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Tim Walz steps back onto national stage as Minnesota exit nears

The outgoing governor appeared at a conference in Spain and on "Jimmy Kimmel Live" this week.

News

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2026/01/05/tim-walz-drop-out-minnesota-governor-race" data-vars-content-id="75153b31-8711-4656-8b27-65f7e6082e97" data-vars-headline="Tim Walz steps back onto national stage as Minnesota exit nears" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2026/01/05/tim-walz-drop-out-minnesota-governor-race" target="_self">Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz</a> is back on the road, with recent trips to Spain for a progressive leaders conference and Los Angeles for a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="nationally televised late-night interview" data-vars-click-url="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Utjt7lg7MwM&amp;time_continue=520&amp;source_ve_path=NzY3NTg&amp;embeds_referring_euri=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.mprnews.org%2F" data-vars-content-id="75153b31-8711-4656-8b27-65f7e6082e97" data-vars-headline="Tim Walz steps back onto national stage as Minnesota exit nears" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Utjt7lg7MwM&amp;time_continue=520&amp;source_ve_path=NzY3NTg&amp;embeds_referring_euri=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.mprnews.org%2F" target="_blank">nationally televised late-night interview</a>.The big picture: The DFL governor&#x27;s ramped-up travel schedule, combined with this week&#x27;s announcements that he&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="writing a book" data-vars-click-url="https://apnews.com/article/tim-walz-book-minneapolis-3b72c0fa8173cc2971098f1d4c1005af" data-vars-content-id="75153b31-8711-4656-8b27-65f7e6082e97" data-vars-headline="Tim Walz steps back onto national stage as Minnesota exit nears" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://apnews.com/article/tim-walz-book-minneapolis-3b72c0fa8173cc2971098f1d4c1005af" target="_blank">writing a book</a> and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="launching a federal PAC" data-vars-click-url="https://www.startribune.com/walz-rolls-out-small-town-pac-to-rebuild-democrats-rural-bench/601782385" data-vars-content-id="75153b31-8711-4656-8b27-65f7e6082e97" data-vars-headline="Tim Walz steps back onto national stage as Minnesota exit nears" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.startribune.com/walz-rolls-out-small-town-pac-to-rebuild-democrats-rural-bench/601782385" target="_blank">launching a federal PAC</a>, offer early clues about what Walz hopes to do after he leaves office next year.<ul><li>While he won&#x27;t be on the ballot this fall, he&#x27;s said he plans to use the PAC to help Democrats &quot;expand the map&quot; by recruiting and supporting candidates in rural areas.</li></ul>

What to do with the distressed Dayton's Project

The $350M redevelopment now has a city-assessed value of $27M

A judge&#x27;s recent ruling approving the potential foreclosure of the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Dayton&#x27;s Project" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2021/11/15/daytons-project-macys-minneapolis-open-photos-tour-leasing" data-vars-content-id="456dd814-eb15-4206-8f0b-c1edd7fde525" data-vars-headline="What to do with the distressed Dayton&#x27;s Project" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2021/11/15/daytons-project-macys-minneapolis-open-photos-tour-leasing" target="_self">Dayton&#x27;s Project</a> sets up a thorny question: What&#x27;s going to happen to one of the biggest — and emptiest — buildings in downtown Minneapolis?Why it matters: If some creative developer can&#x27;t figure it out, there&#x27;s a risk that one of the city&#x27;s largest properties, in the heart of Nicollet Mall, could remain hollow and fall into neglect.

Restaurant roundup: Beast Barbecue closes, Duck Duck Coffee expands

Ducks on Lake will open on East Lake Street as soon as next month, Longfellow Whatever reports.

