Minneapolis Parks in July

In Minneapolis, there are lots of free or inexpensive events happening people of all age ranges can enjoy this summer.

A Summer Festival is happening at Brackett Park, 2728 39th Ave South, Tuesday, July 14, from 6 to 8 p.m. There will be clowns, face-painting, a  moonwalk, magician, hot dogs, chips, and drinks. The cost is $2 per person, per $10 family. The After Sunset Shadow Puppet Show begins, fittingly, after sunset and features 3 short stories of shadow puppetry. See fairy tales, legends and experimentation in shadow, “a fusion of traditional Chinese and American shadow play.”

Also on Tuesday, July 14, there is an Ice Cream Social from 7 to 8:30 p.m. in Kenwood Park at 2101 Franklin Ave. W. It says that it’s free? That might mean free ice cream, but the information wasn’t specific.

The Phillips Club Youthline is celebrating its One Year Anniversary on Wednesday, July 15, from 6 to8 p.m. at 2323 11th Ave. S. there will be a music DJ, double Dutch rope jumping, face painting, ice cream, dancing, henna and food. Call 612-370-4946 for details.

Jumpin’ Jiggawatts! “Back to the Future” will be the free outdoor movie playing at Longfellow Park, 3435 36th Ave. S, on Thursday, July 16, from 9 to 10:30 p.m.  The movie starts at dusk and it is a good idea to bring some blankets, a lawn chair, and maybe a snack. Popcorn and refreshments are available for a fee.

Sponsored by the East Harriet Farmstead Neighborhood Association, Rosefest is taking place on Saturday, July 18, from noon until 8:00 p.m. at Lyndale Farmstead Park, 3900 Bryant Ave. S. There will be inflatable rides, carnival games, pony rides, dunk tank, live music, information booths, classic auto show, puppet theater, and hula hooping. It’s free to attend, but there are fees for food and activities.

There is Music and Movies in the Park on Mondays July 20 through August 10 at Loring Park, 1382 Willow St. Live concerts start at 7 p.m., movies follow at dusk. This year’s theme is Newman Rocks! And features the films of Paul Newman, including “Cat on a Hot Tin Roof,” “Hud,” and “Cool Hand Luke.”

The Armatage Neighborhood Festival takes place on Tuesday July 21, from 6 to 9 p.m. at Armatage Park, 2500 57th St. W. There will be food, music, games, and a silent auction at this free event. Don’t miss the outdoor movie starting at dusk!

The Minneapolis Pops Orchestra & Ice Cream Social occurs on Tuesday, July 21, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Elliot Park, 1000 14th St. E. There will be food, fun, and of course events that include a performance by the Minneapolis Pops Orchestra. This event is also free!

Another Ice Cream Social will happen on Wednesday, July 22, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. This time it happens at Matthews Park, 2318 29th Ave. S. There will be ice cream, activities, and fun for the whole family at this free event.

It’s a dogs’ day! Paws at the Park happens on Wednesday, July 22, from 6 to 8 p.m. at McRae Park, 906 47th St. E. For the dogs, there will be an agility course, a Frisbee-catching demonstrations, and “paw print” crafts. For the people, there will be a caricature artist, face painting, and for a small fee a Hot Dog meal. Everyone is welcome and dogs on leashes will be the honored guests!

Oh look! Another free Ice Cream Social! But you can never have too much, right? This one occurs at Martin Luther King Park, 4055 Nicollet Ave. S. on Thursday, July 23, from 6 to 8 p.m. There will be Ice cream, activities, and entertainment for the whole family.

Attend Summer Family Fun Night on Thursday, July 23, from 6:30 to 9 p.m. at Lyndale Farmstead Park, 3900 Bryant Ave. S. Check out the “Touch and see” table with park naturalists, participate in playground games, partake in concessions. There are fees for the food, but all other activities are free! An outdoor movie will be played, too! “The Never Ending Story.”

Summer Fest at Lake Nokomis Park, 3100 43rd St. W. happens on Friday, July 24, from 6 to 8 p.m. Join the rest of the community for an evening of family fun, entertainment arts & crafts projects and activities for youth, a moonwalk, and more! Free, except for refreshments.

Tour de Camden occurs on Saturday, July 25, from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Come to Creekview Park, 5001 Humboldt Ave. N. to start a bike ride through the Camden Neighborhood and return to park for snacks. Free.

Watch a Puppet Show at Corcoran Park, 3334 20th Ave. S. in Minneapolis on Wednesday, July 29, from 8:30 to 9:30 p.m. It will show three short stories of shadow puppetry: fairy tales, legends and experimentation in shadow, a fusion of traditional Chinese and American shadow play. It’s for all ages and it’s free.

There is a Picnic in the Park on Thursday, July 30, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Pearl Park, 414 E. Diamond Lake Rd. There will be music, concessions, kids games, neighborhood business representatives and more!

Another Puppet Show takes places on Thursday, July 30, from 8:15 to 9:15 p.m. at Webber Park, 4400 Dupont Ave. N. in Minneapolis. See three short stories of shadow puppetry: fairy tales, legends and experimentation in shadow. As previous performances, it will be a fusion of traditional Chinese and American shadow play.

More events will be happening in August, so stay tuned for an August in Minneapolis Parks installment!