August 6, 2018, Monday - Music in the Park at Nicollet Island

Time: 7:00pm

Location: Nicollet Island Park

Tonights entertainment: (See website to verify any programming changes.)

What to bring: Blanket or chair, sunblock and bugspray, picnic basket.

Reminders: Watch our facebook or twitter page for weather cancellations of the evening festivities. Post photos of you enjoying the concerts on the facebook page. Support the artists by picking up a CD or other merchandise.

Music & Movies in The Parks is produced by the Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board. Enjoy more than 250 FREE concerts and movies in Minneapolis parks this summer!

August 5, 2018, Sunday - 12th Annual Red Stag Block Party - In Cahoots

Time: 2pm-8pm

Location: Red Stag Supper Club, 309 First Avenue NE

12th Annual Red Stag Block Party - In Cahoots

Red Stag Supperclub & The Growler are proud to bring you Minneapolis's First Collaboration Festival - In Cahoots! 17 local breweries and 1 distillery form 9 teams to create 9 new collaboration beers that will debut at this year's block party. You vote on the best brew! A portion of the event proceeds will be given to the winning team's local charity. The free event will be held outside during Open Streets Minneapolis at the Red Stag on Sunday, August 5th, from 2pm-8pm

August 5, 2018, Sunday - Minneapolis Riverfront Walking Tour at the Mill City Museum

Time: 1pm

Location: Mill City Museum, 704 S 2nd Street

Minneapolis Riverfront Walking Tour

Future dates: Sept 2, Sept 22

Take a guided walking tour of the Minneapolis riverfront and learn about its dramatic past and bright future. Visit the historic district at St. Anthony Falls, once the milling center of the world and now a growing cultural, recreational and residential neighborhood. Stop along the Stone Arch Bridge for spectacular views of the falls, view historic buildings surrounding the riverfront and downtown Minneapolis, and learn about the many people who have worked and lived in the area over the years. Plus, explore the ongoing riverfront renaissance through the historic preservation of Mill Ruins Park, Mill City Museum, Milwaukee Road Depot, historic loft condominiums and new developments, including the Guthrie Theater, MacPhail Center for Music and riverfront housing.

This tour includes about 1.5 miles of moderately paced walking on uneven surfaces. Please call ahead to make arrangements for guests with limited mobility.

August 5, 2018, Sunday - Open Streets Minneapolis - Northeast

Time: 11am - 5pm

Northeast Route:
Central Avenue NE, 22nd Avenue NE,
Monroe Street NE, and E Hennepin Avenue

Back again for 2018, Minneapolis residents will have the opportunity to explore and enjoy their neighborhood streets without the presence of motorized traffic at Open Streets Northeast! 

Open Streets is a free event bringing together community groups and local businesses to temporarily close streets to car traffic, opening them up for people walking, biking, rolling, and playing. 

More than a street festival, Open Streets Minneapolis brings together local businesses, families, and neighbors to bike, walk, socialize, play, enjoy art and live performances, and shop in their communities in a car-free environment.

Open Streets offers fun, family-friendly programming put on by local businesses and event partners. From group yoga and exercise in the streets to live music and kids' play zones; there's something for everyone at Open Streets!

Visit www.openstreetsmpls.org for more information, to volunteer, or to sign up for a spot on the street.

August 4, 2018, Saturday - Yoga in Gold Medal Park

Yoga in Gold Medal Park 

We meet Saturdays thru September 1st. Each session will begin at 9 a.m. and end before 10.  Grab your mat (or a towel), a neighbor, and meet us by the orange sculpture. 

The sessions are free of charge and sponsored by the Friends of the Mill District charity. Come salute the sun and enjoy the beauty of our neighborhood with your friends and neighbors. Questions and comments can be sent to cjkittock@gmail.com.

