Cocktails at the Castle Returns September 15

MINNEAPOLIS—The American Swedish Institute presents Cocktails at the Castle on Friday, September 15 on the grounds of the iconic Turnblad Mansion in Minneapolis.

Cocktails and concerts return to the Twin Cities’ only castle this fall with great music, Nordic-inspired art, and wild surprises. Discover two stages of independent bands, pop-up activities, food, and drinks, and explore the museum galleries at this adults-only fall event that was awarded ‘Best Event Concept’ by MSP Magazine.

This year’s Cocktails at the Castle features an exciting lineup of Minnesota artists and activities that draws inspiration from artist Claes Larson’s edgy handcraft presented in Leaving Your Mark: Stories in Wood, ASI’s punk rock woodcarving exhibition on view through October 29. The event features performances by local stars Monica LaPlante alongside up-and-comers Killusonline, a wreck-it room, a chance for attendees to get a real (yes, real!) tattoo from a local artist, fire arts demos, Lucha Libre wrestling, axe throwing, and much more.

“This is a night where art and punk collide and the unexpected should be expected,” said ASI Program Manager Britta Walstrom. “Cocktails at the Castle is where ASI gets to have so much fun with what we do and really surprise our guests.”

The event is sponsored by 89.3 The Current, Tattersall Distilling, and the Star Tribune.

Cocktails at the Castle

Friday, September 15
6:30pm–12am
Doors open at 6:30pm
Music begins at 6:45pm

Ticketing 

General admission tickets are $45 ($40 ASI and MPR members) and go on sale July 21 for ASI members & MPR Members and July 24 for the general public.

VIP Patron (limited availability) $100
-Includes one drink, VIP lounge area, a VIP meet and greet with ASI’s new CEO, Molly Steenson, and free valet parking.

VIP Tattoo (limited availability) $150
-Includes one drink, VIP lounge area, a VIP meet and greet with ASI’s new CEO, Molly Steenson, free valet parking, and a permanent tattoo by artist Leah Earl Tattoo.

Music Line-up: 

Monica Laplante
Killusonline
Whispered The Rabbit
In Lieu
Battery Eyes
Drug League
Odd Prospect
Big Salt
Woodzen
Shrimp Olympics

Experiences during Cocktails at the Castle: 

-Nearly non-stop concerts & performances
-Specialty seasonal Nordic-inspired cocktails & festival food from FIKA Café
-Lucha Libre Mexican Wrestling with Rudos Promo Lucha Libre
-Permanent tattoo station with artist Leah Earl Tattoo (Limited to VIP Tattoo ticket option)
-Axe throwing with Perple Bunny’s Axe House
-Fire Arts Demo with Chicago Avenue Fire Arts
-Make-and-take screen-printing station w/ exclusive event designs with Bitter Buffalo
-Make-and-take graffiti art with SPRAYFiNGER
-Cardboard wrestling act with Queer Puppet Clash
-Åh snaps! Swedish Drinking Songs
-Make and take wood cookie crafts with ASI’s Nordic Handcraft program
-Cocktail menu featuring Tattersall Distilling