Elvis Extravaganza, Frosty Fun Await You This Weekend

Energized by the warm weather so far this week? Winter will probably be returning for the weekend, but that doesn't mean you have to stay at home. These events will get you out and about in a heartbeat. Speaking of heartbeats...

1.

When/Where: 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday; Galaxie Library in Apple Valley

Why Go: Join local authors and publishers for Dakota County Library's first Local Author Fair. Hear award-winning mystery author and keynote speaker David Housewright and attend free writing and publishing workshops presented by The Loft Literary Center. Forty authors and organizations will be on hand to sell and sign their books and talk with visitors. Light refreshments will be provided and visitors can enter a drawing for free books.

Cost: Free

2.

When/Where: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday; Dodge Nature Center in West St. Paul

Why Go: Join the Dodge Nature Center's staff for their annual Frosty Fun Festival. Activities include: Kick-sledding, ice bowling, ice mini-golf, and snowshoeing (depending on snow depth), dog sled rides for children ages 4 through 12, sledding and boot hockey, a bonfire, reindeer-led sleigh rides, a puppet theater and more.

Cost: Members: $3 or $12 per family; non-members: $5 or $20 per family. Free for children ages 2 and under

3.

When/Where: Auction: 5 p.m. Saturday; show: 7 p.m. Saturday; Burnsville Performing Arts Center, Burnsville

Why Go: This event doesn't just feature an Elvis tribute show, but a silent auction to benefit St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital; the main performance event features award-winning tribute artists Steve and Tommy Marcio who will perform all eras of the King's greatest hits.

Cost: $21

4.

When/Where: 6 to 9 p.m. Saturday,

Why Go: This free concert is part of the winter concert series sponsored by the Apple Valley Arts Foundation and City of Apple Valley, featuring this returning performer from the summer concert series. This time, however, you can experience the music indoors and out of the cold.

Price: Free; food available for purchase

5.

When/Where: 5 p.m. Sunday, Como Park Zoo and Conservatory, St. Paul

Why Go: Enjoy another free concert Sunday, in a particularly beautiful setting—the Marjorie McNeely Conservatory in St. Paul. The featured performer is Rhizosphere, an improvisatory quartet that uses sounds from around the world.

Price: Free; food available for purchase