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Casa de Corazón®, a Spanish and Cultural Immersion early learning program, has announced its new Northeast Minneapolis location at 220 1st Avenue NE officially opened today, May 19.
Housed in a historic 1910 building originally built by the Minneapolis Fire Department, the center has been thoughtfully renovated into a vibrant early learning environment that honors the building's legacy while serving today's families. Local franchise owners Aleks and Elizabeth are leading the center alongside Casa's experienced team, bringing more than two decades of Casa's mission to the Northeast community.
Each Casa de Corazón location offers:
• A holistic curriculum supporting cognitive, physical, and emotional development • Spanish and Cultural Immersion throughout the day • Wholesome meals prepared on-site using whole, minimally processed, and organic ingredients • Thoughtfully designed classrooms that celebrate Latin American cultures • Secure facilities with indoor movement spaces, outdoor play areas, and modern safety systems
"We are thrilled to officially open our doors and welcome Northeast families into the Casa community. This center is ready to serve, and we cannot wait to grow alongside the families and neighbors who make this part of Minneapolis so special." Natalie Standridge, Founder and Franchisor of Casa de Corazón
Families interested in touring the center, enrolling, or joining the waitlist can visit casaearlylearning.com.
Minneapolis Music in the Parks returns for the 2026 season beginning May 25, bringing live performances to parks across the city seven days a week. Residents and visitors can enjoy an exciting lineup of local musicians and artists all summer long in neighborhoods throughout Minneapolis. All Minneapolis Music and Movies concerts, movies and events are free.
Recommended for fans of Buddy Rich, Stan Kenton, Gene Krupa and Count Basie!
Dakota is well known for their fantastic variety of music and delicous food and drinks. Here's an example: a swinging big band jazz night with Joe Pulice Big Band featuring Ricky Peterson, May 14, 7pm.
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The Joe Pulice Big Band is a local high voltage, all-star fifteen-piece big band, and this performance will highlight the music of the most famous big bands throughout jazz history. Drummer Joe Pulice, one of the region’s elite musicians, is a two-time Minnesota Jazz Music Award recipient. In 1986, Joe toured with Woody Herman and his Thundering Herd. During the 1990’s, Joe played vibes and percussion with world-renowned drummer Eric Kamau Gravatt’s group, Kamanari. He also played with Jack McDuff and his band, The Heatin’ System. Additionally, Joe has been the drummer for the JazzMN Orchestra for the last twenty years.
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Ricky Peterson is one of the most sought-after studio and session keyboard players and producers in America. Furthermore, Ricky tours with Fleetwood Mac, Bonnie Raitt, John Mayer and currently with Stevie Nicks.
Pryes Brewing Company, 1401 W River Road N, has announced the debut of Pryes Side Lot, a new outdoor event space adjacent to the brewery in NE Minneapolis. Launching June 19–20, the Side Lot will host two nights of live music, featuring Soul Asylum (Friday) with support from Agnes Uncaged, and Gear Daddies (Saturday) with support from Maygen & The Birdwatcher.
General Admission and VIP tickets will provide access to the main stage performances, timed to coincide with Pryes' annual Block Party celebration—offering a full day-to-night experience.
FULL LINEUP & SCHEDULE
Friday, June 19 — Doors 5pm
Soul Asylum
Agnes Uncaged
LAAMAR
Saturday, June 20 — Doors 3pm
Gear Daddies
Maygen & The Birdwatcher
Jillian Ray
JoJo Green
Mikel Wright & The Wrongs
Now in its 9th year, the introduction of the Pryes Side Lot expands Pryes’ event footprint, creating a dedicated outdoor space for live music and special events for the community. The Pryes Side Lot will host the evening performances, while the brewery’s taproom and patio remain open throughout the day - serving food, beer, and additional programming as part of the broader Block Party experience.
“This is the biggest Block Party we’ve ever put on. To bring artists like Soul Asylum and Gear Daddies to our stage is something we’re incredibly proud of - and just as important to us is making sure the event still feels open, welcoming, and rooted in community.” Mike Corneille, Co-Founder
Guests attending the concerts will have access to the Side Lot performance area, creating a natural flow from daytime activity into the evening shows. Additional Block Party programming will be announced soon.
