Anda Spa in Hotel Ivy Announces New Locals Memberships

Ahead of the holiday season, the luxurios Anda Spa inside Hotel Ivy has announced a new membership program, designed to entice locals to pamper themselves year-round. This offering comes on the heels of Hotel Ivy’s recent multi-million dollar renovation.

Available in three tiers, all members will be treated to year-round spa offerings, as well as regular access to the spa amenities — including its steam room, dry sauna, hydrotherapy tub, Aura Lounge and Relaxation Lounge. Memberships also grant access to perks at Breva Bar & Grill, Masa & Agave and on retail spa purchases. 

Tier details:

Citrine Membership – $1,050 per year

6 treatments per year, one every other month. Choose between:

• 50 minute handcrafted massage + complimentary enhancement
• 50 minute Himalayan salt stone massage
• 25 minute Aura Flash Facial

Rose Quartz Membership – $2,200 per year

12 treatments per year, one per month. Choose between:

• 50 minute handcrafted massage + complimentary enhancement
• 50 minute Himalayan salt stone massage 
• 25 minute Aura Flash Facial

Amethyst Membership – $3,050 per year

12 treatments per year, one per month. Choose between:

• 80 minute handcrafted massage + complimentary enhancement
• 80 minute Himalayan salt stone massage + complimentary enhancement
• 50 minute Biologique Recherche facial

Additional benefits: 

• Access to spa amenities Monday to Thursday, 9am-7pm, including:
  • Locker rooms: showers, bathrobes, slippers, private lockers, Eucalyptus steam rooms
  • Quartz spa: dry sauna, hydrotherapy tub, heated chaise lounges
  • Aura lounge: Himalayan salt stone lighting, oversized lounges, and weighted blankets
  • Relaxation Lounge: chaise lounges, fruit-infused waters, freshly brewed herbal teas, and light snacks. 
• 15% discount when dining in Breva, Breva Bar, and Masa & Agave
• 15% discount on spa retail purchases
• Complimentary enhancements available are subject to change. Present offerings include: Rose Gold Knesko Eye Mask, Peppermint Foot Therapy, CBD oil, and Alpine Arnica Muscle Repair.
• Anda Fitness Memberships can be added to each membership for $1,000 per year. 

Terms: 

 • Must show active membership card at bars and restaurant to receive discounts. 

 • Rates listed above are subject to tax.

 • All memberships require annual payment and are cancellable with 30 days-notice.

 • At conclusion of 12 month memberships, rates and benefits are subject to change.

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Here's a peek into the Anda Spa:

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Plus, here are two other specials:

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Pumpkin Pie Peel — $25 

For November, Anda has added a Pumpkin Pie Peel as an enhancement to our Biologique Recherche Customized facials. This treatment uses gentle, autumnal blend of pumpkin pulp, avocado oil, and fruit enzymes exfoliates and brightens, while soothing calendula and licorice extracts leave skin hydrated, radiant, and resilient. (It does not actually "peel" your skin like a chemical peel would, but it gets rid of any dead skin using the enzymes, which is great for sensitive skin).

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Mistletoe Lip Treatment — $36 

For December, Anda will be doing a Mistletoe Lip Treatment, which is a seasonal knesko lip mask. This can be added to facials or massages. They contain Hyaluronic Acid to boost hydration, Niacinamide (Vit B3) to smooth skin, and helps to minimize the appearance of skin discoloration around the lips. 

Be Prepared for Snow Season - Sign up for Snow Emergency Alerts!

Don't let unpredictable weather catch you off guard! Avoid the hassle and expense of getting towed during a snow emergency this winter. Sign up for Minneapolis alerts to stay ahead of the snow and know the parking rules.

Sign up for alerts today!

Text "MPLSAlerts" to 77295 or create a full Smart911 profile online to stay informed this winter.

Watch this video about being ready for snow season:

Theatre in the Round Players Announces Reunion (After the End of the World)

This post-apocalyptic coming-of-age play, full of humor and hope, is a science fiction story for the whole family.

Theatre in the Round Players (TRP), 245 Cedar Avenue, is presenting Reunion (After the End of the World) by Saint Paul native, Will Quam. This co-production with FAIR School for Arts features a cast of FAIR students.

Reunion tells the story of a group of teenagers building a new society after The Event wiped out civilization as we know it. Walled inside the safe and familiar halls of Clearidge School, the students are determined to forget the past. When a group of outside kids comes looking for a mysterious book buried somewhere in the school, the past and present reunite in a play about memory, loss, humor, and what it means to be a kid in extraordinary circumstances.

This is the second partnership between Theatre in the Round and FAIR School for Arts. As a community theater, Theatre in the Round’s expertise lies in creating opportunities for amateur and emerging artists to have high-quality theater experiences. Through this experience, FAIR students have gotten the opportunity to learn how to build sets, make costumes, run sound and light boards, assistant stage manage, as well as act on stage. All of these areas are essential to creating theatre; Theatre in the Round believes that investment in teaching areas of technical theatre is an important piece in preserving theatre for future generations.

Gretchen Weinrich directs the fourteen-member cast of students with set design by Madeline Achen, costumes by Emma Kravig, lighting by Alita Robertson, props by Elliott Van Winkle, and sound design by Sydney Manno.

