Little Shop of Horrors - sensory friendly
2024-07-21 13:00 - 15:00 (America/Chicago) | Guthrie Theatre
A frightfully funny musical

On Skid Row, Mr. Mushnik plans to shutter his failing florist shop when his timid staffer Seymour presents an exotic-but-wilted flytrap named Audrey II. Convinced it will boost business, Seymour encourages Mr. Mushnik to display the peculiar plant, which Seymour successfully revives. As Audrey II draws much-needed crowds to the shop, Seymour makes a disturbing discovery: It needs fresh blood (and lots of it) to grow — a secret that forces Seymour into a Faustian bargain to keep his fame and fortune intact. A hilarious mashup of science fiction, horror and musical theater, this cult classic boasts Motown-inspired hits like “Feed Me (Git It),” “Suddenly, Seymour” and “Little Shop of Horrors.”
The Guthrie’s relaxed (or Sensory Friendly) performances, open to all patrons, are intentionally modified to accommodate patrons with sensory and vestibular sensitivities, anxiety, dementia, autism spectrum disorders, learning differences or challenges attending the theater. For more information: https://www.guthrietheater.org/plan-your-visit/accessibility-offerings/relaxed-performances/.
Regular priced Tickets: $34 to $95. Sensory Friendly tickets: $29 adult, $15 child. If you have questions about tickets or accessibility accommodation, contact 612-225-6390 or accessibility@guthrietheater.org. To purchase tickets for the Guthrie’s accessible performances, use the accessibility filter on its online performance calendar or call the Box Office at 612-377-2224. Masks are encouraged but no longer required to visit or attend a performance at the Guthrie. If you are unable to attend Up-to-date health policies can be found at: https://www.guthrietheater.org/health-and-safety/.
accessibility@guthrietheater.org

CsZ Improv Skills Social and Recreation Class
2024-07-22 13:00 - 2024-07-26 16:30 | HUGE Theater, 2728 Lyndale Ave S, Minneapolis, MN, 55408, United States
AuSM is pleased to continue its partnership with CSz Twin Cities to offer classes based on the principles of improvisational theater. Have fun while learning how to respond to the unexpected, engage in reciprocal interactions, and support fellow participants in keeping a scene moving forward. No prior improv experience is necessary.
SUMMER SESSION
Beginner: 1-2:30 p.m.
Advanced: 3-4:30 p.m.

Kids Club - Lake Harriet Trolley
2024-07-23 18:00 - 19:30, 2024-08-27 18:00 - 19:30 | Como-Harriet Trolley, Lake Harriet, Minneapolis
Does your child love streetcars?
The Carbarn Club is a way for kids 6 and up to get behind the scenes access to the museum! It is free with student, Individual or family membership.
This year’s dates are:
July 23, 6-7:30pm SPEEDER RIDES! We are bringing the Speeders out! Learn all about the Streetcar Line and take rides up and down the line!
August 27, 6-7:30pm TAKE CONTROL OF THE 1300! Learn how to drive an historic streetcar!

Free with child or family membership. Anyone participating in the events must be covered under a membership.

Advanced registration required: https://trolleyride.org/kids-club/
leahharp@gmail.com
952.922.1096

AuSM Independent Adults with ASD Support Group
2024-07-25 18:30 - 20:00, 2024-08-22 18:30 - 20:00 | Virtual Event
Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder gather in this typically larger group to support each other, socialize, and discuss common interests and concerns. This group is held virtually only.

Ride for Hope
2024-07-27 09:00 - 18:00 | MN
Sixteen years ago, a group of motorcycle enthusiasts at Lube-Tech came together with a shared passion for riding and a desire to support a teammate whose family was newly introduced to the autism community. Out of this initiative, Ride for Hope was born, marking the beginning of a enduring collaboration with AuSM.
Today, we take pride in our ongoing commitment to bolster the impactful efforts of AuSM within Minnesota, aiding our autism community.
This year’s Ride for Hope is a motorcycle ride that benefits AuSM. Starting at 9 a.m. on July 27, this year’s ride includes four stops and wraps up with live music, meat raffle, dinner, and a classic car competition at The V by HH.

iCan Bike - Warroad, MN
2024-07-29 - 2024-08-02 | MN
We understand that the vast majority of people with disabilities never have the experience of independently riding a conventional two-wheel bicycle during their lifetime. Research shows that over 80% of people with Autism and 90% of people with Down syndrome never experience this thrill. Defying these odds is why we exist!
July 29th – August 2nd, 2024
Warroad School District 510 Cedar Ave NW Warroad, MN 56763
Registration Contact:
For information or questions about this bike camp please e-mail Patti directly at icanbikewarroad@gmail.com or call 218-242-2160.
To register, please visit our online registration links:

