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: