Parklets and street cafes

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

Parklets and street café changes in 2023

The parklet and street cafe program now have an option for a street-level parklet and street café. This means that you don't need a raised platform on the sidewalk, as long as it's okay with your location. This is a way to make it cheaper for communities and businesses to take part in this initiative.

The City has also made it less expensive for businesses in metered parking areas to join the program by lowering the meter hooding fees. Our parklet program manual and street café supplement have more information.

The application period for a City-owned parklet has closed. However, we’re still taking applications for privately owned parklets and street cafés.

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 next to the curb. They're often in parking spaces or loading zones. They act as an extension of the sidewalk.

Parklet program

Who owns the parklets

Some parklets are funded and maintained by

  • Neighboring businesses
  • Residents
  • Community organizations 

The City of Minneapolis owns others.

City-owned parklets

The City of Minneapolis owns three parklets that are hosted by various businesses or organizations each year. City-owned parklets are hosted at the following locations for the 2022 season:

Past locations

In 2021, city owned parklets were hosted at the following locations:

Street café pilot 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 (often a parking or loading zone)
  • Can be reserved for customer use only

You must obtain a license to open a street café.

 

How to apply

Parklet application process

Learn the process for hosting a city-owned parklet.

Street café application process

Learn how to apply to open a street café.

Resources from other cities

City of San Francisco

City of San Francisco parklet manual    

City of Phoenix

City of Phoenix parklet design & build kit       

Los Angeles - LADOT People Street

Contact us

Kaitlyn Denten

Associate Transportation Planner
Public Works

Email Kaitlyn Denten

Phone

612-673-2544

Craig Eliason

Street Cafe Program Manager
Community Planning & Economic Development

Email Craig Eliason

Phone

612-673-3370

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