Unleash your inner Tolkien geek at Lord of the Rings Day — plus 8 more free events

Channel your inner Gandalf, Legolas or even Gollum for a full day dedicated to J.R.R. Tolkien’s books and the Peter Jackson fantasy films. The event features a themed market, costume contest, Middle-earth trivia and performances by The Dregs and Gus the Bard. (Noon-10 p.m. Sat. Inbound Brewing, 701 N. 5th St., Mpls. inboundbrew.co)

The first of the two-part Summer Beach Series invites guests to listen to New Orleans-style Dirty Shorts Brass Band and gather around bonfires. (6-8 p.m. Thu. East Medicine Lake Park, 1740 E. Medicine Lake Blvd., Plymouth. plymouthmn.gov)

Relive your teenage moody era as the band plays covers from Nirvana to Pearl Jam to Smashing Pumpkins. (6-9 p.m. Thu. Rail Werks Brewing Depot, 4055 Central Av. NE., Columbia Heights. railwerksbrewingdepot.com)

KARE 11 reporter Karla Hult will be the keynote speaker at the annual event, which includes live music from the Minnesota Freedom Band and a self-guided, interactive tour that honors veterans. (10:30 a.m. Mon. 3600 Hennepin Av., Mpls. lakewoodcemetery.org)

Three bumbling adventurers travel by magical trunk when it breaks down in the staging of “Trunk: A Journey Home,” (2 p.m. Sat. Soma Studios, 79 13th Av. NE., Mpls. cahootphysicaltheatre.org)

The Memorial Day event with a performance by BareBones Puppet Theatre will salute loved ones lost. Create a remembrance piece from a photo of a dear one you want to honor. (11 a.m.-1 p.m. Sat. Midtown Greenway, 2851 Elliot Av. S., Mpls. facebook.com)

Literary works will be on display at this fair. Also, learn about Somali storytelling by having discussions with authors. (4-8 p.m. Sat. Diamondhead Education Center, 200 Burnsville Pkwy., Burnsville. eventbrite.com)

Take your canine out for some midweek activities at the off-leash area. Dog owners can also indulge in activities such as face painting and crafts. (6-8 p.m. Wed. Lake Hiawatha Park, E. 44th St., Mpls. minneapolisparks.org)

Two days of craft beers, food trucks and music by Crush Scene, Duck Bomb, Cause for Concern and others.(3-9:30 p.m. Fri.-Sat. Utepils Brewing, 225 Thomas Av. N., Mpls. utepilsbrewing.com)

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