According to MN Compass, nearly 180,000 people from East and West Africa call Minnesota home, including members of Minneapolis and St. Paul's tight-knit Somali, Ethiopian, Kenyan, Liberian and Nigerian communities. Here are 10 metro area mainstays that offer both a taste of home and something new for curious Minnesotans to try — from egusi and fufu to deeply flavorful doro wat.
At Krewe in St. Joseph, chef Mateo Mackbee faithfully replicates family recipes to make diners feel as though they have been transported to New Orleans. The restaurant opened in May 2020 and is named after the people responsible for bringing Mardi Gras’ lively parade floats to life. In 2025, Mackbee became a Best Chef: Midwest semifinalist at the James Beard Awards.
The Minnesota Marine Art Museum is excited to continue our partnership with the Winona Symphony Orchestra to bring you another season of Water Music: Chamber Concerts at the MMAM. Water Music presents a series of four chamber music concerts in an intimate, refined setting among the galleries. These performances are jointly programmed to spotlight both the visual treasures of the Minnesota Marine Art Museum and musical masterworks unified by a common theme.
Get ready to step back in time and twist the night away at a vintage-style Sock Hop! We’re bringing all the fun, flair, and classic moves of the ’50s – and we couldn’t be more excited!
Special Highlights
Live music from The Pinski Brothers – real rockin’ tunes to keep you dancing all night!
Costume Contest – come dressed in your best retro outfit and compete for cool prizes. Poodle skirts, leather jackets, saddle shoes -bring your sock hop style!
Join the Laurel School of Music for the Rothchild Family Concert Series at the Minnesota History Center. Each concert features a unique program performed by members of the music school’s faculty. Don’t miss this chance to hear the series in the beautiful History Center Museum on select Thursday nights from November to July!
Minnesota's Only State Crossing - Join us for our 10th year.
Registration Opens February 1st - Limit 30 Riders.
RideMN1 Inc. is nonprofit cancer awareness organization with no fund-raising requirements.
Our 2026 route begins in Fargo with a banquet Saturday night (9/12) and takes us to Detroit Lakes, Itasca State Park, Federal Dam, Crosslake, Palisade, Cromwell and finishes in Duluth. 7 days of riding for 368 miles.
Live music with Paul Atkins! Free entry, must be 21+ to drink.
Paul plays acoustic covers of pop and rock songs from the 70s to the 00s, with the occasional deep cut thrown in for good measure.
Kofi & The Firekeepers are bringing an exciting evening of African influenced Reggae back to the Music Factory for the 6th year!
Missed your dream prom or want to relive it but this time on your terms? Here’s your chance to party like it’s 1985 – neon lights, big hair, and all the retro vibes you crave. And the best part? You get to come with your partner or spouse (not your awkward high school crush)!
This is the PROM REDO you’ve been waiting for:
Professional prom photographer to capture every rad moment
Crowning of prom royalty … (OMG the nail biting suspense)
Costume contest – break out your leg warmers, shoulder pads, and neon everything!
The grape harvest is now over and the new wines are quietly maturing in our stainless steel tanks. During this special weekend, Winehaven will be embracing the German tradition of inviting guests to sample the new wine – directly from the cask! It’s not juice anymore, but it’s not finished wine either. Whatever it is, it’s delicious! Don’t miss the chance to enjoy the very best of fall at Winehaven!
