Mpls.St.Paul Magazine's Summer Restaurant Week is July 15-21

Over 50 restaurants are participating in Mpls.St.Paul Magazine's Summer Restaurant Week, July 15-21. Enjoy mouth-watering two- and three-course prix fixe meals at prices ranging from $15 to $45.

Share your Restaurant Week experience on Instagram and you could be featured as the “Diner of the Day” and win a $50 restaurant gift card! Here’s how it works:

- Post a picture of your Restaurant Week meal on Instagram

- Tag the post with #MNRestaurantWeek AND the restaurant name AND @mspmag

- Follow @mspmag on Instagram

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A new winner will be announced each day. 

Limit one entry per person per restaurant per day/Limit one prize per entrant.

Contest period is Monday, July 15 – Sunday, July 21 at 11:59PM.

Aquatennial 2024 Schedule Announced for July 24-27

All events are free, family-friendly, and open for all to enjoy!

The mpls downtown council (mdc) has announce the 2024 lineup of events for the Minneapolis Aquatennial, the official civic celebration of the City of Minneapolis. The annual tradition returns Wednesday, July 24 through Saturday, July 27, 2024.

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

• Aquatennial Torchlight Parade on Wednesday, July 24 at 7:30 p.m.

Along Nicollet from 12th to 4th Street

Annually the largest nighttime parade in Minnesota, the Aquatennial Torchlight Parade will fill downtown Minneapolis with great floats, displays, and marching bands through the heart of downtown.

• Target Fireworks on Saturday, July 27 at 10 p.m.

Along the banks of the Mississippi on West River Parkway near the Stone Arch Bridge

The Target Fireworks, produced by the world-famous Zambelli Fireworks team, are considered one of the top five annual fireworks shows in the entire country. The fireworks will once again be synced to music this year.

Come early for Aquatennial Pre-Fireworks Festivities on West River Parkway beginning at 4 p.m.

“Aquatennial is a beloved summer destination for our community,” said Adam Duininck, president & ceo, mpls downtown council. “This year’s Aquatennial lineup includes more than two dozen activities downtown, headlined by the Aquatennial Torchlight Parade on Wednesday and the Target Fireworks on Saturday night. Come downtown and enjoy all of the festivities while taking in all that our city’s core has to offer—incredible dining, nightlife, performances, sports and more.”

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

Here are some of the highlights of the 2024 Minneapolis Aquatennial^*. A full schedule of events can be found at aquatennial.com/events. Check back for updates leading up to Aquatennial. 

WEDNESDAY, JULY 24

• Go Outside: Summer Sessions (live music, giveaways, and more) – Hennepin Government Center South Plaza, 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.
• Minnesota Twins vs. Philadelphia Phillies – Target Field, at 12:10 p.m.
• Music in the Park – The Commons, noon – 1 p.m.
• USTA Cardio Tennis – Loring Park, 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. 
• Loring Park Family Fun Night, 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
• Twin Cities River Rats Waterski Show “Ratagascar: A Little Wild” – West River Road on Mississippi River between Broadway and Plymouth Avenues, 7 p.m.
• Aquatennial Torchlight Parade – Nicollet from 12th to 4th Streets, 7:30 p.m.
• Movies in the Park “Barbie” – The Commons, 8:45 p.m.

THURSDAY, JULY 25

• Downtown Thursdays (food trucks, music, games, giveaways, and more) – Nicollet from 6th Street to 9th Street, 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
• Core Power Yoga – Boom Island Park, 5:30 p.m. – 7 p.m.
• Go Outside: Movie Night, “Wonka” – Target Field Station, 7 p.m. – 9 p.m.
• Music in the Park – The Commons, 7 p.m. – 8 p.m.
• Movies in the Park, “Best in Show” – Loring Park, 8:45 p.m.

FRIDAY, JULY 26

• Alchemy 365 outdoor fitness class at Aquatennial, Mpls Sculpture Garden, 5:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
• Music in the Park – Water Works Park, 7 p.m. – 8 p.m.
• Warehouse District Live – 1st Avenue between 5th and 6th Streets, 7 p.m. – 3 a.m.

SATURDAY, JULY 27

• YMCA Basketball Tournament – The Alley Project (10th and Hennepin), 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
• Minnesota Orchestra Day of Music – Orchestra Hall, 9 a.m. – 9 p.m.
• USTA Cardio Tennis – Kenwood Park, 9 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
• Loring Park Art Festival – Loring Park, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
• Twin Cities Carifest – West River Road between Plymouth and Broadway Ave, 10 a.m. – 10 p.m.
• USTA Cardio Tennis – Kenwood Park, 10:30 a.m. - noon
• Mpls Park & Recreation Market – Nicollet Island Pavilion, 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.
• Minnesota Sinfonia Concert – Loring Park, 2:30 p.m. – 3:45 p.m.
• AquaJam Skateboarding –West River Parkway near Stone Arch Bridge, 4 p.m. – 7 p.m.
• Coffee and Cars – West River Parkway between Hennepin Ave. & 3rd Ave., 4 p.m. – 7 p.m.
• City of Lakes Market – near Guthrie Theater, 5 p.m. – 10 p.m.
• Mpls Craft Market – near Guthrie Theater, 5 p.m. – 10 p.m.
• Pre-Fireworks Festivities – live music – West River Parkway near Stone Arch Bridge, 6 p.m. – 10 p.m.
• Kids Zone – Pre-Fireworks Festivities – West River Parkway near Water Works Park, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
• Warehouse District Live – 1st Avenue between 5th and 6th Streets, 7 p.m. – 3 a.m.
• Target Fireworks – West River Parkway near Stone Arch Bridge, 10 p.m.

