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Melissa Walker

News Assistant | Calendars
Phone: 612-673-4461
A self-proclaimed "List Maker to the Stars," Melissa spends her days coordinating calendars, sorting through press releases and combing the internet for a variety of events for Twin Citians to occupy themselves in their free time for the Minnesota Star Tribune and Vita.mn entertainment calendars. In rare, spare moments, she writes stories and book reviews.
Recent content from Melissa Walker
Air Supply will play at Mystic Lake in Prior Lake on April 4, 2025.

Tickets go on sale this week for Air Supply, Kevin Cronin and Jeff Ross

Other shows include Whitechapel, Static-X and Lily Rose.
Roll-A-Dazzle is one among the many interactive activities at Holidazzle, which runs Wednesday through Sunday at Minneapolis' Nicollet Mall between 6t

9 free things to do in the Twin Cities this week

Holidazzle brightens the week along with seasonal music and last-minute shopping opportunities.
Michael Trotter Jr. and Tanya Trotter of The War and Treaty perform onstage during the 2024 CMA Music festival at the Nissan Stadium on June 08, 2024

Tickets go on sale for KC & the Sunshine Band, EXTC and the War and Treaty

Other shows include The Army, the Navy; Sharon Van Etten & the Attachment Theory; and Rebecca Black.
The CPKCR holiday train will make its annual illuminated ride through Minnesota Wednesday through Dec. 16.

9 free things to do in the Twin Cities this week

Holiday lights will shine along with artist markets and a Santa shark hunt.
FILE - Kendrick Lamar performs at Coachella Music & Arts Festival at the Empire Polo Club on Sunday, April 16, 2017, in Indio, Calif. Kendrick Lamar t

Tickets go on sale for AC/DC, Kendrick Lamar, SZA and Nate Bargatze

Other shows include Big Auntie Energy, Watch What Crappens Live, Cat Empire, Breaking Benjamin and Staind.
The Plymouth Rockers perform "Joyous Songs of the Season" Saturday at Wayzata High School.

9 free things to do in the Twin Cities this week

The holidays are in full swing and that means one thing: It's time to hit some concerts and markets.
Themed vignettes will light up the grounds of Sever's light display in Shakopee through Dec. 25.

Brighten your holiday season: 2024 guide to spectacular light events across Minnesota

From humble hometowns to larger than life productions, there's no shortage of holiday lights.
The Gin Blossoms

Tickets go on sale this week for Gin Blossoms and C.J. Chenier & the Red Hot Louisiana Band

Other shows include Ron White and Belfast Cowboys.
Eyenga Bokamba's "Ode to Joy/Ode to the Moment" is featured in the exhibition, "Layers of Joy" at InFlux Space in the Regis Center for Art at the Univ

9 free things to do in the Twin Cities this week

Holiday events begin with Small Business Saturday, tree lightings and reindeer sightings.
Jimmy Carr attends the 12th annual Stand Up For Heroes benefit concert at the Hulu Theater at Madison Square Garden on Monday, Nov. 5, 2018, in New Yo

Tickets go on sale this week for Linkin Park, Jeremy Piven, Matt Rife and Houndmouth

Other shows include Tyler Childers, Jack White, 070 Shake, Kindred the Family Soul and Poppy.
Red Balloon Bookshop is hosting a 40th Anniversary Celebration this Saturday.

9 free things to do in the Twin Cities this week

Join in literary events, a fall dinner and decorating Thanksgiving cookies.
Don Felder

Tickets go on sale this week for Papa Roach, Charles Wesley Godwin and Tipper

Other shows include Caifanes, Don Felder, Donavon Frankenreiter and Citizen Soldier.
Jia Tolentino will read from her New York Times bestselling essay collection "Trick Mirror: Reflections on Self-Delusion" at Pillsbury Hall on Monday.

9 free things to do in the Twin Cities this week

The holiday season has started with a turkey giveaway, Santa arrival party and winter open house.
The annual  European Christmas Market, held at St. Paul's Union Depot, bustles with activity.

Twin Cities area holiday markets dazzle with unique gifts

Your guide to handcrafts, jewelry, specialty foods and more for the giving season.
Chastity Brown performs Jan. 21-Feb. 1 2025, at the Dakota in Minneapolis.

Tickets go on sale this week for Branford Marsalis Quartet and Nora McInerny

Other shows include KOTA the Friend and Tina Schlieske.
Ballet Co.Laboratory will perform during the lunch hour for free Tuesday at St. Paul's Landmark Center.

