So everyone can make advance plans (to be there, or be far from there), here are the locations for two A-list parties to be held in conjunction with the Republican National Convention.

Both are invitation only, and both are in Minneapolis. (The actual convention business — platforms, nominations, Pawlenty, that sort of thing — will be conducted inside the Xcel Energy Center each evening Sept. 1-4. That's in St. Paul. So it's party in Minneapolis, work in St. Paul. But if I make a joke about it, I might not get invited to either party.)

The Media Party will be Saturday evening, Aug. 30, on the Minneapolis Riverfront, along the Mississippi River near the Guthrie Theater and Mill City Museum.

The Delegate Party is Sunday night, Aug. 31, at the Minneapolis Convention Center. That's also where the CivicFest exhibit will be held Aug. 29 to Sept. 4 to showcase Minnesota and national history. Before and after the exclusive party, regular people can attend CivicFest.