The Ultimate X Games Itinerary
Heading to Minneapolis to get in on the X Games action? Thousands will gather at U.S. Bank Stadium, Medtronic Plaza, and Downtown East Commons to watch the best action sports competitions in the world featuring skateboarding, BMX and motocross. With so much going on in during these jam packed days we’ve put together a cheat sheet of events you shouldn’t miss and things to do while you’re in town.
Stay tuned for a curated 2019 itinerary!
Thursday
Must-See Event(s): Skateboard Vert Final
Athletes perform tricks on their skateboards in a vert ramp—a half pipe shaped like a U. This event is held outside on the Downtown East Commons and is free to the general public. Starts at 9pm.
Athlete(s) to watch: Michie Brusco
After coming in 3rd for two years in a row he'll be hungry for a first-place finish in the Skateboard Vert.
Live Music: Chevy Metal at The Minneapolis Armory, 10:15pm.
Nearby attractions: Walk, bike or skate over to Gluek’s Restaurant and Bar, a great dinner option—think bratwurst, pot roast, stroganoff—you know the good stuff that sticks to your ribs. It’s been around since the 1930’s and is unapologetically old school. The hidden patio is located near the rear of the restaurant. If you decide you're not quite done with all the nighttime excitement, head over to UNION for the after-party. Grab a couple cocktails and move on up to the rooftop to enjoy the energetic, lively atmosphere that also offers some stunning views of the Minneapolis skyline.
Friday
Must See Event(s):
Women’s Skateboard Park Final
8 riders will test their skills on a unique transition-based concrete and wood-hybrid course. In this year’s Final-only format, skateboarders will take three runs each, with a 45-second max run time. Their best score will count toward their ranking. Competitors will be judged based on degree of difficulty, variety, height, distance, and execution of tricks, along with continuity of run, originality, style and use of the entire course. Starts at 7:00pm
Moto X FreeStyle Final
Riders perform motorcycles routines on a course consisting of multiple jumps of varying lengths and angles. A panel of judges assigns each contestant a score based on a 100-point scale, looking for difficult tricks and variations over jumps. Starts at 10:00pm.
Athlete(s) to watch: Jackson Strong
This fan favorite always brings the crowd to its feet with his mind blowing and innovative tricks. He'll be competing for a first place finish this time after coming in second at last year's Moto X Freestyle.
Live Music: P.O.S at the Minneapolis Armory, 11:15pm.
Wu-Tang Clan at the Minneapolis Armory, 12:45pm.
Nearby attractions: Start your day at Hell’s Kitchen. You’ll want to order the lemon-ricotta hotcakes or anything you can smother in their homemade peanut butter. Before you leave, head up the stairs to Angel Food Bakery & Bar and grab a donut and coffee for the short walk to the stadium.
End the night at Brit’s Pub. Brit's is a traditional English pub boasting three unique outdoor areas including a large lawn bowling green on the rooftop. Excellent people watching in a unique environment.
Saturday
Must See Event(s):
Men’s BMX Park Final
Riders have the opportunity to test their skills on a unique transition-based concrete bowl course. In this year’s Final-only format, each rider will take three runs through the course. Final ranking is determined on each rider’s best score. Competitors will be judged based on aggressive execution of maneuvers, degree of difficulty, variety, continuity of run, originality and style, amplitude (height of airs) and use of the course. Starts at 12:00pm.
Athlete(s) to watch: Logan Martin
Coming off of a first place finish in last year's BMX Park Final, he’ll be ready to defend his title in this year's competition.
Live music: Diplo at the Minneapolis Armory, 10:30pm.
Nearby Attractions: Reminisce about the stunts, tricks and flips you’ve witnessed over a beer at Day Block Brewpub. Located two blocks away from the stadium, this place has it all: delicious beers on tap to keep you happy, live music to keep you entertained, and stellar snacks to keep you full. We like to order a bacon flight to go with our beer flight. Just putting it out there. After a beer or two enjoy a gorgeous walk across the Stone Arch Bridge and check out the Aster Café. Located right on the river it has some insane views of the city.
Sunday
Must See Event(s):
Women’s Skateboard Street Final
Competition street skateboarding is conducted in skateparks designed to replicate real-world environments. Tricks are performed on benches, stairs and rails alongside traditional skatepark elements like vert ramps. Starts at 2:45pm.
Dave Mirra’s BMX Park Best Trick
Back for the fourth year, this event honors the memory of X Games legend Dave Mirra. Athletes complete tricks on BMX bikes in a park shaped like a bowl. Starts at 4:30pm.
Athlete to watch: Leticia Bufoni
A three-time X Games Women's Skateboard Street gold medalist, she's gained momentum again and is working her way up the podium for that gold medal win in Minneapolis.
Live Music: Incubus at the Minneapolis Armory, 7:00pm
Nearby attractions: The North Loop and Warehouse District are home to amazing local businesses. And so we of course have to give a mention to the endless restaurant, bar and brewery options in this area. One popular place is Red Cow, where you'll find a selection of gourmet, award-winning burgers. Or end the night at Runyon’s—the vibe is relaxed, the beer is always flowing and you’ll find some of the best wings in the city. Northwest Downtown has a ton of great breweries to check out. Inbound Brewing, Fulton, and Modist Brewing are all within walking distance to Target Field, have outdoor patios, rotating food trucks, and above all delicious and innovative beers!
Looking for more beer? Check out our Minneapolis Breweries list for your choice of taprooms.