Stay in the Loop

Our calendars are colorful and jam-packed with weekend festivities, and after work you can often find us sipping drinks and sharing apps on one of our favorite patios or rooftops. Kick off the start of summer with us at the Stone Arch Bridge Festival June 19-20, 2021, one of the first outdoor festivals of the season!

What You’ll Find

Located at one of the most iconic places in Minneapolis, the Stone Arch Bridge Festival is filled with people excited for the season. This year’s festival moves across the river to the west side of the Mississippi. The festival grounds will span the riverfront area on W. River Parkway from Portland Ave to N. 4th Avenue.

The focus of the 2021 festival will be the art market, where more than 200 artists and culinary artists will participate. Even more you’ll find live music with over 25 performances, the Art of the Car show, and plenty of local food trucks and vendors to keep you going!

Want to know more? Check out their official website!

Don’t miss these 10 things during the Stone Arch Bridge Festival!

Here are some fun ideas to make the most out of your time at this year’s Stone Arch Bridge Fest.

1. Get a close up of the river with Paddle Share

After taking in the views of the river at the Stone Arch Bridge Festival, hop in a kayak and take a closer look. Paddle Share offers kayak rentals with designated pick up and drop off points to make your trip easy and accessible. Where else can you take in views of the downtown skyline and have the water at your fingertips?

2. Travel like a local with Nice Ride

You could drive to your destination, or you could get around like a local and take a Nice Ride bike! Our local bike share program is a great way to see the city while traveling from place to place. Grab a 30-minute ride or get a 3-day pass so you don’t have to think about transportation for the weekend. With over 200 stations, you’re sure to be near a bike all throughout downtown.

3. Grab drinks with a view on the St. Anthony Main patios

Just across the bridge, you’ll find St. Anthony Main, an area of Minneapolis along the river that serves as an oasis for patio cocktails and lunchtime sun seekers. Walk along the cobblestone road to an unbeatable view of the skyline along the river. Stop at Aster Cafe for a cheese board and a drink on the patio, head to Hideaway Burger Bar for some serious burger creations, or try Jefe: Urban Hacienda for Mexican-inspired fare.

4. Treat yourself to brunch in the North Loop

The Stone Arch Bridge Festival doesn’t start until 10…don’t waste time sleeping, get out and grab brunch at the many delicious restaurants in the North Loop neighborhood. Try the breakfast items at The Freehouse or go for their blue plate specials which includes a Bloody Mary Burger. Nolo’s has a weekend brunch menu filled with the classics and unique items like breakfast tacos and breakfast fried rice. And you can never go wrong with any menu at Spoon and Stable, but the brunch menu here is as much delicious as it is creative.

5. Find something unique at a favorite boutique shop

Just a few steps away from the festival is the The North Loop and Warehouse District neighborhood. This area is filled with plenty of local shops and designer boutiques to go on a spending spree for yourself or find that continually elusive unique gift.

For women’s clothing, you need to check out D. NOLO (“Destination: North Loop”) Grethen House and Queen Anna House Of Fashion. Statement Boutique carries affordable local and designer jewelry, clothes and accessories. Askov Finlayson sells high-end, magazine photo shoot-ready men’s clothing, bags, accessories, apothecary items, outdoor apparel and supplies. MartinPatrick 3 has gained traction as a fashionable and sophisticated men’s clothing store that also encompasses fine home furnishings.

6. Explore the city with Segway

If you want to explore even more of the riverfront area, you have to try Human on a Stick’s Magical History Tours. Learn about the Mill City Museum, St. Anthony Falls, the Stone Arch Bridge and more…on a Segway! Get all the information you need about the history of Minneapolis while navigating the city on two (motorized) wheels. This is a very popular tour, and for good reason.

7. Grab a cold one at Day Block Brewing

With a full menu, incredible beer, and a full-service bar, everyone is sure to be pleased at Day Block Brewing. The beer is their cornerstone, but don’t be afraid to try one of their tasty cocktails. They even offer brunch drinks if you need a kick in the morning! Pro tip: get in early on Friday to hit their happy hour.

8. Take a photo at one the best views in the city

Experience walking out onto the Guthrie Theater’s Endless Bridge, a “bridge” that juts out from the front of the building and offers incredible views of the Mississippi River. A favorite instagrammable spot, the Endless Bridge is a cantilever—think of it as a bridge with only one end– that extends 178 feet from the face of the Guthrie Theater. Right above it you’ll find the Amber box, a popular location for wedding photos, graduation pictures and prom poses galore. The Amber Box is another cantilever that protrudes 15 feet from the building and provides a near 360-degree view of Minneapolis from its groovy yellow windows.

9. Indulge in a burger at Red Cow

A short walk from the riverfront, Red Cow is our go-to local burger joint. And of course there’s a patio (we wouldn’t be caught going anywhere in the summer without one). There’s just something about a cold beer and a fantastic burger while sitting out on the patio that makes us keep crawling back to Red Cow every time someone asks, “Where should we go?” With their extensive list of burgers and beverages to choose from, you may just have to go more than once!

10. Ride a Water Taxi

If you’re looking for a way to hang out on the water then you’ll love the Mpls Water Taxi experience. This hour long boat ride can accommodate a family of 6 and takes you on a trip up and down the Mississippi River. Cruise downstream to the Upper Lock and see, hear & feel the energy and power of St. Anthony Falls. Or, venture upstream to the Lowry Ave. Bridge & see the amazing Blue Heron Rookery! Take in incredible views of the city and appreciate some nice relaxing time on the river.

Make it a weekend!

Come for the Stone Arch Bridge Festival, but stay to experience all there is to do in Minneapolis. Why not make a weekend out of it? Check out  hotel deals, summer events, and other festivals and fairs that you might just want to stay for.