Major Events & Festivals in Minneapolis, United States

1. Minneapolis Aquatennial

Annual celebration featuring a parade, live music, and a torchlight run on the Mississippi River.

Community Gathering: Offers an opportunity for locals and visitors to connect and celebrate Minneapolis's vibrant culture.
Entertainment Galore: Features various concerts, events, and activities throughout the city during the Aquatennial week.
Iconic River Events: The torchlight run along the Mississippi River is a beloved tradition that dates back to 1940.

One of the longest-running film festivals in North America showcasing international and local films.

Cultural Exchange: Provides a platform for diverse voices from around the world to be heard.
Industry Networking: Offers networking opportunities for filmmakers, industry professionals, and film enthusiasts alike.
Local Talent Showcase: Highlights the work of emerging and established Twin Cities filmmakers within the festival.

Three-day outdoor art fair showcasing works from over 350 artists in various media.

Artistic Diversity: Showcases a wide variety of artistic styles and mediums, providing something for everyone.
Community Engagement: Offers interactive workshops, live demonstrations, and performances throughout the fair.
Supporting Local Artists: Provides a unique marketplace for artists to sell their work directly to consumers.

Celebration of LGBTQ+ culture and community with parades, concerts, and family-friendly activities.

Inclusion and Celebration: Fosters a welcoming and inclusive environment for the LGBTQ+ community and allies.
Community Activism: Highlights local organizations and activists working towards equality and justice.
Entertainment and Festivities: Features live music, food vendors, and a vibrant parade showcasing the diversity of the LGBTQ+ community.

Special exhibitions and programming during the Minneapolis Pride Festival at the Mia art museum.

Artistic Expression: Offers a unique opportunity to explore LGBTQ+ themes through various artistic mediums.
Community Engagement: Includes workshops, discussions, and performances that engage visitors with the local LGBTQ+ community.
Art Museum Accessibility: Mia offers free admission during Pride Weekend, making it an accessible and inclusive experience for all.

Annual procession featuring music, dance, and art celebrating the diverse cultures of Northeast Minneapolis.

Cultural Celebration: Showcases the rich cultural heritage of Northeast Minneapolis through vibrant costumes, music, and dance.
Community Unity: Brings together residents, artists, and community groups to create a unified, joyful procession.
Artistic Expression: Features large-scale puppets, art installations, and live performances that reflect the creative spirit of Northeast Minneapolis.

Annual celebration of Greek culture with food, dance, and art.

Cultural Immersion: Offers visitors a chance to learn about Greek traditions, food, music, and dance.
Community Connection: Provides an opportunity for the local Greek community to share their culture with Minneapolis residents and visitors alike.
Authentic Greek Cuisine: Features homemade Greek dishes, pastries, and desserts that are difficult to find elsewhere in Minneapolis.

Holiday-themed parade and festival featuring music, food, and activities for all ages.

Seasonal Celebration: Kicks off the holiday season with a festive parade and family-friendly activities.
Community Spirit: Brings together Minneapolis residents, local businesses, and visitors to celebrate the holiday season.
Holiday Tradition: Has been a beloved tradition in Minneapolis since 1982, offering a unique holiday experience for all ages.

Annual event where participants race wooden boats on the Mississippi River to celebrate Greek culture and tradition.

Cultural Tradition: Keeps alive a centuries-old Greek tradition of boat racing during Easter.
Community Involvement: Offers Minneapolis residents and visitors the opportunity to learn about Greek culture and participate in the race.
Waterfront Atmosphere: Takes place along the beautiful Mississippi River, creating a scenic backdrop for this unique event.

10-day celebration of performing arts featuring over 700 productions in various venues around Minneapolis.

Artistic Freedom: Allows artists to experiment and push boundaries, creating a diverse range of performances.
Accessible Performing Arts: Offers affordable ticket prices, making the arts accessible to a wide audience.
Community Engagement: Encourages local artists and theater groups to collaborate and create new work.

Annual festival showcasing local and international jazz musicians in multiple venues around St. Paul.

Musical Diversity: Features a wide variety of jazz styles, from traditional to contemporary.
Community Engagement: Provides opportunities for local musicians and bands to showcase their talent alongside renowned artists.
Accessible Music Experience: Offers a range of ticket prices, making jazz music accessible to a diverse audience.

Annual winter celebration featuring ice sculptures, activities, and events throughout downtown Minneapolis.

Wintertime Fun: Offers a variety of outdoor activities and events to enjoy during the winter months.
Community Spirit: Brings together Minneapolis residents, businesses, and visitors to celebrate winter in the city.
Ice Sculpture Masterpieces: Features intricate ice sculptures created by world-renowned artists, adding a touch of beauty to the winter landscape.

Annual film festival showcasing works from Asia and the Asian diaspora.

Cultural Exchange: Provides a platform for diverse voices and perspectives from Asia and the Asian diaspora.
Industry Networking: Offers networking opportunities for filmmakers, industry professionals, and film enthusiasts alike.
Local Talent Showcase: Highlights the work of emerging and established Twin Cities filmmakers within the festival.

Kickoff event for the Minneapolis Holidazzle Parade & Festival, featuring music, food, and the lighting of a giant holiday tree.

Holiday Celebration: Signals the start of the holiday season in Minneapolis with festive music, food, and entertainment.
Community Connection: Brings together residents, local businesses, and visitors to celebrate the holiday season.
Iconic Holiday Tradition: The lighting of the giant holiday tree is a beloved tradition in Minneapolis, dating back to 1982.

Annual film festival showcasing films about the Jewish experience and culture.

Cultural Exchange: Provides a platform for diverse voices from the Jewish community to be heard.
Industry Networking: Offers networking opportunities for filmmakers, industry professionals, and film enthusiasts alike.
Local Talent Showcase: Highlights the work of emerging and established Twin Cities filmmakers within the festival.