Block Party Event hours:
Friday, June 20: 4:00pm–10:00pm / Concert Doors @ 5pm
Saturday, June 21: 11:00am–10:00pm / Concert Doors @ 3pm
To mark the beginning of the project, a private ground blessing ceremony to honor the land was held with project supporters and Tribal leaders on April 27.
After 10 years of community-led discussions, Tribal engagement, fundraising and project design, the Dakota-led nonprofit Owámniyomni Okhódayapi has announced construction will begin this month on the restoration of a five-acre site at Owámniyomni (St. Anthony Falls), adjacent to the Upper Lock on Ȟaȟa Wakpá (Mississippi River) in Minneapolis.
Once complete, the restoration will create both a wildlife habitat and human experience at one of Minnesota’s most popular and iconic outdoor spaces that reflects the significance of the sacred Dakota site before colonization. Owámniyomni Okhódayapi recently received a $4.7 million grant from Mellon Foundation, directly supporting the immediate land transformation work ahead.
“This moment marks more than the start of construction for the Owámniyomni project – it is a step toward healing a sacred Dakota place, restoring our relationship with the land and water, and making Dakota people visible in our homelands again. We are deeply grateful for this transformative gift of nearly $5 million from Mellon Foundation, which helps make it possible to bring Dakota voices, values and stewardship back to the River, while fundamentally reshaping how people understand Mnísota and healing historical wounds. We are grateful that the Mellon Foundation recognizes the significance of Native-leadership, tribal sovereignty and community healing. Together, we are ensuring this place is honored not as a resource, but as a living relative for generations to come.” Shelley Buck, president, Owámniyomni Okhódayapi
Shelley Buck photo credit Minneapolis / St. Paul Business Journal
The restoration will occur over a phased timeline, with phase one focused on the land and plant elements in 2026-2027. Phase two, which will focus on water and shoreline restoration, is planned for 2028.
Project construction beginning in mid-May 2026 will mark the start of the land transformation of the Owámniyomni project, focused on site preparation and planting. Initial activities to prepare the site will include removing the second level of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers central control station, a non-functioning restroom facility and the Upper Lock parking lot. Security fencing and utilities will also be relocated. From there, planting will begin to reintroduce Native species at the site, including oak savanna and upland prairie, using seeds and soils sourced from Dakota Tribal lands in Minnesota.
While the site will be closed for construction until spring 2027, the public is invited to visit the surrounding area, take in the view from the Stone Arch Bridge, attend interpretive tours and participate in programming at the new Owámniyomni Engagement Space. The Owámniyomni Engagement Space is adjacent to the project site and is located in the Crown Plaza building, directly across from the entrance to the Stone Arch Bridge.
Funding for the Owámniyomni restoration comes from a mix of public and private funders as the organization leads a $60 million fundraising campaign. To date, $40.5 million has been raised, thanks to early support from Paul and Mary Reyelts, Mark and Nancy Wilson, Mellon Foundation, Bush Foundation, McKnight Foundation, Minneapolis Foundation, and hundreds of additional supporters. Funding is also provided by the Minnesota Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund and Outdoor Heritage Fund.
The organization is on track to gain ownership of the federal land through conveyance from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in late 2026.
Participate in a group ride to downtown Minneapolis!
May 15 — Government Center Plaza — 7-9am
The City of Minneapolis and Hennepin County are partnering to give bike commuting a boost on Bike to Work Day, May 15th. A short program of remarks from local elected officials will kick off at 8:15am. Grab free coffee and donuts (while supplies last!) on Government Center Plaza, meet fellow bike commuters, and grab a sticker to spread the word.
This event is part of the City’s As You Go MPLS campaign, which highlights multi-modal infrastructure in Minneapolis and spreads awareness about the economic, environmental, and social benefits of walking, bicycling, and taking transit.