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

Volunteers Needed!

The Aquatennial relies on dozens of volunteers to help make the festival a success. Sign up online to be part of the Aquatennial Volunteer Program and assist with such events as the Aquatennial Torchlight Parade and Target Fireworks. Perks include access to the partner viewing area at the Fireworks, a t-shirt, and other benefits. aquatennial.com/volunteer/

The Minneapolis Aquatennial, the Official Civic Celebration of the City of Minneapolis, offers outstanding entertainment and activities in the City of Lakes for all ages. It is managed and produced by the mpls downtown council and their partners include Target, Hennepin Healthcare, iHeart Media, Minneapolis Recycling, City of Minneapolis, the Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board, Metro Transit and Renaissance Minneapolis Hotel, The Depot. 

Social Media Channels: Facebook - Twitter/X - Instagram

*Event details subject to change.

Early Vote Center Opens June 28 for State Primary

Excerpt from June 28 City of Minneapolis e-newsletter:

With the State primary election coming up in August, know what you need to do to vote. Early voting begins June 28.

Any Minneapolis voter may choose to vote before Election Day. Early voting options are available beginning 46 days before an election.

Voters can vote early in person at the Early Vote Center, 980 E. Hennepin Ave. or by mail.

Find more information on the City website.

June 2024 Minneapolis Central City Tunnel Project Update

Via a June 27 e-announcement from the City of Minneapolis:

Project Overview

The City of Minneapolis Public Works Department is constructing a new parallel storm tunnel, enlarging a portion of the existing storm tunnel, and constructing a new tunnel access in Downtown Minneapolis.

The new tunnel is being constructed parallel to the existing tunnel located under Washington Ave S between Nicollet Mall and Chicago Ave. The existing tunnel under Chicago Ave between Washington Ave S and the Mississippi River is being expanded to handle the increased stormwater capacity. The purpose of this project is to reduce pressure in the existing tunnel, provide more room for future growth, and to reduce the need for future repairs and tunnel failures.

Project Map

Project news

Crews have completed work on the new parallel storm tunnel under Washington Ave. Thank you for your patience with construction over the years. Restoration on the storm tunnel outlet at the Mississippi River continues, and barring any unforeseen circumstances, the remaining project work sites will be cleaned up by mid- July.

Mississippi River Portal

• Crews continue reconstructing the storm tunnel outlet and have begun restoration and site cleanup activities at the Mississippi River.

2nd Ave

• Crews have completed work at the 2nd Ave site and have begun restoration of the area.

Portland Ave

• Crews are wrapping up the work in the tunnel at the Portland Ave site and will begin restoration and site cleanup activities soon. The concrete barrier along Washington Avenue will be removed in the coming weeks and the road will be returned to its preconstruction condition.

Dewatering Well Sites

• Crews have removed the dewatering wells at Nicollet Mall, 2nd Ave, 4th Ave, Portland Ave, and Chicago Ave. Sidewalk restoration and site cleanup activities will begin soon.

Stay Connected

Visit the project website for more information and to sign up for project updates: https://www.minneapolismn.gov/government/projects/central-city-tunnel/

Email the project team: info@mplscentralcitytunnel.com

Contact the project hotline: 612-888-9418

What's Happening in Minneapolis Downtown This Weekend? Darn Near Everything!

Holy Smokes - it's going to be crazy busy Downtown this weekend, so plan accordingly, allow extra time, and enjoy! Thank you to Minneapolis Downtown Council for compiling this extensive list.

* * * * Friday, June 28 * * * *

• 2024 USA Gymnastics National Congress & Trade Show | all day – Minneapolis Convention Center
• 2024 USA Gymnastics For All National Championships & Gymfest | all day – Minneapolis Convention Center
• Promenade Du Nord | 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. – Nicollet Mall
• Flip Zone | 3 p.m. – 10 p.m. – Target Plaza
• Pride Beer Dabbler 2024 | 5 p.m. – 9 p.m. – Minneapolis Sculpture Garden
• Saloon Pride Block Party | 8 p.m. – outside of The Saloon on Hennepin Avenue
• Twin Cities Pride Youth Night | 5:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. – Loring Park
• Michael Cleveland & Flamekeeper | 7 p.m. – Dakota
• Warehouse District Live | 7 p.m. – 3 a.m. – 1st Avenue between 5th St. & 6th St.
• Little Shop of Horrors | 8 p.m. – Guthrie Theater
• Amos Lee | 7:30 p.m. – State Theatre
• U.S. Olympic Team Trials - Gymnastics | 8 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. – Target Center
• Bryson Tiller | 8 p.m. – The Armory
• The Klituation Pride Party | 9 p.m. – First Avenue