Reunion (After the End of the World) runs two weekends only, November 1-10, Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30pm, Sundays at 2pm. Tickets: $15-22. Appropriate for ages 7+. Theatre in the Round’s facilities are accessible for audience members using wheelchairs. Box Office Phone: 612-333-3010

Open Eye Theatre Announces FULL MOON PUPPET SHOW, a Rowdy Adult Puppet Cabaret, Nov 14-16

Open Eye Theatre continues its 2024–2025 Mainstage Season with FULL MOON PUPPET SHOW, the Twin Cities’ rowdy adult puppet cabaret! FULL MOON PUPPET SHOW, hosted by creator Liz Howls, runs November 14 – 16 at Open Eye Theatre. More info and tickets.

Since 2008, FULL MOON PUPPET SHOW has been performing adult puppet slams throughout Minneapolis. This November, selected artists will perform 10-minute original puppet shows to an audience encouraged to howl at the moon and cheer on each show! Featuring works by Lys Akerman-Frank, Brant Bollman, David Valentine, Felicia Cooper, Eva Adderley, Mackenzie Lageson & Kaden Kelsheimer, Monica Rojas, and Steve Ackerman. With music between acts by Adam Zahller's Sick Eagle.

After college, Liz Howls and a group of friends committed to creating a monthly puppetry performance during every full moon. The shows quickly gained momentum, attracting larger audiences and featuring 6 – 8 captivating puppet acts with live musical interludes. For three years, they brought their unique brand of puppetry to diverse venues across Minneapolis – from Bedlam Theatre to warehouses, gardens, and even storefronts. 

A year after taking a hiatus, FULL MOON PUPPET SHOW was reborn at Open Eye Theatre. This new chapter brought exciting developments, including workshops and tech rehearsals for performers, along with staff to support the productions. 

Since 2021, FULL MOON PUPPET SHOW has become an annual tradition at Open Eye, along with an online workshop series featuring instruction from puppetry experts from a wide variety of disciplines. Though the FULL MOON PUPPET SHOW has transformed over time, its core remains the same: a celebration of unruly, inventive, spirited puppetry!

THE ARTISTS & THEIR SHOWS

Steve Ackerman  "Le Cat Hand Puppet Heist" - A group of old, retired cat burglars reunite for one last job. Graying felines, an art museum, unsuspecting security guards, laser alarms, and lots of gratuitous hand puppet deaths. Also, the cats are French for some reason.

Eva Adderley  "The Cat Has a Key" - A woman struggling with depression embarks on a dreamy, cathartic adventure when she follows a mysterious cat who appears at her window.

Lys Akerman-Frank "Impossible Affair" - Impossible Affair tells the story of Sophie, a bodacious fur fantastic puppet, who meets M, a Shadow goddess. Sophie tries to figure out a way to literally fit in M's world so they can be together.

Brant Bollman "Uplifting Puppet Co Presents: A Tribute to Gallagher" - Prepare for mayhem when we eulogize that watermelon-smashing, dad joke telling, follically challenged prop comedian from the 1980s, Gallagher! 

Felicia Cooper "It Has Its Ups and Downs" - Do you ever feel like you have no idea what anyone else is doing? On her first day as an elevator operator, Elenor learns that it's about more than just getting buttons pressed. Using visible mechanisms and hand puppets, this lively show is an attempt at Richard Scarry for adults.

Mackenzie Lageson  & Kaden Kelsheimer "The Roadside Blessing" - Lamenting the absence of a baby in their lives, a taxidermist couple stumbles upon a gift from beyond the veil—a human infant, born of a road killed opossum. 

Monica Rojas "Cloudmakers" - Follow a young apprentice as they learn the different ways to hand craft clouds.

David Valentine "Good Company" - A young worm sets off in search of silence and solitude. But can he get by without a little help from his friends?

Tickets: $18 — General Admission. A limited number of Pay What You Can tickets will be available at the box office starting at 6:15pm each night.

Performance Schedule

Thursday 11/14, 7:30pm - OPENING

Friday 11/15, 7:30pm

Saturday 11/16, 7:30pm - CLOSING

Run Time: 2 hours with a 15 minute intermission

Age Recommendation: 14 and up

Open Eye Theatre is located at 506 East 24th Street, 2 blocks south of Franklin Ave between Portland Ave and 35W. Park for free in the Lutheran Social Services lot at 24th and Portland. 612-874-6338

November 1st Marks the Very First “Minnesota Beer Day"

Hamm's Bear holding the proclamation

Starting this year, Minnesota Beer Day will officially be celebrated across the state on November 1, following resolutions signed by the Minnesota Legislature and a proclamation from the Governor. The celebration has been Resolved as an annual event moving forward.

“What we want to drive home is the importance of beer to the state of Minnesota. We were making beer 10 years before Minnesota was even a state!” says Bob Galligan, the Director of Government and Industry Relations at the Minnesota Craft Brewers Guild. “MN Beer Day offers an opportunity for camaraderie across the industry and the state—a day for beer lovers everywhere to go out, celebrate, and support their local taproom, brewpubs, bars, restaurants, and liquor stores.”

