The MN Bookstore Guide to Black Friday and Small Business Saturday 2023

Thanksgiving week is here, and as always, lots of Minnesota indie bookstores are offering sales and specials on Black Friday, November 24, and Small Business Saturday, November 25, 2023. Below, you’ll find information on what all your favorite shops throughout the state are doing on those days as well as a few sales and specials that extend beyond this weekend.

Check out the map at the bottom of this guide to find the bookstore closest to you or a new neighborhood to explore. If you haven’t been to a particular store in a few years, keep in mind that some businesses have different hours than they did before the pandemic, and some continue to encourage or require masking. When we’re aware of stores requiring or requesting masks, we’ve included that below.

A few locations are new since last year’s Black Friday and Small Business Saturday: Wildflower Bookshop opened in Grand Rapids last spring, More Than Words opened in Moorhead and Strive Bookstore opened a dedicated space on Nicollet Mall (one block from its IDS Center co-op location) over the summer, and Tropes & Trifles has opened a temporary storefront in Minneapolis for the 2023 holiday season.

Friday and Saturday (November 24 and 25) in Minnesota

Avant Garden in Anoka is offering 25% off its “Blind Date with a Dysfunctional Family” titles on Black Friday. On Saturday, get a $15 credit to be used toward your next bookstore purchase if you spend $100 or more in the bookstore.

At Back Forty Books in Two Harbors, all books will be 10% off on Small Business Saturday.

At Beagle and Wolf Books and Bindery in Park Rapids, get 20% off any in-store book listed in the holiday catalog on both Friday and Saturday (does not combine with other offers). On Friday, the store will again be participating in Park Rapids’ Yuletide Sampler, which begins at 5:00 p.m. and has local businesses running specials and handing out treats in the run-up to the 6:00 tree lighting; Beagle and Wolf is open until 7:00. On Saturday, there will be hot apple cider and cookies served throughout the day and a prize drawing available; author Jeff Howard will be in the store from noon to 2:00 signing copies of his YA book Screw You Van Gogh; and each purchase comes with free gift wrapping, a free book, and a free tote bag while supplies last.

Birchbark Books and Native Arts in Kenwood, Minneapolis, is honoring Indigenous History Month and Western Shoshone author Ned Blackhawk’s recent National Book Awards win by celebrating Black Friday as Blackhawk Friday. The winning book, The Rediscovery of America: Native Peoples and the Unmaking of U.S. History, is the store’s recommended gift of the season. Masking is suggested but not required; all staff will be masked, and there will be free masks at the door for customers.

At the Book House in Dinkytown, Minneapolis, all books will be 20% off on Black Friday.

Books Revisited in St. Cloud will be offering 20% off all books on Saturday and participating in downtown’s Shop Small promotion: pick up a postcard and be entered to win a $500 gift basket when you spend $200 at participating stores. Find more information on the Facebook event page.

At Black Garnet Books in St. Paul’s Midway neighborhood, get 10% off purchases $50 and over on Small Business Saturday. Masks are recommended but not required.

The Bookstore at Fitger’s in Duluth will be hosting three authors on Saturday: Emily Kilgore (The Christmas Book Flood) from 10:00 a.m. to noon, Dianna Hunter (Clouded Waters) from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m., and Maren Cooper (Behind the Lies) from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. Also on Saturday, Santa and his live reindeer arrive at noon. (After the 24th, they return Saturdays from 11:00 to 4:00 and Sundays from 11:00 to 3:00 until Christmas Eve.)

The Bookstore in Pine City will be offering 25% off all educational toys and 35% off all used books on Black Friday and Small Business Saturday. Note that the store will be closed from sunset Friday to sunset Saturday, so open hours will be 10:00 a.m. to 4:25 p.m. Friday and 4:25 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Saturday.

Buffalo Books and Coffee in Buffalo will have its free giftwrapping services available for purchases.

Cherry Street Books in Alexandria will have an owl-themed story and activity hour in the store from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m.

