The City of Minneapolis is joining communities across the country and around the world in celebrating Welcoming Week from September 10–19. The annual celebration invites communities around the globe to host events that deepen understanding and connection among diverse neighbors. This year, the City will highlight the national theme “Stories We Share, Courage to Connect,” offering a series of community events that uplift shared experiences, strengthen relationships and foster belonging for all Minneapolis residents.
“Minneapolis is better because of the immigrants and refugees who call our city home, who start businesses, raise families, strengthen our neighborhoods and enrich our culture,” said Mayor Jacob Frey. “Welcoming Week gives us a chance to celebrate how beautifully connected Minneapolis is, while recommitting ourselves to build a city where everyone belongs and has a future.”
Throughout the week, the City of Minneapolis, together with numerous community partners, will host and share events across the city that bring together neighbors of diverse backgrounds. Events include storytelling gatherings, community dialogues, cultural celebrations, resource-sharing information sessions, and opportunities to learn about the U.S. citizenship process. Events include:
- September 11 | 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. – Litter Clean-Up on Lake Street – 12th Avenue. S. and Lake Street.
- September 12 | 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. – Open Streets West Broadway – 13-block stretch from Lyndale Avenue to Logan Avenue N.
- September 13 | 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. - Cedarfest – Cedar-Riverside
- September 13 – 19 | Workplace Rights Week – Online Webinars
- September 17 | 2 – 3 p.m. – Citizenship Day presentation
- September 17 | 4:30 p.m. – 6 p.m. – Twin Cities Immigration Forum: Welcoming Week edition - Online
- September 18 | 12 – 1:30 p.m. – Welcoming Week potluck – Public Service Building, Room 100, 505 4th Ave. S., Minneapolis
This year’s theme carries special meaning for Minneapolis. After the winter and spring of 2026, a period marked by Operation Metro Surge, community loss, and the powerful rise of mutual aid networks, Minneapolis has seen firsthand how courageous connection strengthens neighborhoods. Welcoming Week is an opportunity to honor what residents have lived through and to continue building the welcoming spaces they deserve.
“Welcoming Week reminds us that the strength of our city comes from the relationships we build,” said Michelle Rivero, Director of the Minneapolis Office of Immigrant and Refugee Affairs (OIRA). “When we show up for one another during good times as well as during the most challenging times, we prove that Minneapolis is a place where everyone can feel seen, supported, and welcomed.”
Residents are invited to take part in Welcoming Week events, meet new neighbors, and share their own stories. Organizations interested in hosting or participating can reach out to the Office of Immigrant and Refugee Affairs.