Shine On Minneapolis Launches Winter Campaign With 530 Events

Downtown Minneapolis Kicks Off Winter Campaign With 530 Events

Downtown Minneapolis is launching a new winter campaign designed to celebrate fresh events and drive traffic to local businesses, cbsnews.com reported. The initiative, called Shine On Minneapolis, is backed by the city of Minneapolis and the Minneapolis Foundation.

This year’s lineup features 530 holiday and winter events. The schedule includes live music, theatrical performances, holiday markets, shopping, and family activities.

“Shine On builds on the work we’ve already been doing to bring people to this exceptional street,” Mayor Jacob Frey said during the announcement Thursday afternoon.

Big news: I’ve officially been entrusted with Minneapolis’ most highly classified winter asset. ❄️ The first snowball of the season is in protective custody until November 27, when we kick off winter downtown with holiday lights and festivities at Shine On Minneapolis! pic.twitter.com/5scSQBDYXD

— https://x.com/MayorFrey/status/2118477706442543155

Block Party and Opening Activities Set for November 27

The celebration kicks off with a free block party on Nicollet Mall on November 27. The opening event spans the area between Seventh and 12th streets.

Attendees can gather at Peavey Plaza for the official lighting of the holiday tree. Other opening-day highlights include the city’s first official snowball toss, the World Marshmallow Roasting championship, and a DJ dance party.

Minneapolis mayor receives ceremonial snowball for winter celebration

Winter programming will not stop after the holidays. Additional events scheduled to follow include the Great Northern Festival, the Luminary Loppet, the Art Shanty Project, and the Winter Kite Festival.

Public Involvement and Ideas for Downtown

Campaign organizers emphasize that the initiative offers a chance for the public to get involved and visit downtown. The Minneapolis Activation Lab is currently seeking new ideas and community feedback on what residents want to see downtown this winter.

How to pitch ideas to help downtown Minneapolis rebound

“We’ve seen that arts and culture, here and all over the world, that arts and culture can bring people together,” said Sam Utne, director of the Minneapolis Activation Lab. “We want to hear those ideas, if you have those ideas and think you can do it, tell us what the idea is and what you need to get it done. We’re here to try and make it happen.”

Residents looking for more information on Shine On Minneapolis can visit CBS News. Those interested in submitting an event proposal can find the application link through the Minneapolis Activation Lab.