Food and Drink

Duck Duck Coffee is expanding to East Lake Street, Longfellow Whatever <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="reports" data-vars-click-url="https://www.longfellowwhatever.com/ducks-on-lake-coffee-shop-opening-in-the-former-milkweed/" data-vars-content-id="f57f7c3b-e5c3-4773-a02e-b077f5090ae7" data-vars-headline="Restaurant roundup: Beast Barbecue closes, Duck Duck Coffee expands" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.longfellowwhatever.com/ducks-on-lake-coffee-shop-opening-in-the-former-milkweed/" target="_blank">reports</a>. <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Ducks on Lake" data-vars-click-url="https://www.instagram.com/ducks_on_lake_mpls/" data-vars-content-id="f57f7c3b-e5c3-4773-a02e-b077f5090ae7" data-vars-headline="Restaurant roundup: Beast Barbecue closes, Duck Duck Coffee expands" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.instagram.com/ducks_on_lake_mpls/" target="_blank">Ducks on Lake</a> will open in the former Milkweed space as soon as next month.<ul><li>In more coffee news, Eden Prairie&#x27;s Smith Coffee &amp; Cafe is adding a new location at 50th &amp; France this fall, owners told the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Minnesota Star Tribune" data-vars-click-url="https://www.startribune.com/smith-coffee-cafe-edina-j-carver-lowry-closing-owamni-patio-party/601667768" data-vars-content-id="f57f7c3b-e5c3-4773-a02e-b077f5090ae7" data-vars-headline="Restaurant roundup: Beast Barbecue closes, Duck Duck Coffee expands" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.startribune.com/smith-coffee-cafe-edina-j-carver-lowry-closing-owamni-patio-party/601667768" target="_blank">Minnesota Star Tribune</a>.</li><li>And Arya Cafe, the Ethiopian coffee shop on Minnehaha Avenue in Minneapolis, has reopened after a three-month closure, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="per its social media" data-vars-click-url="https://www.instagram.com/p/DXWmLaQgJZa/" data-vars-content-id="f57f7c3b-e5c3-4773-a02e-b077f5090ae7" data-vars-headline="Restaurant roundup: Beast Barbecue closes, Duck Duck Coffee expands" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DXWmLaQgJZa/" target="_blank">per its social media</a>.</li></ul>🇫🇷 Restaurant Aubergine, the neighborhood French bistro by Gavin Kaysen alums, opens Friday in Cathedral Hill. As of Thursday afternoon, a few reservations were still available.🍗 Beast Barbecue in Northeast Minneapolis will permanently close on May 2 after seven years in operation, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="it announced this week" data-vars-click-url="https://www.facebook.com/BeastBarbecueMN/posts/pfbid02DmeqJ1AMgcgW2aA6UCaajxXsK62BCMCrV9drTqt4aFrmGiCFkV9mzNiyJz6Za9fTl" data-vars-content-id="f57f7c3b-e5c3-4773-a02e-b077f5090ae7" data-vars-headline="Restaurant roundup: Beast Barbecue closes, Duck Duck Coffee expands" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.facebook.com/BeastBarbecueMN/posts/pfbid02DmeqJ1AMgcgW2aA6UCaajxXsK62BCMCrV9drTqt4aFrmGiCFkV9mzNiyJz6Za9fTl" target="_blank">it announced this week</a>.<ul><li>No reason was given for the closure, but the building was <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="on the market" data-vars-click-url="https://www.downtownvoices.news/posts/elis-restaurant-and-bar-closes-downtown-northeast-location-goes-up-for-sale" data-vars-content-id="f57f7c3b-e5c3-4773-a02e-b077f5090ae7" data-vars-headline="Restaurant roundup: Beast Barbecue closes, Duck Duck Coffee expands" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.downtownvoices.news/posts/elis-restaurant-and-bar-closes-downtown-northeast-location-goes-up-for-sale" target="_blank">on the market</a> in 2024.</li></ul>🇵🇱 Black Duck Spirits &amp; Hearth has rebranded as a &quot;wood-fired Polish bistro&quot; with 16 new Slavic-inspired menu items, per a release.<ul><li>Meanwhile, Brian Ingram&#x27;s North Loop pasta spot Salt &amp; Flour Kitchen will relaunch May 4 with &quot;nothing over $15,&quot; Ingram announced <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="on Instagram" data-vars-click-url="https://www.instagram.com/p/DXeraazmtDB/?img_index=1" data-vars-content-id="f57f7c3b-e5c3-4773-a02e-b077f5090ae7" data-vars-headline="Restaurant roundup: Beast Barbecue closes, Duck Duck Coffee expands" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DXeraazmtDB/?img_index=1" target="_blank">on Instagram</a>.</li></ul>🍻 Four Minnesota breweries, including Northbound Smokehouse &amp; Brewpub and Forgotten Star Brewing Co., took home medals at the 2026 World Beer Cup. <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Full list of winners" data-vars-click-url="https://www.worldbeercup.org/winners/award-winners/" data-vars-content-id="f57f7c3b-e5c3-4773-a02e-b077f5090ae7" data-vars-headline="Restaurant roundup: Beast Barbecue closes, Duck Duck Coffee expands" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.worldbeercup.org/winners/award-winners/" target="_blank">Full list of winners</a>

Hall Monitor: Witch's Hat repairs move forward

Plus: A top public safety official's job remains in limbo after a busy day the Minneapolis City Council.