As part of the celebration, the Guild has coordinated the release of a special pint glass for purchase, which will be sold across the state. Many Guild members are participating by offering special discounts, events, or even unique brews. A map detailing all participants and their deals is available on the Guild’s website at https://www.mncraftbrew.org/events/mn-beer-day/.MN Beer Day was established as an opportunity to celebrate the history of Minnesota beer and how the culture has transformed over the years. November 1st was chosen to honor the state’s most historic brand, Grain Belt, whose story began on November 1, 1850, when John Orth founded the second brewery in the territory. Grain Belt is currently brewed by the oldest brewery in the state and a Guild member, Schell’s Brewery. The Minnesota Craft Brewers Guild, which represents more than 170 of the state’s craft breweries, worked with Senator Howe (13, R) and Representative Isa Perez-Vega (65B, DFL) in their respective chambers to pass resolutions officially declaring the celebration. The date for 2024 was also proclaimed by the Governor's office.

Galligan added, “It’s amazing to see what beer has become in Minnesota. But I think it’s also important to remember the lineage from which we craft brewers come. And the immense ecosystem we are a part of. We celebrate this day with others we have disagreed with in the past because, for one day, we hope we can all remember the purpose of beer: to sustain and to connect. After 176 years, we think it’s time to celebrate the beverage that built the North Star State. In recognition of everyone from farmers to bartenders, we’re asking all beer-drinking Minnesotans to get out and responsibly enjoy a brew on November 1. We’ll be the ones filling your glass and showing you the true meaning of being a Minnesotan - hospitality.”

Theatre in the Round Announces Ghosts in the Theatre Storytelling and Ghost Tours, October 18 and 19

One weekend only - Ghost tours and supernatural-themed storytelling on stage at Theatre in the Round! 

The guided tours of the building feature the history of the building as well as anecdotes about supernatural phenomena collected over the years. The 114-year-old building, which survived the Cedar Avenue Fire of 1959 and the Bimbo's fire of 1968, has been home to Theatre in The Round Players since 1969. Tours are offered at various times over Friday and Saturday and include actors telling a variety of stories and sharing theatre lore.

The night of themed storytelling, “Ghosts in the Theatre,” will be offered at 7:30pm on Friday and Saturday as an accessible version of the tour for folks who may not wish to traverse through the entire building. Audiences will be able to enjoy the same stories on the stage as well as clips from the movie Ghost Light by John Gaspard and Mary Kaeding that was filmed at Theatre in the Round in 2013.

Storytellers include Michael Bak, Jim Chase, David Harrison, Bailey Hess, Daniel Hildebrand, Shelley Nelson, Larisa Netterlund, Bobbie Smith, and Amir Sherif.

Tickets for tours must be purchased in advance.

*     *    *   Ticket Details   *     *    * 

Tour Times: Friday, October 18, 9pm & 10:30pm; Saturday, October 19, 3:30pm, 5pm & 9pm

Tour Tickets: $35

Ghosts in the Theatre Storytelling Tickets: $25

More info & Tickets: https://www.theatreintheround.org/home/season-placeholder/special-events/

Box Office Phone:  612-333-3010

Mia Announces “Catch of the Day” Exhibit and Naming Contest

Imai Sadamasa, Napoleon Fish, 2023, glazed stoneware 

The Minneapolis Institute of Art (Mia) invites visitors to dive into "Catch of the Day," an immersive exhibit celebrating the profound relationship between Japanese culture and the sea. Open from October 12, 2024 through May 25, 2025, this exhibit blends art, tradition, and modern interactive elements, offering a unique experience for all ages.

At the heart of the exhibition is a breathtaking fish sculpture by Imai Sadamasa, a rising star in the world of contemporary ceramics. Mia curators first discovered Sadamasa’s extraordinary work during Asia Week in New York, where his piece captivated them. Hailing from a multigenerational family of ceramicists, Sadamasa’s craftsmanship is unparalleled. His featured sculpture, the exhibit’s centerpiece, underwent an intricate process of nine kiln firings, with multiple layers of paint and glaze, producing a mesmerizing, delicate finish.

"Just like Minnesotans, the Japanese also love fish,” added Mai Yamaguchi, PhD, Andrew W. Mellon Assistant Curator of Japanese and Korean Art at Mia. “This exhibition is about how people relate to nature— in this case, the ocean—and the ways artists have represented that relationship."

What’s in a name? 

In an interactive twist, Mia invites visitors to help name Sadamasa’s stunning fish sculpture. From October 10-31, a naming contest will be hosted via Instagram, Facebook, and in-person at Mia through a QR code. The artist will personally choose the winning name, which will be announced on social media. The lucky winner will receive a custom plush replica of the sculpture. Unique enamel pins featuring Sadamasa’s fish will be available to in-person participants.

"Mia has a proud tradition of introducing up-and-coming artists to the Midwest, and this exhibit is no exception," said Katie Luber, Nivin & Duncan MacMillan Director & President at Mia. "We are excited to see the creativity of our visitors through their name submissions and look forward to making the winning name a part of our permanent collection."

“Catch of the Day” merges art, culture, and community participation. It is also featured in our Family Day programming in November, where kids can create fish-themed artwork (and use textured plates to give it scales) alongside Mia's teaching artists.

