Art at the Bridgewater Announces 30th Exhibit - Into the Woods - Reception August 28

Art at the Bridgewater is celebrating its 30th exhibition, Into the Woods, with an opening reception on Thursday, August 28, 6:00pm–8:00pm. Enjoy champagne, wine, appetizers and dessert while perusing works of talented local artists.

Into the Woods Artists:

Laura Andrews | Jim Gallop | Belle Hulne | Cheryl LeClair-Sommer | Jodi Reeb | Mark Sifferlin | Neysa Winterer | Melinda Wolff

Preview Into the Woods: https://youtu.be/5BxQD5c4Jvs or scan this QR code:

For more information or sales, contact pczenner@comcast.net

Event access note: Please use the 1026 Washington Avenue entry as the front entry on 215 10th Avenue S is temporarily closed for a construction project. Take the elevator to the 8th floor Community Room.

Dogs on the Patio Event at EaTo September 6

Saturday, September 6, 11am to 2pm

Dog and cat adoption nonprofit, The Bond Between (formerly Secondhand Hounds), will be at EaTo's patio on September 6th showing off puppies that are available for adoption. EaTo is located at 305 Washington Avenue S.

Additional activities include quick-sketch portraits of your dog for $20 from an urban sketch artist, a specially curated menu for your dog (Houndburger and grilled chicken, dog cookies and free bowls of Spring(er) water); and a couple of specialty drinks dreamed up by EaTo Beverage Director JJ Monroe.

A portion of sales during that period will be donated to The Bond Between. 

September 10 Public Hearing on Maximum 2026 Property Tax Levy

The public is invited to comment on the maximum property tax levy for 2026. The Board of Estimate and Taxation will take public comments at its meeting:

5:05pm Wednesday, September 10
Public Service Center, Room 350
250 4th Street S

A signup sheet will be onsite 30 minutes before the meeting.

You can also send comments online or directly to your Board of Estimate & Taxation elected officials or the city clerk.

Find out more about the board, find meeting agendas and minutes, and see the meeting schedule on the City website.

Minnesota Craft Brewers Guild Announces 24th Annual Autumn Brew Review, October 11

This year's fest will see the return of 80+ breweries pouring craft beverages of all kinds, as well as the return of bonfires, live music, local crafts, food trucks, and the petting zoo. Plus for the first time this year there will be Curling by Curling Connections.

For the 24th year, thousands of craft brew fans will gather at Boom Island Park for Autumn Brew Review, Minnesota’s longest-running craft beer festival. The festival gathers together 80+ craft breweries and brewpubs – the season’s biggest variety of craft brewers – from across the state to celebrate the end of the season and showcase their winter lineup of beers, ciders, seltzers, THC, NA beer, and more. MN’s original craft beer festival has grown from its humble beginnings into a celebration of everything there is to love about fall in Minnesota. Event Details and Tickets

● Unlimited samples of MN-made craft beverages (beer, cider, seltzer, THC, NA, and more), including Special Collaborations you can only find at the fest!

● Fall-Fest Activities: bonfires, petting zoo, and NEW This Year: Curling brought to you by Curling Connections.

● Celebrating everything Minnesota: local live music, food trucks, shops, artists, and community groups.

● Plus, proceeds support the MN Craft Brewers Guild, a nonprofit that supports MN’s craft brewing industry.

Participating Breweries:

