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

SPECIAL EVENT
Granta Magazine Publication Party

Continuing on their streak of cool programming, the Soap Factory's Common Room puts on another thoughtful event, this time, of a literary vein. Celebrating the release of issue #107 of Granta Magazine, "the magazine of new writing," you'll be treated to a number of readings, presentations and games. Featuring a talk by Emily Cook on literary hoaxes, book reports by author Alison McGhee and Magers & Quinn's own Jay Peterson, an interactive book report by the West Bank Social Center's Miranda Trimmier, a literary trivia challenge with Brad Zellar, and a presentation by Eric Hanson titled "When Ted met Sylvia." While you're there, pick up a copy of the new issue featuring photos by Mitch Epstein as well as written work by Javier Marias, William Vollman, Kenzaburo Oe, Mary Gaitskill and more.

7 p.m. to 10 p.m., Soap Factory's Common Room, 110 5th Avenue SE (around the side of the building from the main entrance), Minneapolis, Free

SPECIAL EVENT
Urban Safari Parade

If it's one thing Minneapolis' West Bank is known for, it's the area's rich theatrical history and tight-knit arts community. The neighborhood, which has seen its fair share of problems, perseveres with imaginative arts programming that impresses us year after year. One of the most prolific organizations is, of course, The Bedlam Theater. Today's parade and series of performances -- a collaboration by The Bedlam and the Brian Coyle Center -- focuses on area youth, and marks an end to the Bedlam's summer youth theater programming. At 2 p.m. the Urban Safari Parade kicks off in the Bedlam's parking lot and winds its way through the Cedar Riverside neighborhood. A bright cavalcade of puppets, stilt walkers, traveling musicians and more, the parade will be filled with youngsters from the community and exuberant theater-types -- in other words, a whimsical sight to behold. At 3 p.m., make your way back to the Bedlam for performances from Brian Coyle's Jumpstart teens, artists from the Minnesota Spoken Word Association, and community building games. Stick around after the performances for complimentary food, beverages, and conversation.

Parade 2 p.m., Performances at 3 p.m., Bedlam Theatre, 1501 S. 6th Street, West Bank Minneapolis, Free

SPECIAL EVENT
Brainstorming with a Preservationist

Join local landmark preservers and classic buildings enthusiasts as they brainstorm ideas to keep a gorgeous building, the Wesley United Methodist Church, standing grandly in all it's 1,000-seat, stained-glass domed glory. Built in 1891 on the corner of Grand Street and First Ave South, this Richardsonian Romanesque building is home to Minneapolis' oldest Methodist congregation, but over the year's - due due to their dwindling size - the funds the building needs to stay in operation are now in jeopardy. There are many options to consider including turning the building into a downtown arts center or sharing the space with other denominations, but with your help the community can find the best one. Come to the session, share your thoughts and participate in saving an important structure in local architecture. -Juleana Enright

5:30 - 6:30 p.m., Wesley United Methodist Church, 101, E. Grant St., Minneapolis, Free