Spoon and Stable Announces 2 Pop-up Events to Benefit Eric Pham's Khue's Kitchen

Chef Gavin Kaysen with Chef Eric Pham, photo: Spoon and Stable

Chef Eric Pham recently lost his restaurant, Khue’s Kitchen, due to a tragic fire in August. Before breaking out on his own, Chef Pham spent two years at Spoon and Stable contributing an incredible work ethic while honoring his family and the legacy that they built at Quang. In support of Chef Pham, Spoon and Stable is planning to host a two night pop-up menu in the bar and lounge with a percentage of revenue from the special menu items going to Khue’s Kitchen. 

The pop-up events are Thursday, October 24 & Friday, October 25, 4pm - 10pm each night.

A special menu by Chef Eric Pham will be offered along with 3 special themed cocktail offerings. The regular Spoon and Stable à la carte menu will also be available, although they hope guests will want to try the menu offerings from Chef Pham if they are dining in the bar and lounge on these nights:.

Crispy Pork Lettuce Wraps

Butter lettuce, padded noodles, shiso, scallion oil, cucumber, nuoc mam (fish sauce), herb salad

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Lion’s Head Pork Meatball

Tomato sauce, banh mi bread, chili oil, scallions, cilantro

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Fried Chicken Sandwich

Chili crunch, herb aioli, b&b pickles, lettuce, tomato, brioche bun

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Five Spice Tofu

Jasmine rice, kimchi, fried shallots, mint, scallions, cilantro

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Sesame Balls

Salted caramel, yellow bean, coconut flakes

Choreographing Balance | Diane Willow & Sarah Abdel-Jelil Art Opening at Washburn Lofts, October 17

Opening Reception Thursday, October 17, 4PM - 6PM        On View October 17 - December 30

Join your neighbors at Washburn Lofts for the art opening of Choreographing Balance | Diane Willow & Sarah Abdel-Jelil. Refreshments will be served. Washburn Lofts is located at 700 S 2nd Street. Parking is on the street, and the entrance to the building is through a marked gate that will be open on 2nd Street with the building entrance in the passageway. 

Diane Willow is a multi-modal artist and creative catalyst who creates art by any medium necessary. She calls upon technological modes of extending our senses and the intangible ways that our bodies intuit space and presence to invite people to become choreographers of their experience of art. Since receiving her graduate degree in art from the Center for Advanced Visual Studies at MIT, she has been artist in residence at the MIT Media Lab, Osher Fellow at the Exploratorium, San Francisco, guest professor at the Beijing Film Academy, China. She exhibited at: Apex Art, NYC, MIT Museum, Dayton Art Museum, Boston Harbor, New Media Art Triennial, Beijing, Kaihua Temple, Shanxi, China, and School of Creative Media, Hong Kong. She is Professor of Interdisciplinary Art and Participatory Culture, UMN Department of Art.  

Sarah Abdel-Jelil is a Mauritanian-American filmmaker, dancer, and multi-media artist based in Minneapolis, MN. Having grown up in eight different countries in a multicultural home, her artwork explores notions of home, movement, and liminal spaces. She holds a BA in cinema and media studies from Carleton College and is currently pursuing her MFA at the University of Minnesota ('25) where she is exploring movement, soft focus, and kaleidoscopes. She is a recipient of the 2019/20 MCAD-Jerome Foundation Fellowship for Early Career Artists and the 2017 Minnesota State Arts Board Artist Initiative Grant. She has completed residencies at Rosy Simas Danse three thirty one space (Minneapolis, MN), Caldera Arts Center (Sisters, OR), and Château de La Napoule (Mandelieu-La Napoule, France). 

Fall Street Sweeping Will Start Tuesday, October 22

Crews are preparing to sweep streets across Minneapolis this month and November to clean the streets before winter. Street sweeping helps keep leaves and debris out of the storm drains and from ending up in our lakes and creeks and the Mississippi River.

Minneapolis Public Works will begin the big task of curb-to-curb street sweeping throughout the city Tuesday, Oct. 22. During the four weeks of the comprehensive fall street sweep, crews will clean about 1,000 miles of city streets. To make sure crews can do the best job possible, temporary hot pink “No Parking” signs will be posted at least 24 hours in advance so streets will be clear of cars when they’re swept. The first signs will be posted Monday, Oct. 21, and sweeping will begin the next day. Anyone who parks on the street will need to follow posted parking rules or their cars may be ticketed and towed.

Ways to stay informed of the parking rules:

• Interactive web feature – The Street Sweeping Schedule Map will be available on the City’s website before street sweeping begins. Visitors to the website will be able to find out which week their street is scheduled to be swept. Then, on the weekend before each of the four weeks, the schedule for the upcoming week will be broken down to show which day of the week streets are scheduled to be swept.
• “No Parking” signs – City crews will post pink “No Parking” signs at least 24 hours before sweeping any streets. Parking will be banned from 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on the day a street is swept. However, the “No Parking” signs will be removed as soon as possible after a street has been completely swept to allow people to resume parking after the signs are removed. Vehicles not in compliance with “No Parking” signs may be ticketed and towed to the Minneapolis Impound Lot. The sweeping takes several steps, so people should not resume parking until the signs are removed.
• Email and text alerts – You can sign up to get an alert automatically emailed or texted to you at the start of street sweeping.
• Social media – The City will use Facebook and X to post periodic street sweeping updates and information.
• Videos – Street sweeping is explained in English, Spanish, Somali and Hmong on the City’s YouTube channel and on Minneapolis City TV.

