Rhythmically Speaking Presents Groovers & Makers 2025, August 14-16 at Southern Theater

Groovers & Makers 2025 runs August 14-16 at Southern Theater

Rhythmically Speaking (RS) has announced their newly rebranded (and 17th annual) summer production Groovers & Makers 2025: 4 Takes on Jazz Dance (formerly The Cohort) August 14-16 at the Southern Theater. Though the format and name of this annual Summer production has shifted throughout the years, it has always delivered fresh, vibrant takes on staged works inspired by jazz and American social dance ideas from exciting movers and shakers in the field. The production continues RS's tradition of commissioning the creation of new work by local choreographers while providing opportunities for dance artists who are based outside of Minnesota to show their work here. In 2022, they added a screen works segment to this program, in collaboration with the Sans Souci Festival of Dance Cinema (Boulder, CO).

The stage component of Groovers & Makers 2025 features works by an exciting line-up of choreographers (the Makers): Hannah MacKenzie-Margulies, a local artist with a strong contemporary concert dance background who is also very well-known on the swing dance teaching and competition circuit; Brandi Coleman of Dallas, TX, a long-time company member of Jump Rhythm Jazz Project (Chicago) who is currently Assistant Professor of Jazz Dance at Southern Methodist University; and Cynthia Gutierrez, director of Company Movimiento (Eugene, OR) and Assistant Professor of Dance at Gonzaga University who initially built her career in the Twin Cities. RS Artistic and Executive Director Erinn Liebhard will also have work in the show.

From MacKenzie-Margulies’ contemporary concert dance take on swing and Coleman’s vocally-dynamic approach to grounded and driven jazz, to Gutierrez’s Latin jazz vibes and Liebhard’s groove and improvisation-forward perspective, the production will run a gamut of feelings while showing a breadth of what ‘jazz and American social dance-inspired’ can mean. The show will be danced by RS company members (the Groovers) Nieya Amezquita, Malia Craft, Doug Hooker, Amy Jones, Sara Karimi, Erinn Liebhard, Kelli Miles, Jake Nehrbass, Kathleen Pender and Betsy Schaefer-Roob. Groovers & Makers 2025 will also include a screening of to-be-selected dance films by artists from all over the world: previous screen programs have included works not only from all over the USA, but also Bulgara, the UK and Spain.

Rhythmically Speaking sparks vibrancy and connectedness through jazz and American social dance ideas. With shared roots of groove, interaction and improvisation, these approaches encourage simultaneous expression of difference and similarity as a means of creating community. RS is proud to be a local and national leader in celebrating the rich history of these forms while nurturing their innovation. Since their founding in 2008, the organization has presented 111 original and remounted works and engaged 350+ artists and thousands of audience members and outreach program participants.

Pen Pals' 29th Season Lineup Announced

Friends of Hennepin County Library has announced the lineup for their 2025-26 season of Pen Pals, the highly-acclaimed and longest-running literary series in the Twin Cities.  The 29th season of Pen Pals will once again feature a captivating array of award-winning and bestselling authors. Please join us at Hopkins Center for the Arts as we welcome Wally Lamb, Laila Lalami, Kaveh Akbar, Imani Perry, and Ariel Lawhon.  Current subscribers, now is the time to renew your season tickets! Renew online today and by phone starting May 7 (612-543-8112.) New subscribers, subscriptions go on sale on Friday, June 27, with a special presale for Library Leadership Circle members on Thursday, June 26. We hope you can join us for another season of thought-provoking conversations and literary adventures!

Wally Lamb She's Come Undone, I Know This Much is True Thursday, Oct. 9, 2025 7:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 10, 2025 11:00 a.m.

Laila Lalami The Dream Hotel, The Moor's Account Tuesday, Oct. 28, 2025 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 29, 2025 11:00 a.m.

Kaveh Akbar Martyr!, Calling a Wolf a Wolf Monday, Dec. 8, 2025 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 9, 2025 11:00 a.m.

Imani Perry Black in Blues, South to America  Thursday, Mar. 5, 2026 7:30 p.m. Friday, Mar. 6, 2026 11:00 a.m.

Ariel Lawhon The Frozen River, I Was Anastasia Thursday, April 30, 2026 7:30 p.m. Friday, May 1, 2026 11:00 a.m.

FINNOVATION Institute Fellowship Program Now Accepting Applications

Applications for the seventh cohort of the FINNOVATION Fellowship Program are now open and due by June 1, 2025. The program supports impact-driven, ‘early-stage’ entrepreneurs as they launch and lead sustainable and innovative businesses.

For its first six years, the FINNOVATION Fellowship was an intensive nine-month initiative for a select cohort of nine social business leaders in Minnesota. New in 2025, the program is changing to support more social entrepreneurs, especially those in the earliest stages of exploring a business idea.

For the 2025-26 cohort, the Fellowship program will be split into two distinct phases: the Discovery Module and the Fellows Module. The Discovery Module will accept up to 18 participants and, for three months, will focus on developing a deeper understanding of participants’ market opportunity and value proposition.