9 free things to do in the Twin Cities this week

The holiday season begins with ballet, craft shows and open studios.
Davina Lozier of Davina and the Vagabonds
credit: Christi Williams

Tickets go on sale for Tyler, the Creator, Nicholas David and Davina and the Vagabonds

Other shows include Josh Johnson, Darcy & Jer and 2hollis.
An authentic ofrenda, featuring photographs that remind us of loved ones, will be the centerpiece of the Day of the Dead celebration Saturday at Midto

9 free things to do in the Twin Cities this week

Celebrate the final week of all things spooky with Day of the Dead and other Halloween fun.
ZZ Ward will perform March 29, 2025, at Fitzgerald Theater in St. Paul.

Tickets go on sale for Wallows, ZZ Ward and Phantogram

Other shows include Maribou State, "Hadestown" and Wilder Woods.
The Northernettes synchronized skaters will perform a showcase Sunday at Ridder Arena in advance of the upcoming competition season.

9 free things to do in the Twin Cities this week

Spooky season is here with a pumpkin walk, candy crawl and trunk or treat.
ctyp_foster_the_people_columbia_records.jpg

Tickets go on sale for Foster the People, Golden Smog and Alison Moyet

Other shows include Los Lobos, Dylan Marlowe and Tamino.
Dancers will perform at Taste of Asia this weekend in Blaine.

9 free things to do in the Twin Cities

Get a taste of Asia, swap out old costumes for new and party at a pumpkin patch.
Elmo's Green Thumb- Sesame Street Live

Tickets go on sale for Sesame Street Live, Alton Brown and Finneas

Other shows include Arizona, Rebirth Brass Band and Dancing With the Stars.
An array of handcrafted glass pumpkins will be on display this weekend at the Glass Pumpkin Patch at Foci Minnesota Center for Glass Arts in Minneapol

9 free things to do in the Twin Cities this week

Meet and greet an author, attend a rocking show and add to your sports card collection.
Haunted Basement will hold Rescuer’s Menagerie from Oct. 17 to Nov. 2 at Bumbling Fools Meadery in Minneapolis.

Celebrate Halloween with events at Twin Cities bars, breweries and restaurants

Find your level of scare, from creepy and ghoulish to mild and cheesy.
Mary J. Blige will perform at Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul on March 16, 2025.

Tickets go on sale for Mary J. Blige, the Driver Era and Paw Patrol Live

Other shows include Lissie, Sounds of Blackness, Emei, "The Price Is Right Live" and more.
Ghouls await to give guests the fright of their life at the Abandoned Hayride in Chaska.

Twin Cities area offers dozens of Halloween haunts, from full-bore scare to fear-free fall fun

Celebrate with a haunted hayride, a ghost tour, a horror film fest or carve pumpkins and trick or treat with the kids.
The Paragon Ragtime Orchestra performs at the Bethlehem Music Series Sunday at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Minneapolis.

9 free things to do in the Twin Cities this week

Grab a jacket and get outdoors with harvest festivals and Halloween-themed events.
credit: Rhea Anna Ani DiFranco

Tickets go on sale for Lizz Winstead, 'The Book of Mormon' and Ani DiFranco

Other shows include WE Fest, Snow Patrol, Judith Owen, Vansire and Hulvey.
Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker and Kathy Najimy star in "Hocus Pocus," which will be screened Friday at Como Midway Pavilion in St. Paul.

9 free things to do in the Twin Cities this week

This well-rounded week is filled with a book launch, moving screening, bird watching and art appreciation.
Sebastian Maniscalco comes to St. Paul's on Feb. 14.

Tickets go on sale for Sebastian Maniscalco, Keith Sweat, Shelby Lynne and David Gray

Other shows include Tim Heidecker, Robert Glasper, Awolnation and Jonathan van Ness.
Children negotiate a hay bale maze at Sever's Corn Maze in Shakopee.

Top 10 things to do with the kids on MEA weekend

There is no shortage of kid-friendly fun during the annual teachers' conference. We help you pick the best of the bunch.
Chinese dancers performed at the 2023 Mid-Autumn Festival at Phalen Regional Park's China Friendship Garden in St. Paul.

9 free things to do in the Twin Cities this week

It's a weekend of festival fun, celebrating everything from the harvest to beer and community.
Enjoy Honeycrisp apples at Apple Jack Orchards this fall.

Top 10 family-friendly events in the Twin Cities this fall

Cooler air brings kids and parents to apple orchards, pumpkin patches and festivals.
Participants in 2023's Witches Night Out shopping crawl in downtown Excelsior. The annual event is sponsored by the Excelsior-Lake Minnetonka Chamber

Top 10 events geared to grown-ups in the Twin Cities

Fall fun for adults includes beer and cider festivals, live podcasts and more.
Brother Ali will perform at First Avenue in Minneapolis on Dec. 15.

