Mpls St.Paul Magazine Winter Restaurant Week is Feb 23-March 1

Make your reservation and support our local restaurants!

Restaurant Week is your invitation to dine out, discover something new, and support the local restaurants that make the Twin Cities such a great place to eat.

From February 23–March 1, enjoy mouthwatering two- and three-course prix fixe menus from the Twin Cities’ top chefs, priced from $15 to $50. With over 80 incredible restaurants to choose from, there’s something for every taste and every budget!

View all the options!

Every reservation helps sustain the chefs, servers and teams behind our vibrant food scene.

Recap of the February 19 Minneapolis Downtown Council 70th Annual Meeting

Civic Leaders Showcased 2025 Accomplishments and What’s Next in 2026

Yesterday, February 19, the Minneapolis Downtown Council and Downtown Improvement District hosted its 70th Annual Meeting at The Armory. With approximately 1,000 guests in attendance, civic leaders relayed the collective wins of 2025, revealed key data points, and set the stage for what’s next for Minneapolis - fueling growth and building a stronger, more dynamic and thriving downtown.

Speakers included Adam Duininck, President and CEO of the Minneapolis Downtown Council and Downtown Improvement District; Matthew Caldwell, CEO of Timberwolves and Lynx; Tom Pohlad, Minnesota Twins Chair; and Isaac Thompson, CEO of the Minnesota Orchestra. The event was emceed by WCCO Radio’s Vineeta Sawkar with entertainment provided by Ashley DuBose. 

Per Adam Duininck, “What we heard at today’s meeting is exactly why downtown Minneapolis must be the place. When business leaders, residents, and community partners come together, momentum follows. Downtown is not standing still - we are advancing foundational safety, accelerating residential growth, and amplifying our cultural vitality. As the world watches what Minneapolis does next, they will see a community building downtown by design - with intention, with partnership, and with an irresistible vibe.” 

Below are key messages and data points shared during the event: 

Investments and Leadership

• More than $230 million in new construction permits were issued.
• Key investment examples included updates and redevelopment at U.S. Bancorp Center, Sheraton Minneapolis Downtown, Loring Green Condominiums, SPS Tower, and LaSalle Plaza. Additionally, the 20 Washington and 365 Nicollet buildings were sold.
• The reimagining of the First Avenue entertainment district will include a $30 million investment, reinforcing downtown’s position as a premier arts and culture hub.
• Downtown Minneapolis experienced nearly 60 ribbon cuttings and new business openings in 2025 as well as the appointment of eight new CEOs leading downtown companies. 

Return-to-Office and Growing Foot Traffic

• Sixteen of the 20 largest downtown employers now have return-to-office policies in place, with Tuesdays through Thursdays as the busiest days.
• Downtown workday foot traffic has climbed to approximately 80% of pre-pandemic levels. 

Transit Investment

• The METRO E Line marked a $60 million investment in public transit, delivering service that is 20% faster.

Cultural Vitality and Major Events

• In 2025, more than nine million people attended sports, concerts, and special events in Downtown Minneapolis. Highlights included:
  • U.S. Bank Stadium hosted 162 events, drawing 1,032,877 attendees.
  • The pre-Broadway debut of Purple Rain at the State Theatre, the first pre-Broadway launch in Minneapolis since 1997.
  • Twin Cities Pride welcomed 650,000 attendees.
  • The Taste of Minnesota hosted 125,000 guests.
  • The St. Patrick’s Day Parade returned to Nicollet Mall for the first time since 2019.
  • Other events that collectively drew hundreds of thousands of visitors included North Loop Christkindl, Luminescence, Stone Arch Festival, Dinner du Nord, and the Warehouse District Live Block Party.

Safety and Social Impact

• A new First Precinct location opened.
• The addition of late-night ambassadors (7pm–3am) in the warehouse district decreased violent crime by 55%.
• The Minneapolis Police Department hired more than 100 new recruits, cadets and transfers while also adding 68 community service officers.
• Our Downtown Ambassadors provided 80,000+ hospitality assists.
• More than 3,700 livability wellness checks were conducted.
• 24,000 youth were supported by services.
• Medica invested in emergency short-term food relief, activating hundreds of community members to pack enough food for 10,000 meals, while also supporting long-term systemic change efforts.

Residential Stability and Public Enhancements

• Downtown’s residential base remains strong with 60,689 residents living downtown, holding steady over 2024. 
• Leaders are exploring ways for downtown residents to have a formal voice in the Downtown Improvement District through a Residential Expansion Project.
• Green spaces in downtown received a $5.1 million investment to sites including Elliot Park, Franklin Steel Park and North Loop Park. Plus, more than 18,000 trees and flowers were planted.