A few notes from a busy day at Minneapolis City Hall on Thursday:🧙‍♀️ The Prospect Park water tower&#x27;s observation deck — aka &quot;the Witch&#x27;s Hat&quot; — could finally reopen to the public this fall.<ul><li>City council members voted to hire a contractor to complete necessary repairs to reopen the tower, which has been closed since 2019.</li><li>Minneapolis originally budgeted $350,000 for the work in 2024, but needed to reopen the bidding process three times before a suitable contractor came forward, a city spokesperson told Axios.</li></ul>❓ Minneapolis&#x27; top public safety official&#x27;s job remains in limbo. The council failed to override Mayor Jacob Frey&#x27;s veto of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="their rejection" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2026/04/09/minneapolis-council-votes-to-oust-top-public-safety-official" data-vars-content-id="a1fc9477-b617-491e-a518-556f0a5b3e90" data-vars-headline="Hall Monitor: Witch&#x27;s Hat repairs move forward" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2026/04/09/minneapolis-council-votes-to-oust-top-public-safety-official" target="_self">their rejection</a> of community safety commissioner Todd Barnette&#x27;s reappointment.<ul><li>Barnette, who oversees all emergency response in the city, including police, cannot serve past August without an affirmative council vote.</li></ul>💾 Next month, the city council could, in effect, enact a one-year moratorium on data centers — just by opening debate on the proposal.<ul><li>Under city zoning codes, any &quot;interim ordinance&quot; becomes effective as soon as the council takes what&#x27;s usually a pro-forma vote to &quot;introduce&quot; the legislation, city attorney Kristyn Anderson explained.</li><li>Some downtown boosters see data centers as a means of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="rescuing falling property values in office towers" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2026/03/19/how-data-centers-could-help-revive-downtowns" data-vars-content-id="a1fc9477-b617-491e-a518-556f0a5b3e90" data-vars-headline="Hall Monitor: Witch&#x27;s Hat repairs move forward" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2026/03/19/how-data-centers-could-help-revive-downtowns" target="_self">rescuing falling property values in office towers</a>, but some council members want the city to study the environmental and development risks.</li></ul>What they&#x27;re saying: &quot;I do see the upside of increasing revenue for the city, but I want to know what the cost of it is, and I don&#x27;t feel like that&#x27;s clear,&quot; ordinance co-author Council Member Aurin Chowdhury told Axios.<ul><li>She moved to delay the ordinance&#x27;s introduction to May 21.</li></ul>

Hot tub boats could soon float into Minneapolis' Boom Island Park

The Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board is weighing a proposal for Boom Island Park.

Things to Do

Hot tub boats might set sail on the Mississippi River this spring.Why it matters: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="As our colleagues in Chicago found," data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2024/01/05/chicago-river-hot-tub-boat-review-experience" data-vars-content-id="8fa50a8d-487f-49ac-b1d4-c107b16177e6" data-vars-headline="Hot tub boats could soon float into Minneapolis&#x27; Boom Island Park" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2024/01/05/chicago-river-hot-tub-boat-review-experience" target="_self">As our colleagues in Chicago found,</a> taking in a scenic cruise while chilling in a warm whirlpool is &quot;so much fun.&quot;

Twin Cities weekend guide: Free Park Day, indie bookstore tour

You won't need a vehicle permit to stay overnight.

In search of your next spring read? <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Independent Bookstore Day" data-vars-click-url="https://raintaxi.com/twin-cities-independent-bookstore-passport-2026/" data-vars-content-id="6ac63b70-03f7-4771-9486-800f7ccfbc59" data-vars-headline="Twin Cities weekend guide: Free Park Day, indie bookstore tour" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://raintaxi.com/twin-cities-independent-bookstore-passport-2026/" target="_blank">Independent Bookstore Day</a> is this Saturday, and Twin Cities shops are offering exclusive discounts to celebrate.How it works: Pick up a free Independent Bookstore Passport at 38 <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="participating stores" data-vars-click-url="https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/0/viewer?mid=1nMAMmxSbRhmiWPbeT22ko1wcFjK6EOM&amp;femb=1&amp;ll=44.923962975650824%2C-93.20665299999999&amp;z=10" data-vars-content-id="6ac63b70-03f7-4771-9486-800f7ccfbc59" data-vars-headline="Twin Cities weekend guide: Free Park Day, indie bookstore tour" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/0/viewer?mid=1nMAMmxSbRhmiWPbeT22ko1wcFjK6EOM&amp;femb=1&amp;ll=44.923962975650824%2C-93.20665299999999&amp;z=10" target="_blank">participating stores</a> across the metro and get a stamp at each location you visit through Sunday — no purchase necessary.<ul><li>Each stamp activates a future discount at that store. Collect at least 10 stamps to activate all 38 coupons.</li></ul>

Afro-Caribbean bistro to replace Owamni on Minneapolis riverfront

Arch and River is expected to open this summer.