Comma in Linden Hills will be open regular hours for Plaid Friday (“no special events, just celebrating all things local”). On Saturday, the store will be celebrating its first birthday and will be open from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00, with limited-edition anniversary merch, giveaways, birthday cake, and dog treats. Although Comma is not a donation location for the Twin Cities Geek Holiday Toy & Book Drive, the store is participating in its own book drive benefiting the Women’s Prison Book Project.

Content Bookstore in Northfield is also hosting its annual Holiday Book Talk on Small Business Saturday from 9:00 to 10:00 a.m. Store staff will present a collection of gift recommendations, and there will be coffee and donuts while they last. Content’s flash fiction contest is also returning, culminating on Cyber Monday.

At Cream & Amber in Hopkins Black Friday and Small Business Saturday, get 25% off when you purchase a book using the coupon available in the store’s winter catalog (in stores now). On Saturday, get a free 12-ounce drip coffee all day with any book, merchandise, food, or beverage purchase. Cream & Amber is a donation site for the Twin Cities Geek Holiday Toy & Book Drive.

DreamHaven Books and Comics in Minneapolis’s Standish neighborhood will be offering 50% off comics on Friday and 50% off used paperbacks on Saturday (sales apply to items out in the store, not behind the counter or in cabinets, unless noted otherwise). You can also “expect more books on sale and free books by the armload!”

Drury Lane Books in Grand Marais will be having a 15% off storewide sale November 24–27. Local photographer Travis Novitsky will be in the store signing copies of his new book Spirits Dancing: The Night Sky, Indigenous Knowledge, and Living Connections to the Cosmos on Saturday from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Eat My Words Bookstore in Northeast Minneapolis is hosting the Black Friday Book Bash, an event featuring music by A Sunken Ship Irony, the Daily Norm, and Lucas Kurmis, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Friday.

Fair Trade Books in Red Wing is having a buy one, get one sale on vinyl records on Friday, and the store gifts first-time customers a book based on their preferences. Festivities for Red Wing’s annual Holiday Stroll (which this year has a theme of “Have yourself a tacky Red Wing Christmas”) are happening all day Friday leading up to the lighted parade at 7:30 p.m.

Four Pines Bookstore in Bemidji will have select books on sale for $5 or $10, giveaways both days, and Four Pines bookstore merch 30% off.

At Garden Party Books in Rochester, get 25% off your most expensive item or 20% off your purchase of $100 or more on Black Friday.

Haven Books in Big Lake celebrates its second birthday on Black Friday. Watch the store’s Facebook event page for announcements about what’s happening during the weekend.

The Irreverent Bookworm in South Minneapolis will be closed on Friday but open Saturday. The store is launching its annual holiday gift certificate bundle and giving shoppers the chance to win one of three gift baskets filled with $20 certificates to other small businesses in the neighborhood. See the store’s Facebook or Instagram feed for details.

At the Little Professor Book Center in Owatonna, get 20% off storewide (except periodicals) Friday and Saturday.

Magers and Quinn in Uptown Minneapolis is promoting its new merch this holiday weekend. (And while the store is closed on Thanksgiving, get 20% off online orders using the code THANKS23.)

May Day Bookstore on the West Bank in Minneapolis is offering its usual deal of 20% off all hardcover books and 15% off all paperback books.

At Midway Used and Rare Books in St. Paul, get 20% off all used, rare, and collectible books, comics, and magazines Friday through Sunday.

Milkweed Books at Open Book in downtown Minneapolis will be celebrating Small Business Saturday with snacks, staff recommendations, select titles at 10% off, a Milkweed sticker with every purchase of $50 or more, and a 10% off coupon for a future visit in January or February 2024 with every purchase of $75 or more. At the same time, the free Open Book Small Business Saturday Writer and Artist Mart will be happening on the second floor of the building: “There will be hands-on art and writing activities, chair massages, and over 50 artists and writers selling unique items perfect for those on your shopping list, or for you!” Masks are strongly encouraged.

Moon Palace Books in Longfellow, Minneapolis, is a donation site for the Twin Cities Geek Holiday Toy & Book Drive.

