The daily digest of Twin Cities culture | Secrets of the City

Art by Sharra Frank, Studio 469, Northrup King

ART
First Thursdays in the Arts District

Each first Thursday of the month a whirl-wind of bright colors and enticing artistry sweeps open the doors of numerous Northeast art studios. An art crawl that ranges from area galleries to sprawling studio arts buildings, First Thursday is a bright, leisurely jaunt for seasoned art appreciators and newbies alike. Make the trek to the one-stop-shop Casket Arts Building or the Northrup King for dozens of open studios in one location, or ping around to numerous other buildings and galleries located throughout the district for a more adventurous art pilgrimage. Top the evening off at the Red Stag Supper Club, which offers happy hour specials all night long, as well as live music at 10 p.m. Be sure to ask your bartender for a "wooden nickel" during First Thursday, and redeem it for a free drink!

5 p.m. to 9 p.m., Northeast Arts District, Various Locations, Northeast Minneapolis, Free

Extra: Save the date for Art-A-Whirl 2009, "the largest open studio crawl in the world" May 15th-17th!

SPECIAL EVENT
Duel of Design

Two teams with equally impeccable taste will battle it out tonight in a fierce competition of creativity! Bungalow 6 Design and Mi Mi Design go head to head in a bid to design the most amazing table setting for eight known to man. Joined by Chef Asher Miller of 20*21 and Chef Chris Damskey of Chambers Kitchen, florists Pazzobello and Summer Harsh Botanical Artistry, the designers will have two frantic hours to create an original masterpiece complete with table settings, flowers, menu, and even a soundtrack. Evaluated by an esteemed panel of local style mavens, the designers will be judged on creativity, quality, usability and execution. You'll watch the magic happen live while enjoying light hors doeuvres, sweets, and a trend runway show. A must-see event for any design or entertaining enthusiast!

Doors at 5 p.m., Event at 6 p.m., Graves 601 Hotel, 601 First Avenue N, Minneapolis, $20 general, $35 VIP.

THEATER
The Adventures of Pinocchio

The classic fantasy tale of moral fiber and youthful lessons is brought to life on stage as the Minnesota Opera presents The Adventures of Pinocchio. In this fantastic adaption, the wooden puppet, Pinocchio, is guided by the Blue Fairy in a magical quest to discover the secret to becoming the "real" boy he longs to be. This dark take on the classic story (definitely NOT the Disney version) is complimented by the electric orchestral music of composer Jonathan Dove. The storybook scenery and enchanting costume design will help weave a more involved tale that includes added plot dimensions and sing-alongs. The family-friendly show will surely enthrall older children and adults that haven't yet lost their childlike whimsy.

7:30 p.m., Ordway Center, 345 Washington St. N, St. Paul, $50-140

Extra: Can't make tonight's performance? Two more dates await: 7:30 p.m. Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday