Minneapolis Music & Movies in the Park 2019

While Memorial Day weekend may be the ‘unofficial’ start of summer, it is the official kick-off to Minneapolis Music & Movies in the Park! 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 live music to be enjoyed at 5 different park locations throughout Minneapolis. The locations are the Lake Harriet Bandshell, Minnehaha Falls Park Bandstand, Father Hennepin Bluff Park, Nicollet Island Pavilion & Bryant Square 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 Philharmonic Orchestra offers a free concert at the Lake Harriet Bandshell - this year on Saturday, June 8th at 7:30pm.

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 Goonies and The Sandlot to newer releases like Bohemian Rhapsody and Free Solo. 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! Ride bikes to eliminate the hassle of parking. If you're driving, leave yourself ample time to 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. Don’t forget your bug spray!

If you are headed to the Lake Harriet Bandshell or Minnehaha Falls Park, you can take advantage of their on site dining options. Bread & Pickle at Lake Harriet and Sea Salt Eatery at Minnehaha Falls 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.

Below is a printable reference guide for Minneapolis Music & Movies in the Park. Download and print yours right here. 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.

The summer concert series kicks off Memorial Day at the Lake Harriet Bandshell! I’d love to hear your tips for taking in a concert or movie in the park. Do you have a particular location you favorite?