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

ART
Flowers After Hours

An official sign that Spring has sprung? The Minneapolis of Institute of Arts opens its annual Art in Bloom festival! A springtime celebration featuring the sweet-smelling handiwork of over 160 floral artists whose work will be on display next to the amazing art that inspired them. Tonight's free party kicks off the four day festival, so gather your brood and enjoy a smattering of fun activities including classic movie trivia with Strib film guy Colin Covert; live music from local honky-tonkers Trailer Trash; raffles, Surly Beer samples, wine, and more!

5 p.m. to 9 p.m., Minneapolis Institute of Arts, 2400 3rd Avenue S., Minneapolis, Free

SPECIAL EVENT
Festival of Nations

When we were young, our parents forced us into Danish dancing classes, which eventually culminated in a humiliating performance at the Festival of Nations in 1986. Despite that shudder-worthy memory, this annual event is one of those things: you just can't deny the awesomeness of it all. Step right up and get whacked with the culture stick in the best possible of ways. You'll find fun cultural exhibits, 35 delicious ethnic food vendors, over 90 adult and children's dance groups filled with colorful costumes and graceful maneuvering,  artist demonstrations, and shopping from around the globe at the International Bazaar. A perfect family outing or even a cute date, The Festival of Nations is as entertaining as it is educational.

Thurs-Sunday, hours vary check website, St. Paul River Center, 175 W. Kellogg Blvd, Downtown St. Paul, Adults $10, Youth $7

SPECIAL EVENT
Spring Grand Beer Tasting

With the breezy spring season and impending hot summer nights comes the obvious need to drink beer! Join the alcoholic experts of Zipp's Liquors this evening for a seasonal sampling of the tastiest craft and microbrews from around the U.S. and beyond. What's better, is that all proceeds from the event go to benefit the Cedar Cultural Center, one of our fine cities' most cherished and eclectic non-profit performing arts spaces. Drinking and do-gooding go hand-in-hand tonight on the West Bank! Tickets are available HERE, as well as at Zipp's and the Cedar Cultural Center.

6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m., Cedar Cultural Center, 416 Cedar Ave, West Bank Minneapolis, $20