Spring is here, finally! Time to get outside and start working in the yard. It’s also time to get out and take in all that the Twin Cities has to offer. If you’re looking for events in the Twin Cities this April then be sure to check out all of the listed events below. From various Easter celebrations to Earth Day celebrations, there’s something for everyone to enjoy this month in the Twin Cities.

Events in the Twin Cities this April

Farm Babies at the Minnesota Zoo
When: Now through April 30^th, 2017
Where: Minnesota Zoo
13000 Zoo Boulevard
Apple Valley, MN

Did you know the Minnesota Zoo is a year-round destination with acres of indoor exhibits and interactive experiences for children and families? While you’re meeting our new Farm Babies, you can also learn how our conservation efforts are supporting endangered species like the Red Panda on our Tropics Trail. Or get up close and personal with sharks and rays inside the tide pool at Discovery Bay. And don’t forget about the IMAX Theatre. The Minnesota Zoo is a great place for the whole family to celebrate the sights and sounds of spring.

Home Improvement and Design Expo
When: April 1^st, 2017
Where: Veterans Memorial Community Center
8055 Barbara Avenue
Inver Grove Heights, MN

Start your next home project off right by attending the Home Improvement & Design Expo. Talk with the experts and get free tips and renovation ideas! Meet builders, remodelers, landscapers, designers, painters, architects, interior designers and more. Everything from bathroom and kitchen renovations to lawn and landscape. Even get help with your home décor!

Parade of Fools
When: April 1^st, 2017
Where: Skyline Tower
1247 St. Anthony Avenue
Saint Paul, MN

Come join the parade at half past 2.
Free Ice Cream for them, Free Ice Cream for you.
We’ll carry our signs in 22 tongues
for Mexicans, Ethiopians, Somali and Hmong
It’s as easy as that to welcome our neighbors
with treats on a stick in your favorite flavors.

Nature After Dinner
When: April 6^th, 2017
Where: Dodge Nature Center
1701 Charlton Street
West Saint Paul, MN

Come get a look at some of our not so furry friends! Join us as we explore the differences between reptiles and amphibians. Find out where snakes hang out, learn what salamanders love to eat, and maybe even make friends with a turtle! This program is designed for kids ages 3 to 8. All children must be accompanied by at least one adult. Families are welcome. Pre-registration encouraged.

American Craft Council Show
When: April 7^th, 2017
Where: RiverCentre
175 W. Kellogg Boulevard
Saint Paul, MN

More than 250 top contemporary jewelry, clothing, furniture, and home décor artists from across the country will gather under one roof. It’s your chance to touch, feel, and explore high-quality American craft and meet the makers behind the fabulous work. This is the American Craft Council’s only Midwest show — a must-attend for craft lovers.

29^th Annual Minnesota Book Awards Ceremony
When: April 8^th, 2017
Where: Intercontinental Hotel
11 E. Kellogg Boulevard
Saint Paul, MN

Each April, authors, publishers and book-lovers celebrate the best of local literature at the Minnesota Book Awards Ceremony. Big readers, bright writers, books, autographs, refreshments, live music, and the announcement of the award winners make for an unforgettable evening!

2017 Minneapolis /St. Paul International Film Festival
When: April 13^th – 29^th, 2017
Where: Metro State University’s Film Space
700 East 7^th Street
Saint Paul, MN

MSPIFF is Minnesota’s largest film event and one of the longest running film festivals in the country. Each year, the festival presents more than 350 bold, exciting, and moving works from new and veteran filmmakers from around the globe.

Lowertown Pop
When: April 15^th, 2017
Where: Union Depot
214 4^th Street E.
Saint Paul, MN

Lowertown Pop – A Minnesota Maker market featuring local artisans and craftspeople including brewers, bakers, distillers, artists and musicians. The annual market will be held on Saturday, April 15th, 2017 in the Waiting Room at Union Depot and will benefit River’s Edge Academy, a non-profit organization challenging students to discover their greatness by learning through experience in a small, supportive community. Lowertown Pop is a crowdfunding market, meaning 50 percent of ticket sales will be donated to River’s Edge Academy and 50 percent will be given to one lucky Minnesota Maker.

The Hamms Event
City House
258 Mill Street
Saint Paul, MN

The HAMMS Event is a crowd funding market based on the belief that as artists, designers, inventors and entrepreneurs, working together and supporting each other is much more beneficial, and fun, than working alone. The first annual HAMMS Event took place in April of 2013 at the old HAMMS Brewery on the East Side of St. Paul.

​The HAMMS Event has been a well respected event by both media, wholesale buyers and small business supporters.

​Funding is difficult for micro businesses, so we’ve added a twist to the “crowd funding” concept by choosing one talented Minnesota maker (by a game of chance) to receive up to $5000 of the ticket sales ($10 in advance or $15 at the door).