320 Dwellers Brewing / 56 Brewing / Arbeiter Brewing Company / Back Channel Brewing / Bald Man Brewing / Barrel Theory Beer Company / Bauhaus Brew Labs / Bear Cave Brewing / Bent Paddle Brewing Company / Blacklist Brewing Co. / BlackStack Brewing / Boom Island Brewing Co / Broken Clock Brewing Cooperative / Brühaven / Castle Danger Brewery / Dual Citizen / Elm Creek Brewing / Fair State Brewing / Falling Knife Brewing Co. / FINNEGANS Brew Co / Fish Dream Brewing / Forgotten Star Brewing Co. / Fulton Brewing Co. / Gambit Brewing Co / Gluek Beer / Goat Ridge Brewing / Gravity Storm Brewery / Half Pint Brewing Company / Heavy Rotation Brewing Co. /  Hoops Brewing / Imminent Brewing / Inbound BrewCo / Indeed Brewing Company / Insight Brewing Company / Invictus Brewing Company / Iron Exchange Tavern and Brewery / Jack Pine Brewery / Klockow Brewing Company / Lake Monster Brewing Co. / Lakeville / Inver Grove Brewing / Lift Bridge Brewing / Little Thistle Brewing / Looner Cannabis Co. / Lost Saint  Brewing Co / LTD Brewing / Luce Line Brewing / Lupulin Brewing / Mana Brewing / Mineral Springs Brewery / Modist Brewing Co. / Montgomery Brewery / Nine Mile Brewing / Nouvelle Brewing / OMNI Brewery & Taproom / OUTSTATE BREWING COMPANY / Paddlefish Brewing / Padraigs Brewing / Pryes Brewing Company / Rail Werks Brewing Depot / Shakopee Brewhall / Sociable Cider Werks / Spiral Brewery / Summit Brewing Company / Surly Brewing Co. / The Freehouse / The Savage Tap / Third Street Brewhouse / Tilion Brewing Company / Toppling Goliath Brewing Co / Trail Magic / Minneapolis Cider Company / Tremendous Brewing Co. / Trove Brewing / Uncommon Loon Brewing Company / Union 32 Crafthouse / Unmapped Brewing Company / Ursa Minor Brewing / Utepils Brewing / Wabasha Brewing Company / Waldmann Brewery / Wandering Leaf Brewing Company / Wild State Cider / Wooden Ship Brewing

Make Your Own Pasta (or dog) Bowl at EaTo August 23

 Make your own pasta (or dog) bowl Saturday, August 23, 11am-1pm

Cost is $65, which includes all materials to make a ceramic bowl, plus glazing and firing. Enjoy a complimentary glass of prosecco or NA beverage, plus two kinds of pizzettes.

Your bowl can be decorated with a unique rim and words (pressed into the clay with alphabet macaroni) or stencils for texture. You'll work the clay like pizza dough over a form, and then instructor Krissy Catt from the Minnetonka Center for the Arts, will take the bowls to her studio to glaze and fire. You can pick up your finished bowl at EaTo in two weeks!

Register

Hearty Farmers Market Meal - Ingredients From the Mill City Farmers Market

If you've visited the Mill City Farmers Market on a recent Saturday, you might have been overwhelmed by the abundance. I'm easily distracted by so many fresh offerings, so bringing a list is a must - any purchases beyond that are a tasty bonus.

I love to make large pots of well rounded dishes and divvy them up for the coming weeks meals. Everything for a flavorful feast is available at the Market, no recipe needed. This week it's a hearty stew with Sunshine Harvest chicken breasts, kale, corn, carrots, sweet potatoes, sweet peppers, Thai basil, leeks and Shepherd's Way Hope cheese. No seasoning expertise needed - that comes from TonzKitchen Garlic Shallot Oil, Black Garlic Puree from Ellie's Whole Grains and Atacama's tomato salsa. All in one pot - no muss / no fuss.

Hope cheese is very soft, so I put it in the freezer while preparing the other items. That makes it easier to cube. I also toss the cubes in panko crumbs to keep them from sticking together.

The chicken breasts are cut into bite size pieces and rubbed with the black garlic puree, then browned in the garlic shallot oil. Once the chicken is cooked, the veggies are added.

I add the tomato salsa for the last 30 minutes of cooking, and then toss in the cheese cubes at the end.

Voilà - a weeks worth of hearty meals is ready to go!  :D

August 6 Bridge 9 Improvements Project Update

Bridge No. 9 was constructed in 1922 by the Northern Pacific Railroad to carry freight over the Mississippi. The City of Minneapolis acquired this bridge in 1986 and converted the bridge to a pedestrian use bridge in 1999. The bridge currently provides a Mississippi River crossing for the Dinkytown Greenway bike trail.

Beginning in April, 2025, the City of Minneapolis started making repairs and improvements to Bridge 9, Abutment 1 and the approach spans on both ends of the bridge

*  *  *  Latest project news  *  *  * 

2025 Construction Phase

Public Works has been working on this bridge in phases over the past few years, starting with the substructure work (piers and abutments).

