Honoring stories of the resistance and uplifting intersectional narratives of Blackness.

The Midwest Black Book Fair is meant to honor their stories of the resistance and uplift the modern-day intersectional narratives of Blackness, Black history, and Black futurity. Held during Black August, the fair contributes to this month-long commemoration dedicated to honoring Black abolitionists, freedom fighters, and political prisoners. We are the stewards of these stories.

This family friendly event will feature Black book vendors, Black authors, book signings/readings, writing and publishing workshops, Black food vendors, and more!

Black Garnet Books is leading this initiative, partnering with local Black literary partners to advise on event production including: Strive Publishing & Bookstore, Babycake's Book Stack, In Black Ink, Griot Arts, The Givens Collection, More Than a Single Story, Saint Paul Almanac, Planting People Growing Justice, and Mind's Eye Comics, Wise Ink, Picture Book Parade, Uhuru Bookstore, The Minnesota Black Authors Expo, and the Network for the Development of Children of African Descent.

Join us for a summer afternoon of conversation, connection, and inspiration. Enjoy lunch, spend time with friends and neighbors, and learn about the eco-friendly living initiatives at NRRC's Demonstration Site for Healthy Urban Living.

Every voice has something to offer. Bring a favorite poem, song, or words of wisdom to share during our informal open mic, or simply read, listen, or enjoy the afternoon if you prefer.

Join The Loppet for their next Stories of Connection Event: Connecting the Stories of Environment Justice

This event is an exposure to the Environmental Justice space. We will begin with a panel of seasoned experts with experience fighting for environmental justice within Minnesota and continue with opportunities for deep discussions and nature explorations. This event offers an opportunity for youth and adults ages 14+ with no experience, as well as those dedicated to furthering environmental justice to connect, reflect, and share the incredible stories of Environmental Justice within Minnesota.

RSVP is encouraged but not required: https://runsignup.com/TicketEvent/SOCEE

The Minnesota Humanities Center is collaborating with the Minneapolis Institute of Art (MIA) to host the premiere of the documentary film “The Making of America,” directed by Minnesota-based Monique Linder, with a discussion and an art showcase following the screening. This film invites the audience to gain a deeper understanding of how the Enlightenment period created the basis for “racial slavery, territorial extraction and Indigenous dispossession in the United States.”

Event is free with registration.

Join the Loppet for their annual Juneteenth Fun Run on Saturday, June 20, 2026! All are welcome to participate in the 5K or half mile run.

Juneteenth is a federal holiday commemorating the emancipation of enslaved African Americans, recognizing the two-and-a-half-year gap between the Emancipation Proclamation and freedom reaching all people. It is a time to honor history, celebrate freedom, and work toward a more just future. In partnership with community organizations, the Loppet Foundation hosts the Annual Juneteenth Fun Run as part of its mission to connect people to the outdoors through inclusive, year-round activities in Theodore Wirth Park, providing skiing, biking, running, and outdoor education opportunities for all ages and abilities, including youth and neighboring communities.

Learn more and register here.

Juneteenth at the Capitol

Admission is FREE & open to the public.

There are several FREE parking ramps available within 1 block of the Capitol? 

Click to download map



Skip the drive...Take the train or bus for FREE!

Here's What to Expect

• Live Music & Entertainment

• Family-Friendly Games & Activities

• Food Vendors & Community Resources

• Cultural Performances

• Small Business Marketplace

• Homeownership, Financial Literacy & Wealth-Building Resources

• Cooling Stations (2) - in case it gets a little warm! 

• Emergency Medical Services on site to offer first aid as needed

• Juneteenth Rain Ponchos (in the event of rain)

• Ice for Purchase at our Welcome Tent

  We've updated our footprint a bit! Bringing you closer to the music and the marketplace! 

  You're invited to bring your chair and make a day of it! 

  Music, delicious food from Good Vibes African Cuisine, Rose Jamaican, Queen of Soul Food, Island Girls Kitchen, and more! 

  PLUS! fresh juices from the Plant Bar Cafe! 

WBC will be cohosting the River North Music & Arts Festival with Swank, River City Tavern and Bar Brava

FREE

Live music at SWANK & Between River City Tavern & Bar Brava. Live painting artists at SWANK, Bar Brava & River City Tavern, vendors throughout.

Performances by:

1. The MAXX BAND Soul Experience

2. MPLS Men of MOTOWN

3. Ryan Bynum and company house band featuring: Mfellaz, Lamont  Keten, Len Jones of "The Sounds of Blackness"

4. Pierre Lewis Trio

5. Johnnie Brown

6. The SPIRIT of Whitney

7. Courtnie "Baby" Johnson

8. Ro Harrington

9. Peony Hildreth

10. And More!!!

The Legendary Capri Theater will be hosting an Arts Festival on Saturday June 6th:

Capri Arts Festival
June 6, 2026
12:00 pm – 4:00 pm
2027 W. Broadway
FREE

Community celebration at the Capri featuring live music, food, and fun for everyone! The event includes film screenings, family-friendly crafts, performances, live podcasting, and a variety of local vendors and food trucks along the Capri Plaza. This festival is free and open to the public from 12:00 pm to 4:00 pm. Learn more at thecapri.org

Get connected to health and wellness resources, health screenings and fun activities. Build connections and have meaningful conversations about the kind of care that works for you. It’s a chance for the Northside queer community to celebrate Pride together.

Free parking in the ramp at 1256 Penn Ave N (enter at Plymouth Ave N & Oliver Ave N).

*Learn more*