Clean streets mean healthier water

Minneapolis streets are swept completely curb to curb with enforcement of parking rules once in the spring and again in the fall. You can do your part by not pushing leaves, grass clippings or other debris into City streets. It’s bad for our lakes and waterways, it can cause safety hazards and it’s against the law.

Leaves that wash into storm drains end up in our lakes and creeks and the Mississippi River. They may quickly begin to break down, creating pollutants that overfertilize lake water and help harmful aquatic plants and algae grow. The murky lake water that results is not good for swimming or fishing. It can also harm wildlife and pets.

Learn more about street sweeping.

Nordic Village Returns to Four Seasons Hotel Minneapolis November 1

Public is Invited to the Nordic Village Launch Party and Open House on Saturday, November 2, 11am - 3pm 

Back by popular demand, guests and community members are welcome to tour Nordic Village, shop local vendors and visit The Spa and Cedar and Stone Nordic Sauna Terrace. This November 2nd event, including a welcome drink compliments of Moët Hennessy, is complimentary and open to the public.

Nordic Village offers you an opportunity to celebrate the wonder of winter with a Minnesota cabin dining experience in the middle of the city. Featuring a new addition in The Lodge – a cozy cocktail lounge with seating for up to 24 for pre- and post-dinner cocktails, private events and buyouts – the 2024 Nordic Village experience includes evolving Nordic-inspired menus, optional wine pairings and apparel and accessories.

Reservations and Private Events

Reservations for Nordic Village – which include the option to book a special rate on a Hotel room - are available on Tock. When The Lodge is not booked for private events and buyouts, it will be open to Hotel guests and residents, community members and those dining in Nordic Village or Mara Restaurant and Bar on a first-come, first-served basis; no reservations required. Event and meeting planners are welcome to contact the Hotel’s Events Team at sales.minneapolis@fourseasons.com to learn more and arrange pre-opening tours.

The below photo is from 2023 when the cabins were being lifting into place.

Four Seasons Hotel Minneapolis is located at 245 Hennepin Avenue.

Be That Neighbor Annual Fundraiser at MacPhail with The Steeles, October 24

Be That Neighbor is a local non-profit that uses 100% of contributions to fund programs such Mill City Singers, the Sallie Steele Birdsong Scholarship, Yoga in the Park, Hope 612 and Groundworks. These programs are free to all participants.

Their annual fundraising event will take place 7pm October 24 at MacPhail Center for Music, featuring a concert by local music legends, The Steeles. Tickets are tax deductible. Buy Tickets 

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Here are some reasons to attend:

Holidazzle Returns!

Free Festival on Five Blocks December 18 – 22

The Minneapolis Downtown Council has announced the return of Holidazzle, Wednesday, December 18 through Sunday, December 22. Five blocks of Nicollet Mall in downtown Minneapolis, from 6th Street to Peavey Plaza (11th), will transform into a free and family-friendly holiday experience. Holidazzle 2024 promises a vibrant holiday atmosphere filled with fun, joy, and holiday cheer in the heart of the city.

The 2024 Holidazzle will bring community together to enjoy seasonal activities and entertainment while also supporting local small businesses. Guests are invited to stroll the Nicollet Mall as it becomes a festive playground complete with twinkling lights, performances, and tasty bites from local food trucks.

“Holidazzle is the perfect way to bring people together to celebrate our beautiful city in our winter season,” says Adam Duininck, president and CEO of the Minneapolis Downtown Council. “From Minnesota-made treats to community performances to families making their holiday memories, it’s a true showcase of the talent, creativity, and spirit that makes Minneapolis shine!” 

Holidazzle highlights will include:

• Light & art installations
• Holiday shopping pop-ups featuring Minneapolis Craft Market, Dayton’s Holiday Market, Chameleon Shoppes featuring BIPOC women-owned vendors, and Minneapolis Vintage Market
• Two entertainment stages
• Free Roller Skating and Minne-Golf
• and of course, visits with Santa 

Admission to Holidazzle is free and open to the public. “Friends of Holidazzle” passes are available for purchase starting November 1 and are partially tax deductible. The passes include valet parking, access to indoor restrooms, a limited-edition souvenir, and a Santa “fast pass.” 

New this year: the Holidazzle Hospitality Hub

Looking for the perfect holiday party location? The Holidazzle Hospitality Hub is a private indoor location on Nicollet Mall designed exclusively for festive fiestas. Let the team at Minneapolis Downtown Council help create your custom celebration for 50 – 1,000 guests complete with jolly seasonal decor, branded welcome signage, audio system, and holiday playlists. For more information and to book your gathering, contact Kitty Fahey at kfahey@mplsdowntown.com.

Holidazzle is partnering with Target, Xcel Energy, CenterPoint Energy, Fulton, Sherman Associates, and many others to showcase our treasured Nicollet Mall. 

While you’re downtown for Holidazzle, be sure to include one of many other seasonal activities on your itinerary such as performing arts and concerts at Hennepin Arts, Minnesota Orchestra, Guthrie, Fine Line, Dakota, and two Timberwolves games at Target Center. 

For more information and a complete schedule of events, please visit Holidazzle.com. 

Dates and Hours

December 18, 19 and 20, 4 – 9 p.m.

December 21, Noon – 9 p.m.