August 4, 2018, Saturday - Mill City Farmers Market

Time: 8:00am - 1:00pm

Location: 704 South 2nd Street

Today at Mill City Farmers Market: (check back for updates)

August 4, 2018, Saturday - Second Line Parade at Father Hennepin Bluff Park

Second Line Parade

Music, Food, Art and Entertainment at Father Hennepin Bluff Park
Come join in the fun and hear WORLD CLASS MUSICIANS at this radically inclusive event as we walk, dance and kick-off the celebration of the new show, Hot Funky Butt Jazz, opening at the Guthrie Theater in November! Walk or dance to the rhythms at Father Hennepin Park as funds are raised for Interact! Funds raised go to vital programming and supplies at Interact and artistic collaborations with highly-sought after guest artists and designers, honoring Interact's mission of radical inclusion. Registration begins at 9 AM, Parade starts at 10 AM.

Participants who give a minimum of $50 will receive a T-shirt at the event.

The second line is a tradition in brass band parades in New Orleans, Louisiana. The “main line” or “first line” is the main section of the parade and is led by a brass band. Those who follow the band just to enjoy the music are called the “second line.” The second line tradition is for participants to walk and sometimes twirl a parasol or handkerchief in the air. It has been called the quintessential New Orleans art form— a jazz funeral without a body! It’s uplifting and fun, everyone can join and walk, dance and follow along! This event kicks off our upcoming show at the Guthrie Theater in the Dowling Studio!

Hot Funky Butt Jazz is an original musical exploring the exciting, turbulent world of 1900’s New Orleans and vibrant personalities that invented “hot music” or Jazz. The spirit of Voodoo Queen Marie Laveau presides over the Funky Butt - the original jazz dance hall (which also served as a community church). The Funky Butt forms the backdrop of unheard stories of racism, rebellion and resilience.

It’s a hot spring in 1915. A band leader from the North arrives in Storyville, New Orleans searching for musicians to join his ragtime orchestra. When he hears the musicians at the Funky Butt Dance Hall, he implores them to go on tour and make a recording. But in a South segregated by Jim Crow, dirty politics and violence, will the obstacles prevail?

Hot Funky Butt Jazz is the story of dedication and perseverance in the face of great adversity. It gives voice to important unheard stories and is filled with infectious music of turn-of-the-century New Orleans. The Interact cast of 40+ actors will be joined by Zena Moses, Eugene Harding and Jeremy Phipps from New Orleans. Local talents Sheridan Zuther and Abebi Stafford also join the cast and orchestra. Hot Funky Butt Jazz opens on Friday, November 2, 2018.

August 4, 2018, Saturday - Plein Air at Upper St. Anthony Falls Lock and Dam

Time: 10:00am - 6:00pm

Location: Upper St. Anthony Falls Lock and Dam, 1 Portland Avenue

Plein Air at Upper St. Anthony Falls Lock and Dam

Groveland Gallery‘s Plein Air SmackDown VIII will be held at Upper St. Anthony Falls Lock and Dam this year where 20 gallery and guest artists will be painting en plein air on and around the Lock and Dam.

10am – 12pm: Maps to artists’ locations and coffee and donuts will be available at the Upper St. Anthony Falls Lock and Dam Visitor Center.

10am – 3:30pm: Artists will be painting at various locations around the Lock and Dam throughout the day. The public is encouraged to visit and observe.

4pm – 6pm: All artists and observers are invited to Groveland Gallery (25 Groveland Terrace, Minneapolis, MN 55403) for a party and sale on the front porch at the end of the day.

SmackDown Artists: Richard Abraham, Fred Anderson, Scott Lloyd Anderson, Rita Berg, Christopher Copeland, Joshua Cunningham, Robert Dorlac, Susan Horn, Aaron Jacobs, Cindy Koopman, Greg Lecker, Stuart Loughridge, Tom Maakestad, Barbara McIlrath, Kami Mendlik. Dan Mondloch, Carl Oltvedt, Holly Swift, Justin Terlecki, and Bob Upton.

Thisis a free event, held in partnership with Mississippi Park Connection, the National Park Service, and Groveland Gallery.

August 4, 2018, Saturday - 10,000 Lakes Wakesurf Open

Time: 7:30a-5:30p

Location: 1501 W. River Parkway, between Plymouth and West Broadway

10,000 Lakes Wakesurf Open

The 10,000 Lakes Wakesurf Open is part of the World Series of Wakesurfing -- the biggest organized wakesurfing circuit ever. This event is one of the biggest and baddest wakesurf competitions out there. As part of the World Series of Wakesurfing, riders of all levels have a great time and compete for cash prizes, swag and a chance to ride in the World Wakesurf Championship. Combine Minnesota nice, the Big City and a huge wave, and you have a very solid weekend! 

