A Taste of Poland with a Modern Twist at Black Duck Spirits & Hearth

Article by Becky Fillinger, photos provided

Duck Two Ways

Looking for Polish-inspired dining? How about a restaurant serving several different duck dishes alongside innovative cocktails? We talked to Jason Sawicki, Chef and Owner of Black Duck Spirits & Hearth, about using techniques and recipes his Polish Babcia (grandmother) taught him and the importance of creating a neighborhood restaurant that is familiar, comfortable, and rooted in genuine connection. The Star Tribune called the restaurant one of the 30 most vital restaurants in the Twin Cities. All of this goodness and a working hearth too! Make a reservation for lunch, brunch or dinner and visit the restaurant at 2900 Johnson Street NE.   

Jason SawickiQ:  The name Black Duck carries meaning. Why did you name the business Black Duck Spirits & Hearth?

A:  The black duck feels like my spirit animal. Owning a restaurant often means paddling hard beneath the surface while keeping a calm, welcoming presence above it. I’m from Minnesota. We love our lakes, we live through the seasons, and ducks have always felt like messengers of what’s to come. The name also reflects our commitment to Minnesota farmers and producers, which is a core part of who we are.

Q:  By viewing the menus, your approach to spirits and food feels intentional and story-driven. How do you decide which stories are told through the menu?

A:  A lot of it comes from my life experiences as a chef, but we’ve been intentionally moving the restaurant in a direction that tells the story of Polonia in America. I’m first-generation Polish, and I draw from the techniques my Babcia taught me, giving them a contemporary twist. It’s about honoring tradition while allowing it to evolve.

Q:  Minnesota ingredients play a central role in your work. What excites you most about working with local producers right now?

A:  Minnesota offers an incredible bounty of ingredients, and we’re fortunate to have farms producing amazing products. What excites me most is building a food system that’s sustainable and supports our local economy - which in turn supports us. That connection is one of the reasons duck appears in so many forms on our menu.

Q:  Are there any lesser-known regional ingredients or techniques you’re especially proud to showcase?

A:  Right now, we’re featuring Silesian dumplings from the Silesia region of Poland. They have a wonderfully light, fluffy texture thanks to potato starch. I recently experienced them in a more contemporary setting during a trip to Poland, which inspired me. Dumplings are deeply important in Polish cuisine, and these take me back to childhood when my Babcia would make kopytka, a similar style. There’s something very personal and nostalgic about bringing those traditions to the plate.

Above, Silesian dumplings. Below, pierogi.

Q:  For someone visiting Black Duck for the first time, what dish or drink best captures your philosophy?

A:  For drinks: our bartender, Ra’Jean Jones, created an incredible Old Fashioned when we first opened. He uses duck fat to “wash” the rye whiskey, which enhances its smokiness and gives it a more rounded, velvety mouthfeel. Using Nixta, a unique corn flavored liquor and a few other touches makes it a next level cocktail.

For food: my Babcia’s pierogi. They’re simple but thoughtfully executed - prepared and seasoned in a way you’d find in Poland and Ukraine. We serve them boiled, which is more traditional in Poland, with butter and onions. They’re filled with farmer’s cheese and potato, and they’ve become a dish that many guests connect with on a personal level, often reminding them of their own heritage. While we explore contemporary Polish cuisine, these pierogi are a true homage to tradition and to my Babcia.

The hearth!

Q:  Hearth implies warmth, gathering, and connection. How do you think about hospitality beyond what’s on the plate or in the glass?

A:  To me, true hospitality is about creating moments where people feel seen, welcomed, and valued. We aim to offer an experience that feels like a neighborhood restaurant familiar, comfortable, and rooted in genuine connection.

Q:  Running a food-and-drink business hasn’t been an easy endeavor for some time. What’s been the most challenging part of sustaining Black Duck, and what’s been the most rewarding?

A:  One of the biggest challenges has been understanding what the restaurant model should look like amid inflation, rising wages, and new city and state legislation. We support many of these policies, but adapting the financial side, especially pricing, has been complex. It’s not something you can easily explain to guests; it simply has to be reflected thoughtfully in the menu.

The most rewarding part has been building community. That includes creating a space for Polish and Slavic guests to reconnect with familiar flavors, as well as strengthening ties within our local neighborhood supporting small farms, participating in food drives, and contributing wherever we can.

Q:  How has your perspective as an owner evolved since opening?

A:  Over time, I’ve leaned more deeply into exploring my heritage through the restaurant. The response has been overwhelmingly positive. It’s been incredibly meaningful to see people come together sharing stories, offering perspectives, and even giving advice on how their own families prepared Polish dishes.

Q:  What does “success” look like for you - not just financially, but culturally or creatively?

A:  Success, to me, is keeping the doors open, continuing to build new relationships while honoring existing ones, and supporting our local farm systems. It’s also about watching our team grow into their roles and develop their craft. That kind of shared growth both within the restaurant and the community is what truly defines success.

Q:  Are there any upcoming projects, collaborations, or ideas you’re excited to explore next?

A:  We are looking to expand with our Food Trailer, but have been unable to find a residency location for it. So, if anyone knows a brewery or distillery where it makes sense, please reach out! 

Laura Andrew's Exhibition, Transparent Eye, Opens at Kolman & Reeb Gallery August 8

I Saw my Mother in a Bird, a Flower, the Sky oil on canvas, 30 x 72 inches

Transparent Eye runs August 8 through September 26 

Make and Take Demonstration by Laura Andrews August 15, 1:00pm-3:00pm

Artist Reception: Saturday, August 15, 6:00pm–8:00pm

Kolman & Reeb Gallery has announced its next Project Space Grant Exhibition, Transparent Eye, featuring new work by Laura Andrews. This new series of paintings challenges traditional landscape formats through shifting perspectives, layered compositions, and unexpected spatial relationships. Inspired by plein air studies and collaged imagery, Andrews invites viewers into landscapes that feel both grounded in observation and altered by memory.

Laura AndrewsAndrews’ paintings begin with the landscape, but they do not remain fixed in familiar formats. Rather than presenting nature from a conventional distance or horizon line, she shifts the viewer’s point of view. Many works are inspired by di sotto in sù, an Italian Renaissance ceiling-painting technique meaning “seen from below.” This perspective allows Andrews to reimagine the landscape as unstable and enveloping, creating the feeling of being inside the landscape rather than simply looking at it.

For this exhibition, Andrews' outdoor studies capture the changing color, light, and atmosphere of a specific place. In the studio, they become raw material for a more experimental process where Andrews cuts, tears, combines, and reassembles fragments of landscape imagery. From this process, separate views and experiences merge into larger compositions, creating what she describes as conglomerate senses of space.

Mirage mixed media on canvas, 24 x 84 inches

In this new body of work, Andrews uses large-scale oil paintings to create a more immersive experience. Rooted in the natural world, her paintings suggest trees, ponds, fields, and wooded spaces without depicting them realistically. Instead, she layers color, light, and form to create landscapes that feel remembered, shifting, and dreamlike.

Trip Mid oil on panel, 60 x 30 inchesAt the heart of Transparent Eye is Andrews’ interest in how landscape can be experienced, remembered, and transformed. Her paintings invite viewers into spaces that are not simply seen, but felt. They ask us to consider how light changes perception, how memory reshapes place, and how the natural world can become both familiar and mysterious through the act of painting.

“What excites me about Laura’s paintings is the way they shift our sense of space. Her compositions draw us in through light, color, and unexpected points of view, creating landscapes that feel both familiar and transformed. There is a beautiful tension in the work between observation and abstraction, and that tension invites viewers to keep looking.” Gallery curator and co-partner Jodi Reeb

Laura Andrews is a Minneapolis-based painter and educator who teaches drawing, painting, and printmaking at Minneapolis College. She began as a plein air painter, learning to paint on her grandfather’s tree farm. Her work continues to grow from observation, incorporating urban plein air, video imagery, and large-scale studio painting. Andrews has exhibited at the Phipps Center for the Arts, Silverwood Gallery, Duluth Art Institute, the Bell Museum, and Red Wing Plein Air.

Kolman & Reeb Gallery is in Studio 395, Northrup King Building,  1500 Jackson Street NE, Minneapolis.

Happening Now Thru July 31: Hennepin County Salvage Crawl!

Article by Becky Fillinger, photos provided

JP Liesenfeld, General Manager of Furnish Office & Home

A discussion with JP Liesenfeld, General Manager of Furnish Office & Home - one of the businesses particating in the Hennepin County Salvage Crawl

Hennepin County’s Salvage Crawl is underway now through July 31. You can score amazing deals on pristine used furniture and salvaged building materials – and win cool prizes at each retailer! We talked to JP Liesenfeld, General Manager of Furnish Office & Home, one of the participating businesses about shopping the Crawl, the importance of reusing pristine furniture and saving it from the landfill – and saving your budget at the same time. 

Q:  What is the Hennepin County Salvage Crawl, and why is Furnish Office & Home excited to participate?

A:  It’s a wonderful opportunity to get the public energized about green commerce, showcase how easy it is to shop sustainably, and connect with people who want to make a positive environmental impact. It’s an event that is perfectly aligned with our values!

Q:  What do you hope first-time visitors will discover during the event?

A:  The sheer scale of the things local Twin Cities companies are doing for both the planet and our community is amazing and inspiring. Beyond the mission, we want them to experience the thrill of the hunt! You can find absolute gems that would have otherwise been destined for a landfill - like a Herman Miller Mirra 2 task chair in pristine condition for a fraction of its original retail price.

Q:  How has the Salvage Crawl changed the way people think about buying secondhand?

A:  It reframes secondhand shopping from a compromise into a first choice. With so many different types of shops participating, people can see that buying refurbished or secondhand isn't just about saving money—it’s an intentional way to shop and live, and you can still get incredible quality. It shows people you don't have to sacrifice style or durability to make an eco-friendly choice.

