This weekend is host to one of the Twin Cities premiere music festivals (at least the most well publicized), the Basilica Block Party. The festival has all the traits of a great festival: music, food, and beer. But we’ve seen it all before. Don’t get me wrong, it’s a great music festival with up and coming musicians, but what about trying out an event that takes a little digging to find out about? As a cultural hub, Twin Cities plays host to an endless list of events that are a little off the beaten path, but very worth checking out.

The annual “Zine Fest” takes place this weekend. The term “zine” refers to independent publications and homemade magazines that entertain a variety of topics ranging anywhere from politics and music to personal stories. The festival includes workshops, exhibits, screenings, and readings surrounding the Zines.

The Zine nostalgia must be doing something right as it continues to gain popularity and storms on into its’ sixth year. Stop by the Stevens Square Centers for the Arts July 11-12 and see what this Zine buzz is all about!

This weekend is also host to Trout Fest at Mill City. The name might throw you off, but the event put on by Mill City Farmers Market, offers local, sustainable, and organic foods from Star Prairie Trout Farm. The event is bringing in some of the top area chefs to display some of the secrets to preparing Trout freshly. And while you buy and sample some of the best local food, Gypsy Mania will be providing “club” jazz for you musical enjoyment. There will even be locally raised chickens and ducks on site to help educate market-goers on how to properly raise their very own backyard farm. So get out there and support Star Prairie Trout Farm and buy local!

Saturday, July 11th 10:00am
Mill City Museum 704 South Second Street, Minneapolis