The City of Minneapolis is assessing whether a new indoor playground and multi-use family play space downtown would be feasible and beneficial. The City is currently gathering input from parents and caregivers through a public survey. This survey includes questions about:
Family recreation habits
Desired amenities for an indoor playground
How frequently you visit downtown Minneapolis
The survey takes about 8-10 minutes to complete. Responses are anonymous. You may opt in at the end if you’re interested in participating in a future focus group.
The goal of this survey will help planners determine whether to move forward, and if so, how to ensure any potential future space meets the needs of both kids and adults. Your feedback may be used to guide possible locations, programming and amenities such as food and beverages, so the space works well for families.
Spring is here, and Downtown Parks sports leagues are back!
If you’re looking for a fun way to get outside, meet new people, and enjoy your evenings in the park, Spring Sports Leagues are a great place to start. These casual, social leagues are designed for all skill levels, with five weeks of play that make it easy to jump in and have fun.
Registration is open now for four leagues:
Mölkky League Starts May 17 | Sculpture Garden
An easy-to-learn Finnish lawn game that mixes precision and a little luck—great for laid-back evenings outdoors.
Individual League at 6 pm — $35
Team League at 7 pm — $50 Rotate teammates throughout the season or come solo and meet new people.
Grass Bocce League Starts May 19 | Sculpture Garden
This is bocce with character. Uneven terrain, unexpected bounces, and plenty of laughs along the way. The league rotates between parks each week, giving you a fresh experience across downtown green spaces.
A familiar favorite and easy to jump into. Whether you’re competitive or just in it for the social hour, cornhole brings people together for relaxed, fun play in the heart of downtown.
Neighborhood Day is an annual day set across the city to increase resident participation in local civic engagement through one of the city’s 67 recognized neighborhood organizations. It’s a chance to come together in community, find the neighborhood organization that represents you and get to know your neighbors.
Neighborhood organizations host their own events, ranging from board elections to family-friendly activities. This year, select neighborhood events will include a bike tour, bean bag tournament and duck race. No matter your neighborhood, there’s something for everyone.
Your voice is important! Neighborhood organizations are the most local, smallest form of government. It’s an easy way for residents to be involved at the most grassroots level in their own neighborhood, on their own street. Find information about your neighborhood organization.
French bistronomie with Afro-Caribbean twist will serve both sweet and savory items beginning this summer next to Stone Arch Bridge
Arch and River has been selected as the new vendor to operate out of Water Works Pavilion, 425 West River Parkway. They will take over the space being vacated by Owamni in the park building that opened in 2021 next to the Stone Arch Bridge on the downtown Minneapolis riverfront. Owamni is rebranding to Indígena by Owamni and moving to the former Sea Change space in the Guthrie.
Arch and River is a modern French bistronomie with an Afro-Carribbean twist. They plan to serve delicious cuisine throughout the day, including gourmet coffee and pastries in the morning, weekend brunch, lunch, teatime and a goûter throughout the afternoon, plus dinner and a charming dessert bar experience in the evenings. Beer, cider and wine will be available to enjoy inside Water Works Pavilion or outside while lounging on multiple riverside patio spaces.
Water Works Pavilion offers a cozy environment with an open kitchen concept amidst beautifully uncovered riverfront mill remnants, with sweeping views of the Mississippi River and bustling parks and trails. The dining concept is built around a healthy-yet-gourmet menu suitable for different lifestyles, including options for gluten-free, vegetarian, and dairy-free customers.
Diane Moukouri and Fritz Ebanda in front of the stairs leading up to the new Arch and River space coming to Water Works Pavilion. Photo credit Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board
This new restaurant concept was created by the team behind B’beri Desserts, located less than two miles from Water Works in Alliance Française of Minneapolis. Owner Diane Moukouri and her husband, Executive Chef Fritz Ebanda, built their business from a popular delivery service to a farmers market favorite to a beloved neighborhood spot. Now they’re expanding into an iconic park location that welcomes millions of visitors each year.
Arch and River was chosen by a panel of Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB) staff after a Request for Proposals was issued in December. A five-year concessions agreement through 2031 is up for consideration by MPRB Commissioners at their April 29 meeting.
