Cabin Fever See Patton Oswalt on Wits, and then go birding

Minnesota winters are cold and dark, and our couch is looking awfully inviting. But we refuse to take these frigid months sitting down. At least, not at home, like some kind of antisocial loser. Each week, Cabin Fever aims to give you some good reasons to get out of the house and do something.

Indoor activity: Patton Oswalt on Wits™, Fitzgerald Theater, March 25, 8 p.m.
You like Patton Oswalt because he’s a hilarious comedian, but you looove him because he makes you feel smart. (What with his love of good films and good musics—ooh, he’s an A.V. Club wet dream.) That’s why John Moe and MPR have elevated the man to “Wit” status, placing alongside such luminaries as Mark Twain and Oscar Wilde. Singer-songwriter Grant Lee Phillips and comedian Paul F. Tompkins will also stop by, to match—well, you know.

Outdoor activity: Bird Watching, 9500 Old Cedar Ave. Bridge, Bloomington, March 26, 7-9 a.m.
Alright, so maybe it’s a tall order to encourage you 24-hour party-people to drag yourselves out of bed on a Saturday, defy this zombie winter that just decided to burst from its watery grave, and drive all the way out to the ’burbs. But when else will you get a chance to commune with migratory warblers, sparrows, and (awesomest of all) raptors?! They know it’s almost spring, even if the stratosphere didn’t get the memo.

Bristly activity: The 2011 Minnesota Beard-Off, Turf Club, March 25, 8 p.m.
In true Paul Bunyon tradition, Minnesota is home to some pretty righteous beardage. In fact, 21 highly qualified finalists will be competing for the coveted title of 2011 Minnesota’s Beardsman, this Friday at the Turf Club. The evening promises fun for the hairy and baby-faced alike, with celebrity judges, a beard-making booth, bearded freestyle contest backed up by DJ EZ, and poetry by beard enthusiast Stephanie Nero.