* * * * Saturday, June 29 * * * *

• 2024 USA Gymnastics National Congress & Trade Show | all day – Minneapolis Convention Center
• 2024 USA Gymnastics For All National Championships & Gymfest | all day – Minneapolis Convention Center
• Twin Cities Pride Festival | 10 a.m. – 7 p.m. – Loring Park
• Promenade Du Nord | 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. – Nicollet Mall
• Flip Zone | 12 p.m. – 6 p.m. – Target Plaza
• U.S. Olympic Team Trials - Gymnastics | 2 p.m. – 10 p.m. – Target Center
• Saloon Pride Block Party | 6 p.m. – outside of The Saloon on Hennepin Avenue
• Warehouse District Live | 7 p.m. – 3 a.m. – 1st Avenue between 5th St. & 6th St.
• Stanley Jordan | 7 p.m. - Dakota
• Little Shop of Horrors | 7:30 p.m. – Guthrie Theater
• Ben Platt: The Honeymind Tour | 8 p.m. – Orpheum Theatre
• Adrianne Lenker | 8 p.m. – State Theatre
• Flip Phone Pride XXL | 9 p.m. – First Avenue
• GRRRL Scout Stoplight Party | 9 p.m. – The Fillmore

* * * * Sunday, June 30 * * * *

• 2024 USA Gymnastics National Congress & Trade Show | all day – Minneapolis Convention Center
• 2024 USA Gymnastics For All National Championships & Gymfest | all day – Minneapolis Convention Center
• Rainbow Run 5k | 9 a.m. – race starts at Plymouth Bridge and finishes on Hennepin Avenue
• Twin Cities Pride Festival | 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. – Loring Park
• 2024 Twin Cities Pride Parade | 11 a.m. – Hennepin Avenue
• Promenade Du Nord | 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. – Nicollet Mall
• Little Shop of Horrors | 1 p.m. & 7 p.m. – Guthrie Theater
• Flip Zone | 3 p.m. – 10 p.m. – Target Plaza
• Saloon Pride Block Party | 3 p.m. – outside of The Saloon on Hennepin Avenue
• The Church and The Afghan Whigs | 7:15 p.m. – First Avenue
• U.S. Olympic Team Trials - Gymnastics | 7:30 p.m. – 10 p.m. – Target Center
• Adrianne Lenker | 8 p.m. – State Theatre 

June 27 Riva Terrace Summer Social at Four Seasons Hotel Minneapolis

Get a taste of Riva Terrace and Bar, Thursday, June 27, 3:30pm – 5:30pm, at this complimentary event

Four Seasons Hotel Minneapolis cordially invites you to join them for a Summer Social at Riva Terrace, their outdoor restaurant and bar at 245 Hennepin Avenue.

Guests will receive a welcome drink, enjoy passed appetizers, have the chance to receive mini spa services, and enjoy the spectacular views of downtown Minneapolis. FREE valet parking is provided. Plus, in honor of the Summer of ’24, attendees will receive 24% off their next visit to Riva Terrace.

New Italian Menu for Hotel Guests, Residents and Community Members

Riva Terrace Restaurant (Monday and Tuesday from 11am to 6pm and Wednesday through Sunday from 11am to 8pm): For both leisure diners and those seeking a respite from the workday, Executive Chef Martín Morelli and his team make meals memorable with the Heirloom Tomato Salad, Porchetta Sandwich and Albacore Tuna Crudo, and fire up the grill with New York Strip Steaks, Skuna Bay Salmon and Shrimp Pinchos. Whether rain or shine, guests dine in comfort through the protection of a new awning. Reservations are available now on Tock.

Riva Terrace Bar (Monday and Tuesday from 11am to 6 pm and Wednesday through Sunday from 11am to 10pm): Italian-inspired drinks such as Negronis, Aperol Spritzes, Bramble mocktails and house made limoncello shine alongside a 2023 favorite Crystal Palace.

Happiest Hour (Monday through Thursday from 4 to 6pm): Patrons are invited to dive into summer nights with Blood Orange and Rosé Sangria and cicchetti, or small plates, such as Fritto Misto, Polpette (Italian meatballs) and Bruschetta.

Minnesota Monday: Through a collaboration with BELLOSOUND, a curated playlist of Minnesota artists sets the mood for Happy Hour every Monday.

MPRB's July 4th Red, White, and Boom Schedule of Events

The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB) is excited to host the Red, White and Boom! Fourth of July event on the Downtown Minneapolis Riverfront. Festivities will take place 6-10 pm on Thursday, July 4 on the west side of the river, at Water Works and the Stone Arch Bridge parking lot. Please note the Stone Arch Bridge is closed for repairs this year.

Event Schedule

6 pm – Food Trucks: Savor a variety of delicious offerings from some of Minneapolis’ best food trucks. With a wide range of options available, there’s something to satisfy every craving.

6 pm – DJ Angel Beloved: Get ready to dance and groove as DJ Angel Beloved kicks off the evening with an electrifying mix of tunes. Enjoy a dynamic music experience that will set the perfect mood for the celebration.

