Parklets and street cafes

You can enroll to host a parklet or open a street café in the City of Minneapolis.

Applications open

Apply today to host a parklet or street café for the 2026 season. Applications to host City-owned parklets are due March 31st.

Public parklets in the city

Parklets are seasonal public spaces that make the city more livable and walkable. We design these low-cost portable parks for people to relax and enjoy the city. Public spaces where people can gather and interact, such as parklets, are an asset to our community. Parklets are accessible and open to all.

Learn how to apply

Parklets offer amenities such as

  • Seating
  • Plantings
  • Bike parking
  • Public art

They also create gathering spaces in denser areas of the city and public streets. Advertising and other commercial activities are not permitted in parklets.

Read the parklet program overview

Where we build parklets

Parklets are on the street next to the curb. They are in parking spaces. They act as an extension of the sidewalk.

Parklet program

Parklet types

Community parklets

Community groups or a business can build their own public seating area

  • No advertising or commercial activities allowed
  • Applications accepted on a rolling basis 

City-owned parklets

The City of Minneapolis owns three parklets that are hosted by community partners each year.

  • There is no cost to host
  • Hosts are responsible for day-to-day maintenance like trash pick-up
  • No advertising or commercial activities allowed
  • Hosts are selected through a competitive application process

Recent locations

In 2025, city-owned parklets were hosted at:

Image of a parklet.

Street café program

A street café is a seasonal expansion of the existing sidewalk. It's used for extra restaurant or business seating.

How street cafés work in the City

Street cafés:

  • Operate as an extension of a business
  • Are located in the space next to the curb (parking lane)
  • Can be reserved for customer use only

You must obtain a license to open a street café.

Application support

Virtual open house

The program team will hold a virtual open house at 7 p.m. on Monday, March 2, 2026. After a brief presentation, we will respond to your questions about the program and application process.

Attend the open house on Teams

Office hours

Bring us your questions about the parklet and street cafe program. Register for virtual office hours on teams during March:

How to apply

Contact us

Lillian Prybil

Associate Transportation Planner
Public Works

Address

Public Service Building
505 Fourth Ave. S., Room 220
Minneapolis, MN 55415

Craig Eliason

Street Cafe Program Manager
Community Planning & Economic Development

Phone

612-673-3370

Public Service Building
505 Fourth Ave. S., Room 220
Minneapolis, MN 55415