A variety of special events are put on throughout the year by the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board and many permitted outside organizations. Events held in Minneapolis parks showcase the city’s cultural diversity, promote wellness, encourage volunteerism, raise awareness to support numerous causes and provide fantastic entertainment for residents and visitors of all ages. Please visit the events calendar for a complete list of events in Minneapolis parks.
Events Calendar Month View

Events Sampler

Some events are city-wide, others are specific to neighborhood or regional parks. Below, a sample of MPRB’s annual events are highlighted.

January

Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day

Minneapolis residents celebrate the life and legacy of Dr. King in an annual city-wide observance.

Lake Harriet Winter Kite Festival

Kites of all colors, sizes, shapes and themes fly over Lake Harriet.

February

Black History Month

Celebrate Black History Month with events and programs throughout the Parks.

March

Minneapolis International Festival

Celebrate the different cultures in the City of Minneapolis and surrounding communities.

April

Earth Day Cleanup

This day of service encourages life-long commitment to the environment through volunteer experiences and environmental education.

Arbor Day

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

May

Doors Open

Explore buildings that tell the city’s story, including designated park buildings, as part of the Doors Open annual event.

June

Juneteenth 

Join us to celebrate, promote and cultivate knowledge and appreciation of African-American history and culture

June – August

Cycle The Summer

Build your pedal power with a summer of free bike activities all ages and riding abilities.

July

Minneapolis Red, White and Boom!

From music and food to entertainment, 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.

August

Celebrate Our Beloved Community

Enjoy a day of community celebration with music, family activities and more.

September

Monarch Festival – Festival de la Monarca

Celebrate the monarch butterfly at this one-of-a-kind family event that includes music, dance, hands-on art, good food, and plenty of monarch butterflies.

October

Owámni Falling Water Festival

Celebrating Indigenous culture with music, art, food, exhibitors and more.