8:30 pm – Big Mike Retro Soul & the Westside Horns: Continue the night with an exhilarating performance by Big Mike Retro Soul & the Westside Horns. This group of seasoned Twin Cities musicians brings their unique blend of blues rock inspired originals and family-friendly oldies from the 60s, 70s, and 80s. Their set includes R&B favorites from legends like Wilson Pickett, Otis Redding, and Marvin Gaye, as well as classic rock hits from The Beatles and The Rolling Stones.

10 pm – Fireworks! Cap off the night with a spectacular fireworks display over the scenic Mississippi River. Starting at 10 pm, the sky will come alive with a breathtaking show of lights and colors, creating lasting memories for all.

Gamut Gallery Announces June 22 Party to Celebrate Their 12 Year Anniversary

Join Gamut Gallery, 717 S 10th Street, for a fun-filled evening as they celebrate 12 incredible years! This year’s anniversary party promises to be a vibrant celebration of art, music, and community spirit. This is a special anniversary party as it is the first under the new ownership team.

What to expect? Experience the creative energy of local muralists: @kimmyartco, @teejay.art and @vanholmgren painting live in Gamut's ivy filled courtyard in the heart of downtown Minneapolis! Throughout the evening they'll be hosting exciting raffle prizes, giving you the chance to take home a piece of the magic.

The musical lineup will keep you dancing all night long with beats brought to you by House Queens; DJ Sassy G and Michelle Muse, who will set the perfect tone for a night of celebrating Gamut and its fabulous community.

June 22, 7–10pm / $15 presales / $20 day of event / members FREE

For over a decade, Gamut Gallery has been more than just an art space; it’s been a hub for creativity, performance, and collaboration. Community is the heart of what they do. It’s a place where people “come for the art, and stay for the party.” They remain as dedicated as ever to fostering a welcoming environment where art, music, and community thrive together.

The Anniversary Party coincides with the final day of the Visage: A Contemporary Portrait Show exhibition.

MPRB Announces Parkway and Road Closures for the July 4 Holiday Events

Closing these segments of parkways will help safeguard pedestrians and bicyclists visiting these popular July 4th park destinations.

The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB) will limit vehicle access to some segments of parkways over the Independence Day holiday. The parkway segments closed to vehicle traffic will remain open for bicyclists and pedestrians. These traffic closures are necessary due to large volumes of people gathering near the Central Riverfront and Bde Maka Ska during the July 4 holiday.

As has occurred during previous Red, White and Boom! July 4th activities, West River Parkway will be closed to vehicles from 4th Avenue North to 11th Avenue. The closure will take effect mid-morning of July 4 and reopen the morning of July 5. Additionally, Main Street SE will be closed to vehicles from Hennepin Avenue to 6th Avenue SE and the Stone Arch Bridge will be closed to pedestrians and bicycles. The Boom Island Park parking lot will be open only for vehicles with a disability parking certificate.

New for 2024, West Bde Maka Ska Parkway will be closed to vehicles from Richfield Road to Xerxes Avenue South. East Bde Maka Ska Parkway will be closed from West 36th Street to Lake Street. The Bde Maka Ska closures will take effect the evening of July 3 and reopen the morning of July 5. Linden Hills Neighborhood Association, East Bde Maka Neighborhood Association, and West Bde Maka Ska Neighborhood Association have all sent communications to the MPRB supporting parkway segment closures over Independence Day.

Rhythmically Speaking Brings The Cohort 2024 to The Southern Theater, August 15-17

Rhythmically Speaking (RS) is bringing The Cohort 2024 to The Southern Theater August 15-17, 2024.

Featuring works inspired by the vibrancy of jazz and American social dance ideas, The Cohort 2024 is the sixth installment of our reimagined annual Summer production, and sixteenth overall. Following ten years of annually presenting dance works by 7-9 mostly-local artists and their varied casts of performers, in 2019 RS shifted to provide more in-depth support to fewer artists creating longer works, and a company of dancers to perform them. In 2022, they innovated further by adding a screen works wing, in collaboration with the Sans Souci Festival of Dance Cinema (Boulder, CO), which they produce every other year, with the next installment landing in 2025. This new vision of the RS Summer production - a celebrated annual staple of the local dance scene - continues support of new work by local choreographers while providing opportunities for artists based outside of Minnesota to show their work here.

The Cohort 2024 features works by an exciting line-up of artists including Eboné Amos, Jake Nehrbass, and Maurice Watson. Eboné comes to us from Clarksville, TN, where she is an Assistant Professor of African American Studies in the Theatre and Dance Department at Austin Peay State University. Her work has been performed nationally and internationally including the COCO Festival in Port au Prince, Trinidad and the Jacksonville Dance Theatre in Jacksonville, FL. The piece she will revisit for The Cohort 2024 - Welcome to Soulsville - celebrates the music, dances and soul stirrers of the 1950s and 60s. Jake is an RS company member and has become a well-known performance presence in the Twin Cities dance scene, working with companies including Black Label Movement, Contempo Physical Dance and Flying Foot Forum, among others. A gifted tapper and teacher, Jake will be creating a new jazz and tap-inspired piece called Sonic Leather. 