December 22, Noon – 6 p.m.

Holidazzle Social Media

Facebook, Instagram, Twitter @Holidazzle, Hashtags: #Holidazzle, #mymplsdt

Update on Berger Fountain Rebuild Project in Loring Park

Illustration shows the proposed final design for reconstructing Berger Fountain and the surrounding plaza in Loring Park

Concept design approved by Park Commissioners, now detailed design and engineering begins

The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB), in partnership with the Berger Fountain Task Force, is working to rebuild Berger Fountain (Dandelion Fountain) in Loring Park. The Berger Task Force (Task Force) consists of representatives from Citizens for a Loring Park Community, Friends of Loring Park and Loring Greenway Association.

Design Approved

At the MPRB meeting on September 18, Park Commissioners approved the concept design of Berger Fountain. Concept Design Overhead View - Design Illustrations

State Grant Moves Project Forward

The Berger Fountain project received a $200,000 grant from the Arts and Cultural Heritage Legacy Fund during the 2024 legislative session. The grant was secured thanks to work from state Rep. Hornstein and state Sen. Dibble, with support from members of the Task Force and MPRB Commissioner Shaffer. This funding allows the MPRB to move the project forward by paying for the next phase of detailed design and engineering.

Next Phase

The plan approved by MPRB Commissioners last night is a general concept design that outlines how the rebuilt plaza area could look. This next design phase, called Design Development, will complete 60% design drawings and analyze engineering details, like the size of the underground mechanical elements, placement of the plaza, and more defined cost estimates. 

Damon Farber Landscape Architects is leading a team of landscape architects, fountain designers, and engineers to do this work, which is scheduled to be complete in spring 2025.

Then a third design phase will delve into more refined details, like specific materials, fountain spoke design, and plant species for the garden. These will be part of 90-100% design drawings later in 2025.

The design team will be presenting to Task Force members and posting public updates at appropriate milestones to ensure the community is informed during the process.

Visit Project Page

Fundraising

The MPRB has an agreement in place with Berger Fountain Task Force to raise funds for the Berger Fountain reconstruction project. The Task Force is comprised of representatives from Citizens for a Loring Park Community, Friends of Loring Park, Loring Greenway Association and at-large representatives.

Visit the Berger Fountain Task Force website to get involved. People can contribute to the project at the Berger Fountain Donation Page, or by texting "BERGER" to 53-555. The Task Force recently hired a fundraiser to help fundraise $1.5 million to help close the remaining budget gap.

First Phase of Graco Park Opens on Northeast Minneapolis Riverfront

Graco Park from the Plymouth Avenue Bridge shortly before it opened to the public on September 25, 2024

Now open: New trails, river landing, public art, picnic tables, and gathering spaces surrounded by hundreds of new trees and native plants

Next phases include The River Hub at Graco Park, a new 4,000-square-foot park building opening in 2025, and a future trail connection to Boom Island Park under Plymouth Avenue Bridge

Graco Park is now open along the Northeast Minneapolis riverfront! The new nine-acre park is located just north of the Plymouth Avenue Bridge, between Boom Island Park and Graco Inc. headquarters. It includes Hall’s Island, which was restored in 2018, plus new trails and walkways, a river landing, public art, picnic tables, and gathering spaces surrounded by hundreds of new trees and native plants.

“If we’re going to have a truly equitable park system, residents of Northeast and North Minneapolis must be able to enjoy thoughtfully designed access to the Mississippi Riverfront, like residents in South and Southwest enjoy the riverfront, creek and lakes in their neighborhoods,” said Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB) Superintendent Al Bangoura. “This is something that we’ve advocated for and worked on for decades, and now these parks are no longer just ideas, plans, or illustrations; they’re real. We’re in the middle of a golden era of riverfront park development in Minneapolis.”

Two other new riverfront parks – Water Works and the 26th Avenue North Overlook – opened on the Minneapolis riverfront in 2021. In 2023, the MPRB completed an extensive renovation at Father Hennepin Bluff Park and restored 4.5 acres of oak savannah habitat at Bohemian Flats Park. Earlier in 2024, the MPRB broke ground on a new 20-acre park at the Upper Harbor redevelopment and a new trail connection between the 26th Avenue North Overlook and Ole Olson Park.

“Opening Graco Park is a monumental milestone in our ongoing, decades-long mission to transition Minneapolis’ northern riverfront to a world-class attraction that’s more welcoming to people and wildlife,” said MPRB President Meg Forney. “We’re incredibly grateful to have a network of partners and neighbors like Graco who believe in our park system and support ambitious plans to restore our natural resources and offer outstanding trails and recreation opportunities.”

Future phases planned at Graco Park include a new 4,000-square-foot park building called The River Hub at Graco Park scheduled to open in 2025 and a trail connection under Plymouth Avenue Bridge to Boom Island Park.

The River Hub at Graco Park is scheduled to open in 2025

Graco Contributions

In 2018, Graco Inc., a leading manufacturer of fluid handling equipment that is headquartered next to the park, and the MPRB reached a series of agreements that resulted in this new park. The contributions from Graco allowed the park to be constructed much earlier than it could have through traditional park funding mechanisms.