Q:  What are some of the best bargains shoppers might find during the Salvage Crawl?

A:  At Furnish, shoppers can find great deals on high-quality commercial furniture from premium brands like Herman Miller, Steelcase and HON. You can get a Herman Miller Aeron for $399 versus $1675. Shop with us and get heirloom-quality pieces with no long lead times and with price points that beat buying new—by a longshot. We are one retailer participating – please visit us but also check out the list of other retailers and great prizes that you can score by coming to the Crawl. 

Q:  How did Furnish Office & Home get started, and what inspired its focus on commercial furniture?

A:  Furnish Office & Home officially joined the EMERGE family back in 2015 through a merger with Momentum Enterprises, a Twin Cities social enterprise that originally started the business. The move brought Furnish under EMERGE’s wing alongside Second Chance Recycling, turning everyday shopping into a powerful engine for local job training and career opportunities.

Commercial furniture was the perfect focus because businesses frequently remodel or downsize, leaving behind incredibly high-quality pieces. By intercepting these items, we create a double win: we save premium furniture from landfills and generate profits that directly fund EMERGE’s mission to help Minnesotans facing traditional employment barriers find meaningful jobs and build fulfilling careers.

Above and below - examples of the kind of quality items you can expect to find during the Hennepin County Salvage Crawl. Nice!

Q:  What types of customers shop here? Is it primarily businesses, or are homeowners discovering you as well?

A:  A little bit of everyone! We offer full-scale commercial furniture packages to small businesses, schools, cafes, and non-profits looking to outfit their spaces professionally on a budget. At the same time, we love serving the thousands of work-from-home professionals or small business entrepreneurs who come to us to upgrade their home offices with ergonomic, commercial-grade setups that meet any size budget.

Q:  What are some of the most unusual or memorable pieces that have come through your doors?

A:  One of my absolute favorites right now is an authentic, vintage phone booth! It’s currently in stock and on our showroom floor—so if you’re looking for the ultimate statement piece or a unique conversation starter for your home or office, come check it out!

Q:  Every reused desk or chair keeps furniture out of the landfill. Can you put that environmental impact into perspective?

A:  The impact is massive. In 2025 alone, we saved over 120,000 pounds of furniture from the landfill. We are able to achieve this number thanks to our ecosystem of sister social enterprises, Second Chance Recycling and Second Chance Removal. Together, we are intercepting waste at every stage - from the initial cleanout to the showroom floor to final disposal.

Q:  Why is office furniture particularly well suited for reuse?

A:  When you’re looking at commercial brands like Herman Miller or Steelcase, you’re looking at furniture built to last a lifetime. Unlike residential furniture, commercial pieces are constructed with heavy-duty fabrics, reinforced steel, and dense hardwoods designed to withstand the heavy, daily foot traffic of public spaces. They are literally built to not wear out.

"People are consistently shocked by how "like-new" our furniture actually is. They walk in expecting dated or worn-out office surplus, and instead, they find sleek, ergonomically advanced chairs and desks that look like they just rolled off the factory line - but have already survived years of use and are ready for twenty more."

Q:  How does buying used furniture fit into the growing circular economy?

A:  Almost everything in our daily lives can be kept out of the landfill, and furniture is a prime candidate. By choosing pre-owned, you are keeping raw materials in circulation and reducing the demand for new manufacturing.

Q:  How much can shoppers typically save by purchasing pre-owned commercial furniture instead of buying new?

A:  Our customers typically save between 70% and 80% off new retail. Businesses, startups, nonprofits, schools, and any other organization can enjoy luxury, ergonomic furniture that would otherwise be well out of their budget.

Q:  What styles, colors, or brands are especially popular right now?

A:  Our most popular item is high-end seating. In terms of aesthetics, we’re finding that shoppers are really gravitating toward "Warm Minimalism" - a beautiful blend of contemporary commercial design and cozy residential comfort. It offers a sleek, clean look, but uses softer tones and textures that rise above the cold, sterile modern look that dominated offices and lobbies for years.

Q:  If someone has never considered buying secondhand furniture, what's your best pitch for giving it a try?

A:  I always give them three reasons: 

• Unmatched Quality: You are getting premium, commercial-grade construction and pristine condition for a fraction of the cost.
• Immediate Gratification: There are no supply chain delays or months-long factory lead times here. You can buy your furniture and take it home the very same day.
• Guilt-Free Shopping: You are actively saving the planet and investing back into the Minneapolis community through our job-training programs.

Q:  I’m sold! How may we stay up to date on future on Furnish Office & Home and future Salvage Crawls or other fun events?

A:  The County runs the Salvage Crawl, and you can follow us on Instagram and Facebook @furnishmn for upcoming showroom sales, and fresh inventory arrivals. You can also head over to furnishofficeandhome.org to sign up for our newsletter to get event details and exclusive discounts delivered straight to your inbox!

MacPhail Announces Inaugural Contemporary Music Program Concert in Gold Medal Park, July 25

Join MacPhail Center for Music for the inaugural showcase of the Contemporary Music Program, featuring the talent and artistry of MacPhail students and world-class faculty. The concert will highlight contemporary genres from rock to Latin, amidst the scenic backdrop of Gold Medal Park on Saturday, July 25, from 10:00am to 12:00pm.

Launched in Fall 2025, MacPhail’s Contemporary Music Program (CMP) brings together decades of offerings into one program that expands opportunities for students of all ages.

This event is free and open to the public. Advance RSVP requested.

Featuring:

• Alessandria Rhines, CMP Student, Singer-Songwriter
• MacPhail Youth Rock Band
• Isaac Rohr, CMP Teaching Artist, Composer/Producer
• Miguel Gonzalez, CMP Teaching Artist, Guitarist

Minnesota Cargo Bike Library Offers an Eco-friendly, Healthy Mode of Transportation

Article by Becky Fillinger, photos provided

A Discussion with Laura Groenjes Mitchell, Founder, Head Librarian and Award Winner

Laura Groenjes Mitchell, founder and head librarian of the Minnesota Cargo Bike Library, was named Advocate of the Year in BikeMN’s 2025 Community Awards Bicycle Alliance of Minnesota. BikeMN’s panel of judges recognized Laura for her outstanding advocacy for safe streets and community building. As the founder of the Minnesota Cargo Bike Library, she has designed and launched a multi-organization partnership to expand access to cargo bikes in Minneapolis, offering a small collection of electric cargo bikes for free to residents for up to a week. We talked to her about the vision for this transformative initiative, creative uses, expansion possibilities and how cargo bikes are for everyone. 

Laura MitchellQ:  For readers unfamiliar with the concept, what exactly is a cargo bike library and what inspired you to create the Minneapolis Cargo Bike Library?

A:  The MN Cargo Bike Library is a community-run program through the Bicycle Alliance of Minnesota (BikeMN), made possible through partnerships with Cyclehoop, the Lyndale Neighborhood Association and a grant from the Minneapolis Foundation.

Our goal is to ensure Minnesota residents have the knowledge, skills and resources to safely and confidently replace car trips. We have a small fleet of electric cargo bikes that folks can borrow FREE for about a week. Prior to borrowing a bike, people are required to attend our one-hour, in-person orientation, focused on bike safety and tips for riding, maintaining and securing ecargo bikes.

I was inspired to create this program after personally experiencing the way a cargo bike changed my own family’s life for the better when we bought one in 2021. We save money, get more exercise into our day, have more fun on our commutes, and feel good about lowering our impact on the environment. A friend told me about some ebike libraries on the east coast and I wondered if we could create something like that here, but focused on ecargo bikes. I am also hoping to help inspire more investment in secure bike storage options throughout the city and state (via the secure bike hangar we use or other options).

Q:  What kinds of reactions do people have the first time they try a cargo bike?

A:  Some folks are a little nervous as they learn how to handle a larger bike that may handle differently than they’re accustomed to, but that tends to transform very quickly into smiles, giggles, and “I could do XYZ with this bike!"

Q:  Have you seen the program reach people who never considered themselves “cyclists” before?

A:  Yes! We have reached folks from across the spectrum: from year-round bicyclists to people who haven’t ridden a bike in decades, but see the potential of using an electric cargo bike to replace car trips. Our borrowers include people of all ages, from their early 20s to late 70s (so far) and less than half of our borrowers last year were men. We have folks from all income levels, too.

There are multiple styles of cargo bikes. See more on Instagram!

Q:  What are some of the most creative or surprising ways people have used cargo bikes from your library?

A:  We’ve had borrowers use our bikes to: 

• Take kids to/from daycare/school
• Commute to/from work
• Run errands, especially with large/bulky items
• Transport art to/from Art-a-Whirl
• Bring adult friends with mobility needs to parts of the city that are inaccessible by car (Stone Arch Bridge, trails, picnic spots)
• Take dogs to/from the vet
• Go sightseeing with older family members (who may not be able to ride their own bike)
• Go garage-saling
• Get around on a date night (one partner hauling the other in the bike)

Q:  What types of errands or daily activities are especially well-suited for cargo bikes?

A:  Any errand or daily activity within 3-10 miles is a great fit for a cargo bike! The additional hauling capacity of the cargo bike can accommodate carrying more stuff/passengers and the motor can get whatever level of exercise you want on the trip - especially nice on hot days!

Q:  I read that the program has expanded to Rochester. What role could cargo bikes play in the future of urban transportation?

