It may almost be August but there’s still plenty of summer fun to be had! Open Streets Minneapolis, the City’s popular summer event series, will kick off with the first of four events this Saturday, August 2, with a return to Northeast Minneapolis. Open Streets transforms major business and commercial corridors into car-free fairs for all ages to enjoy and connects all of its neighbors to enjoy culture, entertainment, activities and local vendors.
“Open Streets is more than a street festival, it’s a citywide invitation to celebrate culture, community, and connection,” said Mayor Jacob Frey. “We’re kicking things off this year on Central Avenue, one of our designated Cultural Districts, where the creativity of Northeast Minneapolis will be on full display. Open Streets shows what’s possible when we reimagine our streets as places for people to congregate, not just commute.”
"It is exciting to have Open Streets back in Northeast for the first time since 2019,” said City Council President Elliott Payne. “Central Ave is a hub of culture, art, and thriving small businesses—a true reflection of what makes Minneapolis so great."
Open Streets NE
The City is partnering with the Audubon Neighborhood Association along with the Coalition of Northeast Minneapolis Neighborhoods to kick off Open Streets 2025. This Saturday from 11 AM to 5 PM, Central Avenue NE from 14th Street to Lowry Avenue will be closed to vehicle traffic and opened up for people to walk, bike, roll, and explore. The family-friendly, car-free festival brings thousands of people out to experience community like never before, highlighting the local businesses, cultures, and creativity that make Northeast Minneapolis shine. Event highlights include live music on multiple stages, a pet hub, live Lucha Libre Wrestling matches, hands-on interactive art experiences and demonstrations, food vendors, a beer garden and more!
"We’re throwing the ultimate street party to celebrate Central Avenue’s recognition as one of Minneapolis’ seven Cultural Districts—and we’re thrilled to do it in partnership with the City of Minneapolis!” said Deborah Brister, Executive Director, Audubon Neighborhood Association. "Open Streets Central is our chance to show off the flavor, creativity, and community spirit that makes Northeast so special—on foot, on wheels, and with plenty of dancing in the streets!"
Open Streets Cedarfest
On Sunday, August 17, the West Bank Business association and the City are teaming up for Open Streets Cedarfest. For one day, Cedar Ave. between 15th Ave. and 6th St., and Riverside Ave. between Cedar Ave. and 19th Ave will host a celebration of community and culture in a car-free space. Open Streets Cedarfest will feature live music and performances on multiple stages, delicious local food – including a hot wing eating contest, the third annual Wienery Wiener and Wiener-Wannabe Dog Race, camel rides, a local artisan market and more!
“I’m super excited that Open Streets is coming to Cedar Riverside this summer! These events will turn our streets into lively spaces for walking, biking, and connecting with our neighbors,” said Council Member Jamal Osman. “You’ll see our community coming together to celebrate the beauty of our neighborhood and support our amazing local businesses. And let’s not forget the camel ride, which adds a fun and unique touch to the Cedar Riverside Open Streets event! Can’t wait to see you all there!”
“We are excited for visitors to experience the tremendous diversity of our local businesses and artist community on the West Bank at our Open Streets Cedarfest event,” said KJ Starr, Executive Director of the West Bank Business Association. “It’s the best party of the year - full of free family friendly activities, great music, and live comedy.”
Up Next
Two more Open Streets events will take place in September:
- Sept. 6, 2025 - West Broadway, between Logan and Lyndale Avenues in partnership with the West Broadway Business & Area Coalition
- Sept. 20, 2025 - Hennepin Ave., between W. 26th and 36th Streets in partnership with the Uptown Association
More details on the events will be released in the coming weeks.
In 2024, the City co-hosted three successful Open Streets events, partnering with the Uptown Association on Lyndale Ave., the West Broadway Business Coalition on W. Broadway, and the Lyndale Neighborhood Association on Nicollet Ave, with an estimated 75,000 attendees across all three events. For the 2025 season, the City will once again provide up to $50,000 for expenses along with in-kind City services valued at $65,000 for each event.
More information about Open Streets Minneapolis can be found on the City’s website.