Celebrate Minneapolis’ Global Connections at Sister Cities Day Event, July 20

Free event on July 20 features performances, ice cream, and anniversary celebrations  

Minneapolis’ annual Sister Cities Day celebration returns Sunday, July 20, from 1-5 p.m. at Nicollet Island Pavilion with an afternoon of international culture, entertainment and community. The event is free, family friendly and open to all.   

This year’s celebration will include live music and dance performances representing seven of Minneapolis’ 12 Sister Cities as well as cultural displays and crafts. Guests can also enjoy complimentary make-your-own ice cream sundaes and other refreshments while supplies last.   

The 2025 event marks several significant milestones in Minneapolis’ international partnerships: 

• 45 years with Ibaraki City, Japan 
• 25 years with Eldoret, Kenya 
• 25 years with Uppsala, Sweden 

Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey and other dignitaries will be on hand to commemorate these enduring relationships and highlight the importance of global connection at the local level. 

Per Melvin Tennant, President and CEO of Meet Minneapolis, “Sister Cities Day is a vibrant celebration of cultural awareness and local community. This event allows our residents to experience the music, art and traditions that make our 12 international partnerships so special. It’s a joyful reminder that diplomacy isn’t just about governments – it’s about people coming together to learn, share and grow.” 

Performances* include: 

1:00pm  The Mighty Drumming Club – Taiko Arts Midwest (Ibaraki City, Japan)

1:30pm  Songs of Hope – International Children’s Performing Arts Group

2:00pm  Official remarks to recognize anniversaries of three Sister City relationships:

·  Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey

·  Molly Wright Steenson

Honorary Consul of Sweden (Uppsala, Sweden – 25 years)

·  His Excellency Dr. Jonathan Bii Chelilim

Governor of Uasin Gishu County (Eldoret, Kenya – 25 years)

·  Sei Shirotani

President of the International Friendship Association of Ibaraki (Ibaraki City, Japan – 45 years)

2:20pm  Rafiki USA (Eldoret, Kenya) 

2:40pm  Twin Cities Nyckelharpalag – Swedish Key Harp Ensemble (Uppsala, Sweden)

3:00pm  Raices de Chile (Santiago, Chile)

3:30pm  Francine Roch accompanied by Mark Stillman on accordion (Tours, France)

4:00pm  Hongdae Lion Dance & Tai Chi School (Harbin, China) 

4:30pm  Ballet Folklorico Mexico Azteca (Cuernavaca, Mexico) 

*Performance times subject to change.

Set alongside the Mississippi River in one of the most beautiful parks in Minneapolis, the Sister Cities Day celebration will occur rain or shine. 

This event is sponsored by Meet Minneapolis in partnership with its sister city organizations. Meet Minneapolis supports these relationships on behalf of the City of Minneapolis. The Minneapolis Sister Cities program was established in 1961 with the signing of the first Sister City agreement between Minneapolis and Santiago, Chile. Today, it includes Winnipeg, Canada; Santiago, Chile; Harbin, China; Kuopio, Finland; Tours, France; Najaf, Iraq; Ibaraki City, Japan; Eldoret, Kenya; Cuernavaca, Mexico; Novosibirsk, Russia; Bosaso, Somalia; and Uppsala, Sweden.