Twin Cities Events: May 1–15
A roundup of local business Twin Cities events for you to get out & network!
Hey friends — happy May! If you’re new here, welcome. Twin Cities Collective is your warm, local roundup of entrepreneur-friendly things to do around Minneapolis & Saint Paul — equal parts “let’s build cool stuff” and “let’s leave the house and meet real humans.”
🧠 Virtual Workshop: Notion + Claude (ADHD Brains)
If you caught my talk at the AI Summit (or wanted to but couldn’t make it), this is basically the “you asked for it, so I’m running it again” version — but with more time to go hands-on.
It’s a practical, no-fluff workshop on how I actually use Notion + Claude together to run my business without creating a system that I have to maintain forever.
🗓 Date & Time: May 13th 12:00pm
📍 Location: Online (register to access)
🎯 Who It’s For: ADHD / neurodivergent entrepreneurs, solopreneurs, and anyone who wants a low-maintenance system that sticks
🎉 Vibe: Practical demos + real examples + live Q&A
💵 Pricing: $10 (free w/ promo code for paying Optimization Toolbox Substack subscribers)
🔗 Link to RSVP/Sign up: https://luma.com/u319x0l5
🌼 Upcoming Events (May 1–15)
Friday, May 1
Minneapolis Investor Luncheon 2026
🗓 Date & Time: Friday, May 1 (11:30 AM–1:15 PM)
📍 Location: Downtown Minneapolis (fine dining; exact venue shared by organizer)
🎯 Who It’s For: Accredited/qualified investors + folks interested in investor networking (limited seats)
🎉 Vibe: Upscale lunch + high-signal investing conversations
💵 Pricing: Free for qualified investors (others ~$190)
🔗 Link to RSVP/Sign up: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/minneapolis-investor-luncheon-2026-registration-1983137236860
WorkCongress 2026 — Virtual Future of Work Expo (Online)
🗓 Date & Time: Friday, May 1 (8 AM–4 PM CDT)
📍 Location: Online
🎯 Who It’s For: Professionals, job seekers, HR/talent folks, and anyone curious about the future of work + AI
🎉 Vibe: Virtual expo + sessions + networking
💵 Pricing: Free (note: listing currently shows “sales ended”)
🔗 Link to RSVP/Sign up: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/workcongress-2026-virtual-future-of-work-expo-minneapolis-tickets-1979295085883
Saturday, May 2
Minnebar
🗓 Date & Time: Saturday, May 2
📍 Location: Best Buy HQ
🎯 Who It’s For: Curious builders, tech folks, makers, and anyone who likes learning in community
🎉 Vibe: “Choose-your-own-adventure” sessions + friendly hallway conversations
💵 Pricing: Free (waitlist now)
🔗 Link to RSVP/Sign up: https://minnestar.org/minnebar/
Big Ballers: Dinner with Entrepreneurs — Minneapolis (Weekly)
🗓 Date & Time: Saturday, May 2
📍 Location: Rotating local restaurants (location shared with registrants) — Minneapolis
🎯 Who It’s For: “Serious entrepreneurs” who are scaling and want real conversation (small group)
🎉 Vibe: Cozy micro-networking dinner (6-ish people, no awkward giant mixer energy)
💵 Pricing: Paid
🔗 Link to RSVP/Sign up: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/big-ballers-dinner-with-entrepreneurs-minneapolis-tickets-1978811995948
Headshot May-Hem
🗓 Date & Time: Saturday, May 2
📍 Location: Casket Arts Building
🎯 Who It’s For: Business professionals who want fresh headshots + an easy networking moment
🎉 Vibe: Professional but fun “new headshot, who dis?” energy
💵 Pricing: Paid
