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MnDOT's giving Highway 61 in Hastings a complete makeover from 3rd Street to 36th Street, with construction starting fall 2027. The $30-40 million project includes two new roundabouts, safer pedestrian crossings downtown, new sidewalks and trails, and replacing infrastructure that hasn't been touched since 1931.

Both leagues are already competing head to head in Atlanta and Omaha, with mixed results, and while Minnesota ranks fourth nationally in high school volleyball participation and the Gophers draw 5,000 fans per game, the big question remains whether one market can actually support two pro teams.

🍸 Friends-Themed Shopping Night at Barley and Vine (Lakeville at 4pm)
🆓 Sip specialty cocktails like "The Central Perk" espresso martini while browsing Threads & Co. styles, with half-priced wine bottles and $8 flatbreads sweetening the deal at this cozy Thursday night event.

🎸 Clapton Complete at Brianno's Chart House (Lakeville at 7pm)
💲Experience every era of Eric Clapton's legendary career—from Cream to his solo hits—brought to life by touring musicians who live and breathe classics like "Layla" and "Tears in Heaven," with dinner and drinks available at your reserved table. Secure your spot.

💵 Give to the Max Day
💲 Minnesota’s Give to the Max Day is is the state’s annual day of charitable giving to nonprofits and schools. Last year MN raised over $37 million. Discover causes to support and donate: www.givemn.org/search

🎤 GB Leighton at Bogart's Entertainment Center (Apple Valley at 6pm)
💲 (price not listed) Minnesota rock legend Brian Leighton brings three decades of heart-pumping, crowd-commanding rock 'n' roll energy that's earned him a Springsteen-level following. Save your spot.

💗 Pink Friday at The Charming Lily Boutique (Apple Valley at 10am)
🆓 Shop Small First on the ultimate pre-Black Friday celebration with deals on unique gifts for everyone—her, him, the littles, and your home—at this all-day local business love fest.

🎬 Wicked For Good Open Caption at Emagine Eagan (7:30pm)
💲 Don't miss the open-captioned showing of Wicked—accessible entertainment that lets everyone experience the magic of Oz. Secure your spot.

🎄 Gary's Supper Club Holiday Sip & Shop (Lakeville at 10am)
🆓 Round up your crew for bottomless mimosas, killer martinis, and the best brunch in town while shopping local vendors at Gary's annual holiday party. Save your spot.

🍊 The Fruit Truck at Emagine Lakeville (4:30pm)
💲If you've been craving those juicy Satsuma mandarins or a massive farmers mixed box straight from the orchard, catch The Fruit Truck's 15-minute stop at Emagine Lakeville,first come first serve, no pre-orders.

🎅 Meet Santa & Mrs. Claus at Terra Garden Center (Lakeville at 9:30am)
🆓 Bring the kids, your camera, and those Christmas wish lists to snap free photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus at Terra Garden Center—pure holiday magic, zero cost.

😂 Next Stop Comedy at Angry Inch Brewing (Lakeville at 10am)
💲Top-tier comedians from across the country are bringing the laughs to your neighborhood for an intimate night of high-energy comedy that's perfect whether you're on a date or just hunting for a good time. Secure your spot.

🌸 Holiday Floral Workshop at Farmtown Nutrition (Farmington at 2pm)
💲 Get cozy with Rae of Sunshine Flower Co. and design your own holiday arrangement in the perfect size for your space—grab a friend and make it an afternoon to remember. Secure your spot.

🛍️ Autumn Makers Market (Apple Valley at 12pm)
🆓 Support local makers and treat yourself (plus maybe grab a few early gifts) at this four-hour shopping event featuring small businesses and local goodies.

😈 Coffee with Krampus at Curiouser Coffee (Apple Valley at 10am)
🆓 Meet the legendary holiday creature himself, snap some delightfully unusual family photos, and learn the folklore behind Krampus while sipping your favorite seasonal coffee—because who says the holidays have to be all sugar and nice?

🃏 Sports Card Show at Truplayerz (Rosemount at 9am)
🆓 Free admission gets you access to 50+ vendor tables, raffles, giveaways, and concessions at this collector's paradise—whether you're buying, selling, or just browsing the cardboard gold.

🎪 Cirque Musica Holiday Wonderland at Ames Center (Burnsville at 2pm)
💲 World-class acrobats and aerial performers bring your favorite holiday music to life in this all-new spectacular production that'll have the whole family speechless with wonder. Secure your spot.

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— Brady Greenbush
Publisher & Editor