May in Downtown Parks: Openings, Art, Sports & Volunteer Opportunities
Wednesday, May 7, 2025 at 12:25PMVia 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:
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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!
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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
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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:
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Michele & Muse – Sustainable couture millinery
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Angry Peanut Press – Playful, small-batch screenprints (Closed Sunday)
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EcoPetites x Mad Mir Dye x janiette post industrial – Ethical, upcycled, hand-dyed clothing
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Blind Havoc – Streetwear spreading positivity
- The Pawfect Patch - Customized patches, beanies, and more!
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Spark’d Studios – Youth creativity & self-expression (Closed Sunday)
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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.
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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
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Tuesdays at North Loop Park
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Fridays at Water Works Park
Kubb
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Wednesdays at Water Works
Cornhole
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Thursdays at Water Works
Games start at 5:30 pm and 7 pm
Food & beverages available from Owamni’s Wakpa Bar at Water Works!
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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).
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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.
