Summer is right around the corner and for downtown Minneapolis that means the start of The Commons 2018 summer season.
Now in its second year, more than 500,000 guests are expected to gather for free community events and programming at the 4.2 acre green space, which is managed and programmed by Green Minneapolis.
The 2017 season featured 68 events, including Northern Spark, an overnight festival celebrating the Twin Cities’ thriving arts community, along with a performance by the Minnesota Orchestra, which drew an audience of more than 3,500 for an evening of food, music and fun.
“In Minneapolis, we do summer better than anyone and The Commons park adds immensely to that status,” said Mayor Jacob Frey. “Whether it’s Northern Spark, a movie night, or just a place to hang out with a partner, The Commons is the perfect place to gather — a kitchen table of our downtown.”
This year’s lineup will feature everything from live music, silent disco, and poetry in the park to yoga, kickboxing, and monthly beer and wine nights, as well as kid-friendly activities.
New events have also been created via input from community members and partner organizations, including a monthly breakfast series for creatives, lawn game leagues, additional fitness classes, and pop-up hip hop performances with Sisco Omar.
Other area artists include Gretchen Marquette, The Commons’ 2018 Poet In Residence and author of May Day, who will host a series of outdoor poetry readings and lead writing workshops throughout the summer, and award-winning author and cartoonist Chris Monroe who will lead a children’s story time.
The 2018 season will continue programs in partnership with Minnesota Orchestra Mill City Farmers Market, Northern Lights.mn, MacPhail Center for Music, and Fly Feet Running. In addition, Green Minneapolis has announced new partnerships with Minnesota Sinfonia, CreativeMornings/Minneapolis, and Mixed Blood Theatre.
“Increasingly, people who live in the neighborhood, work downtown, or visit on the weekend are enjoying time in The Commons,” said Ward 3 Council Member Steve Fletcher. “I’m excited for all of the events and programs that the summer has in store and look forward to seeing so many people come together from across Minneapolis to enjoy them.”
Don’t want to wait for a special event? The park is open now through September 30. You can visit The Commons park daily to check out food trucks and games carts, play table tennis, bring kids to play on a large building-block or just hang out under the umbrellas for shade. The park will also serve as the site for X Games and other stadium-related activations, festivals and private parties.
Visit commonsmpls.com/activities for a full schedule and activities lineup.
Information provided by Green Minneapolis.
Reach the staff at the MSR at msrnewsonline@spokesman-recorder.com.