More details will be shared as summer approaches. Follow Arch and River on Instagram and Facebook for updates!
Dr. Brittany Lewis, founder and CEO of Research in Action, a social benefit corporation, has spent more than fifteen years working in partnership with Twin Cities communities. She served as senior research associate at the University of Minnesota’s Center for Urban and Regional Affairs and is featured in the Upper Midwest Emmy Award–winning documentary Jim Crow of the North and the radio documentary A Fiery Unrest: Why Plymouth Avenue Burned.
Building a New Table guides readers through the steps of the Equity in Action model, developed by Dr. Lewis as a framework for closing the gaps between communities, researchers, and institutions. Demonstrating how to ground solutions in lessons from lived experience, Dr. Lewis teaches how authentic community engagement and community-driven research creates reciprocal, generative relationships that can enact real, systemic change.
Copies of the book will be for sale from Black Garnet Books and Dr. Lewis will be available to sign them after the program. Admission is free but registration is requested: https://z.umn.edu/LewisLaunch
Rethos and NARI MN have announced the launch of City Stories, a new nine day celebration of architecture, history, and design taking place May 2–10 across the Twin Cities metro.
Throughout the festival, City Stories will feature a dynamic mix of programming that reflects the diversity of the Twin Cities, including:
• Behind-the-scenes home and building tours
• Neighborhood walking tours led by preservation experts
• Speaker events with urban planners and designers
• Social mixers celebrating local design and cultural heritage
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Produced by Rethos in partnership with NARI Minnesota (National Association of the Remodeling Industry MN Chapter), City Stories brings together a wide range of tours, talks, open houses, and curated experiences under one coordinated festival platform. The event is designed to showcase the Twin Cities’ built environment while creating new ways for people to engage with the places that shape everyday life.
At its core, City Stories is a flexible “choose-your-own-experience” event. Visitors can browse and book individual programs - from free, self-guided opportunities to premium ticketed experiences - building personalized itineraries across neighborhoods and across both cities.
“City Stories is about opening doors in every sense. It invites people to step inside spaces, stories, and communities that shape the Twin Cities - and to see those places in a new way."Heidi Swank, Rethos Executive Director
Rethos Executive Director Heidi Swank with Mayor Frey
"Doors Open is about curiosity, connection, and community. It’s a chance to step inside the places we pass every day - and discover the stories, people, and history that make Minneapolis what it is. It's one of the best events of the year - and you don't want to miss it!" Mayor Frey
City Stories expands on the success of two long-standing, high-impact events:
• MSP Home Tour (May 2–3) – A free, self-guided tour offering access to real homes across the metro area, showcasing remodeling, design innovation, and neighborhood life.
• Doors Open Minneapolis (May 9–10) – A free, citywide open house featuring access to 75+ buildings, from historic landmarks to rarely accessible spaces. For one weekend, buildings across Minneapolis - from historic landmarks, including City Hall, to modern workspaces, cultural sites to civic institutions - will open their doors to the public, many offering behind-the-scenes access you can’t get any other time of year.
Together, these anchor weekends are connected and expanded through a full week of additional programming, creating a continuous, weeklong festival experience.
Expanding the Twin Cities’ Cultural Tourism Story
City Stories positions Minneapolis and Saint Paul as destinations for architecture, history, and cultural exploration - broadening the region’s tourism narrative beyond outdoor recreation. By activating neighborhoods and cultural assets across multiple days, the festival is designed to:
Encourage longer visitor stays
Drive midweek tourism activity
Support local businesses and cultural organizations
Elevate the national profile of the Twin Cities as a cultural destination
Public Works crews will start the City’s comprehensive street sweeping program April 21 to clear away what accumulated in the streets over the winter. Drivers should watch for hot pink temporary “No Parking” signs to avoid a ticket and tow.
