Fun Finder: Explore dance, opera, drag, comedy, poetry, Black literature and more this weekend

The Twin Cities arts scene this weekend offers an array of events that showcase the region's vibrant and multifaceted cultural landscape. From innovative dance performances to dynamic literary celebrations, there is a wealth of artistic exploration available to audiences.

Continuing through the weekend is the Fall Forward dance festival at Minneapolis’s Luminary Arts Center. Now in its second weekend, the festival presents a rotating roster of dance companies including Ananya Dance Theatre, ArenaDances, Black Label Movement, Duniya Drum & Dance, and Vie Boheme. Each performance features a unique lineup, encouraging attendees to experience multiple shows with discounted ticket options. The festival highlights the diversity and creativity within the local dance community.

In St. Paul, An Opera Theatre stages its fifth annual "Divas & Drag," a theatrical event blending classical opera and drag performance. This year’s edition pays homage to the Gilded Age with a live soundtrack performed by the Bach Society of Minnesota, featuring Baroque-era compositions. The production runs through Monday at the Historic Mounds Theatre and includes a sober matinee option, broadening its accessibility.

Adding to the weekend’s theatrical offerings, Theatre Elision presents "Ghost Quartet," a song cycle by Dave Malloy. The show, which merges storytelling with live musicianship by the cast, will be performed outdoors at Historic Fort Snelling’s amphitheater. Admission is free, though reservations and donations are encouraged to support the production.

Music enthusiasts can also enjoy the concluding concerts of two series. The Landmark Center’s Music on the Cortile wraps up with a noon performance by indie-folk-pop artist anni xo. Meanwhile, the Lowertown Sounds summer series closes with a free evening concert featuring The Scarlet Goodbye, a collaboration between Minnesota musicians Dan Murphy and Jeff Arundel, with support from High on Stress. This concert had been postponed earlier due to environmental concerns but will now take place in Mears Park.

The literary arts receive focused attention at the Bell Museum’s "Voices Forward: Teen Poets Imagine the Future" showcase. This event features teen poets who have spent the summer working with mentors to craft poems reflecting on personal and communal futures in the context of the nation’s 250th anniversary. Accompanied by readings from mentor poets, the program offers insight into emerging voices and perspectives.

South Asian Arts & Theater House introduces "Made in India," a new theatrical dance production inspired by the real-life experiences of an Indian adoptee in America. Combining theater, dance, and puppetry, the show explores themes of identity, family, and belonging. Scheduled performances at the Cowles Center span several dates through the end of August.

On a lighter note, the Turf Club debuts "Bonus Joy," a comedy variety show featuring a lineup of comedians and musical acts. Hosted by Ben Katzner and Pearl Rose, the evening also includes a magic and mentalism segment by Parker William. The event caters to adult audiences and emphasizes intimate, seated performances.

Finally, the Midwest Black Book Fair takes place at the University of Minnesota’s UROC community center in North Minneapolis. With over 30 authors and creative partners participating, the fair offers book signings, workshops, and activities aimed at celebrating Black literature and community engagement.

Together, these events reflect the Twin Cities' commitment to fostering an inclusive and eclectic arts environment, inviting audiences to experience a wide spectrum of cultural expressions this weekend.