Here's what you need to know about Taste of Minnesota this weekend

To accommodate everyone who wants a taste, the Minneapolis event has expanded.

By Victoria Stavish Star Tribune

July 3, 2024 — 4:00pm

Taste of Minnesota returns to downtown Minneapolis' Nicollet Mall this weekend with 30 bands, dozens of food vendors and a family-friendly zip line down Washington Avenue S.

The free event runs 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.

Last year's Taste attracted about 120,000 people over the two days, said Teke O'Reilly, community ambassador for Taste of Minnesota. He said organizers expect even bigger crowds this year and have "doubled almost everything" to accommodate them.

The event will include more green space, entrances, stages, food and music than last year.

The space will be organized into five neighborhoods based on the experiences; food will be available in each.

Country music star Martina McBride, the Wallflowers and the Gear Daddies — a rock band from Austin, Minn. — are booked to play Saturday on the main stage. Headlining the main stage on Sunday will be Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, along with Minneapolis-raised Morris Day and the Time.

"Everyone is going to be dancing at 2 p.m. on a Saturday," said O'Reilly, who said an emphasis will be on Minnesota musicians this year. "It's gonna be awesome."

Here's what you need to know headed into the festival:

What you can and can't bring

Small bags, empty water bottles, strollers, wheelchairs, umbrellas and service animals are allowed. Taste of Minnesota recommends leaving your dog at home if they are not a service animal.

Water bottle filling stations will be placed throughout the event.

Not allowed are large bags such as backpacks, outside food or drink, lawn chairs, scooters, skateboards, rollerblades or flags. Fireworks and objects that could be used as weapons are not permitted.

Entrances

There will be four entrances. The Washington and Hennepin avenue entrance will land you in the Magic Midway neighborhood. It's closest to the zip line and the family fun area, which will include a puppy party from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. each day.

The 5th Street and Nicollet Mall entrance will get you near the Xcel Energy stage.

Two entrances on 4th Street and Nicollet Mall will lead to near the main stage.

Transportation and parking

Metro Transit will provide free bus and light-rail passes on both days. They can be downloaded at tasteofmn.com/faqs/.

SouthWest Transit is also adding service to the festival this year. You can find the schedule online at swtransit.org/events/taste-of-mn.

If you decide to drive, your best bet might be to park near Target Field or Target Center and take the free light rail two stops down to Nicollet Mall. That would put you at the 5th Street and Nicollet Mall entrance.

Other parking options can be found on the city of Minneapolis parking website.