12 Things to Do in Minneapolis This Week · May 21–24, 2026

Music & Nightlife

The $10,000 Comedy Competition: Semifinals

High-stakes comedy competition semifinals where rising stand-ups compete for a shot at the $10,000 prize at The Belvedere at Crooners.

Thursday, May 21, 2026 9:00 PM · The Belvedere at Crooners, Minneapolis

Vacant, Menstrual Tramps, Left in Rot, & Varmints

A packed underground punk and metal bill featuring four bands at the intimate Underground Music Venue Cafe.

Friday, May 22, 2026 · Underground Music Venue - Cafe, Minneapolis

Nathan Stanley 'Tribute To Dr. Ralph Stanley'

Nathan Stanley honors his grandfather Dr. Ralph Stanley with Roe Family Singers and Lake Monsters Bluegrass under the outdoor canopy stage.

Friday, May 22, 2026 7:00 PM · The Hook and Ladder Theater, Under The Canopy Stage, Minneapolis

April Macie

Stand-up comedian April Macie performs multiple shows over the weekend at House of Comedy Minneapolis.

Friday, May 22, 2026 7:30 PM · House of Comedy, East Village, Minneapolis

SMERZ with Kaitlin Simotics

Norwegian experimental pop duo SMERZ performs with opener Kaitlin Simotics at the intimate Cedar Cultural Center.

Friday, May 22, 2026 8:00 PM · The Cedar Cultural Center, Minneapolis

Festivals & Special Events

Goth Prom XIX: Cryptic Critters

The beloved annual Goth Prom returns for its 19th edition with a cryptic critters theme at the Granada Theater.

Friday, May 22, 2026 6:00 PM · Granada Theater, Minneapolis

Island Summer Splash

An all-day outdoor reggae and Caribbean music festival featuring International Reggae All Stars, Socaholix, Wain McFarlane, and more under the canopy.

Saturday, May 23, 2026 4:00 PM · The Hook and Ladder Theater, Under The Canopy Stage, Minneapolis

Arts & Culture

Louisa May Alcott's Little Women

The Guthrie Theater's production of Little Women, following Jo March's unconventional dreams in Civil War-era Massachusetts, continues its run.

Friday, May 22, 2026 · Guthrie Theater, 818 S 2nd Street, Minneapolis

Revel + Riot: Student Showcase

A student showcase event celebrating young artists and performers at a Minneapolis venue.

Friday, May 22, 2026 · Minneapolis

Pauline Kruger Hamilton: The End of an Era

Artist talk and opening reception for Pauline Kruger Hamilton's exhibition at Praxis Gallery, alongside new group exhibitions.

Saturday, May 23, 2026 · Praxis Gallery, Minneapolis

Free Events

Space Between JAM

A free open jam session at The Hook and Ladder Theater, welcoming musicians and music lovers for a collaborative evening.

Tuesday, May 26, 2026 7:00 PM · The Hook and Ladder Theater, Minneapolis

Outdoors & Active

Sand Volleyball at Snail Lake

Beginner-friendly outdoor sand volleyball at Snail Lake, organized by the Twin Cities Indoor/Outdoor Sports & Recreation Meetup Group.

Wednesday, May 27, 2026 5:30 PM · Snail Lake, Twin Cities area