The Weekender Comes Alive with Anime, Festivals, and Crafts

The fair is a veritable smorgasbord of great food and fun so why not head down to the Benton County Fair in Sauk Rapids this week for some grub, fair rides, and a midway show. It is the main week and weekend fix for some entertainment.

You can also check out the group of St. Cloud Cathedral alumni, Muffleur, at the Red Carpet Nightclub on Friday night. READ MORE:  St. Cloud’s Red Carpet Nightclub Is Packing August With Local Talent.

The Jacob Wetterling documentary, "Echoes in the Night: The Search for Jacob Wettering" makes its debut at the Paramount Center for the Arts in downtown St. Cloud on Saturday as well.

The Weekender has you covered with more ideas to get out and about for your two days off.

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Paul Habstritt, WJON

GREEN FAIR FOLK FESTIVAL - LITTLE FALLS

Get your weekend started off early on Wednesday with a festive annual event in Little Falls. The Green Fair Folk Festival takes place on the grounds of the St. Francis Convent. The free event helps promote care of the planet and sustainable living.  It features live music, food, exhibits, kids’ activities, campus tours, along with nonprofit groups, artists, and a vendor fair.

Wednesday:  4:00 – 8:00 p.m.

Dragos Gontariu on Unsplash

KIDS' CRAFTING - ST. CLOUD

If you need to do some back-to-school shopping, you can knock that off your list and give the kids a fun break at the same time.  Head to Crossroads Center on Saturday for a free hour of crafting. The JCPenney Kids Zone is hosting the event where kids will get to take part in six craft activities. Plus, they will receive an ID badge complete with a lanyard, a collectible pin, and medallion when they are done.  Parents won’t be left out as they get an in-store coupon to save on some back-to-school gear as well.

Saturday:  11:00 a.m. – Noon

Derby Four Wheel Drive, Inc.

OFF ROAD SHOW - SAUK RAPIDS

Off-road enthusiasts have a show just for them this Saturday. Derby Four Wheel Drive in Sauk Rapids is hosting its 7^th Annual Off Road and Jeep Show.  The show will have jeeps, trucks, crawlers, custom builds, and more on display.  Plus an all-ages Radio Control course, raffle benefiting Minnesota 4 Wheel Drive Association, food trucks, local 4x4 vendors, off-road clubs, and small businesses showing off their wares and what they do. The event is all about bringing the 4x4 community together to grow and share their passion and have some fun. The event is family-friendly, and dogs are welcome as well.  The event is free to attend.

Saturday:  Noon – 5:00 p.m.

Sarah Mueller, WJON

ART FESTIVAL - FOLEY

The Rice and Little Falls Arts and Crafts festivals are still a month away, but you can get your art craving satisfied this weekend in Foley. Northern Hollow Winery in Foley is holding its 11^th annual ArtFest. The festival will feature over 30 artists displaying their work along with live music, food and drinks, and family games and activities. Plus, see the World’s Largest Gun as it goes boom at Noon on both days.

Saturday & Sunday:  11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Tim Mossholder on Unsplash

ANIME FESTIVAL - MINNEAPOLIS

Anime fans are sure to have a great time at a “Big” event in Minneapolis this weekend. The Big Minneapolis Anime convention is at the Minneapolis Convention Center on Saturday and Sunday. The highlight of the show is the cast of Avatar: The Last Airbender/Legend of Korra on hand. There will be other voice talent as well. Plus, autograph and photo ops, exhibits and shopping, fan panels, cosplay, and more.  A two-day weekend pass is about $66.00.   A Saturday-only pass is $42.00, and Sunday only, a little over $36.00.   A kids pass for ages 3-12 is just over $6.00 for a two-day or single-day entry.

Saturday:  10:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Sunday:   10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.