In 2025, the scope of work will focus on the superstructure, which includes removing and replacing the approach span decks, replacing the existing railing with a high-safety railing and rehabilitating the east side abutment.

Rehabilitation work on the abutment consists of the removal of degraded concrete, then repairing and strengthening the concrete to remain with new reinforced concrete. The work on the approach spans consists of the removal of the old ballast slab, aggregate and bituminous pavement, then constructing a new reinforced concrete deck.

Forms for north approach span being constructed

The abutment work takes place within Bridge 9 right of way through University of Minnesota property.  It is occurring adjacent to the U of M Main Energy Plant.  Access and staging for the work were closely coordinated with University officials.

Lifting section of southern approach span

Schedule

Construction activities this season started on April 7th of 2025. The scheduled completion date is the end of December 2025. The contractor is currently anticipating substantial completion by the end of November 2025.

Traffic Impact

The bridge is closed to bicyclists and pedestrians this season. The Detour route is below, and it is also posted to the project webpage.

Current Work

For the month of July, the following construction operations were performed: Installing supplemental reinforcement on abutment 1, abutment 8 concrete repairs, continued removals of sections on the southern approach spans, and setting formwork on the northern approach span.

Completed repairs at Abutment 8

Coming Up

The last deck removals on the southern approach span, steel preparation on the southern spans, setting forms and pouring concrete on abutment 1, installing rebar on the northern approach span.

Stay Connected

For more details and to sign up for email updates please visit the project page.

For concerns or questions about the Bridge 9 project please contact:

Contact the project engineer: Petru Vizoli,
612-201-1905, or Petru.Vizoli@minneapolismn.gov

Contact the engineer: Oscar Weber,
651-470-4790 or Oscar.Weber@minneapolismn.gov 

Contact the design team project manager: Rich Revering,
612-718-8412 or Richard.Revering@Bolton-Menk.com 

August 5th National Night Out Event at Chute Square Park

 

Mini Mia Pops Up to Kick Off Downtown Street Art Festival August 8

Photo credit Minneapolis Downtown Council

Friday, August 8, 2025, at 11:00am

Peavey Plaza (Nicollet Mall between 11th and 12th Streets)

Mini Mia: Engaging Young Minds Through Art! In collaboration with PNC Bank and the Minneapolis Downtown Council (MDC), the Minneapolis Institute of Art (Mia) brings its beloved Mini Mia early childhood arts program outdoors for a special summer event. Designed for children ages 3-5, the program includes artmaking, movement, story time, and a sing-along, all centered around a vibrant hand-painted piano to kick off Pianos on Parade (August 1-31) and Downtown Minneapolis Street Art Festival (August 9-10).

Eagle Soaring by Ric Rosow

Submitted by Ric Rosow

I have been spending a time on and off lately waiting and watching for the eagles who nest across the river from us, to fly close enough over this side of the Mississippi River to get a good photograph. Yesterday this eagle circled over the St. Anthony Falls and then flew back down river close to the Mill District side of the river. In all I took over 250 images of this eagle and identified 18 that met what I was looking for. I had my camera set for photographing a bird in flight, with a shutter speed of 1/2000 and enabled the camera’s focus tracking of the a moving bird or animal. The blue sky with puffy clouds required no special editing. I love the determined look in the eagle’s eye. The phrase “you have an eagle’s eye” is played out in this photograph. I believe this is the finest photograph I have taken of an eagle flying. I hope you enjoy it was much as do.

You can see more of my work at ricrosowphotography.com and pricekrishnangallery.com.

Alchemy of the Heart Exhibit Opens August 4th at A-Mill Artist Lofts Gallery

Check out artist Lori Lentz's Alchemy of the Heart exhibit at A-Mill Artist Lofts Gallery August 4th through the 30th, with an artist reception on August 14th. 

The Mill Yard Art at Stonebridge Lofts Announces August 10 Opening Reception for Abstract Alchemy

Opening Reception Sunday, August 10, 4:00–6:00pm

Stonebridge Lofts, 1120 S 2nd Street

The Mill City. Residents celebrate our area’s industrial heritage of the mighty Mississippi River and the mills. Today, what we see are the most recognizable Minneapolis landmarks. However, this is only part of the story. Rail lines were key to Minneapolis’ growth, and were particularly integral to the Mill District, bringing in wheat and timber and shipping out flour and lumber. We also honor the history of the mills, the reason for the rail yard’s existence. The Mill Yard aims to be both a gathering place for art and artists and a conduit by which art can be shared with and disseminated into the wider community.

