Get Out ... and Explore the Mendota Heights Area April 22-24

1.) Minneapolis St. Paul International Film Festival

When/Where: April 14-May 5/ 115 Main St SE, Minneapolis, MN 55414 (St. Anthony Main Theatre)

Why Go: Schedule a date night, or bring the kids to the Saturday morning shorts. Either way, you’ll see the best of independent film from across the world without leaving the Twin Cities. For a schedule and more information, visit the festival’s website.

Pricing: $9-$11

2.)

When/Where: 3:30 p.m.–5 p.m. Friday, April 22/ , 14395 S Robert Trl, Rosemount

Why Go: Kids age 7-10 can put some of that spontaneity to good use while learning the skills of a stage actor.

Details: Free, registration required

3.) 

When/Where: 10 a.m. Saturday, April 23/, 860 Cliff Rd, Eagan  

Why Go: From 10 a.m. to noon, clean up the park to receive free canoe or kayak rental coupons and of course the satisfaction of doing something great for the environment and the community. From noon to 1 p.m., enjoy your picnic lunch. From 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., take part in healthy activities, a raffle, and music around the campfire.

Pricing: Free, registration requested

4.) 

When/Where: 1 to 2 p.m. Saturday, April 23; , Apple Valley

Why Go: It’s the 150th anniversary year of the start of the Civil War. A Union soldier will present artifacts and stories of Minnesota during the Civil War at this event hosted by the Dakota County Historical Society.

Pricing: Free

5.) Green on Parade

When/Where: Start crafts now in preparation for the Green on Parade event, 1 p.m., Sat. May 7 at the Minnesota State Fair Grounds (starts at creative arts building).

 Why Go: First, pick up a grab bag of art supplies for $5 at ArtStart, 1459 St. Clair Ave in St. Paul, to make your costumes, masks or hats, or attend a craft workshop April 30 from 12-4 p.m. Then show up at the parade, which is a new addition to the Living Green Expo, and join in.  

Pricing: A supply bag and templates are $5, the parade is free.