Rider Online Registration
Volunteer Online Registration

Social and Recreation Class: Toneworks
2024-07-29 09:00 - 2024-08-02 16:00 | Toneworks Music Therapy, 5600 Lincoln Dr. #280, Minneapolis, MN, 55436, United States
Work together to create interactive art exhibits using different creative arts mediums. Rotations include exhibit design, music, movement, and visual art. Each rotation is led by a teaching artist or therapist with extensive experience working with youth of all ages and ability levels.
SUMMER MORNING SESSION (Ages 6-12):
Consecutive Days July 29-August 2 from 9 a.m.-12 p.m.
SUMMER AFTERNOON SESSION (Ages 13-20):
Consecutive Days July 29-August 2 from 1-4 p.m.

AuSM Women's Support Group
2024-08-01 18:30 - 20:00 | Virtual Event
Women with Autism Spectrum Disorder gather to discuss challenges, strategies, and topics unique to being a woman on the spectrum. This group is held virtually only.

See Me Neurodiverse support meeting
2024-08-01 19:00 - 20:30 | See Me Neurodiverse, 6000 McColl Drive, Savage, MN, 55378
This is a support meeting for the parents and caregivers of the neurodiverse to share our journeys together and help spread our wealth of resources to the community!
These meetings provide a safe space for parents/guardians/anyone who needs additional support while caring for neurodiverse children. Our mission for this support group is to connect, share, and support one another on our journey.
First Thursday of month 7-8:30pm and Every third Wednesday from 7-8:30pm

Legally Blonde: The Musical
2024-08-03 14:00 - 16:00 | Hanifl Performing Arts Center, 4941 Long Ave, White Bear Lake, MN, 55110
For every mainstage show in our season, Children’s Performing Arts hosts a relaxed performance. This allows patrons with sensory, social, physical, and cognitive needs to attend a production in a safe and welcoming environment. Modifications to this performance include lights remaining dim in the audience, elimination of intense lighting and sound effects, and audiences being free to move around the space and make any noises they need to make. Fidgets, noise-canceling headphones, and modified seating are also welcome into the space! Pay what you can.

Camp Hand in Hand 2024 Session 3
2024-08-05 - 2024-08-09 | Camp Knutson, 1148 Manhattan Pt. Blvd, Crosslake, MN, 56442, United States
Camp Hand in Hand is held at Camp Knutson, north of Brainerd in Crosslake, Minn. on a peninsula between Trout Lake and Lower Whitefish Lake. This serene camp location features beautiful woodland settings with modern air-conditioned cabins and bathrooms. All of Camp Knutson’s facilities have been either newly renovated or recently built, including the addition of a large recreation center. Nutritious meals are served in a group dining room.
Activities include swimming, boating, tubing, horseback riding, fishing, crafts, archery, nature exploration, biking, and music groups led by a board-certified music therapist. Activities focus on social interaction and communication. The camp also offers a small ropes course, paddleboats, and canoes for additional fun. Evenings include themed activities, snacks, and time to relax.
AuSM-trained camp counselors and experienced program staff carefully plan and maintain a well-run, relaxed, and rewarding camp experience.

Social and Recreation Class: Mia AuSM Artists
2024-08-05 09:30 - 2024-08-09 12:00 | Minneapolis Institute of Art, 2400 3rd Ave. S., Minneapolis, MN, 55404, United States
Ages 12-18
Be inspired by the art seen in the galleries and make your own masterpieces in the studio while practicing social skills and making friends. Learn about new materials from air-dry clay to acrylic paints.

AuSM LGBTQIA Support Group
2024-08-08 18:30 - 20:00 | Virtual Event
Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder who identify as LGBTQIA gather to discuss topics related to the intersection of autism and gender/sexuality. This group is held virtually only.

