Oh hey there, nice to see you!

It's not February, but this week's newsletter is for the LOVER luvvas. It's Pride month, and before I get all the way into it, I'd like to share something. Once upon a time, I was the kind of religious person who didn't believe all Love was sacred. And then, as AI would say, EVERYTHING CHANGED. Now I know in my bones how holy it is to love free and be loved freely. The end. Sort of.

Without completely waxing philosophical, lemme just say that Love is never the end. It's always the beginning, and the center, and the core of the earth.

So this week we're highlighting what's going on with Pride in the Twin Cities, AND how to create space for a little self-love. Because these have been some dumpster-fire years in Minneapolis. And also, somehow, some of the most beautiful. In spite of all of it, or maybe because of it, we've seen the absolute core of who we are as a city. It's no surprise. We've got a lot to be proud of.

Well alriiiiight then. Let's get on with it, lovers.

For those of us normal humans crashing out right now.

Remember when self-care was a bath and a glass of wine? Now keeping your sanity is basically a part-time job. (The manager is an unhinged squirrel. She's me.) Same, friend.

The world has been…. heavy lately (to say the least). So, first things first. If you're overwhelmed or burnt out or just tired in a way you can't explain, you're not alone. Then add a star to your bingo card for every kid, partner, job, body, or aging parent you're keeping alive. Free space in the middle if you've sat in a parked car just to be alone for four minutes (and maybe cry a little).

On the days I feel myself muscling and barreling through, I know what I actually need is some me-time. And for you? Same, probably. So I made you something: a guide to dating yourself across the Twin Cities. 30 of them, from a 15-minute reset to a full spa day, mostly free to splurge. With location options, and full date plans for those of you (like me) who don't want to have to think about it.

A taste of what's inside: a vinyl-store afternoon, a solo tattoo, a little altar-and-crystals evening, a table for one with a good book, and the one that costs absolutely nothing.

Need one right this second? Coffee on the porch, phone left inside, all five senses, ten quiet minutes. It counts. It absolutely counts.

The other 16 are waiting, with every spot, price, and address. (Button links to the full guide)

All the Love

Where to show up, celebrate, and find your people this month, all across the Twin Cities.

In 1975, Minneapolis became the first city in the country to protect transgender people from discrimination. In 1993, Minnesota became the first state to do the same.

We've been showing up for this community for a long time. Let's keep going.

This city loves its people, in June and every month after. Here's where to celebrate all month long, from a grassroots block party to one of the largest Pride parades in the country. Most of it is free. All of it is for everyone.

Pride season opens with a whole day of events across the metro: a morning run/walk at Utepils, Drag Bingo at Bruhaven, and a Lynx and Aurora women's sports doubleheader. Local spots all over the cities are donating a share of their sales, so you can support the community just by showing up. The full list of participating locations is at tcpride.org.

Dual Citizen Brewing Company, St. Paul

The smaller, grassroots cousin to the big Loring Park weekend. A neighborhood-block-party feel, two weeks before the main event, and a lovely low-key way to ease into Pride season.

Como Park East Pavilions, St. Paul · 11am to 2pm, rain or shine

A free afternoon built for LGBTQIA2S+ families, friends, and allies. Hot dogs, crafts, games, and appearances by MN mascots. Bring the kids.

Loring Park · Friday, 4 to 8pm

The festival opens with Youth Night, made for ages 10 to 20. Drag performances, a DJ, a photo booth, and free food, plus a quiet space for caregivers to relax.

Loring Park · Saturday 10am to 7pm, Sunday 10am to 6pm

Minnesota's largest free Pride festival, with more than 650 vendors and four stages taking over Loring Park. Music, food, community resources, and a whole lot of joy. Free, always.

Sunday, 9am · down Hennepin Avenue

The Rainbow Run starts Sunday morning and heads straight down Hennepin, with parade-goers cheering you on. Can't make it in person? There's a virtual option you can run from anywhere.

Sunday, 11am · Hennepin Avenue

The parade (officially the Ashley Rukes Pride Parade) begins Sunday at 11am and runs down Hennepin from 3rd to Spruce. It's one of the largest Pride parades in the country, drawing more than 200,000 people. Find your people and celebrate all weekend long.

Cheers to Twin Cities Pride, and to love.

Here's to a place that shows up for its people, in June and every month after. We love MPLS, and we love everyone who gets to call it home. 🤍

🌈 Why did the rainbow propose? It found its other half-circle.

🌋 What did one volcano say to the other? I lava you.

💁‍♀️ Why did I take myself on a date? Because I deserve someone who really gets me.

If you didn’t know, Perfect Match Properties is the real-estate arm behind The Minneapolis Edit—and one of the Twin Cities’ most trusted boutique teams.

Whether you’re dreaming about your next neighborhood, wondering what your current home might be worth, or just exploring what’s possible, I’d love to help you.

Let’s start a conversation 💃

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