All Discovery Module participants are eligible to be considered for the Fellows Module. Up to nine participants will receive a $50,000 stipend and will work closely with the FINNOVATION Institute for six months to focus on their business's operational and strategic elements. This will result in a strong business plan and pitch as well as deeper work in leadership development.

Ideal Fellows are driven to be great leaders who can bridge the gap between social change and business and embrace the ups and downs of personal growth and entrepreneurship. “This program is a great opportunity for people with expertise in various sectors, but who aren’t sure how to start or grow a business,” says Connie Rutledge, Executive Director of the FINNOVATION Institute.

To learn more about the 2025/2026 Fellowship Program, apply, and learn about FINNOVATION Fellowship alums, please visit www.finnovationinstitute.org.

Help Restore Our Riverfront Nature Sanctuary, East Owamniyomni

Help restore native habitats and protect the clean waters of this scenic nature sanctuary by the Mississippi River, once part of the St. Anthony Falls.

By the east bank of the Mississippi River, where waters once tumbled over the limestone face to create the river’s only natural falls, volunteers are restoring native trees, shrubs, wildflowers and grasses to the shores, slopes, meadows and wetlands of the lower trail area of Father Hennepin Bluff Park.  From Williams Island – visible from the Stone Arch Bridge – to Mill View Meadow – visible from Main Street SE – to Hennepin Beach – downstream from the Xcel spillway - this diverse natural area hums with life. Eagles and herons hunt in its waters, and songbirds nest in its forest. In Dakota, St. Anthony Falls are called Owamniyomni, “turbulent water, whirlpool, eddy,” and volunteers call this part of the park East Owamniyomni, honoring the power of the falls.

The Father Hennepin Bluff Stewards, a project of the East Bank Neighborhoods Partnership, collaborates with the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board to care for this nature sanctuary, and hosts care days from April to November. All are welcome!

Please sign up here!

2025 Posters for Parks - Call for Artists Now Open Through June 6

Calling all local artists, designers, and illustrators who love Minneapolis Parks! Applications are now open for the 11th annual Posters for Parks show, happening Saturday, October 11 at Minnehaha Park. This event features limited-edition posters that benefit our parks - artists receive 50% of each sale, with remaining proceeds supporting the Minneapolis Parks Foundation’s People for Parks Fund.

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Don’t delay – the Call for Artists closes on Friday, June 6! Apply here

May 7th 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

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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/deck, aggregate and bituminous pavement, then constructing a new reinforced concrete deck.

View of removed bridge deck

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.

Sawing concrete slab

Schedule

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

Traffic Impact

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

Current Work

For the month of April, the following construction operations were performed: Work site establishment, installing the debris containment system, removal of the aggregate and bituminous surface on the approach spans, saw cutting the northern approach span for deck removal and beginning to remove the deck on the northern approach span.

Removal of concrete slab section

Coming Up

Continued deck removals, railing removals, excavation on the North side of the bridge to allow for work on Abutment 1.

Stay Connected

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

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

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

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

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

May in Downtown Parks: Openings, Art, Sports & Volunteer Opportunities

Via a May 7th e-announcement from Minneapolis Park and Rec Board:

From art classes and book clubs and bocce ball, Downtown Parks are your go-to for spring fun. Here’s what’s happening this month:

 Grand Opening: The River Hub at Graco Park

Saturday, May 10 | 10 am–4 pm
Graco Park – 810 Sibley St NE, Minneapolis
Ribbon Cutting at noon

Join us as we celebrate the grand opening of The River Hub, marking the next chapter of Northeast Minneapolis’s riverfront transformation. From its origins as Scherer Bros. Lumber to its vibrant rebirth, this park is a true testament to community and environmental progress.

Opening Day Schedule:

• 10 am – Free Yoga with Bouldering Project
• 10 am–2 pm – Hornbeck Pack Boats and Canoe experiences 
• 10 am–4 pm – Minneapolis Park Market - featuring over twenty vendors
• 11:30 am – Opening Remarks
• Noon – Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
• 12:30–4 pm –
  • Art Activities with Alec
  • Fat Bike Rides
  • Spark'd Studio Open House
  • Seed Library - bring some and take some
  • Cones & Creamery and KCM Egg Rolls onsite

Explore the new park building, enjoy art activities, and connect with nature at the river’s edge. It’s a day full of creativity, community, and celebration!

Park Palette: Weaving with t-shirts
Monday, May 12 | 6:30-8 pm
Water Works

Learn how to weave, knot, and tangle! In this class you will learn how to make yarn out of t-shirts and then use it to create some beautiful braiding to take home. We will provide t-shirts, but feel free to bring your own stash if you would like.

Cost: $15 residents | $22.50 non-residents

Register for Weaving

 Art-A-Whirl at Graco Park (30th Anniversary!)

Friday, May 16 | 5–10 pm
Saturday, May 17 | Noon–8 pm
Sunday, May 18 | Noon–5 pm

Celebrate Art-A-Whirl’s milestone anniversary with an amazing lineup of creative makers at Graco Park. Meet local artists and enjoy sustainable fashion, screen prints, and youth-driven art projects.