Join The Mill Yard at Stonebridge Lofts to welcome local artists, purchase art, meet neighbors and enjoy free snacks and beverages. Taqueria Victor Hugo Food Truck will be on site to purchase food.

The Mill Yard's Abstract Alchemy featured artists:

Michelle Yates French-born and now living in Minnesota, Michelle Yates is a contemporary painter whose work is steeped in color and texture. She studied at Minneapolis College of Art and Design and has been studying in the Creative Visionary Program led by Art2Life’s Nicholas Wilton. Michelle’s paintings are a response to her immediate surroundings and to memories around her birthplace. “My work is grounded in sensorial moments, nostalgia, and memories. I seek to express the essence of an experience or moment, chasing wonder in the magnificent and in the everyday.”

Doug Peterson Doug started teaching art immediately after graduating from Augustana College. In addition to being an artist, teacher and coach, Doug was a family farmer and a Minnesota House Representative from 1990-2002.

His artwork has included not only painting, but printmaking, drawing, sculpture, ceramics, weaving, stained glass and silkscreen. “Artists have an innate need to create and expand their boundaries.”

Emily Jamison Emily works in a variety of mediums including acrylic, oil, graphite and pastel. Her work bounces between colorful expressionistic abstracts and shape centered mixed media collages. The process of creating art is her attempt to make sense of the relationships, hardships, and beauty in her life. “I enjoy being able to capture intangible feelings, a range of emotions, personal narratives, embedded memories, and a sense of place through brush strokes, mark making, and color palettes.”

Don Pohlman (above) Don took up woodturning after a long career in exhibits and museum planning that began at the Science Museum of Minnesota. At his Minneapolis studio in the Q.arma Building, he produces hollow vessels and other original pieces in a variety of local woods. His work combines precise machining with open exploration of a natural material shaped by evolution, climate, gravity and encounters with other species. He is especially interested in the distortion produced by rapid drying of green wood and the defects introduced by organisms that reach the tree before the turner.

Gena Cohen Through Gena Cohen’s exploration of themes of love, loss and resilience, she  interprets her experience of life through art. As an abstract expressionist, Cohen is highly intuitive in her process and plays with both vibrant colors and tactile textures.

The Estate of Shoshana Englard-Falconer Several pieces of glass art will be available to view and purchase from glass artist Shosana Englard-Falconer’s estate.

NE Community Art Initiative: Mystery Trash Remix - Transforming Waste into Art

This summer Art to Change the World is presenting the Mystery Trash Remix, where they invite 20 selected artists from local NE Minneapolis communities to participate in a unique creative challenge that transforms single-use plastics and discarded materials into new artworks to then be shown in a public exhibition. They are specifically seeking artists from the environmental justice communities of Marshall Terrace, Sheridan and Bottineau, as they know those neighborhoods are home to talented artists and passionate community members who would bring unique perspectives to this environmental art challenge. This project is part of Artistic ReUse-A-Thon (ARAT), promoting creative reuse and community engagement through art. 

Artist Benefits:

· $200 guaranteed payment for participation

· Opportunity to compete for $500 Grand Prize

· Professional exhibition of artwork

· Community networking and exposure

· Recyclable materials provided (plus contribution of your own)

Project Timeline:

• Application Deadline: July 27 (applications close once 20 artists have submitted)
• Grab Bag Pickup: August 10 at Art to Change The World (1:00pm - 5:00pm)
• Creation Period: August 10 - October 23
• Exhibition: October 24 - November 10
• "Artistic ReUse-A-Thon" Art Supply Swap, Make and Takes and Mystery Trash Remix Reception on November 1 (10:00am - 5:00pm)

All activities will take place at Flux Arts Building, 2505 NE Howard St, Minneapolis. This project offers an innovative approach to waste reduction through art, plus financial support being provided to local artists ($4,000+ total in artist fees and prizes). 

