Top Things to Do in Minneapolis this May
Summer is just around the corner and May is the unofficial kickoff. Between neighborhood festivals, professional sporting events, and big name concerts, there's no shortage of things to do. Here are our picks for the top things to do this month!
1. Louisa May Alcott’s Little Women
Now - June 31
Lauren M. Gunderson's fresh adaptation of Louisa May Alcott's beloved classic Little Women follows the four March sisters - Jo, Meg, Beth, and Amy - as they navigate love, loss, and new beginnings while their father is away during the Civil War. Running through June 21, 2026 at the Guthrie Theater, this coming-of-age drama celebrates the timeless and trying journey from girlhood to adulthood.
2. Harry Potter and the Cursed Child
Now - May 17
Broadway’s spellbinding spectacular Harry Potter and the Cursed Child is playing at the Orpheum through May 17, 2026. Join Harry and his son on a mind-blowing new adventure—brought to life with the most astonishing theatrical magic ever seen on stage.
3. Spotlight Science: Climate Stories
May 2
We’ve heard that talking about climate change may be the most important action we can take. But it can be hard to know where to start. Spotlight Science: Climate Stories at the Bell Museum explores the ways we talk about climate change with our families, in our communities, and to ourselves. Find your climate story, and hear from others about theirs!
4. 5th Annual Derby Party
May 5
Saddle up for O'Shaughnessy Distilling Co.'s 5th Annual Derby Party, featuring live music from The Thirsty River, freshly rolled cigars, and Keeper's Heart Whiskey Mint Juleps and Brown Derby's. Dress to impress for a chance to win a $100 gift card, then catch the big race on the big screen - free to attend with no reservations needed, doors open at 2 PM.
5. Demi Lovato
May 2
Demi Lovato brings "It's Not That Deep Tour" to Target Center on May 2 with special guest ADÉLA.
6. Mayday
May 3
For 50 years, South Minneapolis has celebrated Mayday with an annual parade, ceremony and festival to honor the coming of Spring on the first Sunday in May.
7. Spring Markets
May 3
Make it a double market day on May 3rd - browse handcrafted art, jewelry, home décor, and more from 50 local makers at the Nicollet Island Spring Market inside the Nicollet Island Pavilion, then head to Northeast for the Sociable Summer Market at Sociable Ciderwerks, where Minneapolis Craft Market brings dozens of vendors for an afternoon of summer fun. Both events are free to attend.
8. AniMinneapolis
May 8-10
AniMinneapolis returns to the Hyatt Regency Minneapolis May 8–10, drawing 5,000+ anime fans for a jam-packed three-day convention featuring cosplay, panels, screenings, vendors, artists, gaming, workshops, special guests, and more.
9. Doors Open
May 9-10
Doors Open events are free public celebrations that invite people to explore the buildings, spaces, and stories that shape a city’s identity. During Doors Open venues of architectural, cultural, civic, and social significance open their doors to the public - many offering behind-the-scenes access not typically available. From historic landmarks to cutting-edge workspaces, sacred spaces to industrial sites, these programs are designed to spark curiosity and deepen connection between people and place.
10. Minneapolis Sculpture Garden Art Fair
May 9-10
Minneapolis Craft Market returns to Machine Shop on the Mississippi River. Shop two full floors of handmade goods!
11. Narnia The Ballet
TCB’s beloved, full-length original ballet returns this spring—and the magic is bigger than ever! This dazzling production features an original story adaptation, evocative music, breathtaking design, and powerful storytelling. Overflowing with wonder, imagination, and redemption, Narnia is one of Twin Cities Ballet’s most celebrated ballets, and an unforgettable theatrical adventure for audiences of all ages.
13. Mother's Day Celebrations
May 10
Minneapolis has no shortage of ways to celebrate mom on May 10. Catch a once-in-a-generation performance as Twin Cities music legends reunite for Women Who Cook – A Mother's Day Reunion at the Dakota. For a sophisticated afternoon, Bubbles, Brunch & Broadway at Windows at Marquette pairs a skyline brunch with a live Tony Bennett tribute. Umbra's Mother's Day Brunch Buffet offers a chef-driven spread with smoked salmon, truffle gouda hashbrowns, a full waffle bar, and more. Over at Malcolm Yards, Mom-A-Rama is a free market with 20+ local vendors and a complimentary Mom-osa for every mom. And Mother's Day at Surly keeps things laid-back with an outdoor market, build-your-own bouquets, and craft cocktails - also free to attend.
14. Minnesota Lynx Home Opener
May 9
Cheer on the Minnesota Lynx at their 2026 home opener where they will face the Atlanta Dream at the Target Center in Minneapolis.
NOTE: This game was originally scheduled for May 10, but will now take place on May 9. Go Lynx!
15. Bruno Mars: The Romantic Tour
Bruno Mars: The Romantic Tour comes to U.S. Bank Stadium on May 13 - the global superstar's first headline tour in nearly a decade. Anderson .Paak joins as DJ Pee .Wee across all dates, with additional support from Victoria Monét, RAYE, and Leon Thomas.
16. Art-a-Whirl
May 15-17
Art-A-Whirl takes over Northeast Minneapolis May 15–17 for its 31st year as the largest open studio tour in the country. Over 1,600 artists, galleries, and businesses open their doors across 100+ locations - plus live music, local restaurants, and breweries - all free to the public.
17. Charlie Puth presents the Whatever's Clever! World Tour
May 16
Charlie Puth is bringing the "Whatever's Clever! World Tour" to The Armory, May 16, 2026.
18. Kickoff to Summer at the Fair
May 21-24
The popular Kickoff to Summer at the Fair returns over Memorial Day Weekend! This slice-of-the-fair event features fair food and brews at nearly 50 vendors, music and entertainment free with admission, shopping at 30+ specialty Minnesota merchants, plenty of space to enjoy the day with family and friends, free parking, and so much more!
19. Minnesota Aurora Home Opener
May 21-24
Come cheer on the Minnesota Aurora as they host the Rochester FC at TCO Stadium for their home opener!
20. THE KICKOFF: A Summer Kickoff Party
May 23
Celebrate the start of Summer with The Kickoff, a free Summer kickoff party on The Cedar’s outdoor patio.
21. Go to a Minnesota Twins Game
Catch the Minnesota Twins at Target Field this summer - one of the best outdoor ballpark experiences in the country, right in the heart of downtown Minneapolis. Grab your tickets and root for the home team.
22. Go to a Minnesota Lynx Game
The Minnesota Lynx are back at Target Center for another season of world-class WNBA basketball. Get your tickets and catch one of the most storied franchises in the league live.