Maurice hails from Greensboro, NC, where he is an Assistant Professor in the School of Dance. He has performed with Dayton Contemporary Dance Company, Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Ensemble, Lula Washington Dance Theatre and Jazz Antiqua among others, and is a sought-after creator and teacher nationally and internationally. The piece he will be restaging for The Cohort 2024 - Chasing the (1) = One - explores individuality and artistic expression in one’s social community. RS Artistic and Executive Director Erinn Liebhard will also have work on the show, a new dance entitled Conversation Piece, which will explore historical dance instruction diagrams and audio recordings as allegories for how conversation can unfold and inspire. The goal for RS' Summer shows is to illustrate a wide, vibrant breadth of what impactful "jazz and American social dance-inspired" performance art can look and feel like, and this exciting show is no exception.

The cohort of artists involved in this show also includes RS company dancers Nieya Amezquita, Doug Hooker, Amy Jones, Sara Karimi, Kelli Miles, Javan Mngrezzo, Kathleen Pender and Betsy Schaefer-Roob.

Rhythmically Speaking’s mission is to spark vibrancy and connectedness through jazz and American social dance ideas. With shared roots of groove, interaction and improvisation, these approaches to movement encourage simultaneous expression of difference and similarity as a means of creating community. Since their founding in 2008, the organization has presented 106 original and remounted works and engaged 350+ artists and thousands of audience members and outreach program participants.

Birds Along the Riverfront by Ric Rosow

Submitted by Ric Rosow

Great Blue Heron This heron was busy building - or perhaps rebuilding - its nest when I was photographing at the Heron Rookery by Marshall Terrace Park. Such a beautiful hard working bird. Sometime in July, this years young fledglings will leave the nest and learn how to fly.

Great Egret Egrets also fly to and from the islands of the Rookery. My wife showed this photo to her book club and their first reaction was that it was a painting my wife did. I love it when people think my photographs are paintings.

Flying in Formation I took this photo a couple of days ago while waiting to photograph the sunset. I saw the eagle first and focused on it. Then I saw the white gull flying a little higher above the eagle. However, it soon swooped down very close to the eagle. I cannot count the number of times I have scanned the river looking for an eagle, mostly with no success. This time my patience in waiting over 45 minutes paid off. Another photo in this sequence which I will process soon shows the two birds so close together that their wings almost touch.

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Find more of Ric's work at ricrosowphotography.com and PriceKrishnanGallery.com. 

Participate in NOAA’s 2024 Urban Heat Island Mapping Campaign, July 27

From the June 12 Hennepin Environmental Education News:

Get involved: collect data on urban heat - Saturday, July 27

Hennepin and Ramsey counties are seeking volunteer “street scientists” to help discover which areas of the community are hottest during extreme heat.

Volunteers will mount heat sensors on their cars and drive designated routes on one of the hottest days of the year. The data is being gathered as part of NOAA’s 2024 Urban Heat Island Mapping Campaign. Volunteers will get $25 pre-paid debit cards as a thank you.

This data, paired with community engagement, analysis, and modeling, will help develop hyper-local descriptions of where the hottest parts of neighborhoods are, inform strategies to reduce the health impacts of extreme heat, and better provide cooling relief for those living in the hottest areas.

Learn more about the project, and complete the volunteer interest form to get involved.

Have a group of people that wants to participate? One person from your group can fill out the form and indicate how many additional people are interested.

June 27-30 Olympic Trials Will Feature Downtown Street Fair, Entertainment, Fun for Kids and More

During the upcoming U.S. Olympic Team Trials for Gymnastics at Target Center, fans will be able to experience the ambience of Paris at Promenade Du Nord, a Parisian street fair on Nicollet Mall; and kids can jump, leap, climb and enjoy all kinds of interactive fun at Flip Zone at Target Plaza.

A kick-off event for Promenade Du Nord will take place on Thursday, June 27, at 11:30am. The kick-off will feature more than 1,000 gymnasts from around the world who will perform a gymnastics routine to a mashup of Minnesota music. Several local stars will serve as honorary dance captains, including:

• Leslie Fhima, Golden Bachelor Contestant
• Jacie Scott, Minnesota Vikings Cheerleaders Head Coach
• Michelle Young, Bachelorette of Season 19, TV Personality and Founder of The Michelle Young Foundation

*  *  *  Lineup of events and entertainment  *  *  *

Promenade Du Nord, Nicollet Mall – between Peavey Plaza and 7th St

DATES/TIMES: Thursday, June 27, thru Sunday, June 30, from 11am – 6pm each day

Promenade Du Nord will bring the magic of Paris to downtown Minneapolis through an extravagant street fair. This includes an upscale Parisian market, curated by Mich Berthiaume of Mich’s Markets, which will host numerous upscale local vendors. To transport fans to Paris, Nicollet Mall will also be adorned with a replica Eiffel Tower and lined with flowered trellis and light poles. And the pièce de résistance: entertainment and outdoor dining up and down Nicollet Mall.

ENTERTAINMENT! There will be a series of performances on a spectacular stage within the water basin of Peavey Plaza, with appearances by artistic gymnastics from Sweden, Switzerland and Minnesota’s own Circus Juventas. As visitors stroll along Nicollet Mall, they will also be entertained by a variety of street performers, mimes, piano players and musicians.