Hands-on Activities for All Ages at Mill City Museum’s STEM Family Day, Feb 28

Guests can learn how science shaped the Twin Cities

Science, technology, engineering, and math have all played key roles in the history of Minneapolis. On February 28 from 11am–3pm, the Mill City Museum, 704 S 2nd Street, invites guests to its annual free STEM Family Day to get a hands-on look at how the field has affected the Twin Cities riverfront.

The day’s program will feature fun and educational activities and demonstrations from notable STEM organizations in Minnesota and Minnesota Historical Society staff. Families can learn the history of STEM in the Twin Cities and get a glimpse of the important work being done locally in the field.

Guest Organizations include:

●      General Mills Grain and Flour Quality Lab

●      Minnesota Raptor Center

●      National Park Service

●      Minnesota Herpetological Society

●      Geological Society of Minnesota

●      American Chemical Society - Minnesota Local Section

Mill City Museum STEM Family Day 

Join My Very Own Bed on March 7 for an Evening of Music, Community and Impact - Because Every Child Deserves a Bed of Their Own

An evening of music and generosity benefiting My Very Own Bed
March 7, 7:00–9:30pm, at Nicollet Island Pavilion

My Very Own Bed, a Minneapolis nonprofit that provides children transitioning into stable housing with new beds and Dream Kits, will host its second annual Bed Rocks fundraiser on March 7. This year’s event moves to the Nicollet Island Pavilion, 40 Power Street, offering more room to celebrate a growing mission and deepen the organization’s impact. Bed Rocks aims to raise $120,000 to provide more Twin Cities kids with comfortable places to rest and call their own. Learn more and register.

The Power of a Good Night’s Sleep

Many children in the Twin Cities sleep on the floor or share a bed, making it difficult to get the rest they need to grow and thrive. Studies show that quality sleep improves focus, memory, problem-solving, mental health, and physical well-being. Receiving a new bed provides immediate benefits, helping kids succeed in school, build relationships, and feel happier and healthier. 

Since 2014, My Very Own Bed has provided more than 11,000 children with new beds and Dream Kits, complete with bedding, pillows, books, and stuffed animals. 

After receiving their new beds, parents have said:

• "She is sleeping well, going to school, and playing with friends. Teachers have noticed a difference.”

• "My five year old makes his own bed. I was shocked. He cleans his room. He is normally all over the place but now he has ownership and a change of attitude. Coming from the shelter and sleeping on the floor to this - it gives the kids some dignity and some security and something of their own."

• "It really made them feel loved because this is a new state and a new house for us. It really helped them get comfortable. They feel like they have their own rooms now."

Live Music and Entertainment for a Cause

With a goal of providing 2,100 children with new beds and Dream Kits in 2026, Bed Rocks plays a crucial role in expanding My Very Own Bed’s impact. This vibrant event, designed for adults in the community who want to make a meaningful difference in children's lives, will feature:

• A program and live auction hosted by comedian Miss Shannan, one of the few Black women working in the United States professionally as a Certified Benefit Auctioneer. Host to countless corporate and charity events, Miss Shannan's storytelling, comedy, and infectious smile make her performances unforgettable. 

• Live music by Brass Messengers: A sprawling fun factory of ten musicians based in the Twin Cities, known for creating joyful noise. Their sound ranges from inspired originals to globe-spanning sing-alongs and reimagined covers, all rooted in a distinctly homegrown Minneapolis street music spirit.

• Delicious appetizers, free NA cocktails, and a cash bar.

• An online silent auction starting on March 2.

Price: $50 for individual tickets, $500 for a table of 8
Silent Auction: Begins March 2 – participation does not require event attendance.

Warm and Tender Comedy, The Cake, Opens Feb 20 at Theatre in the Round

Theatre in the Round Players (TRP) will present The Cake, February 20 to March 15. 

In this sweet comedy by Bekah Brunstetter (This is Us), Southern baker Della is content with her life and world of sugar and flour - until she’s asked by her late best friend’s daughter to bake a wedding cake for her… and her future wife.

What follows is sweet, sad, sensual, and absurd as three women must reconstruct their deepest selves – or lose the people they love most. As they navigate sex, marriage, moral codes – and the fraught politics of cake – they bump up against unquestioned patterns, unspoken desires, and the hilarious contradictions of a life lived honestly.

Directed by Jennie Ward, this warm and poignant comedy invites audiences to the kitchen table for a story about hearts and beliefs colliding — and reminds us that sometimes the sweetest acts of courage are also the most human.

The production features Jenny Ramirez as Della, Daniel Stock as Tim, Via Logan as Jen, Natavia Lewis as Macy, and Kjer Whiting as George. 

The creative and production team includes Stage Manager Indigo Cabanela-Leiseth, Assistant Stage Manager Taylor Koehler, Set Designer Keven Lock, Lighting Designer Todd Reemtsma, Costume Designer Emma Shook, Prop Designer PJ Graber, and Sound Designer Jennie Ward.

