8-bit music fest, Hotel dance night: Freeloader Friday

Image by tao_zhyn

​It's a long weekend for most of us here in the Twin Cities, and in many ways the next three days mark the end of summer. It's your last chance to check out the Minnesota State Fair, and for some it's the last weekend before school starts up again. But fear not: There is still plenty of free things to do. For this installment of Freeloader Friday we have an 8-bit music fest, a gallery show's homage to old video games, tons of dance nights, a Harry Potter screening, and free stuff to do Monday. Come take a look. FRIDAY:

8-BIT^3 Festival
(Shuga Records, 165 13th Ave. NE, Minneapolis; 612.455.6285)

If you've ever played an original Nintendo game, then you have heard 8-bit music. Get your beep-and-booping jam on at this festival including Unicorn Dream Attack, L-Tron, Albino Ghost Monkey, and more. Free; but donations are welcome as they support traveling artists. 4-10 p.m.

 

​Sleaze Book Club
(Minneapolis Central Library, 300 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis, 952.847.8107)

Max 'Bunny' Sparber invites actors and non-actors to write and give book reports on pornographic novels found at adult bookstores. Bonus: You'll receive a book to take home as well. 4:30 p.m.

Lowertown First Fridays
(Lowertown, 6th and Sibley, St. Paul)

This monthly event features open studios and galleries, food and drink specials, performances, music, and much more. For more info visit lowertownfirstfridays.com. 6-9 p.m.

Freewheelin' First Fridays
(331 Club, 331 13th Ave. NE, Minneapolis, 612.331.1746)

Tonight's show includes a double CD-release show with the Surf Dawgs and the 99ers. 9:30 p.m.

Dragons Power Up!, Falcon Arrow, Say Like the French Say, Citizens of the Empire
(Memory Lanes, 2520 26th Ave. S., Minneapolis, 612.721.6211)

Rock. 10 p.m.

Hotel
(Kitty Cat Klub, 315 14th Ave. SE, Minneapolis, 612.331.9800)

Jonathan Ackerman hosts this excellent dance night.

A Conscious Divide, Blue Ox, All the Way Rider, Lesser Known Saints
(Hexagon Bar, 2600 27th Ave. S., Minneapolis, 612.722.3454)

Indie, rock. 9 p.m.