🔗 Link to RSVP/Sign up: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/headshot-may-hem-tickets-1986011381504
Monday, May 4
Walleye Tank 2026 — Life Science Pitch Competition
🗓 Date & Time: Monday, May 4
📍 Location: Walker Art Center, Minneapolis
🎯 Who It’s For: Healthcare/life science founders, investors, ecosystem folks, pitch-event fans
🎉 Vibe: High-energy pitches + capital/mentorship conversations
💵 Pricing: $25
🔗 Link to RSVP/Sign up:
Wednesday, May 6
Angel Fest 2026 — Early-Stage Investor Conference
🗓 Date & Time: Wednesday, May 6 (two-day event; see link for full schedule)
📍 Location: Huntington Bank Stadium (Club Cambria Room), Minneapolis
🎯 Who It’s For: Angels, emerging investors, LPs, startup ecosystem builders
🎉 Vibe: Practical investing conversations + “venture casual” networking
💵 Pricing: Paid
🔗 Link to RSVP/Sign up: https://www.groovecap.com/angelfest-2026
AGC Talks Minneapolis — May
🗓 Date & Time: Wednesday, May 6 (5–7 PM)
📍 Location: Brick x Mortar, 314 N 1st Ave 4th Floor, Minneapolis
🎯 Who It’s For: Professionals who want cross-industry connections + a motivational talk
🎉 Vibe: TED-style speaker + mingle (apps & drinks included)
💵 Pricing: Paid
🔗 Link to RSVP/Sign up: https://www.joinagc.com/event/633
Saint Paul Downtown Alliance — Annual Meeting
🗓 Date & Time: Wednesday, May 6 (4–6 PM)
📍 Location: Palace Theatre, 17 West 7th Place, Saint Paul
🎯 Who It’s For: Downtown Saint Paul supporters, community/business folks, and anyone who wants a peek at what’s next
🎉 Vibe: Social hour + music + community vision + celebration
💵 Pricing: Free
🔗 Link to RSVP/Sign up: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/saint-paul-downtown-alliance-annual-meeting-tickets-1983634037805
EP Chamber — Small Business Roundtable (SBR): Building Company Culture
🗓 Date & Time: Wednesday, May 6 (8:00–9:30 AM)
📍 Location: Star Bank (Community Room), 250 Prairie Center Drive, Eden Prairie
🎯 Who It’s For: Small business owners/leaders who want practical ideas + peer discussion
🎉 Vibe: Roundtable-style learning + local connection (with an optional extra 30 minutes after)
💵 Pricing: Check registration page
🔗 Link to RSVP/Sign up: https://business.epchamber.org/ap/Events/Register/J5F6ja7iJCzC3
Thursday, May 7
CyberRisk Leadership Exchange: Twin Cities
🗓 Date & Time: Thursday, May 7
📍 Location: JW Marriott Minneapolis Mall of America, Bloomington
🎯 Who It’s For: Senior security leaders (CISO-level / exec audience)
🎉 Vibe: Boardroom-style discussions + peer-to-peer networking
💵 Pricing: Free
🔗 Link to RSVP/Sign up: https://events.cyberriskcollaborative.com/twincities-leadership-exchange-2026
MN Women in AI — Co-Intelligence: The Next Competitive Advantage
🗓 Date & Time: Thursday, May 7 (6–8 PM)
📍 Location: Applied AI | Lab651, St Paul
🎯 Who It’s For: Women (and allies) who want a practical, community-based intro to using AI strategically at work
🎉 Vibe: Real-world AI convo + friendly community energy
💵 Pricing: Check MN Women in AI for ticket details (some events have fees)
🔗 Link to details:
Dinner with Entrepreneurs — St. Paul: Small Business Owners Edition (Weekly)
🗓 Date & Time: Thursday, May 7
📍 Location: Rotating local restaurants (location shared with registrants) — Saint Paul
🎯 Who It’s For: Small business owners who want relationships (not just business cards)