A Pay-What-You-Can performance is scheduled for Monday, March 2 at 7:30pm, and an Audio-Described performance will be held on Sunday, March 8 at 2:00pm (email tix@theatreintheround.org to RSVP).

2022 DMNA Volunteer of the Year Winner Continues Volunteerism in Spain

Wanda covers graffiti before fresh, colorful images are applied.

Longtime Mill District resident Wanda Ortiz-Maysonet has spent a great deal of time in Spain over the past years. When she's in town she gives freely of her time, and that volunteer spirit is alive and well in Spain where she continues her work, proudly representing Minneapolis while helping improve Spanish communities. Wanda said not long ago very few people there knew about Minneapolis, but now they have great things to say about Minneapolitans.

Wanda been working with volunteer group Asociacion Ambiental Costa del Silencio Limpio in Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain. They began in September 2023 when the president of their association, Hannelore Ottevaere, posted on Facebook that she was looking for help to clean up around the neighborhood. Since Wanda had already been doing that on her own, it was a perfect opportunity to join forces and she become vice president of the group. Per Wanda, "I believe what we have accomplished is pretty remarkable!"

Wanda, Hannelore Ottevaere, president and founder, and Marcia Hernandez, Secretary, attend a City Council meeting at Arona City Hall where their group was recognized for their work.

The start of their mission in 2023.

Through social media, they recruited more volunteers and have about 60 now. "We have people from many different countries, the majority retirees who spend their winters in Tenerife. I’m the only American, and we have people from Italy, Belgium, Uruguay, Germany, Austria, Cuba and a couple from Spain. It seems that volunteerism is not as big a thing with the locals," observed Wanda.

The group concentrates on trash pickup, graffiti removal, and they even installed a Little Free Library (a concept that originated in Minnesota). They've repaired children’s playgrounds and a mini golf course, and have painted murals on old abandoned advertising walls.

Above, the abandoned advertising wall before the project, and below, the completed project.

Learn more about their work on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube - check out the results of their efforts! Always the volunteer, Wanda also maintains the group's social media channels.

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Editor's note: One thing that stands out to me is the absolute joy this work brings to the volunteers. Cheers to Wanda - I feel so very fortunate to know her! :)

Children’s Theatre Company announces Forts! Build Your Own Adventure An Interactive Experience, Feb 13-April 5

Coming to Children’s Theatre Company (CTC), 2400 3rd Avenue S, February 13-April 5 - Forts! Build Your Own Adventure, an interactive experience!

Pull back the curtains and there you are - surrounded by old sofas, crazy lampshades, piles of blankets, and towering towers of cardboard boxes! It’s like the coolest attic you’ve ever seen, where everything’s up for grabs. Use whatever you want to build…whatever you want - the tallest fort, the longest fort, tons of cozy little forts… Quick, someone hands you a flashlight - what will you do? In Forts! you make it all happen. This experience is best enjoyed by all ages. 

 

Per Rick Dildine, CTC Artistic Director, “Forts! celebrates the power of imagination in its purest and most exhilarating form. From the moment you step inside, you’re transported into a world of boundless possibility - playful, inventive, and alive with creativity. We’re thrilled to invite families into an experience where play leads the way, creativity is limitless, and every child becomes the architect of their own adventure.”

Forts! creator Julie Ritchey adds, “Twenty years ago, as a student at Northwestern University, I did a research presentation about Children's Theatre Company. The thought that Forts!, a piece I am so proud of, will be presented at CTC, a company I have so long admired, is a true full-circle moment. I am overjoyed and honored to bring Forts! to Minneapolis, and I can't wait to see what the imaginations of the incredible CTC audiences build!”

 

Tickets for Forts! may be purchased at childrenstheatre.org/forts or by calling the ticket office at 612.874.0400. All tickets are $30.

 

There will be weekday sessions available during Spring Break (March 17-April 3). School groups interested in attending Forts! can contact schools@childrenstheatre.org for more information.

 

Forts! has a run time of 60 minutes with no intermission, and is best for all ages.

Puppy Cuddle Returns to Meet Minneapolis Visitor Center, February 12

Pick me! Pick me! Pick me!

Meet Minneapolis Visitor Center invites the public to a special Puppy Cuddle event featuring adorable, adoptable pups from a local animal rescue organization. From 11:30am to 1pm on Thursday, February 12, attendees can enjoy stress-relieving snuggles, learn about adoption opportunities, and support a great cause. A $5 donation is suggested to benefit Healing Hearts Rescue. Cash, credit and Venmo accepted, 100% of donations will go to Healing Hearts Rescue.

Healing Hearts Rescue is a volunteer-based nonprofit dog rescue dedicated to changing the lives of animals by finding them safe and loving homes. 

