Storming the Bastille Day Block Party

By Robyn Schindeldecker

The Fourth of July has passed, but it’s already time to celebrate another nation’s independence day. La Fête Nationale commemorates the beginning of the French Revolution, when populists sparked the formation of a sovereign nation by storming the Bastille fortress.

Locally, Twin Citizens are invited to partake in a different type of uprising at Barbette’s Bastille Day Block Party. Francophiles and bon vivants alike can feast their five senses on all things festive at the annual event.

This year’s musical acts include headliner Astronautalis, as well as Peter Wolf Crier, A. Wolf & Her Claws, Prissy Clerks, Sleep Study, The Brass Messengers, and Patty & the Buttons. As emcee, the incomparable Foxy Tann is guaranteed to energize the crowd.

For other diversions, look no further than the eclectic assortment of street entertainment. In the Heart of the Beast Puppet and Mask Theater, Infiammati Fire Circus, Familia Skateshop, and Epitome-No Question dance collective will provide merriment for all ages.

Don’t forget to leave your self-control at home and let your nose guide you toward the locally-sourced, French-inspired fare. Nutella-laced crêpes? Yes, please! A basket brimming with pommes frites? Those, too! Complete your refreshment trifecta with a glass of wine or ice cold beer.

If last year’s celebration was any indication, neither rain nor stifling heat will keep the masses from celebrating. So come join in the revelry and let loose a cry of “Vive la France!”

What? Bastille Day Block Party
Where? Barbette (the corner of Lake and Irving in Uptown)
When? Sunday, July 15 from 3:00-10:00pm

BEYOND RED, WHITE, AND BOOM

By Robyn Schindeldecker

While an “ooh” and “aah”-inducing fireworks display remains the exclamation point to a holiday filled with family, friends, and flag waving, there is a growing number of options for Twin Citizens who want to celebrate the Fourth of July in a more unique fashion.

Here are four fresh ways to add to your Independence Day experience this year.

The Depot’s Third Annual Diamond Dog Eating Contest. Ketchup, mustard, relish, sauerkraut: This is the supporting cast in a competitive eating contest that features the ultimate summertime staple. Enter the contest or cheer on participants as they overindulge in hot dogs. After all, nothing says ‘Merica quite like gorging on processed meat. (The Depot Tavern, 2:00 PM.)

Independence Day Racing. This family-friendly event at Canterbury Park showcases dogs of an entirely different breed. In the afternoon, weiner dogs will assume their positions at the starting line and vie for the title of the Dachshund Dash. Bring the kids along and take advantage of free pony rides, face painting, and a petting zoo. (Canterbury Park, 1:30 PM.)

Freedom From Pants VI. In its sixth year, the directive of this bike ride is implicit in its name: NO PANTS ALLOWED. Participants will gather in the Soap Factory parking lot and pedal around town in this nearly-nude parade on wheels. So come remove (most of) your clothes and join the mob of bikers as they let freedom ring (er, ride). (The Soap Factory, 6:00 PM.)

D-4th of July. Whether it’s the ninth or tenth annual holiday show for Minneapolis punk veterans Dillinger Four is incidental. What really matters is that when it comes time to toss back a drink for the good old U.S. of A., you make yours a whiskey double, Coke no ice. (The Triple Rock Social Club, 8:00 PM.)

And if you need to find comfort in the familiar, there will always be fireworks.

Blanket For Two

BLANKET FOR TWO

By Robyn Schindeldecker

Biking, walking swimming, sailing … and dinner and a movie? Thanks to Bread & Prickle restaurant and Music and Movies in the Parks, Lake Harriet provides an ideal backdrop for a fresh summer spin on your typical date night.

Bread & Pickle is a casual eatery that serves locally sourced foods in a zero-waste environment. Operated by the culinary masterminds behind Bryant Lake Bowl, Barbette, and Red Stag Supperclub, the tenant of the former Lake Harriet refectory serves light fare and refreshing beverages for picnickers and hungry exercisers alike. Favorites include summer staples like an egg salad sandwich and cheese curds. The batter is made with organic milk from Castle Rock Dairy in Wisconsin, but make no mistake: These deep fried pieces of the American Dream are just as unhealthily delicious as their State Fair counterpart. More unique offerings include a hummus wrap and hibiscus punch.

For the movie component of your evening, look no further than Music and Movies in the Parks. Sponsored by the Minneapolis Park Board, this summer series is comprised of more than 250 outdoor events throughout the city. The movie themes this summer run the gamut from Totally 80s to Fright Night to All Time Favorites. The schedule even features memorable games from past Twins seasons. This Friday, June 29, get your Far East fix with Kung Fu Theater at the Lake Harriet Bandshell. Like all of the movies shown, it will begin just after sunset.

So get to Lake Harriet early and enjoy a warm weather nosh on the lakeside patio or a picnic dinner on a blanket. Then settle down to watch the flick with a box of popcorn.

But first, don’t forget to douse yourself with plenty of eau d’OFF!

For the full Bread & Pickle menu, visit: www.breadandpickle.com

For the full Minneapolis Music and Movies in the Parks schedule, visit: www.mplsmusicandmovies.com

Holy Beer Fest!

This Saturday at the St. Paul Fairgrounds is the St. Paul Summer Beer Fest!!!

The 3rd Annual event features over 85 breweries with proceeds benefiting the St. Paul YMCA!

The unique thing about the St. Paul Summer Beer fest is it's for beer lovers. Only craft beers sold here nothing from the macro breweries available... The best local and national crafts!

Here is how it gets down:

1. Get in the door and hold tight to your sampling glass - Show up early! The event starts at 2pm!
2. Sample all the beer you can handle
3. Listen to great music including Jack Brass Band and the Como Ave Jug Band
4. Recharge at a food truck
5. Head back for more sampling!

What to bring:

1. Pretzel Necklace
2. Some safe passage home
3. Sun Block
4. Aluminum water bottle

Ice House Opening

Well, our friends and neighbors finally got their construction done!  Though tools were still being picked up, we were mucho impressed.  Looks like Eat Street is getting another good restaurant!  We'll post the happy hour ASAP!

We were just super happy; despite all remodel work, stage set-up, and sound gear, they still found time to cook.

Then they bought everyone lunch:)

ham sandwich, pulled pork, homemade chips at Ice House deli area

$2 Subs today? Yes Please

Thanks Erbert, it's nice to know we're appreciated.

The Details: HERE

Outdoor Concert at a Gorgeous Vineyard Anyone?

Dear Outdoor Music Fans,

We love love love outdoor music!  Something always makes it better when the trees are swaying in the wind and the grass can absorb any beer spillage:)

Well, the time has finally come for Rock The Vine held at the St. Croix Vineyards!  This Saturday all day!

This will most likely be the best outdoor concert of the summer.  Why? Well, not only are Solid Gold and Halloween Alaska headlining, but Haley Bonar, Farewell Milwaukee, and a host of other bands will be there as well.  Combine that with the unique layout and landscape of the St. Croix Vineyard, and you've got a unique experience that is going to be way more unique and fun than anything else I can think of.

Read all the details:

  - On our previous blog post  

  - At Official Site  

  - On Facebook

We'll be there, and leading the Official Bike Ride (details) to the event! (as well as hosting a protected bike area) So we hope to see everyone there, and hope even more that you'll ride with us. 

Cheers,

ThriftyHipster.com

PS. If you have yet to bike to Stillwater, this is a gorgeous, safe, and easy trail that winds from St. Paul to Stillwater. The entire trip is only about 18 miles so everyone can do it.

PPS. Don't make this your mantra. Get out to the vineyard and rock'n'roll!