Featured Makers:

• Michele & Muse – Sustainable couture millinery

• Angry Peanut Press – Playful, small-batch screenprints (Closed Sunday)

• EcoPetites x Mad Mir Dye x janiette post industrial – Ethical, upcycled, hand-dyed clothing

• Blind Havoc – Streetwear spreading positivity

• The Pawfect Patch - Customized patches, beanies, and more!

• Spark’d Studios – Youth creativity & self-expression (Closed Sunday)

Spring Book Club: The French Winemaker's Daughter by Loretta Ellsworth
Monday, May 19 | 6:30-7:30 pm
Water Works – Free, drop-in

This month, we’re reading The French Winemaker’s Daughter by Loretta Ellsworth—a moving historical novel set during World War II. Told through the voices of two women generations apart, this story explores love, war, and loyalty, all connected by a mysterious bottle of wine stolen by the Nazis.

 Adult Summer Sports Leagues

Now open for registration! Whether you’re a casual player or a fierce competitor, we’ve got the perfect weeknight lineup.

 Grass Bocce Ball

• Tuesdays at North Loop Park

• Fridays at Water Works Park

 Kubb

• Wednesdays at Water Works

 Cornhole

• Thursdays at Water Works

 Games start at 5:30 pm and 7 pm

 Food & beverages available from Owamni’s Wakpa Bar at Water Works!

Learn more about our leagues

Get Involved: Volunteer with Downtown Parks

Give back, have fun, and be part of the magic that makes our parks special.

Downtown Parks Program Volunteer - Support weekly and monthly programs like arts, dance, games, and movie nights.

Downtown Parks Events Volunteer - Join us at major events like Kick-off to Summer, Red, White & Boom!, K-pop in the Sunset, and more!

Commons Garden Volunteer - Help maintain and beautify the planter boxes at The Commons (4th Street & Park Ave).

Learn more & sign up

Downtown Minneapolis Parks

The Commons Park - 425 Portland Avenue South

Gateway Park - 1 1st Street South

Graco Park - 15 8th Ave Northeast

Nicollet Island Park - 40 Power Street

North Loop Park - 731 N 3rd St 

Water Works at Mill Ruins Park - 425 West River Parkway

Questions? Email Aisling Reynolds, areynolds@minneapolisparks.org.

Theater Latté Da Announces Tony Award-Winning Musical PASSION Opens in June

Performances begin June 4 and run thru July 13 at the Ritz Theater

Theater Latté Da's Justin Lucero will direct the rarely produced Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine masterwork PASSION - the shows first production to be presented in Minnesota in over 20 years. PASSION opens at the intimate Ritz Theater on June 7. Tickets are on sale now online at latteda.org or 612-339-3003.

Per Lucero, “Announcing PASSION to conclude our mainstage season is a momentous occasion, marking our return to the canon of Stephen Sondheim’s genius work. This stunning and rarely produced masterwork showcases a dramatic journey of love, desire, and obsession that will leave a profound impact on our audience.”

Set in 1860s Italy, a gripping, fiery love triangle ignites when a dashing army captain is transferred to a remote military outpost. Giorgio, already in a passionate, clandestine affair with Clara back home, enters the sights and heart of Fosca, a fragile woman who turns out to be capable of adoration and desire unlike anything he has ever known. This Best Musical Tony winner, one of Sondheim’s most unforgettable, is an exultantly dramatic journey of love, desire, and obsession.

Last seen in the Twin Cities in a 2004 production from the Minnesota Opera, PASSION marks Theater Latté Da’s mainstage 99th production, and a return to its signature staging of the work of Stephen Sondheim. Past Sondheim pieces produced by Latté Da include Merrily We Roll Along (2022), A Little Night Music (2019), Assassins (2018), Gypsy (2016 and 2006), Sweeney Todd (2015), Into the Woods (2015), Company (2012) and Sunday in the Park with George (2003). 

PASSION is among three collaborations between Sondheim and librettist James Lapine, which also include Into the Woods and Sunday in the Park with George. The show premiered on Broadway in May 1994,  receiving 10 Tony Award nominations and winning four including Best Musical, Original Score and Book.

The creative team for PASSION includes Justin Lucero (director), Jason Hansen (music direction and orchestrations), Emily Michaels King (movement direction), Paul Whitaker (scenic and lighting designer), Amber Brown (costume designer), Peter Morrow (sound designer), Madelaine Foster (properties designer), and Emma Gustafson (wig, makeup and hair designer). Shelby Reddig is the Production Stage Manager, and Joelle Coutu is the Assistant Stage Manager.

Single tickets start at $36, plus fees ranging from $5.50 to $6.75. Group, student and other discounts are also available.

In-person box office hours are Tuesday to Friday from 12-5:00pm and Saturday from 12-5:00pm when in performance. Post-show discussions, ASL/AD, Open Caption, and masks-required performances are available on select dates. Braille and large print programs, assistive listening devices, and high-capacity bariatric chairs are available at every performance.

Theater Latté Da’s 2024-2025 season is made possible in part by Ameriprise Financial, Elizabeth C. Quinlan Foundation, James B. Linsmayer Foundation, The MAP Fund, The McKnight Foundation, The Nara Fund,  National Alliance for Musical Theatre, National Endowment for the Arts, RBC, Prospect Creek Foundation, The Ruth Easton Fund of the Edelstein Family Foundation, The Shubert Foundation; the voters of Minnesota through a Minnesota State Arts Board Operating Support grants, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the The Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund and numerous generous individual contributors.

A Toast to Opening Day at the Mill City Farmers Market

To ring in the Mill City Farmers Market 2025 outdoor season opening day, Farmers Kitchen + Bar served up a signature cocktail they created in collaboration with MCFM - the Tipsy Carrot. It featured carrot ginger juice from Pure Ginger for You and Salted Strawberry Jam puree from Serious Jam. They also had a version sans the vodka, A Lil Carrot Kiss.

Three of the new vendors for the 2025 season deputed at the May 3rd market: 

1) Solace Artisan Breads

I brought home a loaf of the Multigrain Pan Loaf, which tasted as wonderful as it looks. Scroll down to see the massive Challah bread - that is next on my list. They are a fulltime vendor, so you can look forward to their fresh breads every Saturday.

2) 38th Street Farm

I ran into a neighbor at the Market around 10:30a who said their cat loved the Pet Grass so much she had to come back and get more! Find their MCFM schedule here.

3) Enchanted Gardens of Minnesota

I couldn't resist a dozen of these beautiful eggs. They also offer honey, beeswax candles and lovely starter plants. As a fulltime vendor, find them at the Market every Saturday.

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Cooking demos are back!

Below, my haul from the May 3rd Market (missing rhubarb from Mhonpaj's Garden that I handed off to a neighbor, and Atacama empanadas that I scarfed down while unpacking all these goodies...). Looking forward to baking the Amazing Brown Mix, a new offering from Janna's Gluten Free Bakery.

Find more photos from the May 3rd MCFM here.

Finally, congrats to MCFM for being voted one of the top 3 Farmers Markets in Mpls.St.Paul Magazine's 2025 Best of the Twin Cities Readers’ Poll. :D

Theatre in the Round Presents Timely Drama, Sanctuary City - Opens May 9

Theatre in the Round Players (TRP) is presenting Sanctuary City by Pulitzer-Prize winner, Martyna Majok as a part of their 73rd Season.

Set in 2001, the year that both the DREAM Act was first proposed and 9/11 provoked a wave of xenophobia, this drama follows the story of two teenagers in New Jersey. Both brought to America as children, G and B support each other through life’s harsh circumstances, forging a friendship that becomes a sanctuary. When G becomes naturalized, she and B hatch a plan to marry so that he may legally remain in the country and pursue the future he imagines. But as time hurdles on and complications mount, their intertwined lives become tangled in the realities of love, longing, and belonging in an unwelcoming country.

Vanessa Brooke Agnes directs the three-member cast with stage management by Scott Gilbert, set design by Chris Goddard, costumes by Ryan McCanna, lighting by Andrew Vance, props by Elliott Van Winkle, and sound design by Eevee Pavey.

Sanctuary City runs May 9-June 1, Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30pm, Sundays at 2pm.

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Tickets: $20-29

Audio-Described performance: Sunday, May 25

Content Notice: This show contains mature language, references to physical abuse and deportation. Best for ages 16+.

More info & Tickets

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Theatre in the Round’s facilities are accessible for audience members using wheelchairs. Assisted listening and individual captioning devices are available for check-out. For questions about access services, please email tix@theatreintheround.org or call the box office at 612-333-3010.

Mill City Farmers Market Kicks Off 20th Outdoor Market Season on May 3rd

Mill City Farmers Market (MCFM) is ready to kick off its 20th outdoor season on Saturday, May 3rd from 8am to 1pm. They will bring together over 100 rotating local farmers, food producers and artists each Saturday morning May through October in a newly expanded footprint.

MCFM has been a champion for the local food movement since being founded in 2006 by farm-to-table pioneer and James Beard nominated restaurateur Brenda Langton. Located in the Mill District, the Market is a primary storefront for the majority of its 115 local farms and small businesses. There are a wide variety of vendors represented each week including farmers, food makers, textile and ceramic artists, jewelers, bakers, skin and body care, ready-to-eat food and more.

MCFM is welcoming 7 NEW vendors for the 2025 season:

●     38th Street Farm: fresh & dehydrated microgreens, pet grass and pet treats

●     Enchanted Gardens of Minnesota: farmstead products including goat cheese, butter, duck eggs

●     Kisheri Farms: Cameroonian farmer offering a wide variety of West African produce

●     Solace Artisan Breads: Latino-owned bakery offering freshly baked breads

●     Sun-Kissed Farm: Hmong farmer offering a variety of Asian greens and other unique produce

●     The Naked Tree Bakery: baked goods with no gluten, dairy, eggs, or judgement!

