Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board Special Events

The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board offers a variety of special events throughout the year. Events showcase Minneapolis’ cultural diversity, raise environmental awareness, encourage volunteerism and promote wellness. Some events are city-wide, while others are specific to neighborhood Recreation Centers. From preschoolers to seniors, our special events also provide a lot of fun and entertainment.

For a complete list of events in Minneapolis parks, view our Events Calendar.

Gridiron Gallop – June 16, 2013
The Minnesota Vikings host the Kids' Run and 5K fun run/walk around Lake Nokomis.

Minneapolis Red, White, and Boom! – July 3-4, 2013
From music and food to entertainment and fireworks, the Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board and its partners offer a variety of family-friendly opportunities that put some sparks – large and small – into the 4th of July.

Peace Games – August 2013
The Peace Games celebrate the diverse cultures of Minneapolis through interactive games, sports, dance, music, art and, of course, food!

Monarch Festival – September 7, 2013
Celebrate the monarch butterfly at this one-of-a-kind family event that includes a kids butterfly fun run, music, dance, hands-on art, good food, and plenty of monarch butterflies.

Minneapolis Bike Tour – September 15, 2013
What better way to explore the Minneapolis Park System than on a bicycle ride!

U.S. Pond Hockey Championships – January 2014
America's largest pond hockey championship draws hundreds of participants from around the country to Lake Nokomis.

Lake Harriet Winter Kite Festival– January 18, 2014
Kites of all colors, sizes, shapes and themes fly over Lake Harriet.

Martin Luther King Jr. Day – January 21, 2014
MPRB invites Minneapolis residents to celebrate the life and legacy of Dr. King in an annual city-wide observance.

Cinderella Ball– February 2014
Experience fairy tale magic with your child at the Cinderella Ball!

Loppet Cross Country Ski Race–February 1-2, 2014
Thousands of skiers of all ages, including many of the sport’s best, ski through woods, over parkways and across lakes.

Earth Day–April 2014
This day of service encourages life-long commitment to the environment through volunteer experiences and environmental education.

Minneapolis Recycle Run – April 2014
Recycle Run 5K and Kids' Run benefiting Minneapolis parks, this chip-timed 5K takes place at Lake Harriet.

Arbor Day – May 2014
This city-wide Spring event reminds everyone about the importance of trees and how we can take care of them.