Minneapolis Downtown Council

10/20/2026

The Mpls Downtown Council presents Nicollet Next, an initiative inviting students, young designers, architects, and artists to shape downtown’s next chapter.

To inspire the design and creative communities, two installations (Maestro and Touchdown by LeMonde Studio) are now on display on Nicollet Ave through November 23.

To help launch the pilot prototype program, displays and sample installations designed by students from Dunwoody College of Technology and the University of Minnesota Twin Cities will be on display at Zero Empty Spaces.

🗓️ Key Student & Sample Exhibitions:
• Dunwoody Student Exhibition (Many Futures): Oct 20 – Nov 19 (Wed–Fri, 12–5 PM at Zero Empty Spaces)
• Dunwoody Open House & Artist Panel: Oct 27, 4–6 PM
• U of M Architecture Outdoor Prototypes: Nov 9 on Nicollet Mall
• U of M Architecture Exhibition: Dec 2 – 11

📢 Submit Your RFP: We encourage creators to submit their ideas for engaging prototypes to showcase at Nicollet Next in 2027. Applications are due December 8th.

Learn more and submit your proposal: https://www.mplsdowntown.com/nicollet-next/

(Photos by LeMonde Studio)

10/19/2026

🕵️‍♂️🔎 Halloween has plans… and you’re invited. 🥃🖤

Step into the 1920s for Death of a Gangster — a murder mystery at Wilbur’s, filled with cocktails, clues, and unexpected twists.

📍 W Minneapolis – The Foshay
📅 October 29 | 5 PM

Consider this your special invitation, partners in crime. Enjoy 10% off tickets with code PARTNERS10.

Come for the mystery. Stay for the vibe. 🥂🕯️

https://www.mplsdowntown.com/event/death-of-a-gangster-a-murder-mystery-at-wilburs/

10/16/2026

10/15/2026

Mid-October in Downtown Mpls is serving pure fall energy! 🍂✨ Here is your cheat sheet for Oct 15–18. Save this post for your weekend plans! 👇

🎵 Concerts, Comedy & Disney Nostalgia:
• Disney Descendants, ZOMBIES & Camp Rock: Worlds Collide Concert Tour (Sun, Oct 18 @ 7 PM): Massive nostalgia overload taking over Target Center! 🎤✨
• Zack Fox bringing a late-night DJ set to First Ave on Thursday 🔥
• Ben Schwartz & Friends live Hennepin Arts Orpheum Theatre for star-studded improv comedy! 🎭
• Riot grrrl vibes with Heavens to Betsy at Fine Line (Fri) & post-hardcore with Catch Your Breath (Sun) 🎸

🏈 Sports Watch Parties:
• College Football watch parties on Saturday at North Loop Green 🏈
• NFL Sunday watch parties across two levels & fire pits at Graze and Tom’s Watch Bar! 🍻

🎨 Autumn Art & Market Rituals:
• Morning cold brews, spiced c***r & pastries along the river at Minneapolis Farmers Market on Saturday ☕️
• Peak fall color views walking the Endless Bridge at Guthrie Theater

What are your weekend plans? Drop them below! 👇

10/13/2026

Ready to amplify your Thursday night? 🎶🛍️

Amplify the Ave is bringing a prize-filled retail & bar crawl to First Avenue on October 29 to support businesses through an upcoming season of construction! Explore four blocks of local shops, bars, and restaurants while taking on the Amplify the Ave! Scavenger Hunt.

Hit 5 spots for a prize, or keep exploring to score gift cards. Wrap up your night at Kieran's Irish Pub to claim your prize.

🗓️ Thursday, October 29 | 4–8 PM
📍 First Ave (3rd to 7th St)
📲 Register for the event to check in and play! https://events.humanitix.com/amplify-the-ave-retail-bar-crawl

Brought to you in partnership with the Minneapolis Renaissance Coalition and made possible in part by funding from the City of Mpls Great Streets Grant funding.

10/09/2026

Final *summer feel* weekend in Downtown Mpls! 🌆✨
Get and enjoy these events on this gorgeous fall weekend:

🪶 Owámni: Falling Water Festival (Sat, 11–4 PM): Free Indigenous art, music, and food vendor festival at Mill Ruins Park

🎤 Mega Show: Shaboozey at The Armory

🏈 Vikings Watch Parties: North Loop Green & Tom’s Watch Bar on Sunday

🥐 Market Mornings: Iced matcha & pastries at Mill City Farmers Market (Sat)

Tag your crew and head downtown! 🏙️🔥

10/01/2026

October in Downtown Mpls hits DIFFERENT 🌆✨ Between Doja Cat at Target Center, heavy bass at The Armory, and a Vikings home game, the city is packed this weekend (Oct 1–4)!

Here’s what you can’t miss:
🐶 LollaPAWLooza (Sat, 3–7 PM): Bring your fur baby to the Minneapolis Farmers Market Annex for a massive dog-centric festival packed with local treats, food trucks, and craft brews! 🐾
🏈 Vikings Sunday: Catch the Vikings on Sunday at Tom's Watch Bar or Graze!
🎤 Doja Cat: Sunday night live at Target Center

Tag your crew and head downtown! 🏙️🔥

09/28/2026

Did you know more than 12,000 people visited the Nicollet Community Space last year?

Located in Downtown Minneapolis, this welcoming community hub offers free weekly programming, including wellness activities, arts and crafts, games, social gatherings, resource navigation, and visits from community partners.

With 6,885 visits already recorded this year, the space continues to serve as an important gathering place for people looking to connect, find support, and spend time in community.

Open Monday through Thursday
11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Downtown Minneapolis thrives when people have places to connect, participate, and feel welcome. The Nicollet Community Space is helping make that happen every day.

Learn more: https://www.mplsdid.com/nicolletcommunityspace