Need dresses. Stat! Last night's MNfashion Week preview party set the stage for a line-up so packed, it's going to require more than a week to get to all of these events. If you've never participated before, now is the time to show your support for an energetic, ambitious community of designers who are trying to put the Twin Cities on the map. The entire calendar of events – more than 40 in all – and ticket information is at www.mnfashionweek.com. Here are just a few worth considering:

Rockin. Voltage: Fashion Amplified. The event that started it all remains the highlight of MNfashion Week. A runway rock show featuring the spring collections of 10 budding designers and performances by local bands.  $25 in advance; $30 at the door. 8 p.m. Friday, April 16; First Avenue.

Casual. Local Artist T-Shirt Mart. Shop for t-shirts (adults and kids sizes) created by local designers. 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, April 17; Walker Art Center, Cargill Lounge.

Charitable. Style for Smiles. Kokoon teams up with Project Healthy Smile, a local non-profit dedicated to providing dental supplies and oral health education to underprivileged children around the world and donates 20 percent of sales to the cause. Enter to win a private photo shoot, enjoy complimentary mini makeovers by local make-up artist Kate Erickson, and style tips from HMStyling. Complimentary wine and hors d’oeuvres served. 7 p.m. (8 p.m. show) Saturday, April 17; CW Lofts, 730 Stinson Blvd., Minneapolis.

Artsy. Clothes Off Our Backs. Blacklist Vintage hosts a fashion presentation featuring living “mannequins” on pedestals. Customers are invited to buy the clothes off their backs and have them altered on the spot. Plus refreshments and live DJ. 7 p.m. (8 p.m. show), Wednesday, April 21; 25 E. 26th St., Minneapolis

Trendy. Shop Local at Picky Girl. Preview spring collections and meet some of the boutique’s favorite local designers including Calpurnia Peach, Post ~ Luxury Accessories, and Nelle Handbags. 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday, April 22. Picky Girl, 949 Grand Ave., St. Paul

Fabulous. Fashion Ball “Cabaret Catwalk.” The runway meets Moulin Rouge at this fashion show and Ballet of the Dolls performance, plus a pop up boutique produced by local veterans Grant Whittaker and Myron Johnson. Fashions from Grethen House n’Etc, John Novachis, Specs Optical and Ann Lambrecht Jewelry. $30. 8 p.m. Friday, April 23 and Saturday, April 24; Ritz Theater

Grassroots. Alter/Nation. Take part in the evolution of garments from clothing swap to altering to styling to runway without consuming raw materials in this first of its kind integrated event produced by new local upcycling brand CounterCouture. In addition to a clothing swap, take part in live screen printing, makeovers image consulting, fashion shows and a photo booth. $5. 1 to 5 p.m. Saturday, April 24. MNfashion Studio, 79 13th Ave. N.E. #212, Minneapolis.

Hot. A Man’s Show. A runway show featuring men’s clothing from VState, Elsworth, Details Style Lab, and eyewear from the Spectacle Shoppe with live music. Donations will be requested following the show, and attendees will be able to “buy their discount,” meaning a $10 donation equals 10 percent off, up to a $30 donation equaling 30 percent off. All donations will go to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Twin Cities organization. 8 p.m. Saturday, April 24; Lowry Theater, 16 W. 5th St., St. Paul.

Buzzworthy. Christopher Straub Premier Collection. The Project Runway designer presents his first full collection for the hometown crowd. $15 to $50. 4 p.m. (doors) 5:30 p.m. (show) followed by reception, Sunday, April 25; St. Paul Hotel.