The whole world is watching soccer this summer, and downtown Minneapolis has carved out one of the most fun, free ways to be part of it. If you’re staying with us in June, you’re just a short walk from a big-screen World Cup party, a riverside art festival, and a Twins homestand worth marking on your calendar. Here’s how to make the most of it.
A Free World Cup Watch Party Down the Street
The headline event for soccer fans is Minnesota United’s Soccer Celebration, a fan experience spread across Peavey Plaza and Nicollet Mall, right next to Brit’s Pub between South 11th and South 12th Streets. That’s only a few blocks from our front door at 215 South 9th — an easy stroll, or a quick trip through the Skyway if the weather turns.
The celebration runs on select dates from June 11 through June 27, with live viewings of select FIFA World Cup 2026 matches on an outdoor jumbo screen. Expect a live DJ, food and drink, guest appearances, and the kind of crowd energy that makes watching a match in a packed plaza so much better than watching it alone on the couch.
One practical note worth planning around: admission is free, but you need to claim tickets through SeatGeek for each date you’d like to attend. Space is capped and entry is first-come, first-served, so it’s worth grabbing your spot ahead of time at MNUFC.com/SoccerCelebration. Wandering down on a whim is part of the charm of staying downtown, but for the big matches, a little planning goes a long way.
More to Do Around Downtown in Late June
Soccer isn’t the only thing happening within walking distance this month. If you’re here the weekend of June 20–21, the Stone Arch Bridge Festival returns along West River Parkway, with more than 200 artists, a culinary market, live music, a car show, and family activities set against one of the prettiest stretches of the riverfront. It’s a lovely way to spend a Saturday morning, and an easy walk or short ride from the studio.
Baseball fans are in luck, too. The Minnesota Twins have a packed home slate at Target Field — within easy reach of the Skyway — including a marquee three-game series against the Dodgers from June 22 through 24. Day games and evening games alike pair nicely with a stay downtown, since you can walk back, drop your things, and head right back out for dinner.
And if your visit stretches toward the end of the month, the Twin Cities Pride Festival takes over the area on June 27 and 28. It’s the largest free Pride festival in the country, with entertainment across multiple stages and hundreds of vendors, and it brings a wonderful buzz to the whole of downtown.
Why a Studio Beats a Hotel for a Big Event Week
When there’s this much going on, having a real home base makes a difference. Our studios come fully furnished with full kitchens, so you can grab groceries, pack a picnic for the plaza, or cook a quiet dinner after a long day on your feet. WiFi, utilities, heat, and laundry are all included, and because we’re month-to-month with no contracts, you can stay a night, a weekend, or the whole month, depending on how much of the summer you want to soak up.
Being right in the middle of it all means less time commuting and more time enjoying. Catch a first-half match at Peavey Plaza, walk back to drop off a jacket, and be back out for the second half — all without moving your car. That kind of flexibility is hard to beat during a busy event week downtown.
Come Stay With Us This Summer
Whether you’re here for the World Cup, the ballpark, the festivals, or all three, we’d love to host you just steps from the action. Book your studio anytime at secure.webrez.com/hotel/3097, or give us a call at (612) 314-5124 — we’re always happy to help you plan your stay.