Weekend Planner: A Day Trip to the Dachshund Dash

Saturday

Yoga in Way Park
This is the second of six free yoga lessons in Way Park, thanks to a Healthy Activities Grant from Allina Health Partners. Instructor Melissa Sharpe will lead Saturday's class, which starts at 10 a.m. Yogis are advised to bring their own mat and gear, if possible, though there will be some basic materials available for first-timers. Free childcare will also be provided.

Riverwalk Market Fair 
The art fair/farmer's market runs from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Browse fresh, local and organic farm produce, while listening to this week's featured performer, singer/songwriter Barb Piper. There will also be rain barrel painting for kids, hosted by the Cannon Valley Watershed Partnership.

Bruce Jensen Benefit Concert 
Stop by the Contented Cow to show support for three-time cancer survivor, local musician and Patch Blogger Bruce Jensen. Jensen recently had a tumor removed from the inside of his mouth. Saturday, six bands will play to raise money to defray the cost of his treatment. The benefit runs from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m.

Optimum Trajectory 
The Twin Cities jazz quintet will play the HideAway at 7 p.m.

The 8th Annual Fundraiser Motorcycle Run 

This 160-mile bike run doubles as a benefit for 11-year-old Chayton Beseke, who is locked in a battle with brain cancer. The ride will begin at Castle Rock and Roll Bar & Grill (27988 Chipendale Avenue), where there will also be a live auction and door prizes. Registration is $50 per person, an amount that includes a complimentary T-shirt and three meals. For more information, call Steve Beseke, 651-295-5984.

Sunday

The Bridge Chamber Music Festival, Young Artist Recital 
Come see Northfield's newest talents at 2 p.m. in Studio A, Skifter Hall at the St. Olaf campus.

Outside Northfield

Royal Ale Fest at the Minnesota Renaissance Fair in Shakopee, Part I
The Ren Fair will host a happy, hoppy event this weekend, both Saturday and Sunday, with free beer tastings (12:30p.m. & 2:30 p.m. & 4:30 p.m. at the Pavillion) and  Byggvir's Big Beer Cup, a homebrew competition sponsored by the Minnesota Homebrew Association. The competition focuses on historically accurate beers, meads, and ciders (10:00 am - 4:00 pm in the Blue Lions Tent with brewing demos all day).

Royal Ale Fest at the Minnesota Renaissance Fair in Shakopee, Part II
The beer and ale party coincides with another Ren Fest tradition, the Seventh Annual Pet Fest  which boasts over 40 pet-related vendors, costume contests, pet entertainment and, best of all, the wiener dog races. 

Come and watch the tiny dachshunds test their little legs and speed in the Wiener Dog Races! The fastest pups will win fun prizes! We highly encourage pre-registration for the race to secure a spot and to receive a free admission ticket and free gift from Long Dog Apparel! 

The races will begin at 12:30 p.m.