Here is the Bugle’s latest Midpoint, a web-based report on some local news and information.

State Fair grandstand show announced

Snow is just beginning to fly as we head into December and the Christmas holiday season. 

But the Minnesota State Fair has already announced its first show for the 2026 grandstand concert series.

Popular singer-comedian “Weird Al’’ Yankovic will kick off his “Bigger & Weirder 2026 Tour” with special guest Puddles Pity Party at 7 p.m.  on Friday, Aug. 28 at the Fair’s grandstand, 1265 Snelling Ave.

Ticket prices range from $54 to $89 and are on sale now. Tickets are available through Etix at etix.com or by calling 800-514-3849. For additional State Fair ticket information, call 651-288-4427. 

Please note the State Fairgrounds Ticket Office will not be open for in-person sales. Currently, tickets will be sold online and by phone only.

Celtic Junction Arts holiday season

The Celtic Junction Arts Center, 836 Prior Ave N., is bringing festive cheer to St. Paul this season with its holiday event series, featuring three distinct productions filled with live music, sketch comedy, and seasonal entertainment.

With limited seating, each show provides an intimate and interactive experience for guests.

Spiked! Put Some Punch in Your Holidays
November 28 – December 1, 2025
Kick off the holiday season with Spiked!, a mix of first-rate music and sketch comedy, brought to you by Table Salt Productions. Featuring local music headliners, Brave New Workshop alums, and a rotating special guest at each performance, Spiked! is packed with holiday cheer, rocking tunes, and plenty of laughs. Enjoyable for ages 16 and up. Tickets are $25-$30. 

Celtic Holiday Hooley
December 12 – December 22, 2025
Heartwarming, hilarious, and packed with Irish charm, the “Celtic Holiday Hooley” returns with music, dance, and festive chaos. Hosted by Joshua Will and Natalie O’Shea, the Hooley is a blend of toe-tapping music, Irish step dancing and laugh-out-loud comedy sketches.

General admission tickets are $30, $25 for seniors, and free for youth 18 and under with a reserved youth ticket. Seven performances take place December 12 – 22.

Hannah Flowers: The Harp and the Holly
December 20, 2025 – 7:30 p.m.

Join Irish harpist and singer Hannah Flowers for the album launch of her new holiday recording, “The Harp and the Holly.” Celebrate the warmth and hope of the Christmas season with a serene evening of favorite and lesser-known carols and songs from Ireland and the British Isles. The performance will feature special guests Dáithí Sproule (guitar), Stephanie Claussen (harp), Carmen Pasquerella (flute), and Mattie Snyder (cello). Tickets are $25. Youth 18 and under receive free admission at the door.

Victorian Music Hall Review: Ghosts in Greasepaint
January 2, 2026 – January 4, 2026A
Celebrate the New Year with a trip back in time to Victorian England. “Victorian Music Hall Revue: Ghosts in Greasepaint” is an interactive show that takes audiences on a journey through London’s famous Strand, from the poor pubs of the East End to the grand palaces of the West End. Filled with larger-than-life characters, beloved songs, and singular performances, this tribute to the Victorian Music Hall invites you to dress in period costume, sing along, and celebrate a New Year in Victorian style.

A champagne toast adds to the festive fun. Enjoyable for ages16 and up. General admission tickets are $25-$30. Five performances take place January 2- 4.

Seating is limited for all performances. Early booking is recommended.

Submitted by Celtic Junction Center

Falcon Heights revising rental policies

In a wide-ranging tenant rights discussion at its Nov. 5 workshop, the Falcon Heights City council touched on several issues that residents, landlords and developers can expect to see discussed more formally in the coming months.

Linehan said the council will likely vote at its Dec. 10 meeting on a new requirement that landlords maintain air conditioning, if it already exists in their properties. He said he believes this would be the first or “one of the first” such measures in Minnesota.

Also on that agenda will be discussion on whether to revise the city’s existing Crime-Free Housing ordinance. Like most Minnesota cities, Falcon Heights requires landlords to evict tenants who attack or threaten other tenants. This is typically enforced by suspending or withholding a rental license.

Linehan noted he U.S. Department of Justice has cracked down on cities in recent years for legal gaps in their ordinance.

Also at its November workshop, the council heard from HomeLine, a statewide advocacy organization for tenants.

Michael Dahl, public policy director, described a bill that Homeline hopes the Minnesota Legislature will pass and asked the city to endorse it.

Dubbed “Termed Just Cause Eviction,” the bill would require landlords to give tenants a 30-day notice of eviction and a stated reason for taking such action. Current state law requires landlords give tenants at least a 14-day notice for proposed evictions.

        The legislative proposal would, among other things, provide a list advising tenants what offenses could invoke eviction notice. The new proposal would be designed to eliminate tenant fears that any landlord complaint against them could lead to eviction.      

 “In general, it makes sense to give people a list of reasons why they’re being evicted and give them some time,” council member Jim Wassenberg said. But he and others said they want to hear from landlords and would need more information before considering a local ordinance.

Falcon Heights council members said they would consider including the bill in their legislative priorities for the 2026 Minnesota Legislative session.

         This report was written by Anne Holzman, a freelance writer who covers local government news for the Bugle.

Upcoming diaper donation drive

The Minnesota State Fair Community Gives Together Donation Drive is collecting diapers and other items for the Midway Project, a neighbor-led program that operates a food pantry at Hancock Recreation Center, a mile south of the fairgrounds.

         Collection dates are:

• Monday-Friday, Dec. 8 to 12; and Monday, Dec. 15: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., 
• Saturday, Dec. 13: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
• Location: Administration Building, 1292 Cosgrove St., across from the Bandshell. 
• For more info: bit.ly/msf-cgt

Midpoint Report is compiled by Scott Carlson, Bugle managing editor.

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