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.