MNprov SUMMER FUNdraiser - The Dog Days of Summer
2024-08-08 18:30 - 20:30 | MN
Gather your friends and family, and join us at the Elision Playhouse for a night of summer fun with activities, beverages, snacks, and a family friendly improv show to support MNprov!
6105 42nd Ave N, Crystal, MN 55422
Arrive between 6:30 – 7:30 pm to enjoy our social hour! During this time you can visit, buy a snack (chips/candy bars) and a beverage (alcoholic or nonalcoholic), use the free photo booth, write some scene suggestions, participate in a bucket raffle, and maybe win a prize.
Everyone is welcome. The show will be family friendly, and a detailed guide to the evening (Social Narrative) is available on MNprov’s website.
$20 adult, $10 youth, *Scholarships available. Please let us know if cost is a barrier.
info@mnprov.org, 952.649.9699

Saturday Fun/Respite Day
2024-08-10 13:00 - 17:00 | Laura Baker Services Association, 211 Oak Street, Northfield, MN, 55053
TIME FOR RESPITE AND SOCIAL INTERACTION
A monthly program for families who care for individuals with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities. Adults and children ages 5 and above with special needs who live at home with their families are welcome to join LBSA on the second Saturday of the month for crafts, games, outdoor activities, and snacks. Sign-up on the LBSA website, https://www.laurabaker.org/services/family-support/
The events are designed to provide a few hours of respite for caregivers and social interaction for participants. Pre-registration is required. Families must complete an enrollment medical form prior to the event. $20 per person fee is charged for each event; fee waivers are available for those that qualify.

Respite Saturday Fun Day
2024-08-10 13:00 - 17:00 | Laura Baker Services Association, 211 Oak Street, Northfield, MN, 55053
Unwind and reset while your loved one enjoys Saturday Fun at Laura Baker Services Association at 1 p.m! This inclusive, four-hour event is catered to individuals ages five and older with intellectual or developmental disabilities. A $20 ticket will include snacks, activities, games and music while socializing and building new connections!
Cost is $20. Fee waivers are available to those who qualify.
Learn more and secure your spot: laurabaker.org/services/family-support
Contact: Atiya Mansfield, mansfield@neuger.com, 612.664.0726

Seussical: The Musical sensory friendly
2024-08-10 14:00 - 16:00 | Hanifl Performing Arts Center, 4941 Long Ave, White Bear Lake, MN, 55110
All Relaxed Performances are pay-what-you-can and advance reservations are not needed. For any specific accommodation requests or questions regarding Relaxed Performances please contact Maddie Ripperger at maddier@childrensperformingartsmn.org.

Camp Hand in Hand 2024 Session 4
2024-08-11 - 2024-08-15 | Camp Knutson, 1148 Manhattan Pt. Blvd, Crosslake, MN, 56442, United States

Sensory Friendly Sunday at the Walker Art Center
2024-08-11 08:00 - 11:00 | Walker Art Center, Minneapolis, Minnesota
Sensory Friendly Sunday is a monthly event is designed for kids, teens, and adults with sensory processing differences, autism spectrum disorder or developmental disabilities. From 8 am to 11 am on the second Sunday of the month, the galleries will be closed to the general public, and sound and light levels will be adjusted, allowing visitors to enjoy the museum in a calm environment with accommodations such as quiet spaces, fidgets, and sunglasses available. Experience select Walker exhibitions, make art, watch a short film, or just hang out in a different setting. Featured exhibitions and activities change each month. Visit https://walkerart.org/visit/sensory-friendly-sundays/ for more information or to register.
Sensory Friendly Sunday was developed in consultation with the Autism Society of Minnesota (AuSM) and the University of Minnesota’s Occupational Therapy Program.
For more information about accessibility at the Walker, visit our Access page: https://walkerart.org/visit/accessibility.

Neurodiversity rides on the Streetcar!
2024-08-11 10:00 - 12:00 | Como-Harriet Trolley, Lake Harriet, Minneapolis
A special time for neurodiverse folks, families, and friends. Come ride in community, all neurologies and expressions welcome. Please let us support your accommodation wishes!
The Depot and the platform are wheelchair accessible but the Streetcar built in 1908 has stairs.
$3 ride or $7 unlimited, season passes available, age three and under free
leahharp@gmail.com, 773.490.6217

Free Parent/Caregiver Workshop - Navigating Your Child's IEP (virtual)
2024-08-13 18:30 - 19:30 | Virtual Event
Free Parent Education Event
Navigating Your Child’s IEP- Join special education teacher and case manager, Amanda Sabin, for a free parent education event on tips for navigating the upcoming school year with your child’s individualized education plan (IEP). All participants will be provided with a reference list to help clarify those confusing key terms/acronyms.
Tuesday, August 13th
6:30 PM
Zoom
Email info@familyachieve.org to get the Zoom Link
651.738.9888

AuSM Professional Networking Group
2024-08-15 12:00 - 13:00 | Virtual Event
If you’re a professional who works with autistic clients – or are working towards your licensure so you can – AuSM’s Counseling and Consulting team has a resource to help you connect with therapists in our space. AuSM’s Professional Networking Group offers a chance for therapists to meet with other professionals who see clients with autism to ask questions, share cases, and build peer-to-peer relationships.
This group is meant for:

