Dakota Block Party 2026
The Dakota Block Party Returns in 2026!
Mark your calendars for a free, all-ages celebration filled with live music, community, and summer fun.
Event Details
What: Dakota Block Party 2026
When: Saturday, SEP 26, 2026 | 2–10pm
Where: Nicollet Mall
Cost: Free and open to the public
OUTSIDE ON NICOLLET MALL
Nicollet Stage Live Music Lineup:
- L.A. Buckner & BiG HOMiE
- Nathan & The Zydeco Cha Chas
- Liv Warfield
- Dylan Salfer
- Sounds of Blackness feat. Jamecia Bennett
Treble Makers Kids’ Corner (Outside Tent):
The Treble Makers kids’ area returns with even more activities this year including:
- Kid-friendly songs from The Bazillions
- Instrument “petting zoo”
- Face painting
- Doughnut decorating
- Tie-dye activities
- Sparkle hair extensions
- Sidewalk chalk art
- & More!
MPLS Craft & Vintage Market:
Explore the craft and vintage market on Nicollet.
Food:
- Dakota Grill tent by Chef Asher Zulkosky
- Food trucks from around the Twin Cities!
Drinks:
- Bar tent by Pryes & The Wine Company
Dakota Merch Tent:
- Located on Nicollet
INSIDE AT THE DAKOTA
Dakota Stage Live Music Lineup (Reserve a table for a timeslot below for FREE):
TIME SLOT 1 (2:30 – 5pm)
Moore by Four
Lucia Sarmiento
TIME SLOT 2 (5:30 – 8pm)
Joe Pulice Big Band
Karrin Allyson
TIME SLOT 3 (9:30pm)
The New Standards
*To give as many guests as possible an opportunity to experience the indoor performances, Dakota will offer FREE reserved seating during three designated time blocks, along with standing-room access. Guests may reserve seats for one time block in advance. Additional seats will be held for the day of the Block Party and offered on a first-come, first-seated basis.
INSIDE AT THE QUINLAN ROOM BY DAKOTA
Inside the historic Young-Quinlan Building, the new Quinlan Room by Dakota adds more music and activities to this year’s Block Party. These activities will include:
- MacPhail Faculty Ensemble
- MacPhail Center for Music is one of the preeminent music schools in the country. As the nation’s largest community music school, MacPhail serves more than 15,000 students each year, spanning all ages, abilities, and backgrounds. Its Varsity Ensembles feature top student talent from around the area.
- Swing Dancing with the Southside Aces
- Including complimentary dance instruction!
- Founded in Minneapolis in 2003 by clarinetist Tony Balluff and sousaphone player Erik Jacobson, Southside Aces celebrates early jazz, ragtime and New Orleans traditions, drawing inspiration from the music of Louis Armstrong, Jelly Roll Morton, Sidney Bechet and other pioneers of the genre
VIP PACKAGE OPTIONS
VIP Platinum Level Perks Include:
- Exclusive VIP Lounge Access Inside: Enjoy dedicated access to our Upper Private Dining Area throughout the event, featuring a pop-up bar and light snacks.
- VIP Patio Access Outside: Relax in the dedicated VIP Patio with comfortable seating.
- Come & Go Access: VIP Platinum members can leave and return at any time during the indoor shows.
- Dedicated VIP Entrance: Skip the main entrance and enter through our exclusive VIP Door to get inside.
NOTE FOR PLATINUM A-TRAIN MEMBERS:
If you are a Platinum A-Train Member, no action is required. You and a +1 will simply pick up your VIP passes at Will Call on the day of the Block Party. If you would like to reserve a table inside the Dakota, please do so above under “INSIDE AT DAKOTA”
VIP Blue Level Perks Include:
- Reserved VIP Booth Seating Inside: Enjoy the comfort of reserved booth seating inside the Dakota throughout the event. *Booth seating may be shared with other VIP guests.
- Exclusive VIP Lounge Access Inside: Enjoy dedicated access to our Upper Private Dining Area throughout the event, featuring a pop-up bar and light snacks.
- VIP Patio Access Outside: Relax in the dedicated VIP Patio with comfortable seating.
- Come & Go Access: VIP Platinum members can leave and return at any time during the indoor shows.
- Dedicated VIP Entrance: Skip the main entrance and enter through our exclusive VIP Door to get inside.
Media Contact
Jacqueline Hanson
Hanson Communications
Jacqueline@HansonPR.com
945.451.5000
Thank you to our 2026 Sponsors!
Sponsors:
Sponsor Links:
Minneapolis Foundation
Sam Grabarski and Lisa Meyer
The 614 Company
Dorsey & Whitney LLP
Xcel Energy
RBC Wealth Management
The Lofton Hotel
Faegre Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP
Minnesota Twins
Mpls.St.Paul Magazine