●     The Orange Roaster: Ukrainian sweet corn roaster joining us during sweet corn season

MCFM recognizes the significant barriers to organic certification for many emerging farmers, and because of this they not require formal USDA certification, but rather a commitment to regenerative agricultural practices that support the whole ecosystem. In addition to a Local Sourcing Standard, MCFM’s Sustainability Statement supports building healthy soils, sustainable water use, humane treatment of livestock, honorable workplace practices, and rejects synthetic inputs, pesticides and GMO seed. This ensures that you are getting high-quality, naturally grown and made products no matter which vendor you shop with.

Free programming will be offered again at the Market this season

...including live cooking demos with our Market Chefs, Market Yoga with local studios, Power of Produce veggie sampling for kids, Story Time with the Guthrie and more. Alongside food education, the Market and its Charitable Fund will continue their mission to give everyone in our community access to fresh, nutritious food through their food access programming. SNAP/EBT users can get their purchases tripled up to $10 each Market day (spend $10, get $30) and Greens for Good food gleaning will return this year in partnership with Augsburg University’s Campus Kitchen, purchasing excess produce from farmers to provide weekly fresh produce to low-income seniors in the Cedar Riverside neighborhood.

May 20 Walk & Talk at Graco Park

From river history to landscape innovation, discover what's new at one of Minneapolis' most recently reimagined parks. 

Tuesday, May 20, 3:30pm - 5:00pm

Explore the transformation of Minneapolis’ riverfront at Graco Park, 810 Sibley Street NE, with project experts from Barr Engineering and AFLA Landscape Architects. This guided walk will highlight the park’s landscape design, ecological restoration, and the historic Halls Island. Learn how this dynamic green space reflects both natural systems and community vision—while enjoying the river views along the way. Mostly paved trail, some stairs/gradual incline.

Spots are limited - please register here.

More info on the Walk & Talk Series.

Doors Open Minneapolis Returns May 17 and 18

Reminder - Check listings for individual property times!

70+ Minneapolis venues will be part of this years Doors Open Minneapolis, happening May 17 and 18, 10am–5pm each day. Building owners, caretakers and volunteers will be on hand to share information on the buildings and spaces. The event is produced by the historic preservation nonprofit Rethos. Doors Open Facebook page.

In this video, Mayor Frey gives us a sneak peek of the newly renovated City Hall, which is one of the properties featured during the Doors Open Minneapolis weekend. Here are the participating venues, listed in alphabetical order. From the Hennepin Healthcare Teddy Bear Clinic to Minneapolis Rowing Club - there's something of interest for everyone and every age.

Double up on culture - Historic A-Mill Artist Lofts will participate in both Doors Open and Art-A-Whirl!

Art-A-Whirl is happening May 16-18. A-Mill Artist Lofts, a National Historic Landmark located at 315 Main Street NE near the Stone Arch Bridge and Mississippi River, will be open Saturday and Sunday, May 17 and 18, 10am–5pm. Visitors are invited to enjoy festivities with vendors, food trucks, music and more. Formally the Pillsbury Flour Mill built in 1881, this preserved historic site has been renovated into residences with working artists in mind. Only open to the public once or twice a year, visitors will observe the original foundation walls of the Historic Pillsbury Mill, view down through the glass floor into the 60 foot deep turbine pits, and descend again to view the Historic limestone tunnel which travails 700 feet underneath Main Street toward its inlet across from Aster Café. The rooftop will also be open, offering a spectacular view of downtown Minneapolis.

Street Sweeping Begins April 22

Public Works crews will start the City’s comprehensive street sweeping program April 22 to clear away what accumulated in the streets over the winter. Drivers should watch for hot pink temporary “No Parking” signs to avoid a ticket and tow.

For approximately four weeks, sweeping crews will take care of more than 1,000 miles of city streets. To make sure the crews can do the most complete job possible, temporary “No Parking” signs will be posted at least 24 hours in advance to make sure streets are clear of parked vehicles. Drivers need to follow street sweeping parking rules or they may have their cars ticketed and towed to the Minneapolis Impound Lot.

Find your street on the schedule

You can see when your street is scheduled to be swept by visiting the interactive street sweeping map. Learn more about street sweeping.

Art at The Bridgewater Announces Exhibit 29: People + Places, Opening Reception April 24

Meet the Artists Reception

Enjoy Wine & Appetizers!

Thursday, April 24, 6:00pm – 8:00pm

Bridgewater Community Room, 215 10th Ave S

Art at The Bridgewater invites Mill District neighbors to the opening reception of their newest exhibit, People + Places.

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The Artists

Kristin Bickal | Katherine Boyce | Francene Christianson | Suhaila Ihsanullah Jane Meyer | Jodi Reeb | Mary Catherine Solberg | Mike Welton | Russ White | Judith Yourman

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Generously sponsored by Aaron Brown, Coldwell Banker Realty

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Coldwell Banker Realty agent Aaron Brown, the sponsor of “People + Places,” expertly manages every detail of his buyers’ and sellers’ property needs and leads them to success.