SHOPPING! The Parisian market will feature 66 local upscale creators with a variety of goods from clothing to sweet treats to home décor.

DINING! A collection of restaurants along Nicollet Mall will offer patio seating, so visitors can enjoy a meal amidst the Parisian atmosphere.

-   -   -   -   -   -   -   -

Flip Zone, Target Plaza and along N 1st Avenue between 6th and 7th Street

DATES/TIMES: Thursday, June 27, 3 – 8 pm, Friday, June 28, 3 – 10 pm, Saturday, June 29, 12 – 6 pm, Sunday, June 30, 3 – 10 pm

Flip Zone will be the heart of Gymnastics City USA, complete with gymnastics demos, a parkour course and even a 15-foot free fall into a big airbag. There will be interactive fun for kids of all ages!

ENTERTAINMENT! DJs and special guests will perform on a large stage while gymnastics clubs show off their skills on a demonstration mat with many gymnastics apparatuses.

DINING! Gate 34 at Target Field will be dishing out some special Minnesota-themed menu items and streaming the trials live so fans don’t miss a beat. And a Maui Wowi booth will craft unique concoctions to keep fans cool in the sun.

AUTOGRAPHS! Gymnastics legends will be stopping by for autograph sessions throughout the four days of Flip Zone.

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Learn more about the 2024 U.S. Olympic Team Trials for Gymnastics and associated events by visiting the Minnesota Sports and Events website. 

June 28 Northeast Dog Parade: Contests, Prizes and Fun!

The annual Northeast Dog Parade is an evening for dogs and owners alike!

Meet fellow owners and their dogs in the park by the river at Main Street & Hennepin Avenue NE (across the street from FRGMNT Coffee).

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Activities:
- Dog Parade: Show off your pup’s style in our fun parade through the neighborhood

- Contests and prizes: Best Trick, Look alike, Best Costume

- Meet fellow dog owners and their furry companions

- Vendor Stalls: Discover local businesses, treats, and services in the northeast community!

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Here's the link if you'd like to volunteer to set up, clean up, etc.

Feature to Check Out at the Stone Arch Bridge Festival: 100 Feet of Art and History

Art to Change the World & Mill City Museum Collaboration

Stone Arch Bridge Festival and Beyond 2024 – 100 Feet of Art and History

June 15 10am-7pm and June 16 10am-5pm

The Mill City Museum and the Stone Arch Bridge Festival have chosen Art to Change the World (ACW) to collaborate on a public art installation funded by a grant from the St. Anthony Falls Heritage Board. The installation, 100 Feet of Art and History, will be located adjacent to the Mill City Museum along West River Parkway. Six local artists have been selected through an RFP process to create the artwork.

The artists are planning an interactive installation which will be fun, educational and provide a Trivia Game opportunity to win an artwork worth $500 from one of the artists.

Congratulations to the following ACW Artists:

Sadie Ward and Frances Bates will collaborate on an experience that includes learning about women and the history of the textile industry near the Stone Arch Bridge. Their interactive display invites the audience to join a bridge and textile water weaving activity.

Owen Brown creates a unique installation where people tell each other their secrets and listen to each other, to the river today, and to the past.

Kelly Frankenberg provides the best photo op at the Stone Arch Festival with her 5 foot tall monarch butterfly made from recycled materials. Learn about the history of the Monarch to the river.

Barbara Bridges has created a 4 x 8 foot assemblage Trivia Tryptic focused on the wheat, water and history of the Mill City Museum.

Briauna Williams contributes a 4 x 8 foot mural exploring the riverfront industrial history and will lead the community as they create another 4 x 8 foot mural illustrating what they learned from the ACW 100 Feet of Art and History Installation.

Also, the Mississippi River Pearl has been invited back to the Stone Arch Bridge Festival in the Family Activities Area hosted by the Mill City Museum.

Theatre in the Round Players Continues 72nd Season with Adaptation of A Wrinkle in Time

Theatre in the Round Players (TRP) continues their 72nd Season with an adaptation of Madeline L’Engle’s classic science fiction novel, A Wrinkle in Time by John Glore. This theatrical adaptation runs Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30pm, Sundays at 2pm, June 21 to July 14 with a Monday Pay-What-You-Can performance on July 1.

A fantastical journey through time and space, this adaptation of Madeline L’Engle’s brilliant story follows Meg Murry – accompanied by her brother Charles Wallace and their friend Calvin – as she travels through the universe to battle the forces of evil, rescue her father, save humanity, and find herself. With imaginative staging, stunning visuals, and a heartwarming message about the power of love and hope, this play is a must-see for audiences of all ages.

Penelope Parsons-Lord directs the twelve-member cast with set design by Keven Lock, costumes by Krista Weiss, lighting by Mark Kieffer, props by Vicky Erickson, and sound design by Ryan Lee.