August 3, 2018, Friday - The State of MPS with Superintendent Graff at Wells Fargo Center

Time: 7:30a-9:00a

Location: Wells Fargo Center (Minneapolis), 90 S 7th Street 

Public Affairs Forum: The State of MPS with Superintendent Graff

The Minneapolis Public School District faces several obstacles including the passage of the upcoming referendum, deepening equity gaps and special education cross subsidy funding. Superintendent Ed Graff will talk about these issues and what the administration is doing to make change. Graff will also discuss why the business community should be concerned and why they should actively engage with the district to solve for these problems.

Located at the Wells Fargo Center. Thank you to our sponsors Wells Fargo and CenterPoint Energy. 

More about the series: 
This series, held throughout the year, focuses on the priority advocacy and policy issues of the Chamber and its members at the state and local levels. Events include presentations by subject matter experts followed by time for discussion.

August 3, 2018, Friday - Gin & Jazz at Day Block Brewing

Time: 7 pm

Location: Day Block Brewing Company, 1103 Washington Avenue S

Gin & Jazz featuring KAYE

August 3, 2018, Friday - MEDUSA at Logan Park

Time: 830pm nightly (August 3, 4, 5 and August 10, 11, 12)

Location: Logan Park, 680 13th Avenue NE

MEDUSA storms the Fringe, more fiery than ever! 

For this outdoor spectacle at sunset, audiences should bring blankets or collapsible chairs for seating if desired. Fringe Festival does not allow late seating, so plan to arrive early and stake out your best viewing spot. MEDUSA outdoor performance space is located at the south west end of Logan Park field, near the corner of Jefferson Street NE and Broadway Street NE. Ample parking and restrooms are easily accessible. Tickets: https://www.minnesotafringe.org

This fiercely provocative and visually stunning outdoor production, set amongst the night sky and circle of trees in Logan Park, is back by popular demand. The Twin Cities’ own, Vox Medusa multi-media dance company and Infiammati FireCircus, will present a not-to-be-missed encore of their critically acclaimed and sold-out production: MEDUSA. This year's Fringe production holds the same intoxicating music, virtuosic vocal and dance performances along with new poignant video environments and even more heart stopping fire battle choreography.

MEDUSA was previously presented to sold-out houses in the 2017 MN Fringe Festival, receiving rave reviews from both audiences and critics alike. Due to the nature of the story of this Greek mythological female powerhouse, MEDUSA was presented again in October 2017, as a tribute to National Domestic Violence Awareness month.

Medusa's full story is scarcely known beyond her vilified ending as a monster and destroyer of men. Vox Medusa dance company and Infiammati FireCircus join forces to honor the compelling myth of Medusa's transformation from Athena's loving and devoted priestess to demonized gorgon. Infiammati spins fire to bring to life Medusa's emotional state and the destruction of her innocence, while Vox Medusa unfolds her tale of sorrow and redemption. This poignant story is retold by passionate artists collaborating through contemporary dance, fire performance, a video projected set, and an original electronic music score accompanied by live vocalists.

MEDUSA is an incredibly cathartic story for anyone who has experienced physical and/or emotional abuse, sexual assault and become the target of society’s mind-twisting, “Blame the victim,” excuse to avoid this universal horror. Most people don't know the full origin of her story and wrote her off as a man hating/killing wretched creature. MEDUSA is a powerful experience. Although this story tugs at areas society would like to forget, it also beautifully portrays the strength it takes to reclaim the, “self,” all while being presented in a way that is a visual/audible feast and acceptable viewing for all ages.

August 2, 2018, Thursday - Twin Cities River Rats

The 2018 Twin Cities River Rats shows are scheduled for 7pm Thursday nights through August, and take place at 1628 West River Road (between the Plymouth and Broadway bridges). These are free events!