A:  We believe cargo bikes can and will play a huge role in the future of urban and suburban transportation. On the individual level, car ownership is usually the second highest household expense (behind rent) with the average American spending $1,000/month on car-related expenses (car payment, gas, insurance, repairs, maintenance, depreciation). The average American spends about an hour in their car each day, time that often does not contribute to better mental or physical health. According the Federal Highway Administration, about 50% of trips in the U.S. are 3 miles or less, an easy biking distance! When individuals and families start replacing local car trips with biking, they reap the financial and health benefits immediately. Society as a whole reaps the economic, health and climate benefits. And more bikes for more trips = fewer cars causing congestion or safety issues in our cities, so those who do need/want to drive can have less stressful trips, too!

Q:  What infrastructure improvements would make cargo bike use easier and safer?

A:  We need more cities and suburbs to build connected networks of protected bike lanes, separating people on bikes from people driving cars as much as possible to ensure people on bikes experience the safety and comfort needed for them to continue to feel safe opting to bike. We need more secure overnight bike storage (like the Cyclehoop Bike Hangars we use for our program) and bike parking that can accommodate larger cargo bikes. Often times public bike racks are not set up to accommodate larger bikes, so parking can take some creativity - especially for front loader electric cargo bikes.

Q:  Was there a moment when you realized cargo bikes could become transformative community tools?

A:  Bikes of all kinds are powerfully transformative community tools and I’ve seen countless examples of that over the years. However, two examples stand out: 

1. When we launched the MCBL in 2025, I had no idea what to expect re: reception. I anticipated we’d need to do a lot of marketing to help spread the word and find folks interested in taking the orientation to borrow bikes. We had the opposite problem. Word has spread quickly and organically. Our orientations fill up immediately and demand far outpaces what we’re able to do with our current resources, so we’re working on more grant applications to try to keep expanding to help more neighbors get access to these bikes!

2. During Operation Metro Surge my family got involved with a lot of mutual aid work in our neighborhood. We used our cargo bike to deliver groceries and other supplies to neighbors. We also used it to help transport two neighbor kids to/from school from December-April as their parents sheltered in place. I am not able to safely transport 4 elementary aged kids (2 neighbor kids + my own 2 kids) in our SUV due to limited options for installing booster seats, but I can do it on my bike! All four kids loved the bike and were so chatty on our rides to/from school each day.

Q:  I love those two examples! What advice would you give to people who want to become stronger advocates for innovative transportation options in their own communities?

A:  Find your people! Seek out local groups or people who are already working on the issues you care about and reach out to them for coffee, show up to events, volunteer, etc. We’re far more effective when we can learn from and work alongside others toward our shared goals - and you’ll probably meet some great friends along the way.

Q:  How may we follow your news?

A:  For all things MN Cargo Bike Library, subscribe to our newsletter here: mcbl.bike. You can also follow us on Bluesky or Instagram.

Flamenco X Brings Salvador Dalí’s Surrealism to Life in “Dances with Dalí” at The Southern Theater

Flamenco X will premiere “Dances with Dalí — A Surreal Flamenco Experience” at The Southern Theater, 1420 S Washington Avenue, August 21–23. The 90-minute production, performed with one intermission, uses Dalí’s recurring visual motifs — distorted time, dreamlike landscapes, the tension between memory and reality — as the framework for a program of original flamenco choreography, live cante, and guitar.

The production is led by a four-person creative team. María de los Reyes, founder of Flamenco X, serves as Artistic Director and soloist dancer. Marija Temo, a classical and flamenco guitarist, vocalist, and composer trained at the Peabody Conservatory, serves as Musical Director. Dra. Jeanne D’Arc Casas, an interdisciplinary dancer and choreographer with an MFA from the University of New Mexico and touring credits with Soledad Barrio and Noche Flamenca, serves as Director of Dance & Movement. Visual artist and educator Monica Barela-Di Bisceglie leads design as Visual Arts Director, building puppetry, sets, and costumes drawn from surrealist imagery alongside costume and set designer Eamon Ryan.

On stage, the creative direction is carried out by the full Flamenco X ensemble: dancers Rafaela del Sol, Cecilia Calvo, Hilde De Roover, Estefanía Alvarez, and Katie Fuller, with additional dancer Jeanne D’Arc Casas Panouze, and guitarists David Elrod, Ross Fellrath, and Mateo Davies. Louis appears as Dalí.

The evening unfolds as a series of connected scenes rather than a single narrative, each built around a different piece of Dalí’s visual vocabulary — melted clocks and distorted time, doubled figures, shifting landscapes.

The production has been developed with support from donors and the Metropolitan Regional Arts Council (MRAC), through a legislative appropriation from Minnesota’s arts and cultural heritage fund.

Performances: 

• Friday, August 21 — 7:00pm (doors 6:00pm)
• Saturday, August 22 — 7:00pm (doors 6:00pm)
• Sunday, August 23 — 5:00pm (doors 4:00pm)

Tickets: southerntheater.org/shows/dances-with-dali-a-surreal-flamenco-experience

Plentifully: Community-Based Food and Resource Sharing Simplified

Article by Becky Fillinger, photos provided

A Discussion with Ming Lee, Co-Founder and Co-CEO of Plentifully

Are you interested in a free app that makes sharing local abundance simple? We spoke with Ming Lee, Co-Founder and Co-CEO of Plentifully about this new way for neighbors to list extra harvests, seedlings, seeds, tools, or a helping hand, then match with nearby requests to swap or give. The platform also supports donation listings and connections to local food shelves and community organizations, so surplus can reach people who need it most. Please spread the word about this community resource – we know it can be successful here.

Ming LeeQ:  Was there a particular experience that made you realize how much food and gardening resources go unused?

A:  Yes. For me, it was less one single moment and more a pattern I kept noticing through everyday conversations with neighbors and friends who garden. Someone might mention that they had extra produce and were happy to share it. Other times, I would be the one who needed something specific, like a garden tiller for just one day, and I would wonder who nearby might have one I could borrow.

What stood out to me was how often these needs and resources probably existed close to each other, but never connected. There might be someone nearby who would be grateful for fresh produce, someone who only needs a seasonal tool once or twice a year, or a community group trying to stretch limited resources. The issue was not that people were unwilling to share. It was that there was no simple way to make those local connections visible.

Plentifully grew out of that gap: the idea that local abundance already exists, but we need better ways to help it move through the community before it goes unused.

Q:  Why is now the right time for a community-based food-sharing network in the Twin Cities?

A:  The Twin Cities already has a strong culture of community gardens, urban agriculture, food access work, mutual aid, and neighbor-to-neighbor support. At the same time, many households are thinking more carefully about food costs, waste, sustainability, and how to build more resilient local communities. We felt this was the right moment to build a simple, free tool that helps people share what they have, connect with others nearby, and keep more food and garden resources close to home.

Q:  How does Plentifully work?

A:  Plentifully is a free local sharing platform for food and garden communities. People can create listings for things they have to offer as either swaps or donations, browse nearby listings, and connect with others to coordinate a local exchange. A listing might include extra produce, seeds, seedlings, garden tools, jars, compost, practical help, or growing advice. If an item is listed as a donation, someone who does not have something to swap can still request it. The goal is to make local sharing easier to see, easier to coordinate, and easier to repeat.

Q:  What makes Plentifully different from neighborhood platforms that people may already know and use?

A:  Most neighborhood platforms are built for general posting, buying, selling, announcements, or broad community conversation. Plentifully is more focused: it is designed specifically for food, growing, gardening, and local sharing. We are not trying to become another marketplace where everything is for sale. Plentifully is about swaps and donations of food and garden resources, with a clear focus on helping those resources reach people nearby who can use them. It is also free to use, with no buying, selling, listing fees, or credit cards required.

Q:  Who is the ideal user: home gardeners, urban farmers, hobbyists, or small food producers?

A:  All of the above can be part of the Plentifully community. A home gardener might have extra tomatoes or seedlings. An urban farmer might have surplus herbs or practical knowledge. A hobbyist might want to trade seeds or learn from someone more experienced. A small food producer or community group might use Plentifully to connect with people nearby who care about local food. We are especially focused on people who already think in terms of sharing, reducing waste, and strengthening local food connections.

Q:  What types of exchanges are happening on the platform?

A:  Because we are still in early access, activity on the platform is just beginning. Right now, the two main ways people can use Plentifully are through swap listings and donation listings from people who already have food or garden resources to share. This early phase is about helping people understand what they can share, inviting the first listings, and building the local network carefully.

As the community grows, we expect to see a mix of seasonal produce, garden supplies, shared tools, preserving materials, and practical know-how moving through the platform.

Q:  What are some of the most unusual or unexpected items people have shared?

A:  At this stage, we do not have completed exchanges to highlight just yet. What has surprised me, though, is how quickly people start to recognize everyday things as shareable once they have a place to offer them. It is not always something dramatic or unusual. Sometimes it is the ordinary things that are easy to overlook: extra harvest, supplies left from a project, a tool sitting unused most of the year, or experience that could help someone else get started.

That is part of what we are trying to surface with Plentifully. A lot of useful resources are already sitting in homes, garages, gardens, and community spaces. They just need a clearer path to reach someone nearby who can use them.

Q:  What does “community abundance” mean to you?

A:  To me, community abundance means recognizing that many neighborhoods already have more resources, knowledge, care, and generosity than we realize. The problem is often coordination, not willingness. Someone may have something extra, something underused, or experience they would gladly share, while someone nearby could use exactly that. Community abundance is what happens when we make those connections easier, so good food, useful resources, and practical knowledge stay in the community instead of being wasted or hidden.

Q:  What challenges do home gardeners and food banks face that Plentifully helps solve?

A:  Home gardeners often have surplus at unpredictable times. One week they may have more zucchini, herbs, or tomatoes than they can use, but they may not know who nearby wants it. Food banks, pantries, and other food access organizations face a different challenge: they need clear, practical ways to identify and coordinate available local food, donations, and community support.

Plentifully helps by giving people a place to list what they already have available for swap or donation, so those resources can be easier for others to discover and request. Over time, the goal is to help more homegrown and locally available food reach people and organizations that can use it.

Q:  How can gardeners benefit from sharing tools, seeds, labor, and knowledge?

A:  Gardening can be expensive and intimidating, especially for beginners. Sharing lowers the barrier for more people to participate. Someone may not need to buy a tool they only use once. Someone else may have extra seedlings or supplies at the end of a project. A more experienced grower may be able to help a beginner avoid common mistakes.

These small exchanges can save money, reduce waste, and make gardening feel more communal instead of solitary.

Q:  Are there opportunities for experienced gardeners to mentor beginners?

A:  Yes, and that is one of the things we are excited about. Plentifully is not only about moving physical items from one person to another. Knowledge is also a resource. Experienced gardeners can help beginners learn what grows well locally, when to harvest, how to manage pests, how to save seeds, or how to make better use of what they already have.

Over time, we hope Plentifully becomes a place where people can find not just things, but encouragement, advice, and practical support from others nearby.

Q:  How may we follow your news as you innovate and grow and move beyond our local areas?

A:  The best place to start is our website at plentifully.co. People can also join early access at web.plentifully.app. We are building in the Twin Cities first because sharing works best when real neighbors and community partners shape it together. As we learn what works here, we hope to help other communities build their own local sharing networks too.

New Interactive Bike Map of Minneapolis

Per the City, at the end of 2025 there were 89 miles of trails, 36 miles of curb-protected bikeways, 24 miles of bicycle boulevards, and 140 miles of painted bike lanes in the city. 

In 2026, Minneapolis completed a mid-term evaluation and update to the city's Transportation Action Plan. As a part of that update, the City has launched a new map of Minneapolis bikeways. This map, which will be updated annually at the end of every construction season, shows the Trails, Protected Bikeways, Bike Boulevards, and Bike Lanes within the city. The map can be accessed by clicking "View bicycling network map" on the City's Bicycling homepage, or go directly to the interactive map here. 

Small Business Spotlight: Aki’s BreadHaus and WunderBar, and Trailhead Café

Article by Becky Fillinger, photos provided

Nancy Marone and Aki Berndt

A Discussion with Nancy Marone, Owner/Partner 

Looking for artisanal European-style breads and a welcoming environment in which to enjoy them in Minneapolis? We now have two new locations to enjoy long-fermented, handcrafted breads, with curated beverage programs, in hospitable spaces. Aki’s Breadhaus and Wunderbar, 1712 Marshall Street NE, and Trailhead Café at Theordore Wirth Park are both run by owners Aki Berndt and Nancy Marone. We spoke to Nancy Marone about the gap filled in the local dining scene by these two locations and the notion of approachable gathering spaces. I’ve tried the pretzel bread and highly recommend it – put both locations on your radar!

Q:  What inspired you to open Aki’s BreadHaus and WunderBar, and do you see it filling a gap in the Minneapolis food scene?

A:  Aki’s BreadHaus really grew out of a desire to bring authentic European-style baking and hospitality into everyday life in Minneapolis. Joachim Berndt (“Aki”) grew up in Germany surrounded by bread culture — where bread isn’t just a side item, it’s part of daily ritual and community. When he came to the U.S., he felt there was space for a bakery that focused on long-fermented artisan breads, traditional techniques, and the kind of quality and consistency you find in Europe.

I brought a complementary vision around hospitality, gathering spaces, and creating businesses that feel warm and approachable. Together, Aki’s BreadHaus and WunderBar became more than just a bakery or café — they became places where people slow down, connect, and enjoy thoughtful food and drink throughout the day and evening.

We do think it fills a unique space in Minneapolis. The Twin Cities have an incredible food scene, but there are still relatively few places combining true European-style bread baking with a wine café atmosphere and dinner service in a way that feels approachable and community-centered. We wanted to create something that feels both elevated and welcoming at the same time. 

Q:  The name itself is memorable — what’s the story behind BreadHaus and WunderBar? Why did you decide to combine a bread house with a wine café?

A:  BreadHaus is a nod to German baking traditions and heritage. In Germany, bakeries are deeply woven into neighborhood life, and we wanted the name to reflect that authenticity and craftsmanship. The “Haus” spelling also hints at the idea of hospitality — a house centered around bread, people, and gathering.

WunderBar is a little playful. In German, wunderbar means wonderful, but when written as two words it also cleverly includes bar, which reflected our vision for wine, beer, coffee, and community all living together under one roof.

WunderBar

The combination happened naturally because we’ve always believed good bread deserves good company — whether that’s coffee in the morning, hand-rolled pretzels and pastries in the afternoon, or wine and dinner in the evening. In Europe, cafés and bakeries often evolve throughout the day, and we loved the idea of creating a space that transitions with people’s lives.

Q:  How would you describe the personality of the space to someone who hasn’t visited yet?

A:  Warm, lived-in, and inviting. We want people to feel comfortable whether they’re stopping in for fresh German breads and pastries in the morning or lingering over dinner and wine with friends at night.

There’s definitely a European influence, but not in a formal or intimidating way. It’s cozy, neighborhood-oriented, and intentionally approachable. You’ll see handcrafted breads coming out of the oven, people meeting over coffee, someone working on a laptop, and others gathering for wine and conversation later in the day.

At its heart, the personality is about hospitality and connection. We care deeply about creating spaces where people feel welcomed, remembered, and comfortable staying a while. 

Q:  What makes German or European-style baking distinct from what many Americans are used to?

A:  One of the biggest differences is time and technique. Traditional European baking relies heavily on long fermentation, natural starters, and recipes that have been refined over generations. The breads tend to have more depth of flavor, stronger crusts, heartier textures, and better keeping qualities.

Above, pretzels. Below, Brötchen (which translates to "little bread"), a German bread roll characterized by their hearty, crisp crust and dense, chewy interior.

In Germany especially, bread culture is incredibly diverse — there are hundreds of regional bread styles using rye, whole grains, seeds, and different fermentation methods. Bread is treated almost like wine or cheese, where nuance and craftsmanship really matter.

Many Americans grew up with softer, highly processed commercial breads, so tasting naturally fermented European-style bread can be a totally different experience. People often tell us they rediscover what bread can actually taste like. 

Q:  Bread has become both trendy and deeply nostalgic. Why do you think people connect with it so emotionally?

A:  Bread is one of the most universal foods there is. Almost everyone has some memory connected to it — family meals, grandparents baking, a favorite bakery, the smell of fresh bread in a kitchen. It’s comforting and familiar in a very emotional way.

At the same time, there’s a growing appreciation for slowing down and returning to handmade foods with real ingredients and craftsmanship. Bread represents that. It’s simple, but making truly great bread requires patience, skill, and care.

We think people are craving authenticity right now — experiences that feel tangible and human — and bread naturally carries that feeling. 

Q:  Congratulations also for being selected to run the food concession at The Loppet. How are you balancing all the new initiatives?

A:  Thank you — we’re incredibly excited to be part of The Loppet community and the Trailhead at Theodore Wirth Park. It’s a very special partnership for us because it combines hospitality, community, nature, and gathering in a way that feels deeply aligned with who we are.

Photo credit Em Cassel

Balancing growth always comes down to having the right people and staying grounded in your core values. We’ve built an amazing team, and hospitality remains at the center of everything we do. We’re very intentional about creating a culture where people feel empowered, supported, and excited to help shape these experiences alongside us.

What’s exciting is that all of these initiatives actually connect to the same larger vision: creating welcoming spaces where people gather around good food and drink. Whether someone is visiting the bakery, enjoying dinner and wine at WunderBar, or grabbing lunch after a ski or bike ride at the Trailhead Café, we want it all to feel connected through hospitality, craftsmanship, and community.

Q:  I love news about small businesses growing to new locations and through unique partnerships - congratulations. How may we follow your news?

A:  You can follow us on Instagram and Facebook for the latest updates, events, seasonal offerings, and news. Also, our websites, www.akisbreadhaus.com and https://akisbreadhaus.com/trailhead/ will be updated with all activities and events. We’ll be sharing updates there as we continue expanding and growing our partnerships throughout Minneapolis. 

Community-Based Ralle Movements: "Part Movement, Part Social"

Article by Becky Filliner, photos provided

Eli Goldman, founder of Ralle Movements

Ralle Movements’ tagline is Part Movement, Part Social. Eli Goldman is the founder of Ralle Movements and he is reimagining what it means to move together – to create community and create space for people to show up as they are, reconnect with their bodies, and find belonging in a shared experience. We talked to him about how Ralle Movements came to be, growing pains after one year into the experiment and how to join in. 

Q: Take us back to the moment you first imagined Ralle Movements—what was happening in your life?

A:  Ralle started without any real plan or vision, it just started because (selfishly) I needed it. In the spring of 2024, I had come back from New Hampshire where I was in the midst of my last semester of an MBA and had just completed my last season of Division 1 soccer. I came home to pursue a professional soccer career with my hometown club (Minnesota United) and to be home with my mom who was battling pancreatic cancer. And of course, finish my MBA virtually. Over the months I was home, her illness rapidly worsened, and I stopped traveling to Blaine everyday (to train with Minnesota United) to be able to be with her as we all knew her time was coming. During these weeks, I still found a way to move every day. Movement had been in my life since I could walk and kick a ball, and I knew how important it was to my health. Sometimes I would run alone. Sometimes one of my best friends would pick me up and take me to the gym. Sometimes I would go down to the lake and slowly immerse myself into the frozen lake (the now famous Lake Harriet ice plunge). My mom passed away in the early morning on the 17th of March, and I played soccer that evening in my friend's men's league that night. (I don't actually remember this, as I was so out of it, but my best friend just told me this the other day). Clearly, I needed to lean on my people and movement.

A week or two later, some of my closest friends helped me clean out my parents' garage and turn it into a little gym for people close to my community to come and move together. There was no thought with this. Or a grand plan. I wasn't even a "trainer" at the time, but knew a good bit from my years as an athlete. This gym was called the "Rally" gym. My mind was so blurred from the loss of my mother, having people over to move with was my way of grieving and healing. One of my mom's friends told me this during that time… I didn't even think of that. I just needed a way to move, and to move with people… I guess.

Months later, after finishing my MBA and spending time home with my dad, I moved to NYC (where my sister lived) to start the next chapter of my life. I assumed the Rally gym would close and that would be that. But all of my Minneapolis community (young and old), wanted to continue to find ways to move together in the Rally gym. We tried a few different things. I sent them workouts virtually. I set up ways for them to "sign up" to go together. Started group chats. And as I continued to help organize the community in Minneapolis, I realized how much fulfillment this gave me. I needed to follow it more.

So, I started a run club (one of a million run clubs in NYC). The first run was me, my roommate, and one longtime friend. We continued weekly, and the group grew. Then one day, a friend at a run asked what if I tried to organize another movement activity, like a Pilates class. I texted an instructor I knew, and a couple weeks later we had our first ever Pilates class outside in Prospect Park with 40 people. Free for all. People in Minneapolis began asking if we could do the same there. One thing led to another. And in the spring of 2025 we named it Ralle Movements. Pronounced like Rally, but we changed the y to an e. The name stems from the start of my mom's name, Rachel.

Outdoor yoga at the Rose Gardens, partnered with Sweetgreen — everyone got bowls after the class.

Ralle's first fly-fishing event, partnered with Orvis — movement comes in all forms.

Outdoor yoga in McLaren Park, NYC.

We have now completed over 200 community movement events. We have worked with national brands and our story has been televised on Minneapolis local news (Fox 9 and KARE 11). We have free events and paid events, and events for all types of movers, all focused on getting people together to move, but more importantly just to be together. Community and movement can get through anything. It's how I got through the loss of my best friend.

Q:  What did you see missing in our community that made you feel this needed to exist?

A:  I've been a "competitive" mover my whole life. So, I know and love that scene very much. But I also know how important social movement is too. Movement isn't about what type of movement you are doing, or what the "goal" of the training is, but just about moving to move. Moving because it feels good, in the now. The movement/fitness culture is BOOMING, but I continue to feel a lot of studio/group classes aren't always getting it right. The more corporate the classes get, the less communal they feel. People go into classes with 30 other people and walk out without speaking to anyone. Movement can be such a beautiful way to connect with others, and that is such a core value at Ralle. And that takes real intention to create spaces that actually feel welcoming, inclusive, and communal.

Q:  You talk about movement as more than exercise. How do you explain that to someone new?

A:  Movement has its own meaning to everyone. I will never be able to tell someone how movement should make them feel, but I can always tell them how integral it has been in my life. How movement helped me emotionally and mentally in ways I could never have imagined. Movement is ours to experience.

Q:  Many people feel excluded from traditional wellness spaces - how do you actively counter that?

A:  It can be such an exclusive industry! I can't agree more. We try our best to counter that by putting the people at the core. From the first second of walking into a group fitness class you can feel what the priority of the class is. How the person at the front desk welcomes you, how you feel navigating the new space, the culture that is built in the space. You just know. We try our best to think about it from a hospitality perspective. Creating a space that feels welcoming, inclusive, and social takes intention! It takes culture building from our instructors, from our community leads, from our people who come to every event, so if you have never been, you can quickly feel what we are about.

Q:  Have there been moments when you had to rethink or adapt your original vision?

A:  Yes!! We are adapting all the time. A lot of struggles we have faced is finding the balance of bringing in revenue so we can keep growing, but then also making sure these spaces feel inclusive and open for all. We were running all free events for a while but then there was no way for us to pay our instructors! We had to keep getting creative and adapting. Also, in learning how to work with bigger brands that have budgets for community events (which we need!) but also making sure our events feel grassroots and don't lose their identity as bigger brands get involved. We are always adapting from our events, chatting about what went well and what didn't and how we can continue to follow our overarching goal of creating community through movement.

Q:  What kind of support—community, financial, or otherwise—has made the biggest difference?

A:  People showing up! That is the number one way to support us. Sometimes that obviously means literal event tickets, but it's way more important to just have people showing up at the events. We always say "heads" (meaning people showing up) is the number one thing. And that doesn't mean these massive events either where the community feels lost. But just continuing to create spaces that people show up to, and then tell their friends about, and then come back, and let the Ralle community grow organically. (And of course we will use socials too, as we feel our high quality and creative content is another very cool and fun part of our brand!)

Q:  What do you wish more people understood about the connection between movement and mental or social health?

A:  To me this is pretty simple. Whenever I feel stuck, I know I've got to move. Not every problem is going to be fixed after I go for a run, or kick a soccer ball, or ride my bike, or go to a group fitness class that I don't even love. No, not at all. But I moved, and whatever I was stuck in the mud about… well, I can see a little bit of a way out of that mud.

Q:  That works for me too – if I’m stuck on a problem, I can come up with several solutions after a walk outside. What's next for Ralle Movements - are you thinking about growth, deepening, or something else?

A:  We have some exciting visions. Some bigger events (first in NYC), that are like "marquee events" with a movement portion and then a social portion. We think trickling these in could bring a lot of value in introducing Ralle to more people. On the flip side, we have visions of more intimate retreat type events. Maybe one or two nights away from the normalcy of our lives, with people! We have ideas all the time, and always share them, sometimes try them, and then see what sticks!

Q:  How can readers get involved or support your work?

A:  Come to an event! Bring friends. It's a space for everyone. And of course, share this with whoever may find joy in these spaces. Follow us on Youtube, Instagram and Facebook.

Indígena by Owamni in the Guthrie Theater Soft Opening Set For June 23, Official Grand Opening on July 4

Regular service at Indígena by Owamni in the Guthrie Theater begins June 23d, and the restaurant will be open to the public with reservations available through Open Table. Indígena (In-DEE-Hay-Na) will have a grand opening event on July 4 - more information about this event are forthcoming.

The restaurant’s hours will be:  

• Sunday: 11am-11pm
• Monday: Closed
• Tuesday: 11am-11pm
• Wednesday: 11am-11pm
• Thursday: 11am-11pm
• Friday: 11am-midnight
• Saturday: 11am-midnight

A pre-theater menu tailored for guests dining before Guthrie performances will be available, as well as post-show drinks and bar food service. There is a bar menu, theater menu and a la carte menu. 

Reservations will end at 9pm, after which walk-ins are welcome.

Indígena by Owamni will offer:

• An expanded menu offering steaks, and larger game cuts such as bison, elk, and venison.
• A full oyster bar and expanded seafood offerings highlighting the Indigenous diaspora.
• A comprehensive bar program specializing in BIPOC-produced beer, wine, and spirits, alongside inventive cocktails and mocktails.
• Continued shareable plates and tapas-style service.
• A new Chef’s Table—seating 14 guests—will be available for curated tasting menus, coursed dinners, and guest chef residencies.

As part of its next phase, Indígena by Owamni is working toward a zero-waste model by collaborating with purveyors to eliminate plastic and single-use packaging, reinforcing its commitment to environmental stewardship.

Rhythmically Speaking's Groovers & Makers 2026: 4 Takes on Jazz Dance at The Southern Theater

Groovers & Makers 2026 is an evening of lively jazz and American social dance-inspired works for the stage featuring new dances from both local and visiting choreographers, performed by a company of 11 of the Twin Cities' most dymanic dancers.

Rhythmically Speaking (RS) will present their 18th annual Summer production, Groovers & Makers 2026: 4 Takes on Jazz Dance, July 30 - August 1 at the The Southern Theater. Though the format and name of this annual Summer production have shifted throughout the years, it has always delivered innovative, vibrant and thought-provoking takes on jazz and American social dance ideas from exciting movers and shakers in the field. We take great care to engage artists that share our appreciation of jazz - and related styles - as forms that encourages simultaneous expression of difference and similarity, creating community through their common roots of groove, interaction and improvisation. This production continues our Summer tradition of commissioning new work by local choreographers while providing opportunities for dance artists who are based outside of Minnesota to show their work here.

Tickets

Groovers & Makers 2026 features an exciting line-up of choreographers (i.e. the Makers) creating new works for the company. This year’s local artist is Karla Grotting, a celebrated dance artist with McKnight Fellowship and Citypages ‘Artist of the Year’ awards to prove it and a unique approach to jazz that is a sum of her deep and varied experiences. Grotting’s new work will use the hard swinging, emotionally wide-ranging, irresistible grooves of Danish group The Saxopaths and inter-Scandinavian composer Snorre Kirk to drive exploration of how we dialogue with our own thoughts. Maiya Redding of New York City, one of this year’s visiting artists, is an Assistant Professor in the Hofstra University dance program who was recently commissioned to create a new work for the Joel Hall Dancers (Chicago). Redding will be creating a work that reflects the music she was raised listening to while growing up in Chicago - classic jazz and house - exploring the duality and the similarities between them through jazz movement.

The other visiting artist this year is Alexis Robbins of New Haven, CT, the director of amrDANCE tap company and recent New England Dance Fund awardee. Robbins will be creating a tap dance piece through the lens of contemporary jazz that explores how we can collectively communicate through rhythm and learn more about ourselves in the process. RS Artistic and Executive Director Erinn Liebhard will also create a new work for the show, which will consider human fascination with time travel, exploring the rub between how we fallible are and time is not - at least not right now. The production will run a gamut of feelings while showing a breadth of what "jazz and American social dance-inspired" can mean. It will be danced by RS company members (the Groovers) Malia Craft, Jayde Grass, Doug Hooker, Amy Jones, Sara Karimi, Erinn Liebhard, Kelli Miles, Shannon Mulcahy, Jake Nehrbass, Kathleen Pender and Betsy Schaefer-Roob.