“Graco Park is a testament to Graco’s commitment to the communities where we operate,” said Mark Sheahan, President and Chief Executive Officer of Graco. “Graco Park is a gathering space where the Northeast community can come together, play and build lasting relationships. We are proud to contribute to Graco Park and to be part of a community that has supported us for nearly 100 years.”

Graco Park Features

The first phase of Graco Park now open to the public includes:

• Habitat-rich plantings to support the Mississippi Flyway, including 255 trees and an expansive Bee Lawn
• Segment of Mississippi East Bank Trail
• Expansive river promenade walkway with room to host events
• New public art, “Timber Markers” that pay homage to the site’s logging history
• Gravel river landing
• Outdoor stage with sloped, grassy seating area
• Improved stormwater management
• Picnic tables
• Accessible parking spaces

L to R: Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board Superintendent Al Bangoura, Mississippi Watershed Management Organization Executive Director Kevin Reich, Jan and John Gray, representatives from the Gray family that founded Graco Inc., Graco President and CEO Mark Sheahan, Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board President Meg Forney

Mississippi Watershed Management Organization Contributions

The Mississippi Watershed Management Organization (MWMO) awarded a grant for native vegetation and habitat restoration, stormwater infiltration basins, a low-maintenance pollinator lawn, and a heated sidewalk and snowmelt system.

The restored habitat works hand-in-hand with the new green stormwater infrastructure at the park. A series of interconnected stormwater basins, planted with native vegetation and scattered throughout the site, form a stormwater treatment train to capture and clean runoff. These features are projected to capture 99 percent of the park’s stormwater runoff and remove up to 85 percent of sediment and phosphorus that otherwise would have entered the Mississippi River.

The heated sidewalk snowmelt system was installed in high foot-traffic areas around the new park building, reducing the need for salt and sand to keep paved areas safe for pedestrian traffic in the winter. The building will use geothermal heat for heating and cooling as part of the “Net Zero” building design.

Graco Park Agreements

On Oct. 17, 2018, the MPRB and Graco Inc. reached several agreements on the development of a riverfront park adjacent to Hall’s Island in Northeast Minneapolis.

Included in the agreements:

• The Graco Foundation donated more than $3 million to the MPRB to fund a new park named “Graco Park.”
• Graco gave an easement for the Mississippi East Bank Trail to the MPRB for free and the parties ended legal proceedings related to the easement.
• The MPRB sold 2.2 acres located next to Graco’s Riverside production facility to Graco at a fair market value of $1.1 million.
  • This land is part of a 3.55-acre section of the 11-acre site, dubbed “Parcel D,” which was purchased by the MPRB without state regional park funding.
  • When the site was acquired in 2010, the MPRB, City of Minneapolis and Metropolitan Council all agreed that Parcel D would not become parkland and planned to instead use Parcel D for a public-private partnership of some kind.
• Graco funded flood protection constructed on Parcel D and prepaid park dedication fees for Parcel D.

The site fall 2017, before Hall's Island was restored and Graco Park was built

Site History

2010: The MPRB purchased the 11-acre riverfront site from Scherer Bros Lumber Co. The former lumberyard was cleaned up and industrial buildings and asphalt were replaced with grass over the next few years.

2016: The Mississippi East Bank Trail was paved through the site. This riverfront trail extension connects Boom Island Park, Graco Park and Sheridan Memorial Park before terminating at the BNSF railroad bridge, in the 1600 block of Marshall Street NE.

2017-18: A project restored Hall's Island, which was eliminated by lumber yard expansion in the 1960s, and created a new gravel river beach.

2018: The MPRB and Graco Inc. reached several agreements that will result in this new park.

2021: MPRB staff collected feedback from the community, researched opportunities and constraints at the site and created a series of Graco Park design concepts for public feedback.

April 2022: The final park concept was approved by MPRB Commissioners after a public hearing.

September 2022: Grading and earthwork began to prepare site for park construction.

August 2023: Groundbreaking ceremony commemorates the beginning of park construction.

September 2024: The outdoor elements of the park open to the public.

Mpls Downtown Improvement District Announces 2024 Greening & Public Realm Award Winners

Photo credit - Kurt Moses Photography

The Mpls Downtown Improvement District (DID) has announced its Greening & Public Realm Award winners, a group decided by an interactive public vote that includes five first-time winners among the ten categories. The Greening & Public Realm Awards aim to showcase the greening efforts by local organizations and companies that help beautify downtown and its surrounding areas through enhancing our urban landscape.

This year’s awards included five new categories: Best Tree, Best Façade, Best Outdoor Café, Best Sustainable Greening and Best Adopted Garden. These categories highlight the continued expansion of greening and sustainability efforts in downtown Minneapolis.

First-time award winners include the Cottonwood Tree at Water Works Park (Best Tree), ‘Rockman’ by Tom Otterness (Best Public Art), The Monte Carlo (Best Outdoor Café), 3rd Avenue Bridge Renovation (Best Public Realm Improvement), and St. Olaf Boulevard Gardens (Best Adopted Garden).

Loring Greenway won a Greening & Public Realm Award for a record 13th straight year – including winning Best Large Green Space for the eighth year in a row. Peavey Plaza won its fourth straight Greening & Public Realm Award (Best Activated Space) and Minneapolis College took home the award for Best Small Green Space for the second year in a row.

