📅 Mark Your Calendar: September 23-30, 2026!
There are so many fun things happening this week! Here are a few events to add to your family calendar. To see more events on my website click HERE. Wishing you and your family a wonderful week filled with memories, adventure, learning and love.
I try to make the information in this newsletter and on the website as accurate as possible, but event and venue information is subject to change without notice.
Wednesday, September 23-26, Just Between Friends Bloomingon/Burnsville Fall Sale
🎒 Save Money on Back-to-School Shopping!
📅 September 22–26 at Burnsville Center – NE Entrance
If you're looking for a way to shop, save money and stretch your family budget, be sure to add the JBF Bloomington/Burnsville sale to your calendar!
Raising a family is expensive, and keeping up with growing kids can feel overwhelming. Just Between Friends makes it easier for families in the greater Bloomington/Burnsville area to find the things kids need without the stress or high price tags.
You'll find a clean, organized and family-friendly pop-up sale featuring everything from infant onesies and clothing for kids of all ages to toys, games, books, puzzles, baby gear and seasonal finds—all under one roof!
Get a ticket to reserve your spot HERE.
Shopping Schedule
Tuesday, 9/22/2026, 4pm-7pm Jubilee Presale Party
Wednesday, 9/23/2026, 3pm-9pm Early Access Presale
Thursday, 9/24/2026, 10am-8pm, general admission, BOGO Deals Night
Friday, 9/25/2026, 10am-7pm, general admission, 4pm-7pm: half-price presale, BIZFAM Showcase and KidsCREATE Market
Saturday 9/26/2026, 10am-5pm Discount Day
🏰 Minnesota Renaissance Festival
Minnesota Renaissance Festival
Step back in time for a day of entertainment, food, music, costumes, games, and medieval merriment! The Minnesota Renaissance Festival is open weekends (Saturday & Sunday) August 22–October 4, plus Labor Day, September 7, and Festival Friday, October 2.
Open 9 a.m.–7 p.m., rain or shine.
Now-Oct 18, 2026, 🎭 Pinocchio at Children’s Theatre Company
CTC’s production of Pinocchio is recommended for ages 5-10.
Get your tickets HERE.
Now through November 29, 2026, 🚢 Titanic: An Immersive Voyage
Titanic: An Immersive Voyage
Now–November 29, 2026
Take an unforgettable journey into the history of the Titanic at Royalston Square in Minneapolis. Explore life-size recreations of the ship’s rooms, immersive video animations, and stunning 3D views that transport you back in time.
Discover the stories, details, and history behind one of the world's most iconic tragedies in an experience unlike any other.
Friday, September 25, Friday Morning Preschool Open Gym at IGM Gymnastics
When: Friday Mornings
Time: 9:30-11:30am
Where: IGM Gymnastics
Cost: $10/child or $15/family
Where: IGM Gymnastics, 12117 Riverwood Dr
Burnsville MN 55337
952-898-3889
Please pre-register at www.igmgymnastics.com
Friday, September 25, Outdoor Movie Night at Rahn Elementary School
Rahn Elementary School, 4424 Sandstone Dr, Eagan, MN 55122, USA
September 25, 2026 7:30 pm CDT
Opens September 25th and runs through November 1st!, Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular at the Minnesota Zoo!
Minnesota Zoo, 13000 Zoo Blvd, Apple Valley, MN 55124, USA
A fan-favorite fall outing, this one-of-a-kind experience takes you on a stroll through more than 5,000 artistically carved glowing pumpkins.Become a member today with your purchase!The ExperienceThe Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular experience begins the moment you arrive at the Zoo. With an expanded route and new experiences on the plaza, there’s more space to explore – and even better views of thousands of glowing pumpkins. Stroll the woodsy trail surrounded by spectacularly carved pumpkins and glowing displays. Whether it’s your first visit or a fall tradition, there’s something to discover around every turn.This year, trivia takes center stage! Put your trivia skills to the test as you make your way along the trail. You’ll encounter trivia questions, and the pumpkins themselves are the answers – can you figure out which pumpkin is the right one? From questions kids will know to answers the adults will recognize, the pumpkin artists have plenty of tricks to keep everyone guessing.
Saturday, September 26, Kelley Park Grand Opening Celebration
September 26, 2026 12:00 pm - 7:30 pm CDT, Visit Website
We are excited to invite you to the Kelley Park Grand Opening Festival on Saturday, Sept. 26, as we celebrate the completion of this exciting park renovation and officially welcome the community to the new Kelley Park!
