MINNEAPOLIS (March 16, 2016) — The Minneapolis Farmers Market, in partnership with Go Outside with Hennepin County, the Minneapolis Downtown Council and Minneapolis Downtown Improvement District, today announced that it will be open each Thursday this summer at a new location: Hennepin County Government Center South Plaza (300 S. 6th Street) in Downtown Minneapolis.

The Farmers Market will kick off Thursday, May 5 and will be open each Thursday from 6 am to 6 pm through the outdoor Farmers Market season ending November 10. The relocation is due to the Nicollet Mall Project construction, and the Farmers Market will be relocated to Nicollet once the project is complete. In 2015, the Thursday Farmers Market was located on Hennepin Avenue.

“We’re excited to bring the Farmers Market to a new area of downtown that continues to grow and thrive,” said Farmers Market Manager Pat Nelson. “Hennepin County Government Center’s South Plaza offers a fantastic green space that will allow patrons to gather, browse and shop in a convenient location.”

This year’s Farmers Market will feature the same products that customers have come to expect from the Nicollet Mall Farmers Market, including produce, flowers and an assortment of canned products. The location is just three blocks from Nicollet Mall, adjacent to the Government Center Light Rail stop at 3rd Avenue South & 5th Street South, and nearby multiple bus stops, making it walkable and easily accessed by mass transit.

In addition to Thursday’s Farmers Market, Go Outside with Hennepin County will continue its summer programming at Hennepin County Government Center South Plaza each Wednesday from June 1 through August 31. Each Wednesday this summer from 11:30 am-1:30 pm, stop by the South Plaza for an assortment of activities and food options, including a rotating collection of food trucks, lawn games, a variety of seating options, and more.

“We want our downtown community to have opportunities to enjoy the summer weather,” said Hennepin County Administrator David Hough. “Our programming at Hennepin County Government Center South Plaza will provide an opportunity where you can grab your own lunch, play games, or bring fresh produce home for your family—all in one nearby spot.”

The Wednesday lineup followed by Thursday’s Farmers Market offers back-to-back days each week for workers, residents and visitors alike to get outside and enjoy summer in the heart of the city.

“As part of our 2025 Plan goals, we’re committed to creating a consistently compelling downtown experience filled with activities and events that are important to our community’s vitality,” said Minneapolis Downtown Council and Downtown Improvement District President & CEO Steve Cramer. “We’re excited about the Farmers Market and Go Outside with Hennepin County programming both being located at Government Center’s South Plaza, because it’s a great gathering space near the heart of our city that is located at an intersection point of our downtown core and the bustling Downtown East area.”

For more information and additional details on the Minneapolis Farmers Market, visit www.mplsfarmersmarket.com or follow along on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

About the Minneapolis Farmers Markets

The Minneapolis Farmers Markets—run by the Central Minnesota Vegetable Growers non-profit—are dedicated to bringing the highest quality, most delicious, fresh, sustainably farmed fruits, vegetables and farmstead products to its patrons, since 1876. The Minneapolis Markets are a source for fresh produce and products for people all over the Twin Cities, and served by more than 230 vendors, with a main daily Lyndale Market and downtown site. Visit mplsfarmersmarket.com for events and information.

About Go Outside with Hennepin County

Go Outside with Hennepin County is an initiative that offers events and activities for the community. The Go Outside campaign focuses on programming Target Field Station, the downtown area’s premier transit hub, as well as the Hennepin County Government Center South Plaza. Visit Government Center South Plaza each Wednesday through August for yard games, board games, picnic tables, food trucks and treats on hand. Events at Target Field Station throughout the summer will feature fitness opportunities, a movie series and fun for all ages. For more information, visit downtownmpls.com/gooutside.

About the Minneapolis Downtown Council:

Founded in 1955, and one of the oldest central business associations in the nation, the Minneapolis Downtown Council (MDC) is a membership-based entity that works to create an extraordinary downtown. The MDC’s collaborative developments of Intersections: Downtown 2025 Plan was designed to help downtown businesses, community leaders and citizens build on downtown assets and implement future goals. For more information, please visit www.downtownmpls.com.

About the Downtown Improvement District:

Founded in early 2009, after more than five years of formative planning and advocacy by the downtown business community, the Minneapolis DID delivers higher levels of service to make downtown cleaner, greener, safer and more vibrant throughout a 120-block area, as is the case with most Business Improvement Districts. For more information, visit www.minneapolisdid.com.

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Mark Remme | Communications Manager
Minneapolis Downtown Council | 81 S. 9th Street #260 | Minneapolis, MN | 55402

mremme@downtownminneapolis.com | Cell: 507.290.1452 | Office: 612.656.3824 | Fax: 612.338.0634