Performing Arts at Peavey Plaza

Peavey Plaza will be alive with free music, dance and theater performances every week this summer through September. Curated by Green Minneapolis, the nonprofit that operates the City-owned Peavey Plaza, the activities are designed to bring people together to relax and recreate in the Plaza, which is directly adjacent to Orchestra Hall.

Here are five ways to enjoy free arts events at Peavey Plaza this summer:  

MNSpin: Musician of the Week

12 noon to 1 p.m., Thursdays through September 29

Enjoy a free, live performance by the MNSpin Musician of the Week on Peavey Plaza over the noon hour. On June 30, the featured soloist is Carolyne Naomi, who blends Afrobeats/Afropop, RnB and Reggae and will perform music from her upcoming debut EP titled Miss Naomi.

Story Theatre with the Children’s Theatre Company

Saturdays through August 27 (sessions offered 12-12:30 and 12:30-1 p.m.)   

Bring the little ones downtown to explore beloved books through imaginative play, collaborative storytelling and music with the Children’s Theatre Company every Saturday this summer. Your favorite children’s stories come alive with Story Theatre.

Minnesota Orchestra International Day of Music

Noon to Midnight, Saturday, July 16  

Catch free performances by 20 different artists—from Lady Midnight to Salsa Del Soul—on four stages in and around Orchestra Hall, including an outdoor evening concert by the full Minnesota Orchestra on Peavey Plaza that will culminate in a spectacular pealing of church bells across downtown Minneapolis. Check out the full schedule.

It’s all part of the opening weekend of Summer at Orchestra Hall–four weeks of curated music with the Minnesota Orchestra and Creative Partner Jon Kimura Parker that celebrate “The Beethoven Influence.” Ticketed performances take place in Orchestra Hall each weekend through August 7, with free outdoor music for all and $5 happy hours on Peavey Plaza available before all ticketed performances. 

Learn more

Arena Dances Performance

Friday, August 5 (performances at 6 to 7 p.m. and 7:30 to 8:30 p.m.)

August brings a focus on dance programs on Peavey Plaza, beginning with Arena Dances presentation of THERMAL, a dialogue—through music, form and sound—centered on the Earth’s changing environment.

Mirage Performance Arts

Thursday, August 18 (6-6:45 p.m.)

Saturday, August 20 (2-2:45 p.m.)

MIRAGE Performing Arts focuses on creating new and authentic expressions of classical music and ballet through innovative collaboration, programming and choreography, with the primary goal of spreading joy and hope through the arts. Enjoy this creative ensemble in a beautiful outdoor setting.

More information on Peavey Plaza Performing Arts Series 

Learn more about Green Minneapolis