Rhythmically Speaking is a local and national leader in celebrating the rich history of these forms while nurturing their innovation. Since their founding in 2008, they have presented 119 original and remounted works and engaged 360+ artists and thousands of audience members and outreach program participants.

Dinner du Nord Returns to Nicollet Mall September 10

Dinner du Nord - America’s Longest Dinner Table - is returning to Downtown Minneapolis on Thursday, September 10 at 5pm. The open-air culinary celebration set on seven blocks of Nicollet Mall will bring together dozens of hospitality establishments to serve dinner to thousands of guests.

At Dinner du Nord, guests select signature prix fixe menus from participating Minneapolis establishments, ranging from fine dining destinations to casual food trucks, all served al fresco on the bus-free Nicollet Mall. A wide variety of cuisines and ticket packages are available to appeal to every palate and budget.

“Dinner du Nord was created to promote our city’s hospitality industry and downtown, and an unanticipated benefit from last year’s inaugural event was the joy people experienced in sharing a meal with friends and meeting new people, too. Maureen McDowall is leading the production this year, and we both are excited that this year’s participating restaurants are even more diverse.”  Founder Scott Mayer

Tickets for Dinner du Nord 2026 go on sale July 1 at DinnerduNord.org. Pricing is all-inclusive, with taxes and gratuity included. A portion of event proceeds will benefit the Help the House Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting hospitality workers through emergency assistance, community care, and advocacy efforts that strengthen both front-of-house and back-of-house teams throughout the industry. helpthehousefoundation.org

Sampling of restaurants and food trucks expected to participate: 

Aster Café, Barbette, Bario, Brit’s, Butcher and The Boar, Come and Get It, Dakota, D’Amico Catering, Esther’s Kitchen, Fogo de Chao, Four Seasons, Habanero Tacos, Hawlin New Orleans, Hell’s Kitchen, Hyatt Regency, Kapok, Lotus, Lumi, Marquette Hotel, Muddy Tiger, Murray’s, noa, Parlour, PS Steak, Revival, Ruth’s Chris, Soul to Soul Barbeque, Starling, The Local, and Tom’s Watch Bar.

Dinner du Nord was named Minnesota’s Best Public Event of 2025 by the International Live Events Association MSP Chapter.

Above and below, photos from the 2025 event.

Small Business Spotlight: A Bar of Their Own

Article by Becky Filliner, photos provided

A Bar of Their Own owner Jillian Hiscock                               Photo credit Sophia Hantzes

If you were looking for a sports bar that celebrates women’s sports, A Bar of Their Own is the ticket. Named Best Local Sports Bar – nationwide – by USA Today, they’ve clearly cracked the code to creating the best space to watch women’s sports. They’ve been open for two years and have seen an explosion of interest in viewing women’s sports in the ‘sports bar’ experience. Keep reading to learn owner Jillian Hiscock’s vision clearly spelled out on creating a space to celebrate women athletes, new professional sports clubs coming to town (two pro volleyball and one pro baseball!) and how to measure success in nonfinancial ways. Mark your calendar to visit at 2207 E Franklin Avenue and follow the innovative business on Facebook, Instagram, and Threads.

Q:  You’ve said the idea for A Bar of Their Own came after not being able to watch a women’s game in a typical bar - how common is that experience still today?

A:  Unfortunately, it is still common for women’s sports fans to walk into traditional sports bars and not see the games they want to watch on the televisions, because guests tell us about their experiences.

Q:  Why was Minneapolis the right place to launch this concept?

A:  Minneapolis was a natural choice for this concept because Minnesota is overflowing with talent and passion in women’s sports - especially in teams that consistently win. With professional teams across nearly every women’s league, the city has a strong sports culture that has often overlooked women athletes. As a longtime women’s sports fan, I recognized a community of people like me who were eager for a space to celebrate their fandom - and when we realized that place didn’t exist, my wife and I decided to create it ourselves.

Q:  Have you seen a shift in demand or enthusiasm for women’s sports since opening?

A:  Since we opened two years ago, we’ve definitely seen enthusiasm for women’s sports grow - and I expect that momentum to keep building. Women’s sports are finally starting to get the media attention they deserve, which naturally brings in new and casual fans. We often hear from guests that they didn’t realize they’d enjoy [insert sport], and almost always it’s because they simply haven’t had the chance to watch it. By making these sports accessible, we’re helping to grow the fan base and create meaningful connections with the teams and athletes.

Q:  What games or events have drawn the most surprising or passionate crowds?

A:  Honestly, none of the crowds have been surprising to me, because it’s never been surprising that women’s sports fans show up - they just haven’t always had a space to gather before. Some people might be surprised to see a bar packed for a women’s ultimate frisbee game or a high school state dance competition, but we’re not. We love being a place where fans know their favorite athletes and teams will be celebrated, elevated, and taken seriously.

Q:  How intentional were you about creating a “safe space,” and how do you maintain that atmosphere?

A:  Creating a safe and welcoming space has been one of our top priorities since before we ever opened our doors. We were very intentional about building that environment - from hiring staff with experience fostering inclusive communities, to creating a clear Code of Conduct, to training our team on how to confidently enforce it. Unfortunately, a lot of people have had experiences in sports bars where they felt uncomfortable or unwelcome, whether because of staff or other guests. We’ve worked hard to make sure our space feels different. Our team is attentive, proactive, and willing to address behavior that might be tolerated elsewhere. One of the most rewarding parts has been seeing the community embrace that culture as well - many of our guests feel personally invested in protecting the welcoming, respectful atmosphere we’ve built together.

Q:  What role does food and drink play in reinforcing your mission, beyond just being a sports bar?

A:  Food and drink have always been an important extension of our mission, not just an addition to the sports bar experience. From the beginning, we wanted our menu to reflect the same sense of inclusivity and care that defines the rest of our space. That meant creating options for guests who often struggle to find choices at traditional sports bars, including a variety of gluten-free and vegan items, as well as dishes that can easily be modified for different dietary needs. We also made the decision to completely eliminate shellfish and peanuts from our menu out of respect for guests with serious allergies.

We were equally intentional about making non-drinkers feel welcome by offering a strong lineup of non-alcoholic beverages, so everyone can feel included regardless of whether they drink alcohol. Ultimately, all of these choices come back to the same idea: thinking carefully about who you want your guests to be and creating an environment where they genuinely feel considered, comfortable, and welcome.

Q:  What has been the biggest surprise - positive or negative - since opening?

A:  One of the biggest surprises has been how often guests tell us it’s the first time they’ve truly felt like they belonged in a sports-centered space. That’s been incredibly meaningful to hear. So many people - women, men, families, older guests - are used to environments that cater to a very narrow idea of what a “sports fan” looks like. Seeing people feel welcomed, comfortable, and genuinely included has been one of the most rewarding and unexpected parts for me.

Q:  How do you measure success: financially, culturally, or something else?

A:  There are a lot of ways to measure success, and we pay attention to all of them, from financial performance to guest feedback. But for me personally, one of the most meaningful metrics is staff retention. Since opening in March 2024, 88% of our current team has stayed with us, and that says a lot about the culture we’ve built together. Our staff are the lifeblood of this place - they create the meaningful experiences our guests remember and help uphold the community values that define who we are.

Q:  What’s next for the bar - expansion, new programming, partnerships?

A:  My goal since the beginning has been to increase awareness and support for women’s sports, and that guides a lot of our planning. We started our non-profit A Fund of Their Own last fall and it’s been really fulfilling to be able to support girls and women in our community who want to be involved in sports. In addition to our existing partnerships with local teams, we have two new women’s professional volleyball leagues coming to the Twin Cities in 2027 (LOVB MN and MLV MN), and we’re excited to be working with both of those teams. 

Q:  Could you imagine opening additional locations or franchising the concept?

A:  We often get asked about additional locations, expanding and franchising, and quite frankly, those are the last things on my mind! While there are certainly times we wish we had more space to accommodate fans on big game nights, we are very happy with our current location, and know there are ways for us to continue to improve what we’re doing here before thinking about adding more space!

Q:  What’s a moment inside the bar that made you think, “This is exactly why we did this?”

A:  We recently hosted a 5th grade girls basketball team before they attended a Minnesota Lynx game as a group. That is exactly what we dreamed of when we started this place. These young girls will only know of a world where women’s sports is celebrated and amplified to the level that it deserves - and can learn about the trailblazers that got us here while sitting at our restaurant. How can you not be romantic about that?!

Q:  If you could sit down with any women athlete (past or present) at your bar, who would it be and why?

A:  Oh goodness - I could have one million different answers to this question, but right now the person who I’ve been thinking a lot about is Toni Stone, who lived in St. Paul’s Rondo neighborhood, near where my wife and I live today. She was the first woman to play professional baseball in a major men's league, and replaced Hank Aaron in the Negro American League when he joined the MLB in 1953. This summer, the new Women’s Professional Baseball League is starting, and I would love to talk to Ms. Stone about what baseball was like when she played, and how we got to where we are today. I’m constantly in awe of the women who have built the foundation for the position women’s sports is in right now, and I love bringing awareness to their stories.

Jujube Construction Update

Via a June 11 email update from Saturday Dumpling Co.

UPDATE on JUJUBE

CONSTRUCTION UPDATE! Things are moving along quickly at Jujube, our first full-service restaurant that is set to open this fall near Gold Medal Park in the Mill District of downtown Mpls. As of this week, we're finishing demolition, framing, and plumbing in the former Izzy's Ice Cream space and are moving on to electrical. We're very excited by the wallpaper game we plan to bring, as we've been looking at samples that compliment our mission of bringing a Texas barbecue vibe to modern Chinese food.