Hospitable and conscientious, he puts the best interests of his customers first. Aaron is fully committed to providing his clients with an exceptional level of service while conducting business in the most ethical, professional manner possible.

Appetizers are provided by Clay Oven, a mouthwatering restaurant in the Mill District, which takes you on a culinary journey through the flavors of India and the ancient art of clay oven cooking.

For more information, contact bnfacommittee@gmail.com

Fiesta de Flores: Art in Bloom Returns to Mia

This year’s celebration focuses on the museum’s growing collection of Latin American art

The Minneapolis Institute of Art’s (Mia) Art in Bloom, an annual festival featuring imaginative floral interpretations of selected works of art from Mia’s permanent collection, will return for its 41st year from April 24 to 27, 2025.

Free and open to everyone, Art in Bloom will showcase over 150 floral installations by more than 100 individual and commercial florists. Guests can experience floral beauty and fragrance throughout the museum, take a free guided tour, and enjoy family-friendly activities.

The centerpiece of this year’s festival is Alfredo Ramos Martínez’s Las vendedoras de flores (c. 1935–38), which is part of Mia’s growing collection of Latin American art. The work is the inspiration for this year’s Party in Bloom, Art in Bloom’s signature celebration, termed fiesta en flor – or “Party in Flowers.” It will feature the sights, sounds, and beauty of a fiesta night in Latin America. Guests will enjoy a preview of the pedestal floral art, and select Art in Bloom galleries will be available to tour. An entry of lights and flowers will be followed by champagne, appetizers, music, and a seated dinner. Party in Bloom will be held Friday, April 25, starting at 6 p.m. Tickets are $300.

Additional highlights of this year’s Art in Bloom events include:

Ashley FoxThe Art of Designing a Brand with Ashley Fox 

Floral designer Ashley Fox will discuss the creative process that has kept her in the wedding floral and editorial styling business for 17 years.

• Thursday, April 24, 6 p.m.
• Tickets: $30

Mastering the Art of Hand-Tied Bouquets: A Make and Take with Sarah from Bloomcroft Dahlias
This workshop will offer an opportunity to learn the artistry of floral bouquets. Participants will learn to make stunning hand-tied pieces using a selection of hand-cut flowers and leave with their bouquets.

• Friday, April 25, 11 a.m.
• Tickets: $45

Ikebana Make and Take with Sarah from Bloomcroft Dahlias This workshop will showcase the history and meaning of Ikebana, a Japanese art of flower arrangement. Ikebana means “giving life to flowers.” Participants will leave with their own small Ikebana arrangement and an understanding of an arrangement technique that focuses on unique shapes, forms, and colors.

• Saturday, April 26, 11 a.m.
• Tickets: $45

“We’re excited to welcome and celebrate with our community at Art in Bloom 2025! With a Latin theme, breathtaking floral arrangements inspired by Mia’s amazing art collection, and activities for all ages, we hope you’ll join us to experience the joy and beauty of this springtime fiesta de flores.” Friends of the Institute President Barbara Proeschel

Art in Bloom is the Friends of the Institute’s largest fundraiser of the year. Proceeds support various initiatives across the museum, including bus grants from the Friends that defray transportation costs and enable schools and other community members to enjoy Mia’s world-class collection.

For more information on Art in Bloom and other upcoming events, visit artsmia.org/events.

Minnesota Pollution Control Agency Seeks Volunteers for 2025 Water Monitoring Program

As spring arrives in Minnesota, the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) needs help monitoring the state’s 12,000+ lakes and 92,000+ miles of streams.

The Agency is recruiting volunteers to measure water clarity in numerous lakes and streams – including several high-priority sites in the metro area – and then report back to the agency. The Volunteer Water Monitoring Program is the perfect opportunity for outdoor enthusiasts and those interested in protecting our state’s natural resources!

Over 50 years of environmental stewardship

The University of Minnesota launched the Volunteer Water Monitoring Program in 1973 and transferred it to the MPCA in 1978. It has become the second oldest, and still active, volunteer water monitoring program in the nation, empowering Minnesotans from all corners of the state to support the health of our beloved waters.  

How does it work?

Volunteers conduct a simple water clarity test in a body of water twice a month from April to September. MPCA provides all the equipment and training; no experience is needed.

The MPCA uses the data to help determine whether lakes and streams are meeting water quality standards, which are designed to protect aquatic life and recreational activities (like fishing and swimming). In some cases, the information gathered by volunteers is the only monitoring done on a particular lake or stream.

Visit the website: Volunteer water monitoring | Minnesota Pollution Control Agency

Read about a volunteer water monitor: Ahead-of-her-time Battle Creek researcher returns as water monitor | Minnesota Pollution Control Agency

New Gamut Gallery Exhibit, Ebb & Flow, Opens May 2

This spring, Gamut Gallery invites you to sink into the natural rhythm of the season with Ebb & Flow, a multimedia group exhibition curated by Gallery Director Francesca Bernardi. With a focus on abstraction and organic materiality, Ebb & Flow captures the quiet pulse of nature through organic movement, repetition, and an earthy palette. This group exhibition brings together 10 local artists working in abstraction across painting, mixed media, and foraged and found materials, with works infused with the textures and tones of umber, indigo, moss, and ochre. Featuring acrylics, oils, natural dyes, wood, sculpture and textile works.

