Faribault is so lucky to have the Paradise Center for the Arts in our beautiful historic downtown! They offer classes, galleries, have a lovely shop, host plays, comedians and music performances. With so many amazing programs at the Paradise Center for the Arts, I just can’t fit them all into my schedule, but I always make room for as many as I can. Here are my top choices for the year! Check them out, and then check out the Paradise Center for the Arts for yourself!

  • Buddy Koopman and the Orchestra brings lively swing and big band music to Faribault on January 28 for the January Thaw.
  • Horizontal Hero pays tribute to your favorite classic rock bands on March 11.
  • The Calendar Girls is a play that will have your laughing March 24 to April 1.
  • Big Hats Big Hearts Kentucky Derby Party on May 6. I have attended the annual event twice, but the racing, the auction, the huge hats and the fun have me planning to attend again!
  • It's a tale as old as time, but you won't want to miss Beauty and the Beast running June 16-June 25
  • Church of Cash on June 30. Singing songs from Johnny Cash’s catalog, Church of Cash is said to be a do-not-miss show for fans of the Man in Black.
  • Don't miss a night of stellar musicianship interspersed with comedy during Duelly Noted Dueling Pianos on July 15
  • The Little Mermaid runs July 29 to August 6. Based on the Disney film, the Paradise Community Theater adapts the tale of a young mermaid to a play that the whole family will enjoy.
  • Blue Collar BBQ and Arts Festival on August 13. One of the best events of the summer, this festival is a full day of music, food, and an art festival. Mark your calendar for this block party.
  • The Okee Dokee Brothers perform on October 8. The duo is based in Minnesota and has won Grammy awards.
  • An Evening in Paradise celebrates the 10th anniversary of the Paradise Center for the Arts on October 28.
  • Wine, Women, and Comedy on November 4. A night out on the town with your gal pals is even better with a few laughs. Join comedic group Sisters for an evening of fun.
  • A whole lotta shaking will be going on during the Elvis Rock-n-Remember Christmas Show on December 15
  • NBC's the Voice semifinalist Kat Perkins comes to town with Home for the Holidays December 17.

These are listed in chronological order, and this is just a small selection of the programs scheduled for the year. For this list I chose to focus on events, but the Paradise is also home to wonderful gallery exhibits and classes.

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