7 things to do this weekend

I really don't understand people who say "I'm bored." There is absolutely no excuse for being bored in the Twin Cities. Want proof? Here you go:

1. Flint Hills International Children's Festival

This family friendly cultural festival in downtown St. Paul is filled with theater, dance, visual art and fun activities, all either free or just $5. Saturday 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. and Sunday 11 a.m. - 5 p.m.

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2. Ten Fest

Bedlam's 11th Annual Community Ten Minute Play Festival is at Mixed Blood Theatre this year, and features two hours of drama, music, movement and spoken word, all in ten minute blasts.

3. Standing on Ceremony: the Gay Marriage Plays

Showcasing funny, heartfelt "mini works" that celebrate the courage to be in a relationship-any relationship, Standing On Ceremony's smart and witty vignettes were penned by playwrights whose credits include two Pulitzer Prizes, four Obies, one Emmy and three Tony nominations. With this production, the Hennepin Theatre Trust is working in cooperation with Minnesotans United for All Families, the official statewide campaign working to defeat the constitutional amendment that would exclude gays and lesbians from marriage in Minnesota.

4. Africans in the Snow

Patrick's Cabaret presents an evening of African culture curated by choreographer Kenna Cottman, featuring dance, music, drumming, spoken word, storytelling, fashion and more. Performances are at 8pm Friday and Saturday.

5. FireCliff 3

On the opening of Minouk Lim's first in-depth US solo exhibition at the Walker Art Center, the Korean artist collaborates with Minneapolis choreographer Emily Johnson (Catalyst) on a one-night-only presentation of FireCliff 3. The gallery will be transformed into a theatrical environment, animating Lim's wearable sculptures around themes of nature, myth, and civilization.

6. Katha Dance

Two-time McKnight choreography fellow Rita Mustaphi and her award-winning company of Katha dancers reunite with Susana di Palma (Zorongo Flamenco Dance), Donald LaCourse (Ethnic Dance Theatre), and nationally renowned Gospel singer Robert Robinson to perform critically acclaimed excerpts from their vibrant 25-year history.

7. Dana Gioia

Poet and former head of the National Endowment for the Arts Dana Gioia reads from his long-awaited fourth collection of poetry, "Pity the Beautiful."