Downtown Lunch Hour Happenings on Nicollet, Plus Weekly Downtown Events

Weekday Lunch Hours on Nicollet:

• Nicollet xChange (Tuesdays starting June 4) 11:30am–1:30pm | The Nicollet xChange is returning over the lunch hour on Tuesdays this summer, bringing an open-air, pop-up marketplace for downtown employees, residents, and visitors to enjoy. Community members can engage in a sustainable swap that allows them to browse and exchange quality and quirky items in a marketplace setting. Visit www.onnicollet.com/event to learn more. 

• Peavey Plaza Music Series – (Select Tuesdays & Thursdays starting June 4) 12pm–1pm | Take a break outside during your lunch hour and enjoy live music on select Tuesdays and Thursdays this summer at Peavey Plaza! Each week will feature performances by local musicians. Check out the full schedule of performances at: www.mplsdid.com/peaveyplaza 

• Food Trucks on Nicollet (Tuesdays, Wednesdays, & Thursdays) 11:30am–1:30pm | Break up the workday by popping outside for lunch at a food truck this summer! On Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays food trucks will be located on Nicollet Mall between 8th Street and 9th Street. Learn more at: www.mplsdowntown.com/guides_activities/summers-better-downtown/ 

• Downtown Thursdays – (Thursdays starting June 6) 11:30am–1:30pm | Downtown is the place to be on Thursdays! Downtown Thursdays are taking over Nicollet Mall from 6th Street to 9th Street once again this summer with weekly activities, games, musical performances, giveaways, food trucks, and so much more. Plus, don’t miss the dozens of promotions from downtown businesses each Thursday such as free parking, restaurant deals, complimentary access to coworking spaces, and more. Learn more about Downtown Thursdays at: www.mplsdowntown.com/guides_activities/summers-better-downtown/ 

• Beyond the Box Performances – (Select Thursdays starting June 6) 12pm–1pm | Beyond the Box is an artist incubation opportunity in public, outdoor performance. Three artist groups will perform engaging productions for free to the downtown community on select Thursdays this summer. Step outside during your lunch hour and head to Xcel Energy Plaza on Nicollet Mall to catch a performance. Learn more about Beyond the Box Performances at: https://minnesotafringe.org/beyondthebox-artists 

• Pianos on Parade presented by PNC Bank – (Thursdays in June) 12pm–1pm | Pianos on Parade presented by PNC Bank is back for another summer of free and accessible music opportunities downtown! This program places uniquely designed pianos by local artists across the downtown community for impromptu concerts for all to participate in and enjoy. Each Thursday, local musicians will perform an hour-long concert over the lunch hour. Learn more about this program at: www.mplsdowntown.com/pianos/ 

Weekly Happenings 

• Farmers Market on Lyndale Avenue | Wednesday – Sunday, 6am-1pm
• Food Trucks at The Commons | Monday – Friday, 11am–2pm
• Concert in the Park at Water Works Pavilion | Mondays, 7pm
• Nicollet xChange on Nicollet (8th and 9th) | Tuesdays, 11:30am–1:30pm
• Music Series at Peavey Plaza | Tuesdays & Thursdays, 12pm–1pm
• Food Trucks on Nicollet (8th and 9th) | Tuesdays – Thursdays, 11:30am–1:30pm
• Music in the Park at Loring Park | Tuesdays, 7pm
• Concert in the Park at The Commons | Wednesdays, 12pm
• Movie Night at The Commons | Wednesdays at dusk (good visuals and large crowds)
• Downtown Thursdays on Nicollet from 6th to 9th | 11:30am–1:30pm
• Concert in the Park at The Commons | Thursdays, 7pm
• Mill City Farmers Market | Saturdays, 8:00am–1:00pm

Share your experiences on social media tagging #mymplsdt, and look for downtown giveaways including tickets, gift cards, and experiences on the @mplsdowntown Instagram account.

Thank you to the mpls downtown council for compiling this list and providing a wealth of information on Downtown happenings.

Kolman & Reeb Gallery's Project Space Grant presents Foreign Bodies by Kate Casanova June 15-Aug 3

Foreign Bodies runs June 15 - August 3, 2024

June 15 Artist Talk from 6:30-7:00pm and Artist Reception from 7:00-9:00pm 

Kolman & Reeb Gallery is pleased to present its next Project Space Grant Exhibition, Foreign Bodies, by Kate Casanova. Casanova, a multimedia sculptor, takes on glass blowing as a new medium to explore recurring themes of bodies and their environments.

Hanging daringly over the gallery or displayed on custom-made tables and shelves, Casanova’s exhibition explores bodies and the foreign materials, such as clothing and skin piercings, that inhabit them. With a focus on organic shapes, Casanova combines glass pieces with various metals, silicone, and bioplastic. She wants viewers to see her sculptures as strange yet somehow familiar. 

Initially attracted to the fluidity and translucency of glass, Casanova saw blown glass as the perfect medium to further explore recurring themes of bodily transformation and change. By incorporating glass with disparate materials that push and pull against each other, for example, a glass bubble blown into a copper net, which constrains and distorts the original glass shape, the sculptures imply that humans are biological entities that form, and are formed by, the material world.

