Minneapolis Music & Movies in the Park 2018

Ready or not, '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 kicks 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 live music to be enjoyed at 5 different park locations throughout Minneapolis. The locations are Lake Harriet Bandshell, Minnehaha 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 Orchestra offers a free concert at the Lake Harriet Bandshell - this year on Monday, July 9th at 7:30pm.

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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 Cool Runnings and The Birds to newer releases like The Greatest Showman and Black Panther. 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. Right click on the image to save and print it. 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.