Featured Artists: Allison Johanson, Annie Hejny, Emily Donovan, Gregory Euclide, Halle Rittgers, Melinda Wolff, Rachelle Netland, Reed Moraine Ross, Sandra Felemovicius, Three Circle Shop

Join Gamut Gallery for a lively opening night celebration on Friday, May 2, featuring music by DJ Earth G Koreen and perhaps bring a piece of this energy home with you.

Public Opening Night - Friday, May 2, 7-10pm
DJ Earth G Koreen, FREE admission 

Following the high-energy brilliance of Refracted Ecologies, this exhibition offers a grounding contrast: a return to soil, water, wood, and air. Bernardi shares, “This year, we’ve been following our joy in the curatorial process—starting with Jonathan Thunder’s Sovereignty of Joy, then moving into the colorful burst of Refracted Ecologies. With Ebb & Flow, I felt called to explore nature from a more subdued, textural lens, through moss, umber, indigo, ochre, budding flowers, melting snow, and flowing water. These tones bring me peace. They remind me to breathe.”

From meditative gestures to experimental forms, each piece invites viewers to consider the interplay of color and form as a reflection of nature’s power.

The exhibition came together organically through studio visits and conversations with the artists. Emily Donovan and Melinda Wolff are both creating new works for the show. Annie Hejny returns with her signature water-infused process, and we are delighted to feature floral abstractionist Allison Johanson, whose vibrant pieces offer a fresh take on seasonal transformation.

Artist Discussion - Thursday, May 22, 6–8pm

$15 tickets

FREE to members and students

Featuring Ebb & Flow artists Emily Donovan, Annie Hejny, and Allison Johanson

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Join Gamut Gallery on Thursday, May 22, for an engaging artist panel discussion with Annie Hejny, Emily Donovan, and Allison Johanson.

Also featured will be Ghost Shepherd, a powerful sculptural work by the visionary collective Three Circle Shop, which will make its film debut on May 10. Additionaly, two textile pieces from Three Circle Shop will be on view, weaving their collaborative, nature-based practice into the heart of the show.

Ebb & Flow also includes work by the iconic Gregory Euclide, whose lush, figurative landscapes blur the line between painting and environment. We’re thrilled to welcome new-to-Gamut artist Reed Morraine Ross, whose bold abstract compositions evoke cycles of transformation. Rachelle Netland’s whimsical, life-filled landscapes and Sandra Felemovicius’ sweeping paintings alive with vibrant hues of yellow, green, and periwinkle bring both emotional and chromatic depth. Finally, Halle Rittger’s gestural, balanced paintings offer meditations on movement, stillness, and growth.

Together, these artists form a stellar lineup united by a shared reverence for the earth and its ever-changing states. Ebb & Flow is a tribute to the textures and rhythms that ground us.

GALLERY & GIFT SHOP OPEN HOURS

Visit for FREE during open hours: Thurs - Fri, 11am-6pm; Sat 11am-4pm
*Closed on exhibit opening day

Follow Gamut on Facebook and Instagram.

City Launches 2025 Shared Bike and Scooter Program

Via an April 7 announcement from the City of Minneapolis:

The City of Minneapolis has entered into license agreements with Lime and Spin to participate in its Shared Bike and Scooter Program for the 2025 season. Bikes and scooters will be available for rent beginning Monday, April 7.  

Licensees this year will pilot year-round operations, as weather and seasonality allows, enabling more opportunities to meet City mode-shift goals. Previously, the program shut down at the end of November and resumed in April. Both companies will have Class 1 pedal assist e-bikes and Class 2 e-bikes. All shared vehicles are restricted to a maximum speed of 15 mph with further speed restrictions in higher pedestrian areas. 

State law regulates how bikes and scooters can operate. Remember the rules for riding and parking shared bikes and scooters: 

To start your ride: 

• Download the operators’ app, complete the sign-up process and begin your rental. 

Stay safe when riding: 

• Travel close to the edge of the road or in a bike lane
• Wear a helmet 
• Yield to pedestrians 
• Obey traffic laws 
• Signal your turns 
• Ride one person per scooter or bike 

Riding on roads and streets: 

• Ride with traffic, not against it. Travel with the flow of traffic, unless otherwise signed 
• Stop at all stoplights and stop signs 
• Use a light when riding at night 
• Use all lanes and facilities correctly 

At the end of your ride: 

• End your trip anywhere in the city    
• Park upright using the kickstand 
• Lock to a public bike rack or municipal signpost except a bus stop sign 
• Keep sidewalks, building entrances and pedestrian paths of travel clear and accessible 

When driving a vehicle: 

• Watch your speed – 20 is plenty 
• Watch for bikes, scooters and pedestrians 
• Look before you turn 
• Yield to pedestrians and bikes 
• Bikes can use a full travel lane even if a bike lane is present 
• Pass at a safe distance, never less than three feet from a bicycle 
• Do not stop or park in bike lanes  
• Open doors safely, checking it is safe before opening 

Visit the City’s website for more details on the rules for riding bikes and riding scooters.  

