From an outdoor dinner spanning several blocks to a global gathering of sneaker heads to an explosion of purple (both rain and pride), the City of Minneapolis expects to draw more than 1 million people to town in September and October. The growing roster of headline events and activities expects to fuel the economy downtown and beyond.

“This is what a busy and exciting city looks like,” said Mayor Jacob Frey. “Fall in Minneapolis brings everything from playoff games to concerts to community festivals—and we’re here for it. With all that activity, you might run into a few traffic jams or street closures, but that just means something great is happening nearby. So plan ahead, pack a little patience and take pride in everything our great city has to offer.”

The packed fall schedule represents continued momentum in the City’s efforts to bring renewed energy to the city center by supporting cultural vibrancy and community connections that promote pride in Minneapolis. It follows a summer season that featured a wide array of reasons to get downtown – from traditional draws like the Minnesota Lynx and Timberwolves tearing up Target Center to novel events like the Big Honkin’ Truck Parade and Dinner du Nord, two City firsts that drove continued growth for the downtown Minneapolis economy.

In preparing for all the excitement, City leaders urge downtown visitors to participate in the As You Go Mpls program - which celebrates getting around in ways that boost health, save money and reduce stress – by leaving their cars at home and traveling to downtown by transit, walking, biking or rolling.

As an additional note, buses will replace METRO Blue Line trains between the Mall of America and Target Field stations from Sept. 22 through Oct. 4. METRO Green Line riders will also be directed to the buses between the U.S. Bank Stadium and Target Field stations. Replacement buses will operate up to every eight minutes. The METRO Orange Line, METRO D Line and many other bus routes can be used to access downtown Minneapolis. Visit Metro Transit’s website for route, schedule and fare payment information. 

While not meant to be an exhaustive list, here are larger-scale events for awareness and potential street closures for the next few months:

September

• 13 – The Minneapolis Convention Center hosts the Minnesota Muslim Convention – 10 a.m. to 11 p.m.
• 14
  • The beginning of the Minnesota Lynx play-off run vs. Golden State at Target Center – 12 p.m.
  • Minnesota Vikings vs. Atlanta Falcons at U.S. Bank Stadium – 7:20 p.m.
• 17 – Noon on Nicollet Concert on the Mall – 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
• 19 – If needed in the best of three playoff series, the Minnesota Lynx would return to Target Center
• 20
  • Open Streets Hennepin Ave. hosted by the Uptown Association – between 26^th and 34^th St. - 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  • Farm Aid at Huntington Bank Stadium – 12 p.m. to 11 p.m.
  • Dakota 40^th Anniversary Block Party – Nicollet Mall – 2 p.m. to 10 p.m.
  • Powderhorn Porchfest – 17^th between 32^nd and 34^th Streets – 4 p.m. to 10 p.m.
  • Avant Garden – Walker Art Center
  • Minnesota Twins host a double-header with the Cleveland Guardians at Target Field – 1:10 p.m. and 6:10 p.m.
• 21
  • Minnesota Vikings vs. Cincinnati Bengals at U.S. Bank Stadium – 12 p.m.
• 27
  • The Minnesota Golden Gophers host Rutgers at Huntington Bank Stadium
  • Sneaker Con runs at the Convention Center – 12 p.m. to 7 p.m.

October

• 4 – Warehouse District Live Oktoberfest Block Party – 1^st Ave. Between 4^th and 5^th Streets – 6 p.m. to midnight
• 5 – Twin Cities Marathon
• 11
  • The Gophers play Purdue at Huntington Bank Stadium
  • The City of Lakes Art Fair runs through the weekend at Bde Maka Ska – 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday
• 16 – Purple Rain debuts at the State Theatre for a month-long run
• 17
  • Paul McCartney makes a stop at U.S. Bank Stadium for his “Got Back” tour at 8 p.m.
  • The Golden Gophers play Nebraska at Huntington Bank Stadium for an evening game – 7 p.m.
• 19 – Minnesota Vikings vs. Philadelphia Eagles at U.S. Bank Stadium – 12 p.m.
• 26 – Minnesota Timberwolves play in their home opener vs. the Indiana Pacers at Target Center – 6 p.m.

Meet Minneapolis is a great source of all things city events, and the Downtown Council is the place to go for downtown-specific activities. Visit the websites for additional calendar items and opportunities to fill out any City of Lakes bucket list.