Next Chapter Booksellers in Macalester-Groveland, St. Paul, will have its weekly children’s story time from 10:30 to 11:00 a.m. The store will be open extended hours from November 24 through December 24 (10:00–6:00 weekdays, 10:00–5:00 Saturday, and 12:00–5:00 Sunday).

Other Skies Weird Fiction will be having a 20% off sale Friday through Sunday. In addition, on Friday, the team will be selling horror books at the Black Bazaar market hosted by American Monsters at the Mall of America, located in the southeast corner of the mall on the second floor.

Once Upon a Crime in Whittier, Minneapolis, will be open regular hours and is a donation site for the Twin Cities Geek Holiday Toy & Book Drive.

At Paperback Book Palace in Rochester, get 20% off nonfiction history books during the month of November.

Paperback Exchange in South Minneapolis will be open regular hours Friday and Saturday.

At Paperbacks and Pieces in Winona, shop a huge selection of books at 10 for $1 on both Friday and Saturday (must buy 10 to get the deal), plus an additional 15% off in select sections throughout the store. On Friday only, pop a balloon at checkout and receive the discount inside, with options including a percentage off and a free book with your purchase. On Saturday only, earn 10% back in trade credit on all purchases (before sales tax; gift cards excluded).

Red Balloon Bookshop on Grand Avenue in St. Paul will have small treats for customers on Small Business Saturday, and you can use the store’s button maker to make your own free buttons. Red Balloon is a donation site for the Twin Cities Geek Holiday Toy & Book Drive.

At Scout and Morgan Books in Cambridge, save 20% on all in-stock new and used books November 24–26 when you shop in person. For online orders, receive free shipping November 24–27.

At Strive Bookstore‘s new location in downtown Minneapolis (901 Nicollet Mall—just a block from its mini bookshop space in Sistah Co-op at the IDS Center), buy two books and get a free Strive tote on Friday and Saturday.

Sweet Reads Books in Austin will be hosting Tucker Besel, creator of the Bot Books series, on Saturday starting at 11:00 a.m.

The Thinking Spot in Wayzata celebrates its second birthday on this weekend with a host of activities and specials on both Friday and Saturday: early-bird and evening specials of 20% off your purchase from 9:00 to 10:00 a.m. and 6:00 to 7:00 p.m.; a free advance reader copy with a purchase of $25 or more; STEM activity stations throughout the day; and a giveaway for a ticket to the Reverend Matt’s Monster Science show The Ecology of Star Wars, happening in the store at 7:00 p.m. on Saturday. Friday will also feature mystery prizes hidden throughout the store, double loyalty points, and a 20% discount coupon with your purchase for use on a future visit. Saturday will also feature a holiday “mini market.” Freebies are while supplies last. See the store’s calendar for full event details.

Tropes and Trifles, a new romance bookseller, has opened a temporary holiday storefront at 2709 E. 38th Street in Minneapolis (one mile east of DreamHaven Books) that will be open through December, including all weekend November 24–26. The store is participating in a Small Business Saturday passport program with the other businesses of 38th Street and 28th Avenue: pick up a passport and get it stamped at Tropes and Trifles, Tare Market, Studio Emme, Curly Girl Boutique, and Key West Bistro for a chance to win a gift card or gift basket from one of the participating businesses. The store is currently finalizing plans for a permanent location—for updates, follow Tropes and Trifles on social media or subscribe to the newsletter.

Uncle Hugo’s Science Fiction Bookstore and Uncle Edgar’s Mystery Bookstore in Minneapolis will be open regular hours Friday and Saturday. Unlike some years, Black Friday and Small Business Saturday do not coincide with the Uncle Edgar’s Anniversary Sale, which is next week.

At Valley Bookseller in Stillwater on Friday and Saturday, get a free “Happy Bag” with a purchase of $75 or more (while supplies last); enter the store’s gift card drawings; and get 20% off your purchase (some exclusions) with a Buyers Club membership (sign-up available in store). Through December 24, buy $100 in gift cards and get a $20 gift card free.