Historic Installment at the Guthrie in Conjunction with Cabaret

Cabaret is currently playing at the Guthrie thru August 24. On a recent visit to the Guthrie, Becky Fillinger snapped a few pics of the historic Cabaret installation on the 5th floor. One side provides info on Cabaret artists, and the other has a historical timeline of the Weimar Republic, the German state from 1918 to 1933.

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The building is open to the public during posted hours, so you can pop in to view the installation with or without a show ticket. Don't forget, the Guthrie also offers behind the scenes tours.

Double Rainbow Over the East Bank by Ric Rosow

Submitted by Ric Rosow

In the early evening of July 15th clouds rolled in over the Mill District. At first they looked beautiful, but then the clouds turned dark and ominous. After that it did not take long for heavy rain and winds to roll through. I abandoned the idea of grilling dinner on our patio. But then shortly after the rain stopped the skies cleared and a beautiful full rainbow appeared in the eastern sky. From my vantage point I could see both ends meet the horizon. The surprise came afterwards when I went to develop the print. A second rainbow appeared directly above the first, though not as brilliant in color.

Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) Announces August 14 Fall Sampler

OLLI Fall Sampler / August 14, 9:30–11am via Zoom

Are you looking for high-quality courses that are offered throughout the year? Would you like to share intellectually stimulating social, cultural, and volunteer opportunities with a community of dedicated lifelong learners such as yourself? Look no further! The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at the University of Minnesota offers all these things and more.

Register now for the annual OLLI Sampler on Thursday, August 14, 9:30–11am (CDT). This free online event gives you the chance to learn about the OLLI experience from a member’s perspective. During the Sampler, three instructors will present mini-lectures based on past or forthcoming courses. 

Following the Sampler, you’ll receive a link to OLLI’s fall 2025 Course Guide via email, allowing you to browse and explore nearly 90 courses, offered in person and online.

Two Mill District Restaurants Return to the 2025 Twin Cities Vegan Chef Challenge

Compassionate Action for Animals (CAA) has announced the 7th annual Twin Cities Vegan Chef Challenge, running throughout the month of August. The challenge highlights the excitement and deliciousness of plant-based cuisine, inviting diners to become food critics and help crown the region’s top chef.

During the entire month of August, 29 restaurants across the metro area (including Sawatdee Thai Restaurant and Umbra in the Mill District), will unleash their most creative and delectable vegan dishes. Forget everything you thought you knew about plant-based food — these chefs are set to push boundaries, tantalize taste buds, and prove that vegan cuisine isn’t just an alternative, but a vibrant, exciting, and delicious culinary force.

Per Laura Matanah, Executive Director of CAA, “We’re seeing incredible creativity from our local chefs. These aren’t your typical veggie burgers — we want people to say ‘Fork Yeah!’ to every incredible dish they try. Whether you’re vegan or not, it’s a chance to experience the tremendous talent of the Twin Cities restaurant community and enjoy some truly delicious plant-based food.”

How the Challenge Works: Taste, Vote, Win!

1. Diners visit participating restaurants throughout August and try their special Vegan Chef Challenge dishes.

2. After savoring their meals, diners cast their votes online at caa.mn/tcvcc.

3. Every vote and social media post about the challenge enters participants into drawings for restaurant gift cards and merchandise!

Last year, diners cast more than 1,100 votes and eight restaurants decided to keep the challenge dishes on the menu long-term.

Winners will be crowned at the September 21 Twin Cities Veg Fest, a celebration of all things plant-based. For challenge updates, follow: Facebook, Instagram, Web

Participating Restaurants:

• Barbette

• The Block Food + Drink - Rogers, Vegan Lumpia

• The Block Food + Drink - St. Louis Park, Vegan Pesto Rosso

• Book Club

• Brianno’s Chart House, Caribbean Vegan Bowl

• Crasqui Restaurant, Bollitos Pelones Veggie Style

• Duke’S on 7, Vegan Spaghetti & Meatballs

• Food on the Fly, Crispy Chicken Rice Bowl

• Gigi’s Cafe

• Hard Times Cafe, Vegan “Red Pork” Taco

• Himalayan Restaurant, Chili Momo

• The Howe Daily Kitchen & Bar, Vegan Beef Wellington

• Lulu EthioVegan Cuisine

• Lutunji’s Palate, A Pot of Love

• Namaste Cafe

• Pat’s Tap

• Pub 819

• Reverie Cafe + Bar, Chili Crisp Burnt End Tacos

• Sawatdee Thai Restaurant - Maple Grove, Stir Fry Cabbage with Tofu

• Sawatdee Thai Restaurant - Mpls, Stir Fry Cabbage with Tofu

• Sawatdee Thai Restaurant - St. Paul, Stir Fry Cabbage with Tofu

• Stanley’s NE Bar Room, Chimi Chickpea Cauli-Power

• Starling, Sweet Potato & Chickpea Curry

• Stonegarden, Summer Sun

• Tiny Diner

• Tori Ramen, Hobak Buchim

• Umbra Minneapolis, Garlic Scape Cavatelli

• VITALIST FRESH, Taco Pizza

• WELLS Roadside, Vegan Philly Cheesesteak

Celebrate Minneapolis’ Global Connections at Sister Cities Day Event, July 20

Free event on July 20 features performances, ice cream, and anniversary celebrations  

Minneapolis’ annual Sister Cities Day celebration returns Sunday, July 20, from 1-5 p.m. at Nicollet Island Pavilion with an afternoon of international culture, entertainment and community. The event is free, family friendly and open to all.   

This year’s celebration will include live music and dance performances representing seven of Minneapolis’ 12 Sister Cities as well as cultural displays and crafts. Guests can also enjoy complimentary make-your-own ice cream sundaes and other refreshments while supplies last.   

The 2025 event marks several significant milestones in Minneapolis’ international partnerships: 

• 45 years with Ibaraki City, Japan 
• 25 years with Eldoret, Kenya 
• 25 years with Uppsala, Sweden 

Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey and other dignitaries will be on hand to commemorate these enduring relationships and highlight the importance of global connection at the local level. 

Per Melvin Tennant, President and CEO of Meet Minneapolis, “Sister Cities Day is a vibrant celebration of cultural awareness and local community. This event allows our residents to experience the music, art and traditions that make our 12 international partnerships so special. It’s a joyful reminder that diplomacy isn’t just about governments – it’s about people coming together to learn, share and grow.” 

Performances* include: 

1:00pm  The Mighty Drumming Club – Taiko Arts Midwest (Ibaraki City, Japan)

1:30pm  Songs of Hope – International Children’s Performing Arts Group

2:00pm  Official remarks to recognize anniversaries of three Sister City relationships:

·  Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey

·  Molly Wright Steenson

Honorary Consul of Sweden (Uppsala, Sweden – 25 years)

·  His Excellency Dr. Jonathan Bii Chelilim

Governor of Uasin Gishu County (Eldoret, Kenya – 25 years)

·  Sei Shirotani

President of the International Friendship Association of Ibaraki (Ibaraki City, Japan – 45 years)

2:20pm  Rafiki USA (Eldoret, Kenya) 

2:40pm  Twin Cities Nyckelharpalag – Swedish Key Harp Ensemble (Uppsala, Sweden)

3:00pm  Raices de Chile (Santiago, Chile)

3:30pm  Francine Roch accompanied by Mark Stillman on accordion (Tours, France)

4:00pm  Hongdae Lion Dance & Tai Chi School (Harbin, China) 

4:30pm  Ballet Folklorico Mexico Azteca (Cuernavaca, Mexico) 

*Performance times subject to change.

Set alongside the Mississippi River in one of the most beautiful parks in Minneapolis, the Sister Cities Day celebration will occur rain or shine. 

This event is sponsored by Meet Minneapolis in partnership with its sister city organizations. Meet Minneapolis supports these relationships on behalf of the City of Minneapolis. The Minneapolis Sister Cities program was established in 1961 with the signing of the first Sister City agreement between Minneapolis and Santiago, Chile. Today, it includes Winnipeg, Canada; Santiago, Chile; Harbin, China; Kuopio, Finland; Tours, France; Najaf, Iraq; Ibaraki City, Japan; Eldoret, Kenya; Cuernavaca, Mexico; Novosibirsk, Russia; Bosaso, Somalia; and Uppsala, Sweden. 