Tickets go on sale for Donnell Rawlings, Brother Ali and Christmas with the Tenors

Other shows include John Waters, Nick Cave & the Bad Seeds, Role Model and David Shaw.
Gaoshua Vang's artwork is on exhibit at Roseville Library throughout this month.

9 free things to do in the Twin Cities

Get artistic with exhibits, art festival and poetry readings.
Blenders, Christmas Calendar

Tickets go on sale this week for Blenders, Tech N9ne and Kiss Road

Other shows include Kathleen Madigan, Justin Willman and Josh Ritter.
The Mariachi Son De Morelos Band performs at Galilee Lutheran Church on Monday.

9 free things to do in the Twin Cities

Culture takes a front seat with mariachi music, Greek food and entertainment and an introduction to paganism.
Emily King plays the Dakota Nov. 16-17.

Tickets go on sale this week for Of the Trees, Emily King and Jose James

Other shows include Frankenstein & Other Tales and Classic American Rockers.
Thursday's outdoor screening features "Barbie" starring Margot Robbie at Target Field Station in Minneapolis.

9 free things to do in the Twin Cities this week

Outdoor fun this week includes movies, music and a singalong.
Tap dancer and choreographer Savion Glover will be at Minneapolis' Dakota Oct. 10-11.

Tickets go on sale this week for Savion Glover, Leon Bridges and Ron Pope

Other shows include Eric Benet, SonReal, Polo G and Gavin Adcock.
Ever Galvez created chalk art at 2023's Let's Chalk in Monticello.

9 free things to do in the Twin Cities this week

As summer wanes, leave the house for festivals, water ski shows and block parties.
Rapper Wale performs at the Uptown in Minneapolis on Oct. 12.

Tickets go on sale this week for 'Some Like It Hot,' Wale, Warren Zeiders and Steve Hofstetter

Other shows include Gunhild Carling, Matt Mathews and Real Friends.
Families learn how the Stone Arch Bridge was built for transportation during Courtyard Family Day at Mill City Museum.

9 free things to do in the Twin Cities this week

Comedian Kevin Hart brings his Acting My Age Tour on Feb. 21, 2025, to the Armory in Minneapolis.

Tickets go on sale this week for Kevin Hart, Tinashe, Will Burkart and Jason Schommer

Other shows include Zinadelphia, Irish Christmas in America, DJ Fred Again and Bright Eyes.
This dragon was created by Preston, Elvis and Leroy Drum and is part of the exhibit "Together" at the Minnesota Museum of American Art.

9 free things to do in the Twin Cities this week

Why dine at home when there are food trucks, food festivals and other opportunities to eat outdoors?
Singer-songwriter and pianist Oleta Adams comes to the Dakota on Sept. 15.

Tickets go on sale this week for Cavetown, Oleta Adams and Kip Moore

Other shows include Las Migas, Larry McDonough Quartet and Paleface Swiss.
Minnesota Opera's production of "Albert Herring," featuring tenor David Portillo, will be screened Saturday in Rice Park.

9 free things to do in the Twin Cities this week

National Night Out, Canines for Clean Water and outdoor shows are on tap.
Singer-songwriter Rachael Yamagata comes to Minneapolis' Cedar Cultural Center Oct. 19.

Tickets go on sale this week for Suzy Bogguss, Disney on Ice, Rachael Yamagata and Nurse John

Other shows include Mannheim Steamroller Christmas, Hippo Campus, "Les Miserables" and Jeffrey Foucault.
The Average White Band opens for War, Friday at Mystic Lake's Great Midwest Rib Fest in Prior Lake.

9 free things to do in the Twin Cities this week

Authors release new works and BBQ lovers can smack on smoked meats during the Great Midwest Rib Fest.
Social commentator Fran Lebowitz comes to St. Paul's Fitzgerald Theater on Nov. 15.

Tickets go on sale for Foxing, Fran Lebowitz, the Bad Plus and Elyanna

Other shows include Paula Poundstone, Steel Panther, Chat Pile, Montell Fish, Amy Grant and Cole Chaney.
The Prairie Fire Choir performs on Sunday at Minnehaha Falls Art Fair.

9 free things to do in the Twin Cities this week

Festivals are aplenty this week with dancing, music and art.
Chris Botti will perform three nights at the Dakota in October.