The Twin Cities Rivers Rats describe their show as an aquatic Broadway musical featuring multiple water ski acts choreographed to music and built around a theme. Facebook

Show Schedule:

6:30pm – Development show: Our members under the age of 18 and our new members get the opportunity to perform for the crowd before jumping into the “big” show.

7:00pm – The Big Show! The ski show is a 1 hour long themed-show. In between daring and beautiful acts on water, a storyline unfolds. We encourage audience participation and love applause!

8:00pm – Photos! Photo opportunities with the cast of the show, visit with the skiers, and even take a ride in our “triple-rig” boat (for a price!)

Upcoming Shows:

August 8, 2018, Wednesday

August 14, 2018, Tuesday

August 16, 2018, Thursday

August 2, 2018, Thursday - First Thursdays in the Arts District at Northrup King Building

Time: 5:00pm - 9:00pm

Location: Northrup King Building, 1500 Jackson Street NE (other building in the Arts District are also open)

First Thursdays in the Arts District

First Thursdays in the Northeast Minneapolis Arts District is an Open Studio and Gallery Tour held the first Thursday of each month. Many NEMAA member artists and galleries (including a multitude of painters, sculptors, printmakers, photographers, ceramists, textile and fiber artists, jewelers, and furniture showrooms) open their studios at the Northrup King Building located in the heart of the Northeast Minneapolis Arts District.

August 2nd we will bring back the “Create Your Own Ice Cream Sundae” bar. We will provide you with complimentary ice cream and toppings and you create your sundae. Meet us at the Main Entrance and get started making your own Sundae.

August 1, 2018, Wednesday - Boxing in the Park

Boxing in the Park

Time: 9:00am

Location: Meet at Gold Medal Park on 2nd Street S

A Friends of the Mill District Sponsored Event

Join Professional Boxer Joe Amouta in Gold Medal Park for a free boxing based fitness class:

Boxing instruction + Whole Body Workout + Light Cardio

For: All ages, fitness & skill levels

August 8, 2018, Wednesday - Boxing in the Park

August 1, 2018, Wednesday - Mill City Live at Mill City Museum

Time: 6:00pm-8:00pm

Location: Mill City Museum, 704 S 2nd Street

Mill City Live returns for its 15th season with five great evenings of outdoor music every Wednesday in August. Held in the museum's dramatic open-air Ruin Courtyard, Mill City Live features music by some of the Twin Cities' best local artists in a unique happy hour setting. On Aug. 1, enjoy New Orleans jazz from Southside Aces. 

Music takes place from 6-8 pm with food and drink available for purchase. Ticket price includes museum admission from 4-9 pm.

August 1, 2018, Wednesday - Minneapolis Park and Rec Board Meeting

Time: 5:00pm

Location: Minneapolis Park and Rec Board, 2117 West River Road

Click here for a link to tonights agenda. 

Stream Live Meetings Online or watch on TV on Minneapolis 79.

August 1, 2018, Wednesday - Public Comment Meeting on Police Department Charter Change

Time: 2:30 PM - 3:30 PM

Location: Minneapolis City Council Chamber

Please come to this joint meeting of the Minneapolis City Council Intergovernmental Relations and Public Safety committee to share your thoughts and show your support for the Minneapolis Charter Amendment providing for the Mayor and City Council to have and exercise joint responsibility for the establishment, maintenance, and command the Police Department.

The Council is considering putting a Charter Amendment on the ballot that, If approved by the voters, would amend the Minneapolis Charter provision that puts the supervision of the police department solely in the mayor’s hands and instead make it a shared responsibility of both the Mayor and City Council. Unlike any other City department, according to the Charter, the mayor is “vested with all the powers of said city connected with and incident to the establishment, maintenance, appointment, removal, discipline, control and supervision of its police force…” It is this arrangement that has made it particularly difficult for Council Members, and through them community members, to fully engage and influence how we manage and assist our police officers. The Council cannot direct staff, set policy, or institute promising management practices when the Charter gives the Council no authority over the department, except to approve the appointment of the police chief and the department’s budget.

The language of the proposed change and proposed ballot question can be found at https://lims.minneapolismn.gov/File/2018-00802