This Week’s Best Music & Arts Events: Sound for Silents, Chuck Tingle Live, and ‘Ear Hustle’ Podcast
MINNEAPOLIS, Minnesota — From outdoor concerts that blend live music with classic silent films to intimate literary comedy nights and must-hear storytelling podcasts, Minneapolis is brimming with unique cultural offerings this week. Whether you’re into experimental soundscapes, witty wordplay, or thought-provoking conversations, these events promise memorable nights out.
Sound for Silents at Walker Art Center
The Walker Art Center’s annual Sound for Silents series returns this week, pairing vintage silent films with live, original music from cutting-edge artists. This year’s lineup includes local and national acts known for experimental and genre-blending performances, transforming the museum’s outdoor cinema into a multi-sensory experience.
Attendees can expect avant-garde scores performed under the stars, with curated short films projected onto a large outdoor screen. Food trucks and craft beer vendors will be on site, making this a perfect picnic-and-movie night for art lovers. Admission is free, and the event begins at sunset on the Walker’s Upper Garden Terrace.
Chuck Tingle: Camp Damascus Book Tour
Internet sensation and Hugo Award finalist Chuck Tingle brings his offbeat humor and LGBTQ+ positive storytelling to Minneapolis as part of his Camp Damascus book tour. Known for his satirical and surreal erotic short stories, Tingle has built a devoted fan base online, and his latest work explores themes of identity, acceptance, and joy.
Expect a blend of comedic readings, candid conversations about the writing process, and reflections on queer representation in literature. Audience members will have a chance to ask questions during the Q&A and participate in a post-show book signing.
‘Ear Hustle’ Live Podcast at The Fitzgerald Theater
Fans of the acclaimed prison-life podcast Ear Hustle can catch hosts Nigel Poor and Earlonne Woods live on stage at The Fitzgerald Theater. The duo will share behind-the-scenes stories from the show, play exclusive audio that never made it to air, and discuss the realities of life inside prison walls.
The event will also explore the challenges of producing a narrative podcast within the prison system, offering an unfiltered look at human resilience and creativity. This is a rare opportunity for fans to engage directly with the creators of one of the most influential storytelling podcasts of the last decade.
More Can’t-Miss Picks This Week
Open Streets Minneapolis
Part street festival, part community fair, Open Streets Minneapolis transforms busy corridors into pedestrian- and bike-friendly zones. Local musicians set up on makeshift stages, restaurants bring their kitchens outdoors, and artists display everything from paintings to interactive sculptures.
The August edition runs along East Lake Street, featuring over 100 booths from small businesses and nonprofits. Expect live performances on every block, including neighborhood jazz ensembles and indie rock bands. It’s free to attend and runs from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Lowertown Sounds in Mears Park
In the heart of St. Paul’s arts district, Lowertown Sounds offers an intimate outdoor concert experience with a curated mix of local and touring acts. Surrounded by greenery, festival lights, and the urban backdrop of historic Lowertown, this weekly series draws a loyal crowd of music fans.
This week’s lineup includes Americana and soul artists alongside pop-up food vendors offering everything from tacos to gourmet ice cream. Admission is free, but guests are encouraged to bring a lawn chair or blanket. Music begins at 6 p.m., and the vibe often carries on well into the evening.
Art-A-Whirl Preview Nights
While Art-A-Whirl is officially held in May, Northeast Minneapolis galleries are hosting special preview nights throughout August. These evenings allow visitors to explore new collections, meet artists in their studios, and enjoy live performances by local musicians.
The preview series is free and family-friendly, with many venues offering complimentary drinks or small bites. It’s a perfect opportunity to discover emerging artists before the main event and to purchase one-of-a-kind pieces directly from the creators.
Why These Events Stand Out
What makes this week’s lineup exceptional is the variety — Sound for Silents merges cinema and live music into a dreamlike spectacle, Chuck Tingle infuses comedy with meaningful social commentary, and Ear Hustle delivers deeply human stories from behind prison walls. Meanwhile, Open Streets, Lowertown Sounds, and Art-A-Whirl Previews showcase Minneapolis’ unmatched blend of grassroots creativity and community spirit.
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