Celebrate Minneapolis’ Global Connections at Sister Cities Day
Minneapolis (July 14, 2025) – 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
Dignitaries will be on hand to commemorate these enduring relationships and highlight the importance of global connection at the local level.
“Sister Cities Day is a vibrant celebration of cultural awareness and local community,” said Melvin Tennant, President and CEO of Meet Minneapolis. “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 p.m. | The Mighty Drumming Club – Taiko Arts Midwest (Ibaraki City, Japan) |
| 1:30 p.m. | Songs of Hope – International Children’s Performing Arts Group |
| 2 p.m. | Official remarks to recognize anniversaries of three Sister City relationships: |
| 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 | |
| 2:20 p.m. | Rafiki USA (Eldoret, Kenya) |
| 2:40 p.m. | Twin Cities Nyckelharpalag – Swedish Key Harp Ensemble (Uppsala, Sweden) |
| 3 p.m. | Raices de Chile (Santiago, Chile) |
| 3:30 p.m. | Francine Roch accompanied by Mark Stillman on accordion (Tours, France) |
| 4 p.m. | Hongdae Lion Dance & Tai Chi School (Harbin, China) |
| 4:30 p.m. | 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.
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ABOUT MEET MINNEAPOLIS
Meet Minneapolis is a private, not-for-profit, member-based association. The organization actively promotes and sells the Minneapolis area as a destination for conventions and meetings, works to maximize the visitor experience, and markets the city as a desirable tourist destination to positively impact the economic and social prosperity of the Minneapolis community. Meet Minneapolis is accredited by the Destination Marketing Accreditation Program (DMAP) of Destinations International.
MEDIA CONTACT
Kevin Kurtt, PR Manager, o 612-767-8118, c 952-288-9319, KevinK@minneapolis.org
