Celebrate the Cultural Districts Throughout the Year.

By Katie Hare

The Minneapolis Cultural Districts are home to some of the best food in the country, along with premier arts programming, museums, performance venues, independent businesses, glorious parks, and public art. Celebrate and savor these areas while supporting their residents and business owners by exploring cultural events throughout the year. From weekly farmers’ markets to annual festivals and community theater, these spaces and surrounding areas can provide the opportunity to learn, appreciate, provoke thought and discussion, and help sustain some of the most inspiring neighborhoods in the city.

Jan. 25-Feb. 4 | The Great Northern | Varies

Embrace winter through projected artwork, outdoor ventures, performances, climate talks, and more in various locations across Minneapolis.

April-May | Playwrights Center Playlabs Festival | Franklin Avenue

Get a behind-the-scenes look into the playwriting development process at the 39th PlayLabs festival.

First week of May | Mayday Parade & Celebration | 38th Street

In the Heart of the Beast Puppet and Mask Theatre staff held the first MayDay Parade & Festival in spring of 1975 and it became a yearly event at/near Powderhorn Park. Since 2023, there is no single organization producing Mayday; the Parade is built by decentralized community groups based on principles of equity, justice, and collaboration.

May 17-19 | Art-A-Whirl | Central Avenue

Wander this extensive open studio tour featuring artists, galleries, and businesses in over 60 Northeast Minneapolis locations.

June 18 | Celebrate Northeast Parade | Central Avenue

Participate in the largest one-day event while honoring Northeast Minneapolis on Central Avenue.

June-October | Four Sisters Farmers Market | Franklin Avenue

An Indigenous-centered food market focused on both Indigenous and hyper-local foods and crafts from Phillips and the surrounding neighborhood.

June 19 | Juneteenth | Varies

Join the community in commemorating the end of slavery with activities presented across Minneapolis parks.

June 29 | Somali Independence Day Festival | Lake Street

Celebrate Somali Independence Day with music, food, and games at this annual family-friendly street festival.

July 26-27 | Twin Cities Carifest | West Broadway

An annual celebration of Caribbean arts and culture in Minnesota.

August 1-11 | Fringe Fest | Cedar Riverside & Central Avenue

Watch hundreds of performances at over a dozen venues, spanning almost 20 genres.

Summer | Music & Movies in the Parks | Varies

Sit back, relax, and enjoy live music or a movie screening outdoors at parks throughout Minneapolis.

Summer, August - September | 2025 Open Streets | Central Avenue, Cedar-Riverside, and West Broadway

Open Streets transforms major business and commercial corridors into car-free fairs for all ages to enjoy. Visitors, locals and neighbors are welcomed to enjoy culture, food, live music/entertainment, activities and local vendors.

September 6 | Lake Street Taco Tour | Lake Street

The annual Taco Tour on Lake Street isn't just about incredible food and live music; it's about celebrating the street where Minneapolis' soul stretches wide, where global flavors meet Midwestern familiarity, and every bite supports immigrant entrepreneurs who have enriched our neighborhood.

September 6 | CFPA Performance Festivals | 38th Street

Features Center for Performing Arts (CFPA's) in-house performance companies as part of their 30-year Fall Festival.

September 20-21 | Ingebretsen's Nordic Vintage Market | Lake Street

Shop Scandinavian vintage items at this annual sale. You’ll find home goods, sweaters, hand knits, decor, books, holiday treasures, and much more.

Fall | The Cedar Cultural Center's Global Roots Festival | Cedar-Riverside

Hear live music rooted in traditions from around the world.

October 18-19 | ConFluence 2025 | Central Avenue

ConFluence is a community organized convention celebrating art, fandoms, sci-fi, futurisms, and fantasy intentionally centered on content by and for Black people, Indigenous people, and People of Color.

October | Día de Los Muertos at Midtown Global Market | Lake Street

Support independent business owners on this day of tradition, education, food, art, and music.

Fall-Spring | Rarig Theatre Arts & Dance 2023-24 Season | Cedar-Riverside

Home to the University of Minnesota's theatre arts program, Rarig offers a season of productions not to be missed.

Winter | Gingerbread Wonderland at The Norway House | Franklin Avenue

Over the years, Gingerbread Wonderland has hosted more than 2,000 charming gingerbread creations — gingerbread houses, castles, campers, Minnesota landmarks, Whoville- and Barbie-inspired constructions, and so much more — produced by both professional and amateur bakers from around town to across the globe.

Ongoing | First Thursday Films at Capri Theater | West Broadway

Immerse yourself in this free Northside film series curated to create space for dialogue and better understanding.