Tickets go on sale this week for Chris Botti, La Dona, Sidepiece and B2wins

Other shows include Delfeayo Marsalis, Frankie Valli & the Four Seasons, Rick Wakeman and Jake Xerxes Fussell.
The St. George Dance Troupe will perform at St. George Middle Eastern Festival on Saturday and Sunday in St. Paul.

9 free things to do in the Twin Cities this week

Outdoor entertainment includes a movie in the park, theater and Neon Night Market.
John Hodman

Tickets go on sale this week for Judge John Hodgman and R&B Only

They will be performing at the Fitzgerald and Varsity.
Morris Day & the Time perform at Taste of Minnesota on Sunday.

9 free things to do in the Twin Cities this week

Patriotic events usher in July 4th along with the Taste of Minnesota and more.
Anthony Souffle � anthony.souffle@startribune.com Bloomington, Minn - July 2, 2009 - ] Fireworks light up the Mississippi River as patrons watch fro

Where to watch July 4th fireworks in the Twin Cities

Early or late, north or south, there's a fireworks show for you somewhere in the Twin Cities.

Tickets go on sale this week for the Front Bottoms, Jon Pardi and the Empty Pockets.

Other shows include Stephen Wilson Jr., the New Standards, Shaboozey and Tycho.
The 2023 Junior Royalty Court walked in last year's Blaine Festival parade.

9 free things to do in the Twin Cities this week

Chickens strut their stuff in competition and live music takes over parks and festivals.

Tickets go on sale this week for Russell Peters, Dayglow, Ginger Billy and Cimafunk

Other shows include Who? Weekly Live, Maddie & Tae and Cirque Dreams Holidaze.
Guitarist Will Hutchinson, left, and bass guitarist Will Glasper, right, of The Good, the Bad & the Funky perform Thursday in Champlin.

9 free things to do in the Twin Cities this week

Juneteenth and Pride celebrations rule the week along with antique boats and Koi fish.

Tickets go on sale this week for Jesse Cook, G-Eazy, Cold Case Live and 'Back to the Future: The Musical'

Other shows include Lady Lamb, Abby Holliday, Charlie Parr, Ivy Lab and Edwin Raphael.
Patricia Lacy, left and Braxton Haulcy danced to the music at the Juneteenth event hosted by the Rondo Center of Diverse Expressions. Monday June 19,2

Where to celebrate Juneteenth in the Twin Cities

From cultural exhibits and health fairs to crafts and carnivals, the celebration is all about creating community.
Carnage the (Now-Plant-Based) Executioner

9 free things to do in the Twin Cities this week

Juneteenth events kick off the celebration that honors the end of slavery.

Tickets go on sale this week for Cyndi Lauper, Gracie Abrams, John Hiatt and Brad Paisley

Other shows include Nathaniel Rateliff & the Night Sweats, Des Bishop and Kaitlin Butts.
An artist creates a chalk design at 2023's Chalkfest.

9 free things to do in the Twin Cities this week

Artistic expression fills this week with chalk art, spoken word, art and crafts.

Tickets go on sale this week for Brandon Lake, Magdalena Bay, Phosphorescent and Andy Shauf

Other shows include Jennifer Knapp, W.A.S.P., Pond and Sal Vulcano.
Model trains will be on display during Train Days this weekend at Union Depot in St. Paul.

9 free things to do in the Twin Cities this week

Enjoy a week of train fun, food trucks and anniversary celebrations.

Tickets go on sale this week for Justin Timberlake, Bilal and Shane Mauss

Other shows include Connie Han Trio, Dave Hill, Senses Fail and Saves the Day.
Hmong dancers performed at last years' Hmong Arts Festival at Landmark Center.

9 free things to do in the Twin Cities this week

The upcoming week features tributes to veterans as well as cultural festivals.

Tickets go on sale this week for Chief Keef, Bassem Youssef, Peabo Bryson, Bunt and Pretty Lights

Other shows include Childish Gambino, Melissa Carper, Here Come the Mummies and Steep Canyon Rangers.
Volunteer Dave Martin shows visitors live honeybees at last years' event.

9 free things to do in the Twin Cities this week

Volunteer opportunities and park exploration get families and friends outside this week.

Tickets go on sale this week for Jim Brickman, Gabrielle Zevin, Gza & the Phunky Nomads and Becky G

Other shows include Vaultboy, C.J. Chenier & the Red Hot Louisiana Band, Bluey's Big Play the Stage Show and David Cross.
Steve Ozone's "Betty," a 2016 archival pigment print is one of the works on view for the "Festschrift" exhibit.

9 free things to do in the Twin Cities this week

Art, fashion and creativity highlight this weeks' events.