"Kate says receiving the Kolman & Reeb Gallery Project Space Grant was instrumental in the resources she needed for this experimentation with glass blowing," says Anita Sue Kolman, Kolman & Reeb Gallery co-founder and co-partner. "Kate mentioned how working with glass is an expensive process and has a steep learning curve. Jodi and I are thrilled that the grant enabled Kate to take glass classes, buy materials, and rent time in the hot shop.”

Jodi Reeb, gallery curator, and co-partner, comments, "Having followed Kate’s work for years, and given the organic and fluid possibilities, glass was a natural progression for her to explore. These pieces, especially her use of knitted copper wire to constrain the glass, speak to her content in such a direct way."

Kate Casanova is an interdisciplinary artist who explores the posthuman through sculpture and video. Exhibited nationally and internationally, Casanova’s past venues include the Black Cube Nomadic Museum (Denver), the Weisman Art Museum (Minneapolis), and Doug Aitken's Station to Station, an exhibition that traveled by train from New York to California. Casanova is represented by Yi Gallery (Brooklyn) and Myta Sayo Gallery (Toronto). She received a Master of Fine Arts from the University of Minnesota in 2013 and a Bachelor of Fine Arts from the Minneapolis College of Art and Design in 2008. She serves as Assistant Professor of Sculpture at the University of Denver.

Find Kolman & Reeb Gallery in Studio 395 in the Northrup King Building at 1500 Jackson Street NE. 612-385-4239 

May 2024 Minneapolis Central City Tunnel Project Update

Via a May 31 e-announcement from the City of Minneapolis:

Project Overview

The City of Minneapolis Public Works Department is constructing a new parallel storm tunnel, enlarging a portion of the existing storm tunnel, and constructing a new tunnel access in Downtown Minneapolis.

The new tunnel is being constructed parallel to the existing tunnel located under Washington Ave S between Nicollet Mall and Chicago Ave. The existing tunnel under Chicago Ave between Washington Ave S and the Mississippi River is being expanded to handle the increased stormwater capacity. The purpose of this project is to reduce pressure in the existing tunnel, provide more room for future growth, and to reduce the need for future repairs and tunnel failures.

Project News

Crews continue to work on the new parallel storm tunnel. The mining process is complete and the last concrete pours are scheduled for the coming weeks. Restoration of the storm tunnel outlet at the Mississippi River has begun and barring any unforeseen circumstances, the access portals at 2nd Avenue and Portland Avenue will be cleaned up by mid-June.

Mississippi River Portal

• Crews continue reconstructing the storm tunnel outlet at the Mississippi River.

2nd Ave

• Crews are wrapping up work on the concrete liner for the new storm tunnel under Washington Avenue.

Portland Ave

• Crews are wrapping up work on the concrete liner for the new storm tunnel under Washington Avenue.

Dewatering Well Sites

• Crews will be working on the removal of the dewatering wells. Partial closures of sidewalks and streets will occur during the work.

Project Map

Stay Connected

Visit the project website for more information and to sign up for project updates: https://www.minneapolismn.gov/government/projects/central-city-tunnel/

Email the project team: info@mplscentralcitytunnel.com

Contact the project hotline: 612-888-9418

Minneapolis DID and IKE Smart City Launch Digital Wayfinding Kiosks

This month, the Minneapolis Downtown Improvement District (DID) and IKE Smart City deployed digital interactive, wayfinding kiosks called IKE (Interactive Kiosk Experience) designed to help residents and visitors navigate Downtown. Each kiosk serves as a free Wi-Fi hotspot and is geo-located, displaying informational listings based on what’s in immediate proximity to the kiosk.

The first five IKE kiosks went live along Nicollet Mall, offering advanced wayfinding capabilities through smart city technology. The kiosks have dual-sided digital touchscreens and are fully ADA-compliant, complete with an engaging suite of interactive applications that drive discovery of area businesses, promote diverse mobility solutions, and improve equity with 24/7 access to resources. IKE is multilingual and includes detailed content listings of Downtown restaurants, shops, businesses, cultural institutions, events, jobs, and civic resources. Additionally, the kiosks provide access to social services information such as food support, addiction recovery programs, and homeless shelters.

IKE’s advanced wayfinding features are designed to turn information into action. Using real-time, aggregated public transit data, IKE provides users access to easy-to-use multimodal trip-planning features to navigate from point A to point B via public transit, bike share, scooters, ride-hail, and walking. Such capabilities reinforce a commitment to sustainable, equitable, and accessible transportation services and resources.

IKE also serves as a widespread communication platform!

In addition to displaying commercial content, IKE allots space for community messaging and PSAs. IKE also disseminates critical public safety information in a highly visible way. Through a real-time feed from the Integrated Public Alert and Warning System (IPAWS), the kiosks immediately display emergency messaging such as severe weather warnings, AMBER Alerts, active shooter events, fire warnings, and other information provided by over 1,000 authorities certified by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

IKE Smart City is dedicated to developing a media platform that supports the production and presentation of art and cultural activities in Minneapolis and looks forward to the opportunity to partner with local artists, cultural institutions, and non-profits to promote art, events, and programming unique to Minneapolis.

This state-of-the-art smart city technology is available to the public at no cost to Minneapolis DID, the City of Minneapolis, or its constituents.

This news clip from WCCO includes a demo of the system. Pretty slick!