The month of November can often feel like a sort of autumnal limbo, as Halloween is a distant memory and the holiday season looms just around the corner.
But the Twin Cities has plenty of fun end-of-fall happenings to keep you busy this month, and to prolong the coming of winter as much as possible — here’s a list of 15 events and activities to keep on your radar this November.
1. Film Screenings at the Walker Art Center: There are a few upcoming screenings on the calendar at the Walker. “Blue,” a 1993 film by director Derek Jarman, will be shown for free at the Walker Cinema on Thursday, Nov. 11. The film came out months prior to Jarman’s death from AIDS and it recounts his experience with the disease at the height of the AIDS epidemic.
A screening of “Being BeBe” will take place Saturday, Nov. 13 as part of the Sound Unseen Film + Music Festival. This documentary follows the career of locally and nationally renowned drag performer Marshall Ngwa, a.k.a. BeBe Zahara Benet. After starting his career as a performer in Minneapolis, Benet went on to become the first champion of “RuPaul’s Drag Race” and created his own productions in New York. There will also be a Q&A with Benet after the screening.
2. Yoga at Union Depot: If you’ve always wanted to try yoga but couldn’t justify going to overpriced classes, head down to Union Depot in St. Paul. They offer free yoga classes multiple times per week, each with a different focus or skill level.
Yoga Sculpt happens every Monday evening, a full-body workout that focuses on toning the major muscle groups. Virtual Noon Yoga takes place on Tuesdays and these intermediate classes provide a relaxing mid-day break. Lastly, Saturday Morning Yoga is offered weekly for a variety of skill levels.
3. Ryan Caraveo: The University’s Whole Music Club will host Ryan Caraveo for a show on Nov. 12. Caraveo’s music lies somewhere on the border between alternative pop and hip-hop, with hits like “Peanut Butter Waffles” amassing over 23 million streams on Spotify. Tickets are only $5 for University of Minnesota students and are available for purchase online.
4. JPEGMAFIA: Fans of JPEGMAFIA hits like “Jesus Forgive Me, I Am A Thot” might be interested in seeing the rapper live. He will be performing at First Avenue on Nov. 12, following the release of his latest project, “LP!”
5. Turkey Trot: The annual Turkey Trot St. Paul 6k and 10k races will be happening Nov. 25. If you are a runner, this is the perfect opportunity to get some mileage in for a good cause: the race will raise money for the Open Door Food Pantry.
6. Pink Sweat$: The R&B artist recently released his debut album, “PINK PLANET,” and fans can catch him at Dinkytown’s own Varsity Theater on Nov. 17.
7. Open Mic Night: The Whole Music Club will hold an open mic night on Nov. 18. Musicians, comedians and other performers are welcome to sign up and showcase their talent.
8. “A Christmas Carol:” If you’re looking to get into the holiday spirit a little early, performances of this classic Christmas play will begin at the Guthrie Theatre as soon as Nov. 10.
9. Black Business is Beautiful Market: Black Business is Beautiful Local Markets showcase local Black and Indigenous business owners and business owners of color and their products, like clothing, jewelry, books and more. The markets this month will be held Nov. 13 and Nov. 26, and you can register for a shopping pass and time slot online.
10. Studio Ghibli Movie Marathon: Calling all Studio Ghibli fans! An all-day movie marathon will be happening in Coffman Memorial Union Theater on Nov. 20. Six movies will be played from 9 a.m. to 9:30 p.m., including “Kiki’s Delivery Service,” “My Neighbor Totoro” and more. There will also be a themed raffle, games and snacks provided at the event.
11. Drag Brunches: What’s better than brunch, drag shows and bottomless mimosas? Union Rooftop combines all three in their weekend drag brunches. Some themes on the calendar for November include Prince, Harry Potter, Taylor Swift, Ariana Grande, Britney Spears and more.
12. papa mbye: Presented by Radio K and The Vanguard, Minneapolis-based artist papa mbye will take the 7th St Entry stage on Nov. 11. The rapper caught the attention of local music fans through hits like “IDONTSENDSEX” and “ONLY RIGHT,” and this performance will showcase his recently released EP, “MANG FI.” The show will include sets from a few other artists, including FruitPunchLoverBoy, Huhroon and KWEY.
13. Free Films in Coffman: The University’s Student Unions & Activities will be screening films for free on weekends in Coffman Memorial Union Theater and the St. Paul Student Center Theater. The lineup of movies for the coming weeks includes “Black Widow,” “Space Jam: A New Legacy” and “Dear Evan Hansen.”
14. Beach Bunny: The band will be performing at First Avenue on Nov. 28, accompanied by two Minneapolis-based special guests: miloe and Why Not.
15. Minneapolis Cider Co. College Nights: Nothing beats craft ciders in the fall. Bring your student ID to Minneapolis Cider Co. on Thursdays for College Night and each drink you purchase will get you a free can of cider to take home.