12-1:30 p.m. - Kidsdance DJ
12-7:30 p.m. - Food Trucks & Bogarts Beverage Service
1:30-3 p.m. - Continuing Education Band
3-5 p.m. - Vinnie Rose Acoustic Performance on the Plaza
3-5:30 p.m. - Sports Entertainment on Big Screen
5:30-6 p.m. - Ribbon Cutting Event
6-7:30 p.m. - Urban Classic: The Music of Earth, Wind and Fire (Presented by the Apple Valley Arts Foundation)
The celebration will include live music, food trucks, family activities, and more throughout the afternoon and evening. It will be a great opportunity to see the park's new amenities, enjoy time with family and friends, and celebrate this significant investment in our community.
Sponsored by the Apple Valley Arts Foundation
Sunday, November 27, Nerf Night at Elite Gymnastics Academy (EGA)
Nerf Night at Elite Gymnastics Academy - 4:30-6:00 PM in Burnsville. Ages 6-12.
Have fun with friends at Nerf Night in the gym! Open fire zones, obstacle courses, and Nerf battles galore, played across the whole floor with mats, blocks and gym equipment as cover. Coaches run the games and keep it organized and safe.
$25 per EGA member, $35 per non-member.
Kids bring their own Nerf blaster and protective glasses - rentals are available at check-in ($5 blaster, $2 glasses), and eyewear is also for sale. No battery-operated or modified blasters, and everyone uses EGA darts only.
No gymnastics experience needed. Open to everyone, not just EGA families.
Space is limited - register ahead.
Register: portal.iclasspro.com/elitegym/camps
Questions: (952) 882-9012
Elite Gymnastics Academy
12500 Chowen Ave S, Burnsville, MN 55337
Sunday, September 29, Halloween Costume Swap at the Rambling River Center Parking Lot
Time: 5:30-7pm
Get ready for a fun and eco-friendly Halloween! Join us for our Halloween Costume Swap.
Bring your gently used costumes and browse for something "new" to wear this spooky season. Not donation is required to shop the swap.
Please make sure any items you bring are clean, usable, and in fair condition. Event staff may decline items that don't meet these guidelines.
If you can't attend but would like to donate a costume ahead of time, please contact Violet Penman at violet.penman@rosemountmn.gov or 612-268-9097
Upcoming Event to Add to Your Calendar
Friday, October 2, FREE Homeschool Open House at Elite Gymnastics Academy (EGA)
Homeschool families, come check us out! FREE open gym on our full floor (trampolines, foam pit, bars, beam, ninja obstacles), a tour of the facility, and a chance to hear about the homeschool classes we offer.
Ages 6 and up. Free, but please pre-register HERE (so we can staff it right:)
After the open house, Homeschool Open Gym runs every Friday 10:00-11:30am starting October 9 - $10 EGA member / $12 non-member / $30 max per family.
Little ones? Tots Open Gym (ages 5 & under, with a parent) runs 9:30-10:30am the same morning - $8 member / $10 non-member.
Homeschool Fitness classes (ages 5-13, Sept-May, $16/class): Mon 10:10am, Tue 11:00am, Thu 11:10am.
Questions: (952) 882-9012 or contact@egaoffice.com
October 15-16, 2026, MEA Fall Break Camp at Elite Gymnastics Academy
Spend fall break moving through gymnastics stations, obstacle courses, games and creative projects at EGA. Join for one or both days. The portal confirms available sessions.
For ages 5-12
- Full day 8:30am–3:30pm · $75 ($70 members)
- Morning half day 8:30am–noon · $50 ($45 members)
- Afternoon half day noon–3:30pm · $50 ($45 members)
- Aftercare 3:30–4:30pm · $10 · full-day & PM campers
Register HERE.
Sunday, October 17, Parent's Night Out at Elite Gymnastics Academy (EGA)
Three hours of gym games, open play and pizza with our coaches. An evening for them—and for you! Drop off your children for active games, open gym time, trampoline fun and crafts or activities. Preschool participants must be potty-trained.
Ages 4–13 · $25 per EGA Member
Dinner for two is on the calendar.
Saturday, October 17 · 4pm–7pm
Register HERE
Saturday, October 24, 2027, Halloween Bash at Elite Gymnastics Academy (EGA)
Costume contest and gym games
The night kicks off with high-energy games in the gym, plus our costume contest. Kids show off their looks and compete for prizes in categories like Most Creative, Best Superhero or Villain, Best Homemade, and Most Comedic.
Ages 5–12
Costumes encouraged, capes tucked in.
Register HERE
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