The Meet Minneapolis Visitor Center is located at 505 Nicollet Mall, Suite 100, directly across from the Nicollet station.

Waning Gibbous Moon by Ric Rosow

Submitted by Ric Rosow

I took this photo this morning (February 2) at 7:30am, two minutes before sunrise. The full moon was yesterday and you probably remember that the sky was cloudy in Minneapolis all day, and it was snowing in the morning when the moon was moving across the sky to set below the horizon. So I was pleasantly surprised to see the moon high in the sky over downtown when I went to our exercise room in the condo for my morning routine. I cut that short and went out on our community deck. This image was taken toward the end of the photo shoot. For the previous hour I had been using my camera for all the shots before, and after this one as the moon descended and eventually went out of view behind this building. The lights on the Gold Medal Flour sign had been on until about 7:25am. I am always very pleased when I can capture a photo of the moon balancing on top of a building. Not only does the moon rise and set in a different location every day of the year, but the weather frequently interferes with getting a good image, like yesterday’s weather.

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Recently I've been experimenting with comparing the quality of the iPhone photos to the photos taken with the camera. The iPhone that I have can taken photos that are 48 MB in size. My camera weighs in at 45 MB in size. For posting on social media I don’t think the difference in quality of the image is noticeable because the image is at a very reduced size and never shown at its full 100% dimensions. But for any photo that I want to print the camera does a better job, primarily because I think the lens is much better on the camera. On the iPhone, when the image is printed at 300 DPI and at its full size - which is about 26.8 x 20.1 - I have found distortions in some areas of the image, especially closer to the edge. You don’t necessarily see those distortions in a photo posted on social media.

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

Art Opening at Bridgewater Lofts - Dynamic Surfaces, January 15

Art @ The Bridgewater
invites you to the next art opening:

Dynamic Surfaces
Thursday, January 15, 2026
6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Bridgewater Lobby
Art, wine, appetizers, dessert

Mill District neighbors are welcome to attend the opening reception of Dynamic Surfaces, the latest art exhibit by the Art @ the Bridgewater program. For more information or sales, please contact Peter Zenner at pczenner@comcast.net. The Bridgewater is located at 215 10th Avenue S, across from Gold Medal Park. Take a virtual tour of Dynamic Surfaces.

The Artists: Joe Ewest | Gina Gaetz | Suzanne Howe | Tom Maakestad | Melvin North | Claudia Poser | Richard Simonsen | Andrew Sjodin

Stone Arch Glow at Night by Ric Rosow

Submitted by Rick Rosow

I took this photograph on January 1, 2026 at 11 p.m. I was tired and ready to retire for the night when I looked out the window and saw this incredible glow surrounding the Stone Arch Bridge and the entire St. Anthony Main area. The City turns the bridge lights off at some point in the night so I rushed to get my camera and tripod to capture the moment. 

This photograph is now on my website. You can see more of my work  at ricrosowphotography.com and @pricekrishnangallery.com.

Lobster Week Returns to Nicollet Island Inn, January 7-18

The last hurrah of the Holiday Season! Lobster Week dining tradition returns at Nicollet Island Inn January 7-18

The Nicollet Island Inn, 95 Merriam Street, will extend their Holiday decor inside and out for your enjoyment during their annual Lobster Week celebration, January 7-18. Dinner will be served in the main dining room with windows looking out on the Mississippi River and views of the illuminated Merriam Street Bridge.

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For over a decade, Lobster Week has been, according to innkeepers and owners Larry and Caryl Abdo, the unofficial last hurrah of the holiday season when a decadent lobster dining experience serves as a final toast to the Season of Celebration.

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The four-course lobster and chocolate feast includes wine for the table.  It’s the perfect dining occasion for one's own celebration or for giving as a unique gift.

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Reservations are open and a must; seating is limited. 612-331-1800 

MacPhail Presents a Free Family Concert, January 17, Featuring the Jolly Pops

Saturday, January 17, 2026, 10:00am–12:00pm

MacPhail's Sing Play Learn with MacPhail® concert invites families and young music lovers to sing, play, and move together through a lively, interactive musical experience. It's a fun-filled musical morning featuring The Jolly Pops! Enjoy kid-friendly rock and roll, meet the performers, explore instruments, make a rainbow ribbon wand, and enjoy a snack at MacPhail Center for Music, 501 S 2nd Street.

The Jolly Pops, a kid-friendly rock band, will play two concerts featuring music, movement, and more for the whole family. These “Minnesota Happy Dads” are ready to rock the house at MacPhail!