Public Invited to Celebrate the Reopening of the Stone Arch Bridge, August 9

Stone Arch Bridge Reopening Community Celebration

11am to 1pm on Saturday, August 9
Father Hennepin Bluff Park Bandstand, 420 SE Main Street

The public is invited to attend this free, family-friendly event. A program with speaker remarks and a ceremonial ribbon-cutting will take place with community leaders at 11am, followed by a walk across the bridge into downtown Minneapolis. There will be food trucks, live entertainment, interactive activities for all ages, and a demonstration of construction materials and historical fun facts. The public is encouraged to check out the event activities located on both sides of the bridge. Monitor the project webpage as more details are added.

Schedule update

Stone Arch Bridge construction is anticipated to be completed by the end of August. First, the bridge will reopen to pedestrians and bicyclists on August 9 in conjunction with the community celebration. Any remaining work would wrap up within the following weeks and should not require any further closures.

About the project

Starting in April 2024, crews began repairing the Stone Arch Bridge spanning the Mississippi River on the edge of downtown Minneapolis. Crews are repairing and replacing stone, replacing the mortar on the entire bridge, and making other repairs as needed. Stone repair and mortar replacement will slow deterioration and improve the condition of the bridge. For more information, visit the project webpage. If you have questions or concerns regarding the Stone Arch Bridge project, please contact the project team.

Minneapolis Aquatennial Returns July 23 - 26

The Minneapolis Downtown Council has announced the 2025 lineup of events for the Minneapolis Aquatennial, the official civic celebration of the City of Minneapolis. The annual tradition returns Wednesday, July 23 through Saturday, July 26. All events are free, family-friendly, and open for all to enjoy.

The bookends of this year’s schedule are Aquatennial’s longtime signature events:

Aquatennial Torchlight Parade

Along Nicollet Mall from 12th to 4th Street. Annually the largest nighttime parade in Minnesota, the Aquatennial Torchlight Parade will fill downtown Minneapolis with great floats, displays, and marching bands through the heart of downtown.

This year’s Grand Marshal is Gopher Men’s Hockey Coach, Bob Motzko. Motzko, one of the most accomplished coaches in American hockey today, will serve as head coach of the 2026 U.S. National Junior Team. The team will play in the 2026 IIHF World Junior Hockey Championship, December 26, 2025 – January 5, 2026, in Saint Paul and Minneapolis.

Target Fireworks

Taking place along the banks of the Mississippi on West River Parkway near the Stone Arch Bridge, the Target Fireworks are considered one of the top five annual fireworks shows in the entire country. Produced by the world-famous Zambelli Fireworks team, the fireworks will once again be choreographed to music and simulcast live on KDWB.

Come early for Aquatennial Pre-Fireworks Festivities on West River Parkway beginning at 4 pm. The pre-party includes fantastic live bands, Chameleon Markets, Mpls Craft and Vintage Markets featuring local entrepreneurs, Cars and Coffee Show, a fun-filled Kids Zone including Children’s Entrepreneur Market, and plenty of food and beverage options. 

Per Adam Duininck, president and CEO, Minneapolis Downtown Council, “Aquatennial is an exciting summer celebration for our community. This year’s Aquatennial lineup includes more than two dozen activities downtown, headlined by the Aquatennial Torchlight Parade on Wednesday and the Target Fireworks on Saturday night. Come downtown and enjoy all of the festivities while taking in all that our city has to offer - incredible dining, nightlife, performances, sports and more.”

Most of the events take place in the heart of downtown – from Loring Park and The Commons and along Nicollet and West River Road. The schedule and the proximity of the activities make Aquatennial a walkable and bikeable experience throughout the four days.

Here are some of the highlights of the 2025 Minneapolis Aquatennial. A full schedule of events can be found at aquatennial.com/events. Check back for updates leading up to Aquatennial, as event details are subject to change.

WEDNESDAY, JULY 23

We Are Water MN is an interactive exhibit that invites visitors to explore the deep and personal connections Minnesotans have with water. Through powerful stories, historical insights, and engaging displays, the exhibit highlights the cultural, environmental, and economic significance of water in our state.

Go Outside: Summer Sessions – Hennepin Government, Center North Plaza, 11:30am–1pm. Enjoy a live performance, an Aquatennial activity, and more.