Therapists
Psychologists
Occupational therapists
Psychiatrists
Social workers
Case managers
Healthcare providers

As we meet, one member of AuSM’s staff will share an anonymized case study, then open the group for others to share relevant experiences that we can all learn from. This is a great opportunity to troubleshoot your problems and learn from the wisdom of other professionals as we work through challenging cases.
With increased diagnosis of autism, therapists are becoming aware that they need to increase competency in serving these clients; this group can help. We paused this networking group during the pandemic, but now it’s time we pick it back up. Like you, we’ve learned a lot since this group last met. Eager to likewise learn and share? Let’s talk it out – and then keep it going.

AuSM Family Members of Adults on the Spectrum Support Group
2024-08-15 18:30 - 20:00 | Virtual Event
Parents, caregivers, and other family members of individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (18+) gather to discuss challenges, triumphs, and strategies for support. This group is held virtually only.

Sensory Friendly Saturday, Bell Museum
2024-08-17 08:00 - 10:00 | Bell Museum, St. Paul, Minnesota
Sensory Friendly Visits

The quietest time to visit the museum is late afternoon, when we have fewer visitors and our space is generally uncrowded. Be sure to check out the items you can borrow at the museum below!
Sensory friendly resources
Visitors are welcome to check out additional resources like our quiet spaces. You can borrow a sensory pack with tools such as visual timers, weighted lap pads, and hearing protection if it helps make the visit more enjoyable, and a social narrative is available for download to prepare for your visit. (Note, this is currently not accurate with COVID-19 procedures. Check out this general social narrative from the Autism Society of Minnesota). Read more about the museum’s other accessibility resources here.
Sensory Friendly Saturday
Prepare for your visit to Sensory Friendly Saturday with a short video – click here to watch.

bellinfo@umn.edu
612.626-9660

Seussical: The Musical
2024-08-17 14:00 - 16:00 | Hanifl Performing Arts Center, 4941 Long Ave, White Bear Lake, MN, 55110

Mankato: SMAC Open Swim and Resource Fair
2024-08-17 18:15 - 20:30 | Spring Lake Pool, 641 Webster Ave, North Mankato, MN
Southern Minnesota Autism Coalition would like to formally invite you to our 2nd annual Open Swim and Resource fair at Spring Lake Pool 641 Webster Ave, North Mankato, MN on August 17th at 6:15 – 8:15 pm.
This is an opportunity for families to enjoy the Spring Lake Park experience in a more sensory friendly environment, while having resources that will benefit the families at the same time.

Mean Girls High School Version, Duluth, sensory friendly
2024-08-18 14:00 - 16:00 | Duluth Playhouse – NorShor Theater, 211 E. Superior St., Duluth, MN, 55802
Open to all patrons, this relaxed performance is intentionally modified to accommodate patrons with sensory and vestibular sensitivities, anxiety, dementia, autism spectrum disorders, learning differences, or challenges attending the theater. For details, go to: https://www.duluthplayhouse.org/visit/accessibility

Tickets range from $10-$15. Buy online, by Phone: 218-733-7555, or In Person at the NorShor Theatre, 211 E Superior St., Duluth.
boxoffice@duluthplayhouse.org
Based on the Paramount Pictures film, Book by Tina Fey, Music by Jeff Richmond, Lyrics by Nell Benjamin
This “fetch” musical from book writer Tina Fey (30 Rock), lyricist Nell Benjamin (Legally Blonde), and composer Jeff Richmond (Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt) is packed with keen wit, a fun pop score, and all your favorite moments from the film. This wildly vicious tale of ridiculous but relatable social situations will have you rolling in the aisles. Whether you’re a newbie or a frenemy, you’ll want to join in on the fun.
Relaxed performance: August 18 at 2:00.

See Me Neurodiverse support meeting
2024-08-21 19:00 - 20:30 | See Me Neurodiverse, 6000 McColl Drive, Savage, MN, 55378
This is a support meeting for the parents and caregivers of the neurodiverse to share our journeys together and help spread our wealth of resources to the community!
See Me’s main event that we host is a Family/Caregiver Support Meeting. We meet for an in-person support group on the first Thursday and the third Wednesday of every month.
These meetings provide a safe space for parents/guardians/anyone who needs additional support while caring for neurodiverse children. Our mission for this support group is to connect, share, and support one another on our journey.
