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 returns to the west side of the Mississippi River. The festival grounds will span the riverfront area on W. River Parkway from from 11th Ave S to N. 4th Avenue.

The focus of the festival is the art market, where more than 200 artists and culinary artists will participate. You’ll also find live music with two music stages, featuring 28 performances and plenty of local food trucks and vendors to keep you going!

Want to know more? Check out their official website!

*Note: The downtown Minneapolis side of the Stone Arch Bridge will be closed to begin preparation work for the restoration and repairs that will occur spring through fall 2025. Access under the Portland Ave. portion of the bridge will also be closed. Pedestrians and bicyclists can still walk or bike to the middle of the bridge. For alternate views of downtown Minneapolis and to cross the river, take a walk along the 3rd Ave. Bridge.

Don't miss these 10 things to do near 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. Become a Minneapolis expert at the Mill City Museum

Right next door to the river is the Mill City Museum. Learn about the explosion that made Minneapolis what it is today. This old flour mill provides loads of history, and it’s not the boring stuff you’d read from a textbook. View baking demonstrations, sample fresh bread, observe a model mill explosion, experience the Flour Tower and be sure to watch “Minneapolis in 19 Minutes Flat!” You’ll become a Minneapolis history buff without even knowing it.

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 or try Jefe: Urban Cocina for Mexican-inspired fare.

Note: The St. Anthony Main side of the Stone Arch Bridge will be closed through spring 2025 to allow construction crews to begin preservation work. Pedestrians and bicyclists can still walk or bike to the middle of the bridge. For an alternate route to St. Anthony Main, take a walk along the 3rd Ave. Bridge.

4. Treat yourself to brunch in the North Loop

The Stone Arch Bridge Festival doesn’t start until 10 am. 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

The North Loop is home to 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 Parc Shop and Queen Anna House Of Fashion. Statement Boutique carries affordable local and designer jewelry, clothes and accessories. MartinPatrick3 has gained traction as a fashionable and sophisticated men’s clothing store that also encompasses fine home furnishings.

6. Get wooed at the Guthrie Theater

After a day in the sun, you might need to sit back and relax. But why go home when you could go to the Guthrie, one of the most popular theaters in Minneapolis. The space is beautiful and the shows are top-notch. Let the incredibly talented performers entertain you in one of the most unique spaces downtown. Can't make it to a show? At least experience walking out onto the Endless Bridge, a "bridge" that juts out from the front of the building and offers incredible views of the Mississippi River.

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. Indulge in something sweet

Nearby is Edwards Dessert Kitchen, the ultimate dessert destination in the North Loop. Decadent desserts are made here daily and range from rich hazelnut mousse to refreshing key lime cheesecake and seasonal tasting flights. Strolling through stalls of art is fun, but it can be exhausting, especially in the heat of the sun. Pair your dessert with an iced artisanal coffee drink or a craft cocktail for a bit of a pick-me-up.

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 six and takes you on a trip up and down the Mississippi River. Cruise downstream to the Upper Lock and see, hear and feel the energy and power of St. Anthony Falls. Or, venture upstream to the Lowry Avenue Bridge and see the amazing Blue Heron Rookery! Take in incredible views of the city and appreciate some nice relaxing time on the river.