Liz Miller's Exhibition, Atlas: Western Anthology, Opens at Kolman & Reeb Gallery January 3

Liz Miller

Atlas: Western Anthology

January 3 – March 7, 2026

Artist Reception: Saturday, January 10 6:00pm–8:00pm

The Kolman & Reeb Gallery has announced its first Project Space Grant exhibition in 2026, Atlas: Western Anthology, by Liz Miller. Featuring a dynamic body of wall-based sculptures, the exhibition combines reclaimed objects with weaving, color systems, and rich material transformation. The works form a vibrant, abstract atlas of memory, consumption, geography, and renewal.

At the heart of Miller’s exhibition is the simple, exhilarating thrill of the hunt. The endless and captivating search for abandoned objects; pulling over unexpectedly, digging objects out of vines, walking roadsides, and exploring overlooked spaces. Each found object becomes an unconventional souvenir tied to place, memory, and landscape. Following a self-imposed rule, Miller chooses only one object per location, echoing a childhood ritual of selecting a single souvenir per day on family road trips.

Marked by histories of use, wear, and weathering, these collected items - ranging from bent metal fragments to plastic forms - form the core of the exhibition.

In the studio, Miller transforms these collected objects through slow, repetitive weaving. She binds, wraps, and adorns each piece with cord and fiber using color palettes inspired by the official flowers of the states where the objects were found. This subtle system anchors each artwork to its geographic origin. Her weaving becomes an act of care, elevating discarded materials into visually rich contemporary abstractions. The contrast between rigid industrial remnants and soft fibers produces a striking hybrid aesthetic. Miller hopes viewers will rediscover beauty in familiar materials and reconsider the narratives embedded within everyday objects.

The project explores themes of memory, consumer culture, abandonment, and the emotional residues objects carry. Identifying her work as “reclaimed” or “upcycled,” Miller views each fragment as both a personal souvenir and an artifact of collective experience. References to childhood road-trip rituals, national parks, tourism, and the cultural rhythms of the American West infuse the work with layered meaning. Together, the pieces form an abstract atlas—documenting her travels and the deeper stories embedded in what others leave behind.

Atlas: Western Anthology, represents a significant expansion of Miller’s vision. The Project Space Grant provided the time and resources needed for extensive travel, object collection, studio experimentation, and the development of a cohesive new body of work. The grant opened a new direction in her practice—one she hopes to extend by eventually collecting materials from all 48 contiguous states.

Anita Sue Kolman, Kolman & Reeb Gallery founder and co-partner, says, “Resources from her Project Space Grant provided Liz a chance to take this unique idea further. It gave her time to travel, collect artifacts so often overlooked, and fully immerse herself in transforming them. Jodi and I are so proud to support local artists whose vision is rooted here in Minnesota and yet explores a much broader stage.”

Gallery curator and co-partner, Jodi Reeb, added, “What excites me about Liz’s work is how deeply it begins out in the world - pulling over on random roadsides, climbing into ditches, or sifting through old thrift-store shelves, always chasing that thrill of discovering an object with a story. Seeing how she transforms these finds through slow, intentional weaving - turning discarded fragments into beautifully layered abstractions - is incredible. She honors where each piece came from while revealing the beauty hiding inside everyday materials.”

Liz Miller has received a McKnight Foundation Fellowship for Fiber Artists, a McKnight Foundation Fellowship for Visual Artists, a Joan Mitchell Foundation Painters & Sculptors Grant, and multiple Minnesota State Arts Board awards. Her work has been exhibited nationally and internationally, and she has held residencies at Mass MoCA, Stove Works, the Joan Mitchell Center, and the McColl Center for Art + Innovation. Miller is Professor of Installation Art and Drawing at Minnesota State University–Mankato and lives in Good Thunder, Minnesota.

For a preview of the show, please contact Anita Sue Kolman at anita@kolmanreebgallery.com or 612-385-4239. Kolman & Reeb Gallery is located in Studio 395 of the Northrup King Building, 1500 Jackson Street NE.

Theatre in the Round Presents How to Catch Creation, January 16 - February 8

A Poetic and Profound Exploration of Art and Identity

Theatre in the Round Players (TRP) opens the new year with How to Catch Creation, a powerful and lyrical drama by Christina Anderson that unites four artists whose lives, past and present, intertwine in unexpected and meaningful ways. Set in the Bay Area and drawing connections across time with the life of a Black feminist writer from the 1960s, the play explores what it means to create — art, family, purpose, and a world that reflects our deepest selves.

Directed by Vanessa Brooke Agnes, the production runs January 16 through February 8, 2026, with performances on Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30pm and Sundays at 2:00pm.

Griffin, a writer who spent over a decade in prison for a crime he didn’t commit, yearns to build a future; Tami, a driven art professor, finds her passion floundering; Stokes, a young painter, searches for creative purpose; and Riley, his partner, looks for a place to belong. As these four artists’ stories unfold, they intersect with one another — and with the legacy of creative work that came before them — in a poetic exploration of connection, resilience, and artistic vision.

