boréal Art Loft

Two Roseville artists with two different approaches to art are the August featured artists at the boréal art loft, 2276 Como Ave.

Chris Derdoski’s watercolors are inspired by the daily landscapes around him. His lighthouse and country scenes are recognizable.

Breanne Sallee is a ceramic artist who creates her pieces in her backyard studio. Look for her free-flowing, plant-inspired forms.

View their work during boréal regular business hours: Monday-Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Larson Art Gallery:

Minnesota Flavors: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Monday-Friday continues through Aug. 15 at the University of Minnesota St. Paul Student Center, 2017 Buford Ave. The exhibition showcases a variety of art created by professional Minnesota artists. See artist list at sua.umn.edu/minnesota-flavors.

Community Sing

Dan Chouinard and Ann Reed lead a free community sing at 7 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 18, at St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church, 2136 Carter Ave.

Dock and Paddle

Como Lakeside Pavilion, 1360 Lexington Parkway N.

• SAP Community Band, 7 to 8:30 p.m. on Tuesday, July 29.

• Lakeside Guitar Festival, 7 to 9 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 8 and 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 9. Details: musicmissionmusic.com/lakeside-guitar-festival-2025.

• Como Pops Ensemble, 3 to 4:30 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 17.

Find the full summer music and entertainment schedule online at dockandpaddle.com.

Music Mondays

Jack Brass Band welcomes visitors at Como Zoo and Conservatory to watch, dance or follow along in a mini-celebratory parade through the zoo at 9:50 a.m., 10:50 a.m. and noon on Mondays, Aug. 4, 11, 18 and 25 at 1225 Estabrook Dr.

Women’s Drum Center

Beginning drum class for women: 6 to 7 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 11, at 2242 University Ave. W. Explore both hand and stick drumming using easy, energizing rhythm exercises to build skills. Instructor: Jo Klein. The focus is on having fun. Drums provided. $15. Register at womensdrumcenter.org.

Gibbs Farm

2097 Larpenteur Ave. W., Falcon Heights. Free parking

Pathways to Dakota & Pioneer Life: Noon to 3 p.m. on Fridays and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays. Guided tours available on the hour, or independently view. $10-$5; free for children 3 and under and members.

Make a flower press: 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 2. Geared for adults and youth over 12. No experience necessary. $30. Register rchs.com/gibbs-farm.

Tree tour: 10:30 to 11:15 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 23. Master Naturalists Cathy Croghan and Kathy Robbins lead a 45-minute walking tour. Geared for adults and youth 12 and older, but all ages are welcome. Register: rchs.com/gibbs-farm. Included in regular admission price.

St. Anthony Park Library

Remains temporarily closed for repairs and maintenance to entrances. Anticipated reopening in early August. All St. Paul Public Libraries will be closed Sunday, Aug. 31 and Monday, Sept. 1, for Labor Day. sppl.org/locations/sa.

Bell Museum

2088 Larpenteur Ave. W., Falcon Heights. See website for regular museum hours and registration: bellmuseum.umn.edu.

Solar observing: Noon to 2 p.m. on Saturdays, Aug. 2, 9, 16 and 23. Drop in to safely observe the sun at the museum’s outdoor solar station. Included in regular admission.

Como Park Zoo & Conservatory

Open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., daily at Marjorie McNeely Conservatory, 1225 Estabrook Drive. Free. A voluntary donation of $4 for an adult and $2 for a child is appreciated. Free shuttle service from 9:45 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays through Aug. 17 at 1930 Como Ave. comozooconservatory.org.

Japanese Obon Festival: 3 to 9 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 17, on the Conservatory grounds. Enjoy music, martial arts, singing, dancing, drumming, games and Japanese food. Culturally themed items available for purchase. Traditional lanterns released onto the water at dusk. Free shuttle service extended to 10 p.m. (1930 Como Ave.) Admission: $5–$8; free for kids under 3. Advance online ticket purchase required: comozooconservatory.org/como/obon-festival-2025. Visit the site for entertainment schedule, vendor list, and map.

Senior Strolls: 6:30 to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 5, and 9 to 10 a.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 19. Special time reserved for adults ages 55+. Online registration is no longer required.

Summer Flower Show: Brightly colored assortment of tropical annuals continues in the sunken garden through Sept. 14.

Minnesota History Center

Free Thursday nights with free parking: 4 to 8 p.m. on Aug 7, 14, 21 and 28 at 345 Kellogg Boulevard W.

Minnesota State Fair

The Great Minnesota Get-Together runs Thursday, Aug. 21 through Labor Day, Monday, Sept. 1. Details at mnstatefair.org.

St. Paul Parks and Rec Camps

Limited space, registration required: stpaul.gov/departments/parks-and-recreation. Resident fee: $140. Non-resident fee: $210. Bring a nut-free snack and drink each day.

T. Swift Era with Kidcreate Studio camp: For ages 5-12. 9 a.m. to noon, Monday, July 28, through Wednesday, July 30, at North Dale Recreation Center, 1414 St. Albans St. N. Art camp creativity inspired by Taylor Swift’s music and style.

Robotic builders: Battlebots camp: For ages 6-10. 1 to 4 p.m. Monday, Aug. 4, through Thursday, Aug. 7, at Northwest Como Recreation Center, 1550 Hamline Ave. N.

Game coding and robotic engineering camp: For ages 5-9. 1 to 4 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 11, through Thursday, Aug. 14, at Northwest Como. Students working in pairs will explore the exciting world of robotics.

End of Summer Bash with Kidcreate Studio camp: For ages 4-9. 9 a.m. to noon on Monday, Aug. 18, through Wednesday, Aug. 20, at North Dale.

Senior activities

St. Anthony Park Area Seniors offers a mix of in-person and virtual activities in July. Unless noted otherwise, no registration is required. For additional details, call 651‑642‑9052 or email or email [email protected].

Unless another location is listed, in-person events are held at Centennial United Methodist Church, 2200 Hillside Ave. W.

In-person activities include:

Game Day: Coffee and board games. 10 to 11:45 a.m. on Friday, Aug. 1., and Tuesday, Aug. 26.

SAIL (Stay Active and Independent for Life): Exercise class focusing on balance, strength and flexibility. 10 to 11 a.m. on Mondays, Aug. 4, 11, 18 and 25; Wednesdays, Aug. 6, 13, 20 and 27; and Fridays, Aug. 1, 8, 15, 22 and 29. Call or email to register.

Pound Fit: A full-body movement class inspired by the energizing fun of drumming. 10 to 11 a.m. on Tuesdays, Aug. 5, 12, 19 and 26. Call or email the office to register.

Lunch outing: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 6. Meet at Pizza Lucé, 2851 Snelling Ave., N., Roseville. Call the office or e-mail to register by Monday, Aug. 4.

Handiwork Group: 10 a.m. to noon on Thursday, Aug. 14. Bring your own supplies and drop in to socialize with your neighbors.

Poetry Group: 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. on Friday, Aug. 15.

Equal Portions: Noon to 1:30 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 21, at St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church, 2136 Carter Ave. Catered luncheon and presentation, “Beyond Your Home: Basic senior living overview for preparing your search,” which is about planning and understanding the current senior living landscape. $15. Contact the office to register by Aug. 13.

Virtual:

Lunch Bunch: Socializing and BINGO. Noon to 1 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 27. Call the office or email for Zoom link.  

Kathy Henderson lives in St. Paul and is a freelance writer.