The Minneapolis Park & 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, others are specific to neighborhood recreation centers. From preschoolers to seniors, special events also provide a lot of fun and entertainment.
Some annual events include:
Arbor Day – Each May this city-wide event reminds everyone about the importance of trees and how we can take care of them.
Black History Month – A month-long series of events at Minneapolis parks for youth ages 12-17 celebrates the history and heritage of African-Americans.
Earth Day – This day of service in April encourages life-long commitment to the environment through volunteer experiences and environmental education.
Fourth of July – From music and food to entertainment and fireworks, the Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board (MPRB) and its partners offer a variety of family-friendly opportunities that put some sparks – large and small – into the Fourth of July.
Gridiron Gallop – The Minnesota Vikings host the 5K fun run/walk around Lake Nokomis in June.
Lake Harriet Winter Kite Festival – Kites of all colors, sizes, shapes and themes fly over Lake Harriet in January.
Loppet Cross Country Ski Race –Thousands of skiers of all ages, including many of the sport’s best, ski through woods, over parkways and across lakes.
Martin Luther King Jr. Day – MPRB invites Minneapolis residents to celebrate the life and legacy of Dr. King in an annual city-wide observance.
Minneapolis Bike Tour – What better way to explore the Minneapolis Park System than on a bicycle ride on a sunny autumn day.
Monarch Festival – Celebrate the monarch butterfly at this one-of-a-kind family event. Events include a 5K run, art projects, educational workshops, music and a movie.
Peace Games – Each August the Peace Games celebrate the diverse cultures of Minneapolis through interactive games, sports, dance, music, art and, of course, food!
U.S. Pond Hockey Championships – America's largest pond hockey championship draws hundreds of participants from around the country to Lake Nokomis.