The cast features Duck Washington (Griffin), Tia Tanzer (Tami), Izzy Maxwell (Riley), Noah Branch (Stokes), Mary Cannon (G.K. Marche), Lyreshia Ghostlon-Green (Natalie), and Abdoulie Ceesay (Thom).

The artistic and production team includes Stage Manager, Katie Dismang, Assistant Stage Manager Indigo Cabanela-Leiseth, Set Designer Kejia Yu, Costume Designer Jacourtney Mountain-Bluhm, Sound Designer Christy Johnson, Light Designer Mark Kieffer & Prop Designer Rachel Glotter Snitzer.

A Pay-What-You-Can performance is scheduled for Monday, January 26 at 7:30pm, and an Audio-Described performance will be held on Sunday, February 1 at 2:00pm.

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Tickets: $20–29

Note: Strong language, mature themes, sexual situations, best for ages 15+

More Info & Tickets: www.theatreintheround.org/howtocatchcreation

Box Office Phone: 612-333-3010

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Theatre in the Round’s facilities are accessible for audience members using wheelchairs. Assisted listening and captioning devices are available for all performances.

Gamut Gallery Announces Their Art Space Will Close at the End of the Year

After 14 years as a downtown Minneapolis fine art gallery, Gamut Gallery has announced it will close its space at 717 10th Street S at the end of the year. Since its founding, Gamut has presented contemporary art by local, national, and international artists, while inviting people from all walks of life to see themselves as collectors.

In recent years, however, the conditions required to sustain that work have changed. The decision follows careful consideration of several factors, including upcoming city development near the gallery, shifts in the Minneapolis art market, and the evolving realities of operating a small, independent art gallery. In response, Gamut has reassessed the sustainability of maintaining a brick-and-mortar space and has chosen to conclude this chapter.

Over its 14-year run, Gamut Gallery presented 108 exhibitions featuring more than a thousand local, national, and international artists, alongside workshops, artist talks, performances, and community gatherings. The gallery became a fixture of the downtown Minneapolis art scene, offering many artists the opportunity to publicly exhibit their work for the first time while also showcasing established voices.

Gamut Gallery honors the vision and care that shaped its foundation and sustained its growth over more than a decade. In its most recent chapter, the gallery continued to evolve through refreshed curatorial perspectives and a playful, colorful approach that expanded its presence as an accessible fine art destination in downtown Minneapolis.

Before closing, the public is invited to visit for the final weekend of Gamut’s annual holiday market, Raging Art On, taking place December 18–21. The gallery will be open Thursday–Saturday from 11am–7pm and Sunday from 11am–5pm, with cocktails, appetizers, and music on Friday and Saturday from 5–7pm. Artwork will also be available for online purchase through December 28.

Following the closure of the physical space Francesca Bernardi, Gallery Director and Co-Owner, will continue to offer independent curatorial services. No additional gallery operations are planned at this time.

Gamut Gallery extends deep gratitude to the artists, collectors, neighbors, collaborators, and supporters who made the past 14 years possible.

The Great Northern Festival, January 28 - February 1, Offers Something For Everyone

The Great Northern will take place January 28 - Februray 1, and this year it will be focused in one central location at St. Anthony Main. The festival grounds stretch from the Riverplace building to Father Hennepin Bluff Park, with satellite events across downtown St. Paul, Nicollet Mall, and East Lake Street. With a new festival pass model for ticketing, attendees will have streamlined access to more experiences including three music stages, chef demos, public art, a giant winter playground, vendor markets and climate conversations.

Passes range from $15-$125. Family Day (Sunday, February 1) is free and open to the community.

*  *  *  Activities and Events  *  *  *

The Cold Open Launch Party | Friday, January 30 | 6PM | The Warming Grounds, 420 SE Main St

Kick off the winter festival with an electrifying outdoor dance party at The Warming Grounds. Groove to the beats of DJ Sophia Eris and DJ Ruca, while experiencing dynamic dance performances choreographed by Hothouse, a premier dance studio in Minneapolis known for its inclusive and expressive movement culture. Enjoy food trucks, warming stations, and a vibrant community atmosphere. This event is free and open to all.

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The Great Northern Sauna Village presented by Superior Sauna & Steam | January 28-February 1 | Hours vary | Riverplace Patio, 1 SE Main St

The iconic Sauna Village returns, with a full schedule of curated sauna experiences including sound bathing, Aufguss, family-friendly sessions, and restorative community steams. Visitors can enjoy self-guided sessions, join expert-led guided experiences, or check out special programming including family-friendly activities and unique wellness offerings. With more than 20 unique mobile saunas to explore, attendees will find endless ways to embrace the restorative power of heat and cold.

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Culinary Demonstrations & Classes | All weekend | Hours & Locations vary

Join Beth Dooley (James Beard Award-winning food writer), Ella Daniels (Mill City Farmers Market), Emily Vikre (Vikre Distillery), chefs from Owamni Restaurant, and more.