Equity 

Equity and safety continue to be key focus areas for the program. As part of the City’s Equity focused requirements, at least 30% of each operator’s scooters must be distributed in Equity Distribution Areas in north and south Minneapolis and a maximum of 40% of each operator’s scooters are allowed downtown. The remaining 30% are to be distributed in all other neighborhoods.  

Beyond the scooter distribution requirements, all three operators are required to have low-income pricing programs for qualified residents. All rides that start in the equity zones will also receive a discount. Information on each low-income access program and instructions on how to sign up are on the City’s website.  

As You Go 

All of these services support the As You Go MPLS campaign, which encourages people to leave their cars at home and try walking, biking, rolling or taking transit more often. This year, the campaign shares tips on how to get started and reasons why biking can be fun, affordable and stress free. As You Go MPLS supports the City’s Transportation Action Plan, which has a goal of having 60 percent of trips in Minneapolis taken by walking, biking or transit by 2030.   

Mobility hubs 

Shared bikes and scooters can always be found at one of the City’s mobility hubs, which connect people to several different ways of getting around. This program, which began in 2019 with 12 hubs, now has 60 locations across Minneapolis. Mobility hubs are always on transit lines, such as light rail, bus rapid transit, regular bus service, and Metro Transit’s micro service in north Minneapolis. Some mobility hubs include Hourcar and Evie electric car sharing as well as the EV chargers. Look for “GO” signs at each mobility hub to see what services you’ll find there. Learn more about mobility hubs.  

About the Shared Bike and Scooter Program 

The Shared Bike and Scooter Program advances the City of Minneapolis’ transportation goals outlined in the Transportation Action Plan, including supporting safe street operations and focusing on human-centered design, removing the barriers of physical ability, geographic placement, language, payment methods, and income as well as sharing data that supports the City’s ongoing transportation planning and operations work. 

Learn more about scooters, including how to rent, ride and park them.  

Learn more about bike sharing for short trips around the city. 

Report issues with shared bikes and scooters online. 

Sirens Will Sound During Severe Weather Awareness Week, April 7-11

Via an April 7 announcement from Hennepin County:

Don’t be alarmed – sirens sound during Severe Weather Awareness Week

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Hennepin County will participate in a statewide tornado drill on Thursday, April 10. As part of the annual Minnesota Severe Weather Awareness Week, April 7-11, 2025, this drill is a crucial reminder for residents to prepare for severe weather. The outdoor warning sirens will sound at 1:45pm for schools and businesses, and at 6:45pm for families. A wireless emergency alert test will take place at 1:45pm.  

Please note, if severe weather is a significant threat on April 10, the drill will be cancelled, and emergency alerts will be sent accordingly. 

Severe Weather Awareness Week serves as an important opportunity to review and update emergency plans for the home, workplace, and schools. Since 1960, nearly two-thirds of federally declared disasters in Hennepin County have been caused by severe weather, including tornadoes. It's vital for everyone to take steps to protect themselves before a storm strikes. 

Learn more from Hennepin County on preparing for severe weather. 

County implements Partial County Alerting to improve severe weather notifications 

Hennepin County is making important changes to how NOAA Weather Radio alerts are delivered to residents. Partial County Alerting is now being implemented, allowing weather radio warnings to be targeted more precisely to areas at risk. This change means that smaller areas directly affected by severe weather will receive alerts, reducing unnecessary warning for those in safer areas. 

Previously, Hennepin County’s weather alerts through NOAA Weather Radio were broadcast to the entire county, even if the threat only impacted a small part of the area. This often led to residents receiving warnings for locations up to 30 miles away from the actual threat.  

Key Benefits of Partial County Alerting

• Weather Radio warnings will be more specific to areas actually at risk, meaning fewer people will receive alerts for weather events that don’t affect them. 

• The change will reduce confusion and help residents stay focused on the threats in their immediate vicinity. 

• It will ensure that residents only receive alerts that matter to them, making it easier to stay safe during severe weather events. 

How It Works

The National Weather Service alerts will now be sent to those within a smaller affected area of designated cities through NOAA Weather Radios. 

Hennepin County has been divided into six alerting areas, each with its own unique Weather Radio “SAME” code, including: 

• Northwest Area (127053): Corcoran, Greenfield, Hanover, Rockford, Rogers 

• Northeast Area (327053): Brooklyn Center, Brooklyn Park, Champlin, Dayton, Maple Grove, Osseo 

• Lake Area (427053): Deephaven, Excelsior, Long Lake, Medina, Mound, Orono, Wayzata 

• Central Area (527053): Crystal, Golden Valley, Hopkins, Medicine Lake, Minnetonka, Plymouth, Robbinsdale, Saint Louis Park 

• Minneapolis Area (627053): Minneapolis, Fort Snelling, MSP International Airport, Richfield, Saint Anthony