Wild Rumpus Books for Young Readers in Linden Hills, Minneapolis, is open regular hours on Friday and Saturday and is a donation site for the Twin Cities Geek Holiday Toy & Book Drive. Masks are encouraged and appreciated.

Wildflower Bookshop in Grand Rapids will be hosting a pop-up art shop by Sota Art Company all day on Small Business Saturday.

Zenith Bookstore in Duluth will be hosting three authors on Saturday: Marcie R. Rendon (Cash Blackbear mystery series) from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., Mary T. Smith (Smoke on the Waterfront cookbook) from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m., and Larry Weber (Through the Year with Northland Nature) from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m.

Outside Minnesota

Ferguson Books in West Fargo is holding a one-hour Black Friday Super Sale: on Friday from 9:00 to 10:00 a.m. only, used items will be 75% off. (You must be in line by 10:00 to receive the deal.) The whole store will be buy two, get two free all day. During the weekend, get a $10 gift card for every $50 you spend, get 50% off media, and pick up a free advance reader copy with your purchase. Author Alicia Underlee Nelson (100 Things to Do in Fargo Before You Die) will be in the store on Saturday from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. Find more information on the store’s Facebook event pages.

At Chapter2Books in Hudson, wear plaid on Friday or Saturday to get 15% off the cover price of new books.

At Full Circle Book Co-Op in Sioux Falls on Saturday, fill one the store’s totes with as many used books as you can fit for $20. Gift cards will also be on sale: get a $30 gift card for $25 and a $60 gift card for $50.

At Silver Dawn Books in Grand Forks (formerly Ferguson Books and More), buy two used books on Friday and get two free. On Saturday, the store is celebrating its grand opening with treats, free items with purchase, giveaways, and a signing by Alicia Underlee Nelson (100 Things to Do in Fargo before You Die) from 10:00 a.m. to noon.

Other Sale and Shopping Days

The following deals extend beyond Friday and Saturday.

• Drury Lane Books: 15% off storewide sale continues through Monday, November 27
• Four Pines Bookstore: 10% off on Monday, November 27
• Midway Used and Rare Books: 20% sale continues through Sunday, November 26
• Other Skies Weird Fiction: 20% off sale continues through Sunday, November 26 (when the store will be hosting an event with author Tylor James at 7:00 p.m.)
• Scout and Morgan Books: Free shipping on online orders through November 27
• Uncle Edgar’s Mystery Bookstore: Anniversary sale takes place the week after Black Friday/Small Business Saturday
• Valley Bookseller: Buy $100 in gift cards and get a $20 gift card free through December 24

Other Bookstores to Support

Don’t forget about the other indie bookstores around Minnesota (and just across the border) not mentioned above! There are plenty of other local businesses to support all year round, including:

• Against the Current (Macalester-Groveland, St. Paul)
• AJ’s Book Hideaway (Albert Lea)
• The Amazing Alonzo (Duluth)
• Black Letter Books (Stillwater)
• Boneshaker Books (Seward, Minneapolis)
• Books Revisited (St. Cloud)
• Bookshelves and Coffeecups (New Ulm)
• Chapter 2 Bookstore (Winona)
• Chapter Two (Redwood Falls)
• Chapter One MN (Victoria)
• Excelsior Bay Books (Excelsior)
• James and Mary Laurie Booksellers (North Loop, Minneapolis)
• Lake Country Booksellers (White Bear Lake)
• Lundeen’s (Fergus Falls)
• More Than Words (Moorhead)
• Rabata Bookshop (Arden Hills)
• SubText Books (downtown St. Paul)
• Turtle Town Books and Gifts (Nisswa)
• The Willow Bookstore (Perham)

Finally, keep in mind this list doesn’t include any of Minnesota’s great comic shops, like Comic Book College, Hot Comics and Collectibles, and so many more. Plenty of comic stores and other businesses are having promotions this week, including many of the locations participating in the Twin Cities Geek Holiday Toy & Book Drive.

Happy shopping!

Did we miss something? Let us know!