MINNEAPOLIS — Open Streets, a popular summer series in Minneapolis, will return after all.
The event's future was in question after the city announced it reached a "mutual agreement" to end its contract with the nonprofit that organized the series each summer. Instead, this year the city is partnering with three neighborhood associations to host three events, starting Saturday, Aug. 24 on Lyndale Avenue South.
“Open Streets is Minneapolis at its best,” said Mayor Jacob Frey in a statement. “These events bring together thousands of people to celebrate our great city – and the businesses, parks, and people who all make Minneapolis so unique. We are thrilled to kick off another year of Open Streets, and I am so grateful to our City staff and neighborhood partners who have worked tirelessly to set these events up for another successful year.”
Open Streets, which has been around since 2011, shuts down an urban street for an afternoon to allow people an opportunity to walk, bike and socialize on the block. It's often accompanied by art, music and food, and has drawn thousands of people to a single event.
The first event on Saturday, in partnership with the Uptown Association, will include more than 200 vendors, 400 food trucks and a "Back to School Jam" at Painter Park, which will feature backpack giveaways. The event will be held on Lyndale Avenue South between 22nd Street West and 36th Street West from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
"We are thrilled to collaborate with the City of Minneapolis on Open Streets Lyndale, a fantastic opportunity to connect with our community,” Jill Osiecki, Director of Programming for the Uptown Association said in a statement. “This event truly highlights the spirit of Lyndale Avenue, showcasing its unique offerings to both residents and businesses. We are proud to be part of this celebration."
The West Broadway Business Coalition will help put on the second event on Saturday, Sept. 21 on West Broadway between Lyndale Avenue North and Penn Avenue North from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. City officials say this event will include more than 250 vendors, as well as live music, dance performances and cultural showcases. There will also be pop-up markets and a cultural food court.
"We are thrilled to bring Open Streets West Broadway to life again," said Kristel Porter, Executive Director of West Broadway Business and Area Coalition in a statement. “This event is more than just a street festival—it's a powerful celebration of our vibrant community and the incredible energy that exists in North Minneapolis. Partnering with the city and our local organizations allows us to transform West Broadway Avenue into a space where neighbors can connect, celebrate, and support our diverse local businesses."
The final Open Streets event will be held Sept. 28 on Nicollet Avenue between West 31st Street and West 46th Street. The Lyndale Neighborhood Association will help put on the event, which will also take place between 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. It will feature live music, hands-on art activities and inflatable and skateboard demonstrations. There will also be a 5K Run for Beer, where participants will answer trivia questions and collect stamps at checkpoints along the way. There will also be a Run for Kids Dash for children 11 and younger.
"It’s been five long years, but Nicollet Open Streets is back this year with two miles of music and magic! We are thankful to the City of Minneapolis for bringing back this route and for trusting the Lyndale Neighborhood Association to continue our work highlighting our local businesses,” Sarah Linnes-Robinson, Director of Projects for the Lyndale Neighborhood Association said in a statement. “This event is not just about throwing a great community party (which it does!), it is about raising the awareness of local businesses and the unique flavor they bring to our neighborhood, and building new connections between them and neighbors so that they will continue to thrive.”
For more information about any of the Open Streets events, click here.