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Live Music | Jan 30 - Feb 1 | Hours & locations vary

The Great Northern is excited to present a multi-stage celebration of local sound and talent, featuring some of the region’s most dynamic artists across both indoor venues and outdoor Warming Grounds Stage, co-presented by The Current. Performances include local favorites Porch Light, MMYYKK featuring Omar Abdulkarim, Obi Original and The Black Atlantics, DJ Sophia Eris, DJ Ruca and more.

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Climate Solutions Series | All weekend | Hours & locations vary

Featuring panel discussions, workshops, film screenings and live podcasts, highlights include a keynote by tech expert and thought leader Peter Leyden, a podcast recording of How to Survive the End of the World with Autumn Brown & adrienne maree brown, a discussion with marine biologist Dr. Ayana Elizabeth Johnson on her New York Times bestselling book What If We Get it Right?: Visions of Climate Futures, the premier of The Great Northern’s original documentary short Rooted: Stories from Minnesota’s Farming Future by Liz Tracy, and Water, Land & Relatives, a panel and film screening featuring Dr. Ken Lucero (Trust for Public Land) and Shelley Buck (Owámniyomni Okhódayapi).

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Family Day Presented by Target | Sunday, February 1 | All day | Locations vary

Family Day brings fun for all ages, with hands-on activities, performances, and experiences that celebrate the season. From puppet shows, concerts, winter runs and fat biking to interactive workshops and public art installations, there is something for everyone. 

December 5 Bridge 9 Improvement 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.

Installing the block retaining wall on the southern approach

Bridge identification plate in the new pilaster on the north end of the bridge

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.

Southern approach spans, with light standards being reinstalled

Schedule

Construction activities this season started on April 7, 2025. The scheduled completion date is now January 2026. The Bridge is expected to be open January 8th, 2026, unless there are substantial disruptions due to weather over the next month.

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

November saw the current phase of the Bridge 9 project near completion. The following construction operations were performed: installation of the block retaining wall on the south end of the bridge, application of surface finish to some bridge elements, paving the disturbed trail on both ends of the bridge, and restoration of material disturbed by construction.

The new railing for the bridge was not ready for delivery to the project site until the end of November. The final railing delivery should occur by mid-December.

Paving at Abutment 1

Coming Up

Bridge railing is being delivered to site and installation is set to begin. The bridge will reopen to people walking and biking shortly after the final portion of the railing is installed. Current expectations are that the bridge will be open by January 8, 2026.

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

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

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

MacPhail Presents: All That I Was, I Carried Like a Candle, a December 13 Faculty Performance

In this next Spotlight Series concert of the MacPhail Presents season, piano faculty Richard Tostenson details a story of friendship, refuge, and resistance.

Featuring Weinberg's Piano Sonata No. 4 and a powerful piano transcription of Shostakovich's String Quartet No. 8, this program illuminates voices that refused to be extinguished in the shadow of fear and censorship.

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Tickets - Get your ticket for this incredible display of artistry and story of courage at MacPhail, 501 S 2nd Street.

Holiday Greetings from Our Community

Editors Note - For a number of years, we've been fortunate to have Becky Fillinger spotlight local businesses, entertainers and artists, non-profit leaders, elected officials and others. She reached out to people she's connected with along the way, asking them to share their Holiday greetings and thoughts for 2026. Here they are, in no particular order:

This is the time of the year when I take time to reflect on how much I have been blessed, even in the face of adversity. I have learned that adversity forges character and builds perseverance in individuals and in communities. May we all see our challenges as opportunities to grow and to prosper – individually and collectively – in 2026. Melvin Tennant, President and CEO, Meet Minneapolis

Only in Minneapolis do we name our snowplows and actually root for them. Here’s to a city that meets the cold with adventure, humor, and heart. Wishing everyone a wonderful holiday season. Mayor Jacob Frey 

This holiday season, I hope everyone finds moments of joy, connection, and wonderful food! I’m grateful for our community and look forward to seeing people come together at the restaurant. As we head into the new year, I wish for happiness and health for all. And of course, more dessert, because who needs New Year’s resolutions when there’s pastries? Diane Moua, Executive Chef & Owner, Diane’s Place

On behalf of the Downtown Minneapolis Neighborhood Association, we want to wish everyone a happy and safe holiday season. We hope everyone takes advantage of all the holiday offerings and events that downtown Minneapolis has to offer! Here’s to a prosperous 2026! Dan Brophy, President, Downtown Minneapolis Neighborhood Association

