with its own fascinating tale to tell. Along the way, you'll also have the opportunity to meet local residents and community leaders, gaining insight into the ongoing efforts to preserve Rondo's legacy and build a brighter future. Whether you're a history buff, a cultural enthusiast, or simply curious about this important chapter in St. Paul's past, our Rondo bus tour offers a unique and memorable experience for all. Join us as we celebrate the past, present, and future of this beloved neighborhood, steeped in history, creativity, and community. - 9:45 am Board Motorcoach at Hallie Q Brown Community Center located at 270 N Kent St, St Paul, MN 55102 - 10:00 am Bus Departs - 1:00 pm @ Return to Hallie Q Brown OPTION: Support the "Planting People Growing Justice" Literacy Program by ordering a copy of Dr. Tyner’s book “Joey and Grandpa Johnson’s Day in Rondo". Fee includes coach bus, guides & light refreshments, A portion of tour proceeds will support participating Rondo businesses. Note: Only transfer of registration after April 17th. No refunds. If the tour is full, please add your name to the waitist. We will let you know if spots become available.

Join historian Frank M White on this fascinating journey through the early years of St. Paul's Rondo neighborhood. From the beginning, Rondo was a haven for people of color and immigrants. Learn of the neighborhood's immigrant namesake who faced discrimination due to his wife’s mixed white and indigenous heritage. French Canadians, German, Russian, Irish, and Jewish families all followed his lead in the late 19th century and found homes there. Beginning in the 1910s and 1920s, Rondo experienced a social and cultural boom. Music and theater flourished. African American newspapers such as the Appeal, the Northwestern Bulletin, and the St. Paul Recorder represented Rondo’s interests and needs. In 1913, St. Paul established its chapter of the NAACP, making it a center for civil rights activity. One member of the chapter, Rondo resident Roy Wilkins, later led the national NAACP. Frank grew up in Rondo. He will share stories from his extensive research as well as personal stories living in the neighborhood. Meet the Motorcoach Bus at Hallie Q. Brown Community Center located at 270 N Kent St, St Paul, MN 55102. 9:45 am Board Motorcoach Bus 10:00 am Bus Departs Fee includes coach bus, guides, and light refreshments. Note: Only transfer of registration after April 3, 2025. If the tour is full, please add your name to the waitist. We will let you know if spots become available.

Inspired by her travels and the culinary tradition and landscape of her ancestors, Chef Ann Ahmed invites you to join her on a culinary tour of Laos, by way of story and meal, on the enclosed, tropical inspired Rooftop at Gai Noi. This communal, family-style dining experience will feature an immersive, multi-dish, three-course menu that captures the essence and vibrancy of Laotian cuisine, and will be accompanied by conversation and story with Chef Ann. Please note that to maintain the cultural integrity and authenticity of the cuisine, we regretfully cannot accommodate any dietary restrictions or allergies. Beverages will be available for purchase. Includes dinner and gratuity. NOTE: Ann is nominated for James Beard Award - Best Chef Midwest. Gai Noi is located at 1610 Harmon Pl, Minneapolis, MN 55403. If event is full, please enroll for the waitlist. We will contact you if a space becomes available.

Join Jennings Mergenthal, Public History Graduate Student at the University of Minnesota and Beth Calderon, Blake Social Studies Teacher for conversations about the influence of public history in Minnesota. After in introduction and framing for our day, we will take in the new exhibit at Historic Fort Snelling: "Many Voices, Many Stories, One Place" exploring the complex history of this important place. After viewing the exhibit, we'll meet again as a group for an Indigenous lunch and reflections on this exhibit -- what it does and what it doesn't do. About the Exhibit: * As you journey through more than 10,000 years, witness the site's complex history unfold through diverse perspectives. * Encounter the stories of dozens of individuals whose lives played out at various times, including Dakota and Ojibwe people, Japanese-Americans, immigrants, enslaved African American people, soldiers, and fur traders. * Learn about the sacred Dakota homeland at the confluence of the Mni Sota Wakpa (Minnesota) and Haha Wakpa (Mississippi Rivers), the military fort that played a pivotal role in our nation’s history, and the site’s importance in the formation of our state. Group meets inside the Plank Visitor Center at Historic Fort Snelling located at 200 Tower Ave St. Paul, MN 55111. If event is full, please add your name to the waitlist. We will notify you if a spot becomes available!

Can you think of a better start to your morning than puppy yoga? We'll have the cutest puppies ever to join you during your morning workout. All skill levels welcome! Please bring your own yoga mat. We'll bring the puppies, so please leave your furry companions at home. No Dog Left Behind is a foster-based rescue, meaning that all of our rescue dogs are placed in loving fosters homes until they are adopted. We rely on donations to fund our rescue, including vet costs and food. A portion of the proceeds from this event will directly benefit our wonderful rescue dogs! You can read more about us by visiting our website at https://ndlbrescue.org/ No Dogs Left Behind is located at 10779 - 93rd Ave. N., Maple Grove, MN 55569. Transportation is on your own. If the tour is full, please add your name to the waitist. We will let you know if spots become available.

Warm up your vocal cords with classic carols and a hot beverage! It’s that time of year and Sister Celeste is determined to get everyone in pitch-perfect shape for the Holy Season! Join her and compatriots in the former St. Agatha’s Conservatory Chapel. There will be a wee vocal warm-up before playing a few games of Christmas Bingo for some very interesting prizes (“Thank you, St.Vincent De Paul”!). The fun continues with a chance to warm up your vocal cords with carols and hot chocolate. And as always, a chance to learn a little history and win your very own glow-in-the-dark rosary with Sister Celeste’s pop quiz! Length of Event: 120 minutes Meeting Location: Celeste of St. Paul Bar + Hotel, 26 E Exchange St., St. Paul, MN

“Most countries send out oil or iron, steel or gold.. Ireland has had only… its people” John F. Kennedy Enjoy this St. Patrick’s Day primer with your Heavenly Host Sister Celeste! Whether you were born Irish or are just “Born Again Irish” (as Sister says) you’ll have a chance to enjoy some of the social and cultural history of the folks who came from “the old sod” to make their way here in the new world. A chance to learn a little more about their journey while trying on the Luck of the Irish with a game or two of Bingo (featuring some well worn and “very useful” prizes from St. Vincent de Paul)! And as always, Sister has a quiz with a chance to win your very own glow-in-the-dark rosary ! Check out Sr. Celeste flying high on St. Patrick's Day last year! https://vimeo.com/689498818 Event held at Celeste of St. Paul Bar + Hotel, 26 E Exchange St., St. Paul, MN. If event is full, please add your name to the waitlist. If a spot opens, we will get in touch with you.

Join us for Stevie Ray’s Comedy Cabaret where the Stevie Ray’s Comedy Troupe creates instant comedy based on ideas you call out from the audience. They'll perform comedy that is meant for adults, but isn’t juvenile or dirty, so you don’t have to be uncomfortable bringing a date, a client, or the in-laws. At Stevie Ray’s, there is something for everyone (except people who don’t like to laugh). Meet Minneapolis Community Ed Staff at Will Call to pick up your tickets.. Location: Stevie Ray's Comedy Cabaret is located within the Chanhassen Dinner Theater - 501 W 78th St, Chanhassen, MN 55317 NOTE: After Feb 22nd you can transfer your tickets but no refunds or cancelations are available. If event is sold out, please add your names for the waitlist. We will contact you if tickets becomes available.