A French &quot;bistronomie&quot; serving Afro-Caribbean fare is moving into <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Owamni&#x27;s" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2021/08/16/owamni-minneapolis-sioux-chef-indigenous-restaurant" data-vars-content-id="534ca575-694c-4e11-b19f-aa69ec2e515e" data-vars-headline="Afro-Caribbean bistro to replace Owamni on Minneapolis riverfront" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2021/08/16/owamni-minneapolis-sioux-chef-indigenous-restaurant" target="_self">Owamni&#x27;s</a> spot along the Mississippi River. Why it matters: Owamni&#x27;s upcoming departure from the Water Works Pavilion, operated by the Minneapolis Park &amp; Recreation Board, opens up <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="prime restaurant real estate" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2025/07/10/highest-grossing-minneapolis-park-restaurants" data-vars-content-id="534ca575-694c-4e11-b19f-aa69ec2e515e" data-vars-headline="Afro-Caribbean bistro to replace Owamni on Minneapolis riverfront" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2025/07/10/highest-grossing-minneapolis-park-restaurants" target="_self">prime restaurant real estate</a> overlooking the Stone Arch Bridge.

Twin Cities' last nonalcoholic bottle shop is in danger of closing

Almost every Twin Cities nonalcoholic bottle shop has closed this year, and the only one left is barely hanging on.

Almost every nonalcoholic bottle shop in the Twin Cities has closed this year — and the only one remaining is on the brink of shutting down, its owner tells Axios.The big picture: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Nonalcoholic drink sales" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2024/02/26/twin-cities-sales-of-na-beer-have-doubled-signaling-a-change-in-how-were-drinking" data-vars-content-id="9716727e-89b5-4235-9e3e-f94922bf92b0" data-vars-headline="Twin Cities&#x27; last nonalcoholic bottle shop is in danger of closing" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2024/02/26/twin-cities-sales-of-na-beer-have-doubled-signaling-a-change-in-how-were-drinking" target="_self">Nonalcoholic drink sales</a> are booming nationwide as Americans <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="cut back on alcohol" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/08/13/alcohol-drinking-rate-low-health" data-vars-content-id="9716727e-89b5-4235-9e3e-f94922bf92b0" data-vars-headline="Twin Cities&#x27; last nonalcoholic bottle shop is in danger of closing" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/08/13/alcohol-drinking-rate-low-health" target="_self">cut back on alcohol</a>.

Twin Cities weekend guide: Record Store Day, Rewind Book Fair, insect show

Nearly every record shop in the Twin Cities is gearing up for a packed slate of events.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Record Store Day" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2023/04/22/record-store-day-twin-cities-2023" data-vars-content-id="467dbd66-07fe-450c-b514-01eac00ec5dd" data-vars-headline="Twin Cities weekend guide: Record Store Day, Rewind Book Fair, insect show" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2023/04/22/record-store-day-twin-cities-2023" target="_self">Record Store Day</a> (RSD) is almost upon us, and nearly every shop in the Twin Cities is gearing up for a packed slate of community events, limited releases, parties and more.<ul><li>Here are three events we&#x27;re checking out this Saturday.</li></ul>

Minneapolis short film reimagines source of "Longfellow Boom"

Catch the film on April 16 and 18 at the Main Cinema.

A new short film in theaters this week reimagines a long-running Minneapolis mystery with a fantastical twist.The big picture: &quot;<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="The Boom" data-vars-click-url="https://m.imdb.com/title/tt40547000/?ref_=nm_ov_bio_lk" data-vars-content-id="8facbb3e-703a-4c9c-9f97-c8857f3c80ea" data-vars-headline="Minneapolis short film reimagines source of &quot;Longfellow Boom&quot;" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://m.imdb.com/title/tt40547000/?ref_=nm_ov_bio_lk" target="_blank">The Boom</a>,&quot; written and directed by local Ojibwe and Cree filmmaker <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Ajuawak Kapashesit" data-vars-click-url="https://www.ajuawak.com/" data-vars-content-id="8facbb3e-703a-4c9c-9f97-c8857f3c80ea" data-vars-headline="Minneapolis short film reimagines source of &quot;Longfellow Boom&quot;" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.ajuawak.com/" target="_blank">Ajuawak Kapashesit</a>, follows an Indigenous man as he investigates a mysterious noise heard during his food delivery route through Minneapolis.<ul><li>Though the story is fictional, it&#x27;s inspired by Kapashesit&#x27;s experiences with the Longfellow Boom, the &quot;house-shakingly loud&quot; noise that has <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="mystified the neighborhood&#x27;s residents for decades" data-vars-click-url="http://startribune.com/minneapolis-noise-boom-mississippi-river-longfellow/600192195" data-vars-content-id="8facbb3e-703a-4c9c-9f97-c8857f3c80ea" data-vars-headline="Minneapolis short film reimagines source of &quot;Longfellow Boom&quot;" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="http://startribune.com/minneapolis-noise-boom-mississippi-river-longfellow/600192195" target="_blank">mystified the neighborhood&#x27;s residents for decades</a>.</li></ul>

