Summer is kicking off in mpls downtown, and there is a packed schedule coming up during the first full summer of events in three years.
Heading into June, over 56 percent of the downtown workforce has returned to office in some capacity. Add that to our 56,000 residents and a full lineup of sporting events, Broadway shows, concerts, performances and fantastic restaurants, and downtown is the place for you this summer. From Memorial Day through Labor Day, there are more than 880 events taking place in mpls downtown.
Last year, downtown welcomed more than 5 million patrons for major events even as full capacity venues didn’t completely return until fall. This year, all downtown venues, events and restaurants are set to welcome patrons at full capacity all summer for the first time since 2019.
“Downtown is alive with a packed schedule of events this summer, and it is coming at the perfect time with more of our workforce back in the office,” said Leah Wong, vice president external relations of the mpls downtown council. “It is exciting to see busy skyway lines and full patios, and those crowds are also filling our stadiums, theaters, parks and the riverfront for fun outings throughout downtown. There’s something for everyone downtown, join us for a fun-filled summer.”
A full schedule of downtown events is available at mplsdowntown.com. Don’t miss out on the fun festivities this summer, including:
- Downtown Thursdays including Nicollet Farmers Market + Makers Market
- Pianos on Parade presented by PNC Bank—June 1-30
- Music and Movies in the Park—June through August at The Commons (Movies at dusk on Wednesdays, Music at 5 pm on Thursdays)
- Go Outside with Hennepin County: Movie and Trivia nights at Target Field Station, and lunchtime activities at Government Center South Plaza
- Completed Crown Our Prince mural + Purple Block Party—June 2
- Twins games at Target Field
- Lynx games at Target Center
- Vikings games at U.S. Bank Stadium
- Broadway shows at The Orpheum—Moulin Rouge (through June 5), Ain’t To Proud—The Life and Times of the Temptations (June 28-July 10), and Wicked (July 27-Aug. 28)
- Performances at The Guthrie—A Raisin in the Sun (through June 5) and Emma (June 18-Aug. 21)
- Mpls Comedy Festival – June 13-19
- Live concerts at First Avenue, The Armory, The Fillmore, U.S. Bank Stadium and more
- Minnesota Orchestra concerts at Orchestra Hall
- Patio happy hour specials
- Rock the Garden (June 11), Stone Arch Festival (June 18-19), and Twin Cities Pride’s 50th anniversary (June 25-26), and Loring Park Art Festival (July 30-31)
- Aquatennial—July 20-23, including CenterPoint Energy Torchlight Parade and Target Fireworks
- Downtown Minneapolis Street Art Festival – Aug. 13-14
“There are so many reasons to be downtown this summer—whether it is games and concerts, fitness options or amazing food, and restaurants, wonderful people, and atmospheres you can’t find anywhere else,” said George McCrary, Executive Vice President for People and Culture at YMCA of the North. “It is the collective experiences, the diversity of cultures that make outings downtown special and something our whole community can enjoy.”
This summer, there are even more new ways to enjoy downtown. The Four Seasons Hotel at RBC Gateway, featuring Mara and Socca Café by Chef Gavin Kaysen, all open in June. The Departments at Dayton’s and Chameleon Shoppes are fantastic spots to shop small local businesses. And overall, there are more than 400 restaurants and retail shops open downtown.
“This is an exciting time for us as more and more people are coming to see us and building out their downtown experiences,” said Dave St. Peter, President and CEO of the Minnesota Twins. “Getting back into the routine of a dinner, a show or a ballgame, and maybe a post-event drink is so important to our restaurant and bar scene. We are excited to see you and have you join us regularly.”
The mpls downtown calendar includes upcoming events and can help you plan your next visit. Check out the calendar, and enjoy interactive guides, patio/happy hour ideas and more at www.mplsdowntown.com/events.
Plus, share your experiences on social media tagging #mymplsdt, and look for downtown giveaways including tickets, gift cards and experiences on the @mplsdowntown Instagram account.