“The Greening and Public Realm Award winners exemplify the commitment to sustainability and greening that is transforming our downtown,” said Adam Duininck, President & CEO of the Mpls Downtown Council and Mpls Downtown Improvement District. “Their efforts not only enhance our public spaces but also inspire the continued expansion of eco-friendly initiatives throughout our urban core. Congratulations to all the winners for their remarkable contributions to our community’s vibrancy.”

Greening & Public Realm Award winners will receive a commemorative plaque created by Wood from the Hood, a Minneapolis-based company that reclaims discarded trees from urban neighborhoods and creates high-quality wood products. Each award will display the year the award was issued and the category that was won. Winning locations will also receive a Greening & Public Realm Awards winner sign to designate their award-winning placemaking and greenery.

Finalists for the Greening & Public Realm Awards were announced on September 5th. Public voting for finalists remained open through September 20th. The finalists were selected and categorized by members of the Mpls DID staff based on criteria including overall year-over-year enhancements as well as continued excellence in their efforts to increase vibrancy in the public realm.

Shopping Basket from September 21 Mill City Farmers Market

Our shopping basket from the September 21 Mill City Farmers Market: 

Apples from Mary Dirty Face Farm, juice from Pure Ginger for You, eggs from Sunshine Harvest Farm, tomatoes from Mhonpaj’s Garden, Aleppo and Hidden Falls cheeses from Shepherd's Way, arugula from Burning River Farm, watermelon from Mom's Garden, harissa from Dervish Mazza, ornamental gourds from Green Earth Growers, ganache filled chocolate cake jar from Janna's Gluten Free, pie crust from Vikings and Goddesses Pie Company and chocolate hazelnut spread from Chocolate San Jose Minneapolis.

As always, we are very appreciative of all the growers and makers who bring their best to the MCFM every week!

Mill City Museum’s Courtyard Comes to Life for Projection Art Performance

History, art, and music come together during powerful show titled, “Rising from the Ruins”

Mill City Museum’s iconic Mill Ruins Courtyard is about to transform like never before. On three nights this October, the walls will be illuminated and bathed in color during a special projection performance titled Rising from the Ruins.

Blending art and music, Rising from the Ruins is an epic and imaginative journey that sets off from the banks of Owamniyomni, widely known today as St. Anthony Falls. It explores time, history, and space to tell the story of all who are affected by the falls’ and the river’s power.

Local artist Paul Herwig created the story that incorporates music from Ben Siems and graphic novel-style drawings from Dirk Opstaele. Herwig is one of the area’s sole practitioners of projection mapping and live animated projection events, and is a fiscal year 2024 recipient of a Creative Individuals grant from the Minnesota State Arts Board.

This event will take place on three consecutive nights, October 3-5. On each evening, there will be two performances at 7:30 pm and 9 pm. Doors will open at 7 pm for the first showing and 8:30 pm for the later showing.

Tickets can be purchased online for $15 in advance or at the door for $20. Minnesota Historical Society members save 20%. 20 Pay-What-You-Can tickets will be available at the door thirty minutes before each performance. If a performance is canceled due to poor weather, a make-up showing will be scheduled for October 7.

November 2024 General Election Registration and Voting Information

Are you registered to vote? If not, now is a great time to do so. Minnesota makes it easy to check your voter registration status, register to vote, and update your registration. Already registered to vote? It's still a good idea to confirm your registration is correct and up to date.  

Register to vote! Pre-registration for the November 2024 General Election ends October 15. If you plan to vote but miss this deadline, you can register at your polling place on Election Day.  

What to do before you vote:

• View your sample ballot 

• Learn about early voting options

Vote absentee:

• Fill out your absentee ballot application and email or mail it to Hennepin County Elections. You can also fill out the online application.

Vote early in-person: 

• Visit your local elections office (check with your city clerk for location and hours)  

• Minneapolis Early Vote Center (Minneapolis residents only) 

• Hennepin County Government Center will be open for early voting 

Have questions?  

For all your election-related questions, visit Hennepin County Elections or mnvotes.gov.  

Important election dates:

• September 20: Absentee voting begins for the general election
• October 15: General election deadline to pre-register to vote
• November 4: In-person absentee voting closes at 5pm 
• November 5: General Election Day (polls open 7am to 8pm)

Mia Unveils Historical Tibetan Shrine Room

Did you know Minneapolis is home to over 5,000 Tibetans, the second largest population in the United States, outside of New York City?

The Minneapolis Institute of Art (Mia) unveiled of a new fully installed historical Tibetan shrine room on Saturday, September 14. Located in the Himalayan Art Galleries, the historical Tibetan shrine is a multi-sensory experience featuring more than 200 new pieces of Buddhist art, generously donated by Alice Kandell, a New York collector who made a major gift of Tibetan Buddhist art to the museum. This is the second time Kandell has gifted a significant collection; The Tibetan Buddhist shrine room at The Smithsonian’s National Museum of Asian Art was also a gift from Kandell in 2010.

The historical Tibetan shrine room exists as it would have in an aristocratic family home or a small temple in Tibet. Guests will be transported hundreds of years in the past as they walk through the Shrine room and witness an ornate display of objects like gilt bronze Buddhist statuary, thangkas (paintings of spiritual realms), ritual implements, painted furniture and textiles such as carpets, wall hangings and canopies. 

More informatin on the shrine.