On behalf of our team and the local farms, food producers, and artists who nourish and inspire us, we hope your holiday season is filled with good friends and GREAT food! Check out our Indoor Winter Markets to find local, organic ingredients and unique gifts for yourself and those you love – between November and April, we host 35+ vendors in the Mill City Museum on the first and third Saturdays of each month from (9am-1pm.) Ella Daniels, Executive Director, Mill City Farmers Market

As we celebrate the holidays, I’m grateful for the unity and strength that define our city. Here’s to a New Year filled with opportunity, progress, and deeper connection within our community. Together, we can make 2026 our most impactful year yet. Chef David Fhima (Fhima's, Maison Margaux, Mother Dough Bakery, Artisans & Spice, Vagabondo)

My hopes for the holiday season are for our communities to have their basic needs met: to have food, shelter and safety, and perhaps a little more. My wish is for people to know they matter and to experience joy. There is such joy in giving, and if you can, then do so. Even if the gift is a genuine smile, or hello to say, "I see you." I would like to offer a Scrooge quote "...honor Christmas in [your] heart and try to keep it all the year." Happy Holidays! Happy Chanukah, Merry Christmas, and Happy Kwanza! Regina Marie Williams, Ghost of Christmas Present, Guthrie Theater

A big thank you to the residents of Ward 3 for their trust in reelecting me. Please know that as we start this season of peace that I am here to help you and welcome your calls/emails. The City is on a very positive, upward trajectory. Michael Rainville, Minneapolis City Council, Ward 3 

Sometimes it happens when you’re looking through family photos with winter scenes, or you smell hints of pine or cinnamon spices in the air. Or you hear Christmas songs playing in the background. But something will eventually trigger the words, “OK, now it feels like Christmas.” Ginger Commodore

Happy Holidays from the North Loop! We invite you to share in the holiday spirit with us! So much to see and do throughout the neighborhood... from great shopping, happy hours and dining to special events and activities. The North Loop welcomes you to join us - follow us on Instagram! Diane Merrifield, President, Board of Directors, North Loop Neighborhood Association

Here’s to peace, joy, and inspiration in the year ahead, and to finding beauty in unexpected places. Katie Luber, the Director & President at the Minneapolis Institute of Art.

As I think about the new year, I am so excited for the opportunity to create more space for healing and hope to continue serving the community in a way that provides sanctuary. I believe that being in ritual and in community magnifies healing. Nell Rueckl, Founder at Watershed Spa, Spot Spa & Nell's Remedies

Warm holiday wishes from the Minneapolis Parks Foundation! As we enter a new year, I hope our city’s parks offer you moments of joy, renewal, and community. If these shared spaces have inspired you, please consider supporting our mission with a holiday gift at MplsParksFoundation.org/Donate. Thank you for your generosity, and I look forward to seeing you in a Minneapolis park in 2026! Martin Wera, Executive Director, Minneapolis Parks Foundation

Happy holidays from the team at The Cedar, and cheers to another incredible year of making cultural connections through music and dance. We hope to see you on the West Bank soon! James Taylor, Program Director at The Cedar Cultural Center

Dear friends, we are elated that so many of you have ventured to The Main Cinema - over 150,000 attendees in 2025 alone! - to enjoy films from across the globe with your friends and neighbors. We are proud to open hearts and minds through the power of film and to contribute so actively to the vitality of our city. We do it for you. We can't do it without you! Susan Smoluchowski, Executive Director of MSP Film Society, and The Main Cinema/MSPIFF Staff

In my family, the holidays were always about remembering who we are and who we could become. We are an echo of our past, but we get to rewrite our futures. Wishing you a season full of gratitude, community, and new dreams. Chef Yia Vang

In Minneapolis, the darkest days of winter are brightened by the warmth of our people - and by the boundless hope we see in our children. As we look to the year ahead, may we continue building a Twin Cities where every young person can dream boldly and grow up feeling supported, inspired, and at home. Wishing everyone a season filled with light, community, and possibility. Rick Dildine, Artistic Director, Children’s Theatre Company

Minneapolis is a welcoming, thriving City - one where we embrace the idea and ideal that all can find a sense of belonging here. Our wish in the coming year is centered on hope and determination - hope that we can continue to express and embody the best that is within us and our shared humanity, and determination that Minneapolis will continue to lead as a City that fosters inclusion and opportunity for all. We look forward to 2026 as a new chapter in our commitment to being a Welcoming City, together. Michelle Rivero, director of the Office of Immigrant and Refugee Affairs for the City of Minneapolis

We are thrilled to look ahead to 2026 when we will begin the restoration of Owámniyomni. The Dakota-led vision for Owámniyomni emphasizes Ičikoyake - or interconnectedness - and uplifts the intrinsic relationship between land, water and other relatives. We're excited to welcome Dakota people and downtown neighbors back to the River to celebrate this interconnectedness, foster greater understanding between communities and create a place of healing for generations to come. Shelley Buck, president of Owámniyomni Okhódayapi