🎉 Vibe: Low-key dinner + curated table of fellow entrepreneurs
💵 Pricing: Paid
🔗 Link to RSVP/Sign up: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/dinner-with-entrepreneurs-st-paul-small-business-owners-edition-tickets-1868275926589
NSA-MN — Boring to Bravo: Proven Presentation Techniques to Engage, Involve, and Inspire (Kristin Arnold)
🗓 Date & Time: Thursday, May 7 (5:30–9:00 PM)
📍 Location: Brookview Golf Course, 316 Brookview Pkwy S, Golden Valley
🎯 Who It’s For: Speakers (and aspiring speakers) who want their presentations to be more engaging + interactive
🎉 Vibe: Skill-building + speaker community connection
💵 Pricing: Check registration page
🔗 Link to RSVP/Sign up: https://nsa-mn.starchapter.com/meet-reg1.php?id=132
Friday, May 8
TeamWomenMN — 15th Annual Women’s Leadership Conference
🗓 Date & Time: Friday, May 8
📍 Location: Hyatt Regency Minneapolis, 1300 Nicollet Mall
🎯 Who It’s For: Women leaders (and allies) who want inspiration + networking + leadership development
🎉 Vibe: Big conference day + dedicated networking block
💵 Pricing: Paid (SOLD OUT)
🔗 Link to RSVP/Sign up: https://teamwomenmn.org/2026-leadership-conference/
AGC Business & Bagels — Edina
🗓 Date & Time: Friday, May 8 (9–10:30 AM)
📍 Location: 2 Meridian Crossings, Minneapolis (Edina area)
🎯 Who It’s For: Professionals who want an easy morning networking win
🎉 Vibe: Bagels + friendly conversation + low-pressure intros
💵 Pricing: Paid
🔗 Link to RSVP/Sign up: https://www.joinagc.com/event/634
St. Paul Area Chamber — Small Business Summit & Expo (Presented by Wells Fargo)
🗓 Date & Time: Friday, May 8 (8:00 AM–2:00 PM)
📍 Location: Saint Paul RiverCentre, 175 West Kellogg Boulevard, Saint Paul
🎯 Who It’s For: Small business owners, entrepreneurs, and anyone who supports small businesses
🎉 Vibe: Expo-style networking + resources + learning (big “meet people + leave with ideas” energy)
💵 Pricing: Check registration page
🔗 Link to RSVP/Sign up: https://web.stpaulchamber.com/events/SmallBusiness Summit and Expo Presented by Wells Fargo-2455013/details
Tuesday, May 12
MnTech Tech on Tap — May
🗓 Date & Time: Tuesday, May 12
📍 Location: BlackStack Brewing, 755 Prior Ave N Ste 110, Saint Paul
🎯 Who It’s For: Tech community folks (and tech-curious humans) who want to meet people without a formal agenda
🎉 Vibe: Craft drinks + great conversation
💵 Pricing: Free
🔗 Link to RSVP/Sign up: https://mntech.org/event/tech-on-tap-may-2026/
WeMN — Coffee & Conversations
🗓 Date & Time: Tuesday, May 12
📍 Location: Choice Bank Golden Valley
🎯 Who It’s For: Women entrepreneurs who want community + connection (and a little accountability)
🎉 Vibe: Coffee chats + friendly co-working energy
💵 Pricing: Paid, Free for Members
🔗 Link to RSVP/Sign up: https://www.wemn.org/events
Wednesday, May 13
Founders Day 2026 — UMN Entrepreneurship Showcase
🗓 Date & Time: Wednesday, May 13
📍 Location: Walter Library & Toaster Innovation Hub, University of Minnesota (Minneapolis)
🎯 Who It’s For: Startup supporters, founders, students, investors, and anyone who loves local innovation
🎉 Vibe: Showcase + awards + campus networking
💵 Pricing: Free
🔗 Link to RSVP/Sign up: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/founders-day-2026-tickets-1983791418535
Eden Prairie Chamber — Business@Breakfast Networking
🗓 Date & Time: Wednesday, May 13 (arrive 7:15 AM; program starts 7:30)
