People are coming out by the thousands to events in Minneapolis, peaking this month with over 44 major events scheduled across the city. From the longest dinner table in the country, to the world’s photography festival, to wide open streets of fun and festivities, neighborhoods are coming alive in September. Minneapolis will host more events this month than the count of major events in June and July combined and twice as many as August. The busy calendar brings opportunities for residents and visitors to experience Minneapolis, support local businesses and neighborhoods and continue to energize the city.
“Minneapolis is a remarkable city with the best people,” said Mayor Jacob Frey. “The celebrations we have seen over the last few months reflects how much Minneapolis has to offer, whether it’s our world-class destination restaurants, nationally ranked parks, or growing neighborhoods there is so much to do and see. The continued enthusiasm from residents and visitors to get out and connect proves Minneapolis is a real-life experience. Join in!”
Kicking off fall with a busy September
The number of major events scheduled in Minneapolis has increased significantly as the city moves into the fall:
- June: 24 major events
- July: 19 major events
- August: 22 major events
- September: 44 major events
All this activity provides a boost in business and an increase in visitors to Minneapolis. According to Meet Minneapolis, which cited data from the firm STR, Minneapolis hotels generated more than $135 million in room revenue and 66 percent occupancy during the summer travel period from May 26 through September 5.
Major events bring people into Minneapolis and create opportunities for local restaurants, retailers, hotels, entertainment venues and other businesses. Events also activate public spaces and neighborhoods, giving residents and visitors more opportunities to experience the city and connect with their communities.
The September calendar reflects the range of events happening throughout Minneapolis, from downtown gatherings and cultural festivals to neighborhood celebrations, community events, markets and outdoor activities.
Supporting the local economy
The busy month follows an extensive effort by the City to not only attract and create events, but also to make it easier in hosting events. The City increased resources with people assigned to event activation and funding to support events over the past few years and those efforts are paying off. Coordinated staff teams continue to support and plan events through an evolving and improving permitting process.
In 2025, the Minneapolis Community Events Assistance Program was launched between the City and Meet Minneapolis. This $760,000 annual fund helps organizations committed to creating meaningful events that contribute to the vibrancy of Minneapolis.
Earlier this year, the City also provided funding to cover City permit costs through the fee-free events component of the Minneapolis Small Business Resiliency Fund. As of late July, the City has covered $271,820 in event fees from this fund.
This fund also supports food-based local businesses, entrepreneurs and cultural organizations impacted by Operation Metro Surge. The fund, which City council approved on March 27, has awarded or contracted more than $5.6 million to date.
“The city’s diversity is its strength. We see it downtown and throughout every commercial corner in the array of businesses, large or small, that serve community,” said Minneapolis Community Planning & Economic Development (CPED) Director Erik Hansen. “Our investments are putting resources directly into the hands of the businesses and organizations that help our communities thrive. With these investments and our continued efforts to reduce red tape we are making it easier to do business here. We see the results in the scores of events that are happening all over the city.”
Events across Minneapolis
The following events offer a snapshot of the activity happening across Minneapolis for the remainder of September. Events include:
Friday, Sept. 18–Sunday, Sept. 20
- MODE by Flickr – citywide. Get event details
- Art on the Edge – Friday, Sept. 18, 10 a.m.– 5 p.m., Father Hennepin Bluff Park, Downtown. Get event details
- Seward Yard Sale Days – Friday, Sept. 18 through Sunday, Sept. 20, 9 a.m.– 5 p.m., Southside. Get event details
- Nordic Vintage Market – Friday, Sept. 18, 9 a.m.– 4 p.m., and Saturday, Sept. 19, 9 a.m.– 3 p.m., New City Church, 3104 16th Ave. S., Southside. Get event details
Saturday, Sept. 19
- Saint Helena Autumn Daze – Southside. Get event details
- Neighborhood Super Sale – 9 a.m.– 3 p.m., East Isles, Lowry Hill, East Bde Maka Ska, Kenwood, Cedar-Isles-Dean and The Wedge. Get event details
- Fulton Fall Festival Garage Sale – 9 a.m.– 3 p.m., Southside. Get event details
- Walk, Run, Rholl 2026 – 8 a.m.– 1 p.m., Theodore Wirth Park, Northside. Get event details
- Lynnhurst/Fulton Garage Sales – 9 a.m.– 4 p.m., Southside.
- Trucksploration – noon – 3 p.m., Lake Harriet Upper Elementary School, 4912 Vincent Ave. S., Southside. Get event details
- Powderhorn Porchfest – 4 –10 p.m., 17th Ave. between 32nd and 34th streets, Southside. Get event details
Saturday, Sept. 26
- Open Streets Lyndale – 11 a.m.– 5 p.m., Southside. Get event details
The City encourages residents and visitors to get out and experience events throughout Minneapolis this fall. People attending larger events should plan ahead, allow extra time for travel and consider transit, walking, biking or rolling when possible. Large events may result in increased traffic, crowds and temporary street closures.
For additional information on events throughout Minneapolis, residents and visitors can explore the calendars at Meet Minneapolis and the Downtown Council.