 Mayor Frey was proud to celebrate the grand opening of Colonial Market at Lowry and North Penn Avenues last week. The mayor joined Council Member LaTrisha Vetaw, community leaders, and neighbors to welcome the Northside neighborhood’s first full-service grocery store since the closure of Aldi in 2023.
"We know for generations that there have been food deserts in the North, this helps to provide the kind of oasis the community needs," said Mayor Frey.
Colonial Market is already making a difference. With fresh produce, culturally relevant foods, and a full-service meat deli, it’s more than a grocery store—it’s a beacon of opportunity. The grocer will be open 7 days a week and twenty local jobs have been created as a result.
Mayor Frey congratulates store owner Daniel Hernandez and all who made this vision a reality!
 One year ago, Mayor Frey and the Minneapolis Health Department launched a bold pilot: a 24/7 NARCAN vending machine at Fire Station 21 in South Minneapolis. Since then, it’s dispensed over 1,850 free boxes of the life-saving overdose-reversal drug—no questions asked. And this spring, a second machine was added at Fire Station 14 in North Minneapolis.
This machine is saving lives, and, for many, it’s the first step on the road to recovery,” said Mayor Frey. "I couldn't be prouder of the opioid response work across our city. This is what resident-first innovation looks like: multiple agencies working together to provide real change in our communities."
The vending machines are stocked weekly and open to all, helping fight addiction and expand access in the neighborhoods that need it most.
 Photo credit: Wayne Davis
Minneapolis is changing the game on Nicollet Mall—and this fall, we're inviting you to pull up a chair.
On Thursday, September 11, Dinner du Nord will transform seven blocks of Nicollet Mall into America’s longest dinner table—serving up signature dishes from more than 40 local restaurants and food trucks. From fine dining to casual favorites, this open-air celebration is a one-of-a-kind way to experience the best of our city’s culinary scene and downtown energy.
This event is part of Mayor Frey’s broader vision to bring downtown back through the Downtown Action Council and breathe new life into Nicollet Mall. With the City of Minneapolis proudly serving as a sponsor, Dinner du Nord is helping to spotlight the vitality, creativity, and community that define our city’s core.
“We’re changing the game on Nicollet Mall—and Dinner Du Nord is the proof,” said Mayor Frey. “Thousands of people, some of the best restaurants in the city, all coming together for one big community meal. Downtown is back—and this is just the beginning. Huge thanks to our incredible community partners and restaurateur for bringing this event to life.”
You can browse restaurants and buy tickets online.
 Photo credit: Wayne Davis
 Last weekend, Minneapolis showed up in full force for Twin Cities Pride. From the energy at Loring Park to the thousands lining Hennepin Avenue for Sunday’s Pride Parade, the city came together to celebrate love, inclusivity, and the LGBTQ+ community that makes Minneapolis shine.
"Whether you were dancing at the festival, connecting with community groups, or waving your flag along the parade route—thank you. You made this Pride one to remember. Let’s keep showing up for each other, not just this weekend, but every day," said Mayor Frey.
Between Pride, Somali Independence Day, and other events, more than a half-million visitors came to Minneapolis over the weekend.
 Photo credit: MPRB
Hey Minneapolis, great news! Just in time for the Fourth of July, our city has been named one of the best places in the country to celebrate. We ranked 4th nationwide—thanks to our incredible fireworks, fun community events, safe streets, and beautiful summer weather.
This year, celebrate at MPRB’s Red, White, and BOOM!—our city’s largest Fourth of July event. With over 50,000 people expected, enjoy a full day of music, food, and fun along the Mississippi Riverfront from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., capped off with an awesome fireworks show.
"This is a shoutout to all of you who make Minneapolis a great place to live and celebrate. Let’s keep that Twin Cities spirit strong and enjoy the holiday safely. See you at the fireworks!" said Mayor Frey.
There will be extra Minneapolis police officers out and about this weekend to keep neighbors safe. Other tips include:
- Plan a sober ride home if you’re drinking
- Stay hydrated and watch the weather
- Only use non-explosive fireworks – and use them safely
- Be aware of street closures
- Call 911 for emergencies; use 311 for noise complaints
- Sign up for the City’s safety alerts by texting ‘MPLSAlerts’ to 77295
Minneapolis has been selected as the host city for the National Independent Venue Association’s (NIVA) fifth annual conference, happening June 7–10, 2026! This premier gathering celebrates the heart of live, independent entertainment — from music and comedy to festivals and promoters — and shines a national spotlight on our city’s incredible venues and artists.
“Minneapolis has always punched above its weight when it comes to music — from iconic venues to homegrown legends — and in 2026, we get to share that legacy on a
national stage," said Mayor Frey. "Hosting NIVA is more than a celebration of independent music; it’s a recognition of the artists, venues, and cultural workers who make our city a creative powerhouse. We’re proud to welcome NIVA to Minneapolis, and even prouder to show the country what our music community is all about!"
Let’s get ready to show the nation what Minneapolis is all about. More details and early registration info coming soon at nivassoc.org/conference.
 Green Guardians
Looking for a simple way to protect the lakes and rivers we all love? Green Guardians MN is a new volunteer group doing just that—right here in Minneapolis.
It’s free, it’s easy, and it makes a real impact. Whether you're Adopting a Storm Drain, joining a neighborhood cleanup, or rallying your block to get involved, there are plenty of ways to pitch in.
East Isles, working with Lowry Hill East and seven other neighborhoods, has led the way—hosting 86 cleanups with over 1,200 volunteers, removing more than 14,000 gallons of trash (including 186 syringes and even a gun), and boosting storm drain adoption from 16% to a nation-leading 73%.
You can find upcoming events on HandsOn Twin Cities, or reach out to Henry LaBounta at greenguardiansmn@gmail.com to learn how your neighborhood association can get involved.
Get outside, meet your neighbors, and help keep our waters clean. Let’s do this together.
 Taste of Minnesota 2023
The Taste of Minnesota is back downtown this weekend! After returning in 2023, the two-day celebration has quickly become a summer favorite—offering unbeatable food, live music, and incredible energy in the heart of downtown.
The popular event takes place on Nicollet Mall on July 5 and 6 with food, music, and fun for the whole family. Highlights include:
- Dozens of local food trucks
- Live music across multiple stages
- Several themed zones, from jazz to artists' markets
- Free Metro Transit rides all weekend
Last year’s event drew over 120,000 people—don’t miss your chance to be part of this growing tradition!
 As the saying goes... better late than never! Mayor Frey is officially on Bluesky. Follow him at @mayorjacobfrey to stay up to date on all things Minneapolis.
 Somali Independence Day Celebrations
 Loring Green redesign ribbon cutting
 Mayor Frey visits Lake Street businesses
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