There’s no better time to be in the heart of Minneapolis than summer, and staying at the Oaklands on 9th puts you within walking distance of the best of it. From riverfront festivals to ballgames under the lights, here’s how to make the most of the season right outside your front door.
Festivals worth the short walk
June fills the calendar fast. The Stone Arch Bridge Festival (June 20–21) gathers more than 200 artists, a culinary market, live music, and a classic car show along West River Parkway in the North Loop. The same weekend, the Pryes Block Party (June 19–20) brings live music and cold local beer to the riverfront. And on June 27–28, Twin Cities Pride — the largest free Pride festival in the country — fills Loring Park with four stages and hundreds of vendors.
Come July, Taste of Minnesota (July 3–4) sets up near Nicollet Mall with more than 100 local restaurants, food trucks, and breweries, and Red, White & BOOM! closes out the Fourth with one of the state’s biggest fireworks shows over the river.
Catch a game or a show
Downtown is a sports lover’s dream in summer. Target Field, home of the Twins, is an easy walk or quick light-rail ride away, and Target Center and U.S. Bank Stadium keep the concert and event calendar busy all season — including WWE SuperSlam at U.S. Bank Stadium on August 1–2. If you prefer the arts, the Minnesota Fringe Festival returns in August for its 33rd year of bold, independent theater.
Slower mornings by the river
Not every day has to be a big event. Some of our favorite summer mornings are the simple ones: a coffee to go, a stroll across the historic Stone Arch Bridge, and a loop along the Mississippi riverfront before the day heats up. You’re also steps from Nicollet Mall, the downtown skyway system, and dozens of restaurants and coffee shops for when you’d rather stay close to home.
Make the Oaklands your summer home base
Whether you’re in town for a weekend, a work assignment, or the whole season, our fully furnished studios give you a comfortable, central place to land — with everything included and no contracts to sign. Book your stay or call us at (612) 314-5124, and come enjoy summer in downtown Minneapolis.