For approximately four weeks, sweeping crews will take care of more than 1,100 miles of city streets and nearly 400 miles of alleys. To make sure the crews can do the most complete job possible, temporary “No Parking” signs will be posted at least 24 hours in advance to make sure streets are clear of parked vehicles. Drivers need to follow street sweeping parking rules or they may have their cars ticketed and towed to the Minneapolis Impound Lot.
Find your street on the schedule - You can see when your street is scheduled to be swept by visiting the interactive street sweeping map.
The Celebration Block Party and Community Sing-Along will take place near the downtown Prince mural by Hiero Veiga at 101 N 9th Street, on the day before what would have been the Prince’s 68th birthday. Free, all-ages.
Prince Celebration is the official annual event honoring the life and legacy of Prince, welcoming fans from across the globe to come together in music, community, and remembrance. Held at Paisley Park and throughout the Twin Cities, Prince Celebration offers a rare opportunity for fans to experience curated programming including live performances, panel discussions, tours, and exclusive presentations. Since its inception, the event has served as a global gathering space for celebrating Prince’s artistry, cultural impact, and continued influence across music, fashion, and creative expression.
The multi-day Prince Celebration is the annual gathering of devoted Prince fans from around the world presented by Paisley Park. This year’s five-day event, a "10th Anniversary Celebration of Life," will take place June 3 - 7.
The Prince Sing-Along a one-time-only signature addition to the annual Prince Celebration Block Party on Saturday, June 6. Led by acclaimed Musical Director Sanford Moore of Moore by Four and a Minneapolis-based mass choir of 100 vocalists, the crowd will be guided through a selection of Prince’s greatest hits including “Purple Rain,” “When Doves Cry” and “Sometimes it Snows in April.” The event is expected to reflect upon the spontaneous outpouring of love outside First Avenue following Prince’s passing a decade ago.
Led by acclaimed Musical Director Sanford Moore of Moore By Four and a Minneapolis-based mass choir of 100 vocalists, the crowd will be guided through a selection of Prince’s greatest hits including “Purple Rain,” “When Doves Cry,” and “Sometimes it Snows inApril.” The event is expected to reflect upon the spontaneous outpouring of love outside First Avenue following his passing a decade ago.
The goal of the Sing-Along 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. The result is sure to be a true “Minneapolis sound” and a major event for those who love his music.
“From Bunker’s to Dakota Jazz Club to First Avenue, Prince loved to entertain and take in the irresistible vibe in downtown Minneapolis." Adam Duininck, President and CEO
Join Green Cities Accord and the Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board (MPRB) for a behind-the-scenes tour of the MPRB Tree Distribution Site, 2150 W River Pkwy, on the evening of Wednesday, April 29, where thousands of trees are staged each spring for planting across Minneapolis.
This unique, behind-the-scenes experience offers a closer look at the nursery side of urban forestry, highlighting what it takes to care for and prepare thousands of young trees as they make their way to parks, streets, and neighborhoods across the city.
Guests will hear from Green Cities Accord and MPRB staff about current planting efforts, climate resilience priorities, and the role trees play in growing healthier, more livable communities.
Attendance is free, but spots are limited - so register today!
With spring comes the likelihood of severe weather, including tornadoes, hail, destructive winds and flooding. Knowing what to do and making a few simple preparations can help protect you and your family when severe weather strikes.
Severe Weather Awareness Week
Severe Weather Awareness Week is a great opportunity to refresh your knowledge about seasonal hazards from severe weather. Throughout the week, each day has a focus theme.
Monday, April 13: Alerts and warnings
Tuesday, April 14: Severe weather, lightning and hail
Outdoor warning sirens will sound on Thursday, April 16 in two simulated tornado warnings. The first drill is intended for institutions and businesses. The evening drill is intended for second shift workers and families.
State-wide tornado drills Thursday, April 16 1:45pm and 6:45pm
Outdoor sirens
Did you know that these sirens are not just for tornadoes? Hennepin County uses outdoor warning sirens to alert people outdoors about dangerous weather. Sirens are meant to be heard by those outdoors, so it’s important to have other ways to get severe weather information.
