Minneapolis Music & Movies in the Park 2017
Memorial Day kicks off the 'unofficial start of summer!' I can't help but have a little skip in my step knowing we survived another season of the white stuff and the sunscreened, bug sprayed, sun-kissed, popsicle covered kids are just around the corner. Schools are beginning to bid farewell for the summer and the laid back summer lifestyle will soon be upon us.
For some parents, anxiety is settling in wondering what in the world we are going to do here all summer. For others, the lazy days of sunshine and warmer temps can't arrive soon enough. If you missed my previous post about Summer Camp planning, you can check it out here.
Whether or not we are ready, summer is unofficially underway and we better make the most of it while it's here. A couple weeks ago, I shared my printable Farmers Market Guide with you - such a fun way to take advantage of our city in the summer. Today, we are talking about Minneapolis Music & Movies in the Park, which officially kicked off this Memorial Day.
If you aren't familiar with Minneapolis Music & Movies in the Park, it might surprise you to find out that every night of the summer - from Memorial Day through Labor Day, there is free music to be enjoyed at 6 different park locations throughout Minneapolis. The locations are Lake Harriet Bandshell, Minnehaha Park Bandstand, Father Hennepin Bluff Park, Nicollet Island Pavilion, Bryant Square Park & Loring Park.
This tradition of free music in our beautiful Minneapolis Parks has been going on for more than 120 years. Performing artists are all local and represent a wide range of genres. Even the Minnesota Orchestra offers a free concert at the Lake Harriet bandshell - this year on Monday, July 3rd at 7:30pm.
( image via )
The Movies in the Park series was added in 2007 to offer additional entertainment in a fun, free and picturesque setting. The evening location rotates throughout a variety of Minneapolis parks showing more than 60 movies throughout the summer. The lineup for this summer includes everything from classics like The Princess Bride and The Sandlot to newer releases like Hidden Figures and Sing. Movies begin at 9pm each evening.
Tips for making the most of your evening
If you are planning to take in a concert, make an evening of it! If it's beautiful out, ride bikes to prolong the experience and eliminate the hassle of parking. If you're driving, leave yourself ample time to find parking and walk a little distance as it's likely the area will be congested around start time. Bring a blanket to spread out or snag a picnic table if the crowd's thin enough. While most locations offer bench seating, crowds tend to overflow out of the seating area.
If you are headed to the Lake Harriet Bandshell or Minnehaha Park, you can take advantage of their on site dining options. Bread & Pickle at Lake Harriet and Sea Salt Eatery at Minnehaha Park both offer full menus and adult beverages to boot. However, most park locations have food options within walking distance. Father Hennepin Park offers Food Truck Tuesdays starting at 7pm. Otherwise, plan a stop at France 44 to pick up a spread of hors d'oeuvres and your favorite bottle of rosé.
Pack bug spray for when those pesky dusk disrupters attempt to sabotage your evening. Light a citronella candle for added ambiance. Plan to take the long route home, by now the stars are out and the reflection of the skyline on the city lakes is everything you'd hoped for - and more.
Below is a printable reference guide for Minneapolis Music & Movies in the Park. Follow @mplsmusicmovies on Facebook for real-time weather updates - events are subject to cancellation should weather not cooperate. For the full line up of what concerts and movies are happening where, click here.
For more of what I'm doing locally, check out my neighborhood features here and here. Be sure to follow @sarahschaffer.realtor on Instagram for local features, design, decor and remodeling inspiration.
( cover image via )