12th Annual Chili Cook-off

What better way to warm a February day than to taste one-of-a-kind, homemade chilis and vote for your favorite?! We’re bringing back our Cornbread Competition and Brownie Bake-off too. Bring an appetite and a curious palate!

We promise creative competitors, prizes in several categories, opportunities to play in clay, and wheel-throwing demonstrations to entertain and educate.

$5 to Eat/Free to Compete

11@7 Concert Series

Come enjoy the wide variety of musical groups that perform every Thursday from May 30 to August 8, no concert July 4th, in Central Park. (In case of rain, concerts will take place at Trinity Lutheran Church.)

100 Years of Sinatra

One of the most recognizable voices of all time, Frank Sinatra would have turned 100 years old in 2015. The “Chairman of the Board” enjoyed a recording career that spanned from 1935-1995, signed with the most popular big bands of the ’40s, and won an Academy Award. He has sold hundreds of millions of records worldwide, received 11 Grammy Awards, and starred in 60 motion pictures. Hear your favorites including, “That’s Life,” Nice ‘n’ Easy,” “You Make Me Feel So Young,” “Fly Me To The Moon,” “New York, New York,” “My Way” and many, many others.

"Votes for Minnesota Women" Capitol Tour

In 1919, the US Congress passed the 19th Amendment guaranteeing women the right to vote. Minnesota ratified the amendment in September, and by August 1920, it had been adopted by all states.

On the 100th anniversary, take a special guided tour that focuses on Minnesota women who played significant roles in securing the right to vote. Plus, learn about the first women elected to office in Minnesota, the roles they played in state government, and how women today participate in elected office.

Tours depart at 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m.

"Daddy Long Legs" by the Minneapolis Musical Theatre

Minneapolis Musical Theatre brings the off-Broadway musical "Daddy Long Legs" to the intimate setting of the James J. Hill House.

This two-person chamber musical follows Jerusha Abbott, who has grown up in an orphanage and whose mysterious benefactor sends her to college to become a writer. Jerusha dubs her benefactor "Daddy Long Legs" after seeing his long and spidery shadow.

"Daddy Long Legs" features music and lyrics by Paul Gordon and was adapted for the stage by Tony-award winning director and writer John Caird. It is based on the 1912 novel by Jean Webster.

"Art From the Edge of the Boreal Forest: Reflecting Biodiversity"

The centuries-old tradition of botanical art blends scientific observation with artistic rendering. For the past 10 years, a group of traditionally trained botanical artists has explored the effects of a warming climate on the iconic boreal forest in northern Minnesota.

Working with climatologists, naturalists, and other specialists, they identified 10 Minnesota trees that are most vulnerable to climate change: balsam poplar, balsam fir, black spruce, white spruce, jack pine, red pine, paper birch, quaking aspen, black ash, and tamarack.

"A Night With You" - A Benefit for WithAll

Join us for a special evening as we celebrate what has been possible in eating disorder prevention and support for recovery. This annual event will include a reception, live auction, program, heavy appetizers, fabulous fun, and plenty of time for mingling. All proceeds from the event will further the efforts of WithAll to reach thousands of people with simple, accessible resources. For tickets and additional information on the event, please visit our website at withall.org/gala.