Audit reveals more trouble for Minnesota's new app for hunting, fishing licenses

The Department of Natural Resources now says it plans to launch after the May 9 fishing opener.

A new audit casts fresh doubt on the the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources&#x27; plan to launch its new mobile licensing app this spring. Why it matters: The online system Minnesotans rely on to get licenses for hunting, fishing, boating and other outdoor activities is outdated and glitchy. <ul><li>Boosters hope the tech upgrade will streamline the process and paperwork.</li></ul>

Romance fans swoon over Abby Jimenez's latest cupcake creation

The sweet treat was inspired by Abby Jimenez's newest release, "The Night We Met."

Fans of best-selling <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="romance novelist" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2023/12/05/romance-bookstore-minneapolis-tropes-trifles-lgbtq-friendly" data-vars-content-id="a9935fa9-c788-4666-ac3f-5989bec396a1" data-vars-headline="Romance fans swoon over Abby Jimenez&#x27;s latest cupcake creation" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2023/12/05/romance-bookstore-minneapolis-tropes-trifles-lgbtq-friendly" target="_self">romance novelist</a> Abby Jimenez can treat themselves to a special cupcake inspired by the Minnesota author&#x27;s newest release. State of the sweet tooth: Jimenez, who also owns award-winning bakery <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Nadia Cakes" data-vars-click-url="https://www.nadiacakes.com/" data-vars-content-id="a9935fa9-c788-4666-ac3f-5989bec396a1" data-vars-headline="Romance fans swoon over Abby Jimenez&#x27;s latest cupcake creation" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.nadiacakes.com/" target="_blank">Nadia Cakes</a>, has a tradition of whipping up custom creations to celebrate her book launches. <ul><li>The latest design mirrors the firework-and-sunset-splashed cover of her seventh novel, &quot;<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="The Night We Met" data-vars-click-url="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/231801371-the-night-we-met" data-vars-content-id="a9935fa9-c788-4666-ac3f-5989bec396a1" data-vars-headline="Romance fans swoon over Abby Jimenez&#x27;s latest cupcake creation" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/231801371-the-night-we-met" target="_blank">The Night We Met</a>,&quot; which <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="topped multiple bestseller lists " data-vars-click-url="https://www.instagram.com/p/DWrNbeZETW8/?img_index=1" data-vars-content-id="a9935fa9-c788-4666-ac3f-5989bec396a1" data-vars-headline="Romance fans swoon over Abby Jimenez&#x27;s latest cupcake creation" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DWrNbeZETW8/?img_index=1" target="_blank">topped multiple bestseller lists </a>after its late March release.</li></ul>

Twin Cities weekend: St. Paul Art Crawl, Lego convention, John Mulaney

Peek inside an art-filled Victorian home or a Swedenborgian church.

Peek inside an art-filled Victorian home, Swedenborgian church, design museum and more this weekend at the kickoff of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="spring&#x27;s St. Paul Art Crawl." data-vars-click-url="https://www.stpaulartcollective.org/spac-spring-art-crawl-2026" data-vars-content-id="0b1030f6-9d0a-4c2d-810b-20164318d0c4" data-vars-headline="Twin Cities weekend: St. Paul Art Crawl, Lego convention, John Mulaney" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.stpaulartcollective.org/spac-spring-art-crawl-2026" target="_blank">spring&#x27;s St. Paul Art Crawl.</a>State of play: Venues and artists across the Cathedral Hill, Hamline-Midway, St. Anthony Park neighborhoods and beyond will open their doors Friday-Sunday for the first weekend of the long-running studio tour.

Things to Do 🗓

Hot tub boats could soon float into Minneapolis' Boom Island Park

Minnesota Zoo's "Farm Babies" returns Saturday

Hall Monitor: Witch's Hat repairs move forward

Twin Cities weekend guide: Free Park Day, indie bookstore tour

Afro-Caribbean bistro to replace Owamni on Minneapolis riverfront