MENU EXCLUSIVE! We're making a lot of progress on building out the menu. Here's a little treat for our newsletter subscribers on something you'll see at Jujube: Smoked Char Siu Pork

Sweet, savory, and aromatic, char siu is one of the cornerstones of Chinese barbecue. Traditionally roasted in a charcoal-fired oven, our version is slowly smoked over post oak (a preferred choice of wood for traditional Texas barbecue) for an added layer of depth and complexity. The result is a balance of tradition and technique: tender, flavorful pork with the unmistakable character of classic char siu and the subtle richness of post oak smoke. We can't wait for you to try it!

Theatre in the Round Presents Classic Comedy, Blithe Spirit, June 19 - July 12

Packed with razor-sharp wit, eccentric characters, and Noël Coward’s signature sophistication, Blithe Spirit is a fast-paced comedy of manners where the dead refuse to stay buried and the living are left scrambling to keep up.

Theatre in the Round Players (TRP) presents Blithe Spirit running June 19 to July 12. In this sparkling supernatural comedy by Noël Coward, novelist Charles Condomine invites an eccentric medium to conduct a séance as research for his next book - but instead accidentally summons the ghost of his late wife, Elvira. As Elvira wreaks ghostly havoc on Charles and his current marriage, things spiral from strange to delightfully chaotic. 

Directed by Dann Peterson, this stylish production embraces the play’s supernatural absurdity and comedic elegance, bringing Coward’s classic farce vividly to life in Theatre in the Round’s intimate arena setting. Equal parts haunting and hilarious, Blithe Spirit offers audiences a witty reminder that the past has a way of lingering - especially when it’s not quite ready to leave!

A Pay-What-You-Can performance is scheduled for Monday, June 29 at 7:30pm, and an Audio-Described performance will be held on Sunday, July 12 at 2:00pm (email tix@theatreintheround.org to RSVP).

Tickets: $20–29. Info & Tickets, Box Office: 612-333-3010

Content Notice: This production utilizes water-based theatrical fog and flashing lights.

TRP’s facilities are accessible to audience members using wheelchairs; assisted listening and captioning devices are available for all performances.

Uptown Farmers Market Moves 2 Bocks North, 2026 Season Launch is June 11

Multi-neighborhood initiative moves two blocks north to MoZaic Plaza and will once again bring “fresh eats, live beats, good vibes” to the heart of Uptown every Thursday evening.

On Thursday, June 11, the Uptown Farmers Market will return for its second season, giving residents from across the community a reason to come together, shop local produce, foods and crafts, as well as support Uptown’s small businesses.

Due to construction at Seven Points, the market will move two blocks north from its original location, opening at MoZaic Plaza, at Lagoon and Girard Avenues, behind the Lagoon Theater. Once again, it will run every Thursday from 4pm to 8pm, this year through October 1. Facebook

Per Dan Sutton, a co-chair for the market and a volunteer with the East Isles Neighborhood Association (which serves as fiscal sponsor of the market), “Building on the success of last year’s first season, we're very excited about activating the new location — an Art Park with sculpture installations throughout the plaza, situated right next to the Greenway. We’re excited to capitalize on our inaugural season’s momentum and continue this important effort to help revitalize the Uptown community, highlighting all that the area has to offer.” 

All eight neighborhood associations surrounding Uptown are once again supporting the market efforts this year, as is the City of Minneapolis and a coalition of returning sponsors including The Minneapolis Foundation, MetroTransit, Ragstock and Bridgewater Bank.

As people who frequented the Uptown Farmers Market know, the event is a destination for not only great local food, but art, music, and family-friendly activities, as well. Musicians will once again grace the market weekly, and several artists will be partnering again with the market to help promote the season, including Mark Hermann - well known for portrayals of iconic Minneapolis and broader Minnesota locations. His art for the market will run soon on MetroTransit buses/stations citywide.

The market will also be supporting a concerted business activation effort, current working under the banner of "Thursdays are for Uptown." Leveraging the farmers market as a cornerstone platform for cross-promotion, Uptown businesses are being encouraged to promote Thursday evening specials — events, experiences or discounts — that will help activate the core business district.

Last year, Moona Moono, collaborating with Magers & Quinn, to introduce “Silent Bookclub” on Thursday evenings, as well as Lake & Irving’s cross-promotion of trivia night on Thursday evenings, planted the germ of this idea. This year, close-by businesses, including the Lagoon Theatre, the Green Room and Cyclebar are already onboard. The market will be collaborating with the Uptown Association, Uptown United, Hill & Lake Press, and Lowry Hill's Holidays on Hennepin team to broaden participation.

Artistic Director John Heimbuch on Why You Should See Walking Shadow Theatre Company's Production of Topher Payne’s Perfect Arrangement

Article by Becky Filliner, photo provided

June is Pride Month, the perfect time for a screwball comedy about a gay couple and a lesbian couple navigating their lives in an era when same-sex relationships were illegal. Topher Payne’s Perfect Arrangement provides plenty of social criticism but you’ll be laughing too. We asked John Heimbuch, Artistic Director for the Walking Shadow Theatre Company, for his top reasons to see the play. Make plans quickly because it will only be at the Crane Theater until June 21. Get tickets here. Take it away, John:

1. In this Perfect Arrangement by Topher Payne, the year is 1950, and Bob and Norma are government workers responsible for removing communist sympathizers from the State Department. But when homosexuals become their next target, their own loyalties are put to the test: Bob and Norma are both queer, and in straight-passing marriages with each other's partners! Bob is married to Norma's partner Millie, and Norma is married to Bob's partner Jimmy. But when their boss and his wife come to dinner, and old secrets re-appear, there's no telling how much longer this "perfect arrangement" can last. This delightfully clever play was inspired by real historic events and popular domestic sitcoms like I Love Lucy and The Dick Van Dyke Show.

John Heimbuch2. There's no better time to learn about LGBTQ+ history than Pride Month! "Perfect Arrangement" was inspired by the Lavender Scare, in which the U.S. Government was being purged of people who were considered "sexual deviants." This was an important moment in American history that helped pave the way for the queer liberation movements of the 1950s and 1960s.

3. Theatre has a powerful capacity to respond to real-world issues, and the Twin Cities have a truly incredible live performance scene, with a wealth of talented artists. This production features an extraordinary team of local actors and designers, all working at the top of their game!

4. Walking Shadow Theatre Company's mission is to explore the heights and depths of human capacity. They've been making independent theatre in the Twin Cities since 2004, and have earned a reputation for staging incisive modern comedies and dramas that inspire conversations about contemporary issues.

5. Money is no barrier! All ticket prices are on a sliding scale and audiences can pay as they are able. There are also $15 Economic Accessibility and Free Student tickets available for every performance, and a Pay What You Can Industry Night when audiences can pay whatever they like. But with a capacity of only 80 seats, reservations are encouraged for all performances! They can be made at walkingshadow.org.

Minneapolis Aquatennial Returns July 18 – 26

The 2026 Minneapolis Aquatennial will take place July 18 - 26 and feature activities at locations throughout Minneapolis, including city parks, Bde Maka Ska, the Mississippi riverfront, and downtown. Events will be free, family-friendly, and open to all.

Today, June 2, members of the Aquatennial Ambassador Organization (AAO), community volunteers, and civic leaders officially ushered in a new era for Aquatennial, the official civic celebration of the City of Minneapolis. The AAO announced it will assume responsibility for producing the festival known as “The Best Days of Summer.” Organizers are emphasizing community involvement and volunteer recruitment to preserve and strengthen the tradition as the Minneapolis Aquatennial enters its 87th year. 

Representing a characteristic that resounds with citizens of Minneapolis – resiliency – the beloved celebration will continue under fresh leadership that brings together longtime festival devotees and a new generation of volunteers dedicated to Aquatennial’s future. The transition follows the Minneapolis Downtown Council's decision last October to step back from producing the event.

The signature Aquatennial event, the Torchlight Parade, is now being produced by the AAO. Fans are welcome to come downtown and witness marching bands, dance groups, and glowing floats as they proceed down Nicollet Mall on Wednesday, July 22, beginning at 7:30pm.

This year also marks the return of the Milk Carton Boat Races, under the Aquatennial umbrella. Created in 1971, this regatta of carton contraptions will set sail on Sunday, July 19 from 10am–2pm on Bde Maka Ska as part of the Twin Cities Beach Blast. Artists will be competing in a Sandcastle Competition nearby on Thomas Beach, too!

Organizers of the 2026 festival are also introducing new events designed to engage residents and visitors of all ages and backgrounds.

New Aquatennial activities include:

• Saturday, July 18 – Model Sailboat Pond at The People’s Plaza

The fountains at Government Plaza will turn into a moving public attraction as 20+ model sailboats set sail. Inspired by the sailboats at Luxembourg Gardens in Paris, this experience will take place between City Hall and the Hennepin County Government Center, 300 S 6th St. Times TBD.

• Tuesday, July 21 - Summer Snowball Classic at The Commons Park

This truly cool event will bring the magic of winter to the heart of summer with an evening of snowball fun, friendly competition, and community celebration. Kids, families, and grown-ups alike are invited to throw real snowballs, play classic games, and experience a little midsummer wonder. Presented in partnership with the Minneapolis Park and Recreation board. Located near U.S. Bank Stadium, this new “classic” begins at 6pm.

• Thursday, July 23 – Hennepin Arts Presents “Summer Showtunes” on Nicollet Mall

This free outdoor celebration of Broadway, music, art and community will take place in the heart of downtown Minneapolis at 10^th & Nicollet from 12–3pm. Highlights include a special performance from the cast of Wicked and a musical improv inspired by Broadway favorites from Brave New Workshop.

• Friday, July 24 – Aquatennial Night at Target Field

The Minnesota Twins are proud to offer fans one of Aquatennial’s collectible souvenir, the Skipper Pin. The last official Skipper Pin was released in 2019. Fans may purchase the Aquatennial package for a discounted ticket price to Twins vs. Athletics game, enjoy postgame fireworks, and take home the exclusive Aquatennial Twins Skipper Pin. Supplies are limited. twins.com/Aquatennial

• Project: Alley Electric Dance Party at The Alley Project, 15-1/2 S 9th St.

Dance Agenda will take over one of downtown Minneapolis’ most unique outdoor spaces for a night of proper electronic dance music from 6pm–midnight featuring Interplanetary Criminal, Main Phase & Miley Serious. This is a ticketed event.

Highlights of the 2026 Minneapolis Aquatennial. All events are FREE unless noted. Event details subject to change.

PRE-AQUATENNIAL – WEDNESDAY, JULY 15

• Loring Park Family Fun Night, 1382 Willow St., 5–7:30pm     

SATURDAY, JULY 18

• NEW: Floating Lanterns + Night Market, Lake Nokomis, 3–10pm  
• NEW: Model Sailboat Pond, Government Plaza, 352 S 5th St., 10am–4pm 

SUNDAY, JULY 19

• BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND: Twin Cities Beach Blast featuring Milk Carton Boat Races and Sandcastle Competitions, Bde Maka Ska Thomas Beach, 3700 Thomas Ave., 9am–3pm
• Free Sailing Sunday at Minneapolis Sailing Center, 3010 E Bde Maka Ska Pkwy, 12–5pm
• NEW: ETC Productions performance of “Frozen Jr.” in Loring Park, 2pm  

TUESDAY, JULY 21

• NEW: Summer Snowball Classic at The Commons Park, 425 Portland Ave. S, 6pm 

WEDNESDAY, JULY 22

• Trivia at Water Works Park, 425 W. River Parkway, 6-8pm
• Twin Cities River Rats Waterski Show, West River Road on Mississippi River between Broadway and Plymouth Avenues, 7pm
• Aquatennial Torchlight Parade, Nicollet Mall from 12th to 4th Streets, 7:30pm
• Movies in the Park at The Commons (“Mission Impossible: The Final Reckoning”), 425 Portland Ave. S, Sunset (approximately 8:45pm) 

THURSDAY, JULY 23 

• Summer Showtunes with Hennepin Arts, outdoors at 10th & Hennepin Avenue, 12–3pm
• Aquatennial Ambassador Associations: Meet the Candidates for Queen of the Lakes, City Center, 33 S 6th St, 2pm
• Thursday Night Line Dance with Billie at The Commons, 425 Portland Ave. S, 6–9pm
• Commodore’s Dinner, Location TBD, 6pm (Ticketed Event)  

FRIDAY, JULY 24

• Lawn Games at Water Works – Kubb & Molkky, 425 West River Parkway, 3-7pm
• CorePower Yoga - Vinyasa Flow, Minneapolis Sculpture Garden, 6:30–7:30pm 
• NEW: Aquatennial Night at the Minnesota Twins featuring the reintroduction of the Skipper Pin, Target Field, 7:10pm

SATURDAY, JULY 25 

• Twin Cities Carifest – West River Road between Plymouth and Broadway Aves, 10am–10pm 
• Boom Island Big Bounce - Minnesota’s largest inflatable party, Boom Island, 800 Sibley St. NE, 11am–9pm (Unlimited access wristbands available for purchase)
• Minneapolis International Festival, Lake Harriet Park, 4135 W Lake Harriet Parkway, 1–5pm
• MN Cars & Coffee – Mississippi Mile Aquatennial Car Show, 196 W River Parkway, 3–8pm
• Loring Park Art Festival, Loring Park, 1382 Willow St, 10am–6pm
• NEW: Project: Alley Electric Dance Party Dance Party hosted by Dance Agenda, The Alley Project, 15-1/2 S. 9th St, 6:30pm–midnight. (Ticketed Event)
• Aquatennial Ambassadors Organization Coronation, Ted Mann Concert Hall, 4–6pm (Ticketed Event)
• Float Fest in partnership with the Mississippi Park Connection, Graco Park, 810 Sibley St. NE, Time TBD  

SUNDAY, JULY 26 

• Boom Island Big Bounce: Minnesota’s largest inflatable party, Boom Island, 800 Sibley St. NE, 11am–6pm (Unlimited access wristbands available for purchase)
• NEW: ETC Productions performance of “Frozen Junior,” Godfrey House, 28 University Ave. SE, 2pm 
• Loring Park Art Festival, Loring Park, 1382 Willow St, 10am–5pm 

Visit MplsAquatennial.com and follow @Aquatennial on Facebook and Instagram. 

There's a Lot Going on During the June 3-7 Prince Celebration 2026!

The Prince Celebration 2026 celebration is happening June 3-7. Here's some information about activations and activities: 

• On Saturday, June 6, downtown Minneapolis will host the Prince Sing-Along at the Celebration Block Party.
  • The public is encouraged to come together for this interactive tribute. The two-hour sing-along will be a free, all-ages outdoor event near the downtown Prince mural on the day before what would have been the Prince’s 68th birthday (June 7).
  • The Sing-Along represents the City of Minneapolis’ contribution to memorialize the 10-year anniversary year of his death and his birthday (June 7) as part of the Prince Celebration.  The goal is to have up to 15,000 people singing arm-in-arm to Prince’s beloved music, possibly even setting a record for the most uploaded social stories in one place.
  • More info: https://www.paisleypark.com/celebration2026blockparty 

• For the second straight year, Meet Minneapolis, in partnership with Paisley Park and the Downtown Improvement District (and with support from The Minneapolis Foundation), has installed eight temporary sidewalk clings as part of The Purple Path, a citywide tribute to Prince’s legacy in Minneapolis. Each location highlights a significant site tied to Prince’s life, music and connection to Minneapolis. The Purple Path invites both locals and visitors to discover the city through the lens of one of its beloved icons, creating a fun, walkable and photo-worthy trail.

Here are The Purple Path locations in downtown Minneapolis:

1. Dakota Jazz Club (1010 Nicollet Mall)
2. Schmitt Music Mural (South 10th Street & Marquette Avenue)
3. IDS Center (80 South 8th Street)
4. First Avenue & 7th Street Entry (701 North 1st Avenue)
5. Orpheum Theatre (910 Hennepin Avenue)
6. Downtown Prince Mural (1st Avenue and 8th Street)
7. Glam Slam (110 North 5th Street)
8. Prince Photograph (North 1st Street & North 1st Avenue)

• The Meet Minneapolis Visitor Center (505 Nicollet; open Tuesdays-Saturdays, 10am to 4pm) has several items that may be of interest to Prince fans:
  • A replica motorcycle from the 1984 cult classic “Purple Rain” is on display to the public through the end of the year.
    • Prince rode into cinematic history on a custom Honda CM400A Hondamatic, a bike that became as iconic as the artist himself. Originally designed for ease and style, the CM400A featured a 395cc twin-cylinder engine, automatic transmission and a low-slung frame, making it a perfect match for the film's rebellious energy. But it was the custom touches that transformed it into a symbol of artistry and freedom: a WindKutter fairing, six-bend pullback handlebars, a trident sissy bar, and a king-and-queen upholstered seat, all wrapped in a shimmering deep purple paint job with chrome and pinstriped accents.
    • The version on display is one of seven Purple Rain replica motorcycles built by Ben Menth.
  • A five-foot-tall exact replica of the “cloud shoe” that Prince wore in the iconic “Raspberry Beret” music video is a fun photo opportunity for visiting Prince fans.
    • In 1985, Prince rocked the iconic blue ankle boots with hand-painted white clouds in his “Raspberry Beret” music video, along with a matching suit. The shoes were made before Prince had his cobblers reinforce his heels, so two identical pairs of the shoes were made for (and survived) the arduous production of the music video.
  • Peyton Scott Russell paintings on display: “His Royal Badness” and “His Majestic (The Wizard).” The paintings are being sold to support the Minneapolis Sound Museum whose mission is to “be the first museum in Minneapolis to share the story of the people and the culture that came to be known as the Minneapolis Sound.” 

• Let's Glow Crazy A unique Prince-centric event hosted by local wellness + luxury candle brand, Kobi Co. This unique event at the W Minneapolis-Foshay on June 6 – an immersive scent and sound experience featuring luxury candle pouring, signature cocktails, and a Prince-themed Soundtrack Showdown music bingo. Kobi Co is a Black, woman-owned company founded during the pandemic by then 17-year-old Kobi Gregory and her mom, Tasha Harris. They've come a long way since then and now have a retail shop downtown Minneapolis and have launched an educational scholarship fund for young BIPOC women. 

• Walking Tours
  • Sunday, May 31: Prince’s Northside walking tour (SoundAround) – https://www.tickettailor.com/events/soundaroundmusictours/2118971
  • Friday, June 5: Skyway walking tour of Prince related sites (Scotty G Tours) – https://www.eventbrite.com/e/skyway-walking-tour-of-prince-related-sites-tickets-1989779966443
  • Saturday, June 6: Prince’s downtown walking tour (SoundAround) – https://www.tickettailor.com/events/soundaroundmusictours/2118882 

The Meet Minneapolis website is a great resources to help visitors experience Prince’s Minneapolis:

• https://www.minneapolis.org/things-to-do/music-nightlife/princes-minneapolis/
• https://www.minneapolis.org/things-to-do/music-nightlife/princes-minneapolis/visit-princes-hometown-of-minneapolis/
• https://www.minneapolis.org/things-to-do/music-nightlife/princes-minneapolis/events-honoring-prince/