📍 Location: SCHEELS, 8301 Flying Cloud Dr., Eden Prairie (enter door 6)
🎯 Who It’s For: Local business owners who want referrals and consistent networking
🎉 Vibe: Structured intros + “60-second commercial” style
💵 Pricing: Free (members) / $5 (non-members)
🔗 Link to RSVP/Sign up: https://business.epchamber.org/calendar/Details/business-breakfast-networking-w-atlas-co-consulting-1567171?sourceTypeId=Hub
St. Paul Area Chamber — Lunch with Leaders: Economic Outlook (Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis)
🗓 Date & Time: Wednesday, May 13 (11:30 AM–1:00 PM)
📍 Location: DoubleTree Downtown Saint Paul, 411 Minnesota Street, Saint Paul
🎯 Who It’s For: Business owners/leaders who want a smart economic update + good networking
🎉 Vibe: Professional lunch + timely insights
💵 Pricing: Check registration page
🔗 Link to RSVP/Sign up: https://web.stpaulchamber.com/events/Lunch-with-Leaders-Economic-Outlook-with-the-Federal-Reserve-Bank-of-Minneapolis-2455091/details
The Dot Signature Event — Developed to Last
🗓 Date & Time: Wednesday, May 13
📍 Location: The North House, Minneapolis
🎯 Who It’s For: Women building careers with intention (visibility, connection, staying power)
🎉 Vibe: Anniversary celebration + meaningful networking + “let’s build something sustainable” energy
💵 Pricing: Paid
🔗 Link to RSVP/Sign up: https://www.eventcreate.com/e/signature2026
Thursday, May 14
MPI Minnesota — 90s Throwback Bingo Night
🗓 Date & Time: Thursday, May 14
📍 Location: Punch Bowl Social, Minneapolis
🎯 Who It’s For: Event/meeting pros (and anyone who wants a fun networking night)
🎉 Vibe: Playful + nostalgic + easy conversation
💵 Pricing: Paid
🔗 Link to RSVP/Sign up: https://www.mpi.org/chapters/minnesota/education-events/event/2026/04/15/default-calendar/2026-minnesota-meeting---events-day
EP Chamber — Emerging Leaders Game Night
🗓 Date & Time: Thursday, May 14 (4:00–5:30 PM)
📍 Location: The Game Show Studio, Eden Prairie
🎯 Who It’s For: Growth-minded professionals who want low-pressure networking
🎉 Vibe: Casual, open-house style + games (aka easy conversation starters)
💵 Pricing: Check registration page
🔗 Link to RSVP/Sign up: https://business.epchamber.org/ap/Events/Register/MwF8ZwwF8CeCg
Friday, May 15
MN Rising Professionals — Spring Networking Mixer
🗓 Date & Time: Friday, May 15 (6–9 PM)
📍 Location: Tender Lovin Chix, 2700 Lyndale Ave S, Minneapolis
🎯 Who It’s For: Twin Cities professionals across industries (seasoned pros + emerging leaders)
🎉 Vibe: Big, energetic mixer with real conversation + community building
💵 Pricing: Check link for details
🔗 Link to RSVP/Sign up: https://mnrisingpro.com/spring-mixer
Minnesota Chamber Foundation — Future Forward: Minnesota’s Economic Imperative
🗓 Date & Time: Friday, May 15 (8:30 AM–11:45 AM)
📍 Location: Ecolab, 655 Lone Oak Dr, Eagan
🎯 Who It’s For: Business leaders + policy/economic nerds (in the best way) who want to stay ahead of Minnesota’s economic trends
🎉 Vibe: Big-picture insights + high-quality networking + “future of MN business” conversations
💵 Pricing: Check registration page (note: some listings show it may no longer be active)
🔗 Link to RSVP/Sign up: https://member.mnchamber.com/mobile/eventDetail.aspx?EventID=1093848
If you have any events, please submit it here!
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