Minneapolis Downtown Council

06/18/2026

This summer Downtown Minneapolis will play a pivotal role in the 2026 USA Special Olympic Games; one of our nation’s largest humanitarian sporting events, bringing together 3,000 athletes and 1,500 coaches in a celebration promoting inclusion, healthy competition, and community across the city. MDC/DID's work to keep downtown welcoming, safe and vibrant for businesses, residents, and visitors help position the city as the perfect place to host events like these.

Leading into the Games, the Law Enforcement Torch Run Final Leg (June 18–20, 2026) will carry the “Flame of Hope” through neighborhoods and communities across the state before arriving in downtown at the Hennepin County Government Center and continuing to Huntington Bank Stadium where the cauldron will be lit to officially open the Games.



📸 Special Olympics
https://www.mplsdid.com/about https://2026specialolympicsusagames.org/

06/13/2026

🚚🎉 The Big Honkin' Truck Parade is rolling into downtown Minneapolis!

Get ready to see some of the biggest, coolest vehicles in the city make their way through downtown. From construction equipment and emergency vehicles to specialty trucks and more, this family-friendly parade is a chance to get up close to the machines that help keep our city moving.

Come early and check out Mich's Market starting at 5 PM before the parade rolls through downtown.

Bring the kids, find a spot along the route, and enjoy one of downtown's most unique summer traditions.

📍 Downtown Minneapolis 🗓️ Thursday, June 18 Mich's Market | 5:00 PM ⏰ Big Honkin' Truck Parade | 5:30 PM

Tag a truck-loving friend or family member and we'll see you downtown! 🚛✨

06/10/2026

The countdown begins! ⏳

In just one week, Downtown Wednesday Happy Hours return to Nicollet Mall with an evening of block-party fun, local vendors, happy hour specials, and a live set from internationally recognized DJ and producer OMRI. 🎶

Gather your coworkers, meet up with friends, and kick off summer in the heart of Minneapolis.

📅 June 17, 3-7 PM
📍 Nicollet Mall | South 9th to 10th Street

Can't make the first Downtown Wednesday Happy Hour? There's still time!

Join us on Nicollet Mall for the next round of summer block-party fun:

July 15 | August 19 | September 16

06/09/2026

06/09/2026

🖤💙 Soccer fans, this one's for you.

The FIFA World Cup 2026™ Soccer Celebration kicks off Thursday at Peavey Plaza, bringing the excitement of the world's biggest tournament to Downtown Minneapolis. Join fellow fans, including plenty from Minnesota United FC's passionate supporter community, to cheer, celebrate, and catch every unforgettable moment.

📍 Peavey Plaza
🗓️ June 11-27

06/05/2026

Prince’s legacy and his music still connect us. This moment reflects a city coming together through music, remembrance, and community. Prince gave so much to Minneapolis. This is Minneapolis giving that love back.

🎤 Prince Sing-Along: June 6, 4:30–6:30 PM
📍 Prince Mural in Downtown Mpls

💜 A mass choir of 100+ vocalists led by acclaimed Musical Director Sanford Moore
💜 A guided, crowd-wide performance of Prince’s most iconic songs
💜 Thousands of fans singing together in the streets of Minneapolis
💜 A powerful, shared tribute honoring his life, music, and lasting impact

Find the Prince Sing-Along Lyrics by scanning the QR code or at the link in bio.

06/05/2026

Join thousands of fans tomorrow, June 6 for a free, all-ages community sing-along celebrating the music and legacy of Prince as part of the annual Prince Celebration. 1st Ave will be transformed into a living tribute to Prince Roger Nelson where thousands will come together, voices united, to celebrate the music and spirit that continues to define a city.

This community sing-along celebrates the music and legacy of Prince as part of the annual Prince Celebration. The outdoor event will take place near the downtown Prince mural by Hiero Veiga at 101 N. Ninth St., on the day before what would have been the Purple One’s 68th birthday.

Date: Saturday, June 6
Time: 4:30 – 6:30 p.m. - Rain or Shine
Location: Prince Mural, 101 North 9th St. Minneapolis 55403
Wear: Purple, Prince-inspired outfits, sequins, boas, wigs, makeup, jewelry, vintage and fashion!

This is more than a sing-along. This is a moment. Learn more at https://www.paisleypark.com/celebration2026blockparty?

06/04/2026

The city is waking up.

Summer traditions returning to Minneapolis.

The best days of summer are back: Aquatennial 2026

Get ready for the launch tomorrow, June 2!

06/03/2026

In honor of this summer’s Prince Celebrat10n, check out the Purple Promotion Downtown Minneapolis Deals – now through June 6th. 💜

Purple Rain Cocktail (available for a limited time) 📍 Sawatdee Thai Restaurant

Wear Purple & get a BOGO Empanada 📍 Boludo Downtown

Lemon Berry Mojito & 1999 Fizz, Mon-Fri (both purple drinks) 📍 The Melting Pot

$10 Purple Rain Long Island Tea 📍 Smorgie's

Mention “Purple Promotions” for BOGO on House Wines at Umbra 📍 Umbra Minneapolis at Canopy by Hilton

“Little Red Corvette” and “His Purple Majesty” themed cocktails 📍 Hell's Kitchen Minneapolis

Get 25% off any Dragons Dungeons & Drinks Adventure Ticket by using code: PurpleDragon 📍 Dragons Dungeons & Drinks

Free soap sample with purchase if you wear purple and mention Prince or the Purple Promotion 📍 Ana's Alchemy

Prince keepsakes from books to keychains to sticker and mugs 📍 Strive Publishing & Bookstore

LET’S GLOW CRAZY Experience during Prince Celebration Weekend - Book 3 tickets and receive the 4th ticket complimentary 📍 Kobi Co.

Get links to make your reservations in Downtown at mplsdowntown.com/downtown-deals 👈

06/02/2026

☀️ Summer is officially here, and Peavey Plaza is the place to be! 🏙️✨

We are bringing the energy to the heart of all season long with a packed lineup of free events, live music, and incredible food. Whether you’re looking to break a sweat, catch some tunes, or grab a delicious lunch, we’ve got your summer plans covered! 👋

Here is what’s happening all summer long:

🏃‍♂️ Fitness on the Plaza—Join the YMCA for free outdoor fitness classes right on the plaza every other Tuesday, 12-12:30 PM!

🎶 Tunes on the Plaza 🎶 We’re hosting incredibly talented artists throughout the summer, filling the downtown air every Wednesday night, 5 - 6 PM, with everything from acoustic sets to vibrant local bands.

🚚 Food Truck Wednesdays—head down to the plaza every Wednesday lunchtime to check out a rotating lineup of the Twin Cities’ best food trucks.

📍 Peavey Plaza (12th & Nicollet) 🔗 Head to the link in our bio for the full schedule and times!