Living Green Expo

Discover ways to lead a healthier, more sustainable life at Minnesota's largest environmental event. Hundreds of local businesses and organizations will exhibit green products, services and activities. This family-friendly event keeps growing; this year, it takes over the Education Building, 4-H Building, Fine Arts Building and the Progress Center on the Minnesota State Fairgrounds.

When: May 7-8, 2011
Where: Minnesota State Fairgrounds, 1265 N. Snelling Ave., St. Paul
Tickets: Free
Info: livinggreen.org

Parade of Community Gardens

How the gardens have grown! More than 60 community gardens around the Twin Cities will be included on this free self-guided tour sponsored by Gardening Matters. It's billed as a way for community gardeners to come together and celebrate these public spaces.

When: Aug. 20, 2011
Where: Twin Cities metro area
Tickets: Free
Info: gardeningmatters.org

Minnesota Dome Home Tour

Natural Spaces Domes has built hundreds of energy-efficient domes in Minnesota and Wisconsin, and twice a year the company opens around 10 or so with different sizes and layouts for free public viewing. From urban settings to lakefront locations, see how domes incorporate natural light, offer spacious floor plans and utilize alternative energy resources and green materials.

When: Oct. 2, 2010; May 21, 2011
Where: Minnesota and Wisconsin
Tickets: Free
Info: tourofdomes.com

Minnesota Solar Tour

From geothermal heat pumps to solar panels, see how homes and businesses in the Twin Cities and statewide have incorporated renewable energy into the design and operation of their buildings. The Minnesota Renewable Energy Society sponsors this free self-guided tour. Tour-goers can talk to building owners, builders, architects and planners.

When: Oct. 2, 2010
Where: Throughout Minnesota
Tickets: Free
Info: mnrenewables.org