Loring Park Family Fun Night, 5:30–7:30 pm.

Twin Cities River Rats Waterski Show – West River Road on Mississippi River between Broadway and Plymouth Avenues, 6:30pm.

Aquatennial Torchlight Parade – Nicollet from 12th to 4th Streets, 7:30pm.

Parks Movie Night “Wicked” sing along - Commons, 9 pm.

THURSDAY, JULY 24

We Are Water MN is an interactive exhibit that invites visitors to explore the deep and personal connections Minnesotans have with water. Through powerful stories, historical insights, and engaging displays, the exhibit highlights the cultural, environmental, and economic significance of water in our state. 

Concert at The Commons – Meat Raffle Ska, 7–9pm.

Movie Night “Surf’s Up” with a Sing United performance before the movie, Target Field Station, 6:30pm.

Twin Cities River Rats Waterski Show – West River Road on Mississippi River between Broadway and Plymouth Avenues, 6:30pm.

FRIDAY, JULY 25

We are Water Exhibit – RSM Plaza ground level on Nicollet Mall, 11am–5pm. We Are Water MN is an interactive exhibit that invites visitors to explore the deep and personal connections Minnesotans have with water. Through powerful stories, historical insights, and engaging displays, the exhibit highlights the cultural, environmental, and economic significance of water in our state.

AlleyJam Skateboarding – Fair School Alley 10th & Hennepin 4–7pm.

CorePower Outdoor Yoga Class - Minneapolis Sculpture Garden, 6–7pm.

Minnesota Twins vs. Washington Nationals – Target Field, 7:10pm.

SATURDAY, JULY 26

Twin Cities Carifest – West River Road between Plymouth and Broadway Ave, 10am–10pm.

We are Water Exhibit – RSM Plaza ground level on Nicollet Mall, 11am–4pm. We Are Water MN is an interactive exhibit that invites visitors to explore the deep and personal connections Minnesotans have with water. Through powerful stories, historical insights, and engaging displays, the exhibit highlights the cultural, environmental, and economic significance of water in our state.

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Aquatennial Ambassadors Organization Coronation – Ted Mann Concert Hall, 4–6pm.

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Chameleon Market at Aquatennial – Chicago Mall between Guthrie Theater and Mill City Museum, 4–10pm. Chameleon supports entrepreneurial success through networking/training, pop-ups, and brick-and-mortar shops. Join us to champion entrepreneurs in our network and discover great products from skincare to snacks, accessories to art, and more!

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Mpls Craft & Mpls Vintage Market – Chicago Mall between Guthrie Theater and Mill City Museum, 4pm–10pm.

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Children’s Entrepreneur Market at Kids Zone - West River Parkway 5-10pm.

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MN Cars & Coffee Show – West River Parkway near 3rd Ave. Bridge, 4–7pm.

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Fireworks Pre-Show – West River Parkway near Stone Arch Bridge, 5–10pm.

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Entertainment Lineup:

Jordan Johnston, 5pm

Pullstring, 6pm

Obi Original & The Black Atlantics, 7pm

School of Rock (Plymouth), 8pm

Dysfunktional, 9pm

Kids Zone – Rondo Double Dutch, Funtime Funktions (glitter, tattoos, and spin zone), Amazing Balloons, Twin Cities Trapeze performances

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Minnesota Twins vs. Washington Nationals – Target Field, 6:10pm.

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Target Fireworks – West River Parkway near Stone Arch Bridge, 10pm.

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More information available at aquatennial.com and follow along @Aquatennial on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter for up-to-the-minute details.

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The Minneapolis Aquatennial, the Official Civic Celebration of the City of Minneapolis, offers outstanding entertainment and activities in the City of Lakes for all ages. It is managed and produced by the Minneapolis Downtown Council. Thank you to our partners, Target, Cordia, Hennepin Healthcare, Stigma, iHeart Radio, Metro Transit, Renaissance Minneapolis Hotel, City of Minneapolis CEAP, Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board. For more information, please visit aquatennial.com or call 612-376-7669.

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Social Media Channels:

Facebook - /aquatennial

Twitter - @aquatennial

Instagram - @aquatennial

Hashtags - #Aquatennial