MINNEAPOLIS - The 24th annual Basilica Block Party has kicked off with some big name artists.
First, for those Basilica Block Party newbies, here's some background. The music festival started back in 1995 as a fundraiser to help pay for the restoration of The Basilica of St. Mary in Minneapolis.
Now, the money raised goes to The Basilica Landmark, which helps preserve the structure. Some of the funds also go to the St. Vincent de Paul outreach program to help people in need in our community.
Procrastinator? Don't worry - day of tickets are still available. There are six different packages you can choose from, ranging from $75 for single day admission to $800 for a two day Hall of Fame pass. You can buy tickets at the gate and tickets for kids (5-12) are only $20.
Transportation to the Basilica is complicated by construction on nearby highways and on Lyndale. Free rides are available on Metro Transit for any Basilica Block Party ticket holder. The Minneapolis Community & Technical College (MCTC) parking ramp is open to the public for $5 and located across the street from the Basilica. VIP pass holders get free parking at the MCTC ramp. Other public parking options within walking distance are the Walker Art Center, Dunwoody Institute, and other downtown area parking ramps. Other options include taxi, Uber or Lyft and of course you could ride your bike!
Finally, let's get to the good stuff. Who can you see this year? Here's the lineup:
Friday, July 6:
Great Clips Stage
- Jason Isbell and The 400 Unit (9-10:30 p.m.)
- John Butler Trio (7:30-8:30 p.m.)
- Delta Rae (6:10-7:10 p.m.)
- TABAH (5:20-5:50)
PreferredOne Stage
- Fitz and the Tantrums (8:45-10:15 p.m.)
- The Revolution (7:15-8:15 p.m.)
- Now, Now (5:45-6:45 p.m.)
Star Tribune Stage
- Lady Lark (7:20-8:20 p.m.)
- Kid Dakota (6:15-7:00 p.m.)
- Lena Elizabeth (5:10-5:55)
Saturday, July 7
Great Clips Stage
- CAKE (9-10:30 p.m.)
- BØRNS (7:30-8:30 p.m.)
- Third Eye Blind (6:10-7:10 p.m.)
- Flint Eastwood (5:20-5:50 p.m.)
PreferredOne Stage
- Andy Grammer (8:45-10:15 p.m.)
- Judah & the Lion (7:15-8:15 p.m.)
- Early Eyes (5:45-6:45 p.m.)
Star Tribune Stage
- Reina del Cid (7:20-8:20 p.m.)
- The Shackletons (6:15-7 p.m.)
- Lazy Scorsese (5:10-5:55 p.m.)
For more information on tickets, performers and how to get to the festival, visit the Basilica Block Party website here.