The sirens are activated in several instances:
A tornado warning has been issued, meaning a tornado has been sighted or indicated by radar and there is an imminent danger to life and property
Credible reports of sustained winds of more than 70 mph
Damaging, dangerous hail or other life-threatening weather hazard
When you hear sirens, seek shelter and information:
Seek shelter in a building away from windows or lie in a low area away from cars. Cover your head with your arms. Don't go under an overpass.
Listen to local weather information on the radio, television or online.
Continue to shelter until the threat has passed.
Hennepin County does not use the outdoor warning sirens to give an “all-clear” or notify people that the danger has passed.
As the United States approaches the 250th anniversary of the nation’s founding, the Oratorio Society of Minnesota and the University of Minnesota School of Music will present An American Trilogy, a sweeping concert of choral and orchestral masterworks inspired by the American landscape, spirit and poetry.
Bringing together the 150-voice Oratorio Society and University Singers, orchestra and a distinguished quartet of soloists - soprano Maddie Holtze, mezzo-soprano Kristina Rodel Sorum, tenor Scott Brunscheen and baritone Philip Zawisza - the program explores the cultural imagination that shaped America through music by Aaron Copland, John Corigliano and Lukas Foss. The concert is led by Artistic Director Matthew Mehaffey along with conductors Brandon Berger and Paolo Debuque.
At the heart of the evening is Lukas Foss’s The Prairie, a powerful choral work based on Carl Sandburg’s expansive poem. With bold orchestral writing and sweeping choral textures, Foss evokes the scale, force and generosity of the prairie landscape - land that has long sustained life, community and memory. In presenting this work, the program invites audiences to reflect not only on the prairie’s beauty and abundance, but also on our responsibility to honor the land and the histories carried within it.
Also featured is John Corigliano’s Fern Hill, a luminous musical setting of Dylan Thomas’s beloved poem about childhood and the passage of time, alongside Aaron Copland’s Quiet City, whose haunting trumpet and English horn lines evoke the introspective stillness of the American night.
“Together, these works offer a musical reflection on landscape, memory and the many stories carried through this place. The prairie is not simply a symbol of expansion or possibility - it symbolizes the courage and imagination of those and built communities there. It is a living landscape that has given deeply to those who have depended on it across generations. As we approach America’s semiquincentennial, this program creates space to experience that beauty while also reflecting on the complex histories tied to it - including loss, displacement and the enduring presence of Indigenous peoples. In that way, performance can become not only an act of interpretation, but also an act of acknowledgment and respect.”Matthew Mehaffey, artistic director of the Oratorio Society of Minnesota
To further explore these themes, the concert will feature a pre-concert lecture by Andrew Clark of Harvard University at 7:10pm. Professor Clark will place The Prairie into a modern context, examining its unique history and the evolving ways we understand the American landscape today.
Tickets are available at Oratorio.org or at the door. Prices include General Seating – $25, Premier Seating – $35, and Student / Livestream – $10.
The Oratorio Society of Minnesota is a 100-plus voice, auditioned choral group based in the Twin Cities dedicated to presenting compelling performances of major works for chorus and orchestra. Founded in 1980, the nonprofit organization brings together accomplished volunteer singers, professional soloists and instrumentalists to perform dynamic and diverse choral repertoire. The Oratorio Society presents an annual concert season and engages the community through educational and participatory programs such as a Summer Chorus and international music tours fostering lifelong engagement with choral music throughout the area.
Matthew Mehaffey is Artistic Director of the Oratorio Society of Minnesota and Professor of Music and Director of Choral Activities at the University of Minnesota. An internationally recognized conductor, he previously led the Mendelssohn Choir of Pittsburgh and earned a GRAMMY nomination for a recording of Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony.
American Red Cross, Twin Cities, 1201 W River Parkway
Red Cross Green Gathering is a community Earth Day open house highlighting practical, real-world sustainability in action. This interactive event features local partners, hands-on activities, reused-materials art, and behind-the-scenes looks at sustainability projects already underway at the Red Cross.
Tuesday, May 19, 2026 at 4:18PM
Photo credit MinnPost
