Eight awesome things to look for at Open Streets Franklin

Join us this Sunday, August 26th for Open Streets Franklin! Open Streets Minneapolis events are free events that temporarily close major thoroughfares to car traffic, opening them up for people walking, biking, rolling, and playing. Check out the Open Streets Franklin Facebook page or the event webpage for more details. Here are some events that I’m especially excited to see at Open Streets Franklin!

1. Our Streets Minneapolis

Location: near the corner of Chicago Ave & E Franklin Ave

Come learn about Our Streets Minneapolis, the organization that hosts the Open Streets Minneapolis events. Talk to staff and volunteers about our advocacy campaign for better winter sidewalk maintenance, and pick up some free bike pins, bike maps, and more!

2. Pet Zone

Location: between Chicago Ave & Elliot Ave

Who doesn’t love a furry face? At the Pet Zone, say hello to the Mission Animal Hospital and the Best Friends Animal Society. After loving on some pooches, head over to the Artisan Market to find dog accessories for your canine companions.

3. Four Sisters Farmers Market

Location: b/t 14th Ave S and 15th Ave S

Care to pick up some fresh, locally-grown food? Look no further than the Four Sisters Farmers Market, part of the American Indian Cultural Corridor! Fill up your grocery bag and peruse goods from local vendors while learning about Indigenous cuisine and culture.

4. Artisan Market

Location: b/t Hiawatha Bike Trail and Cedar Ave

Always an Open Streets highlight, the Artisan Market this Sunday features 20+ vendors, selling everything from jewelry to upcycled houseware to woodwork and more! This is not to be missed!

5. Market Science

Location: across street from Playwrights’ Center b/t 23rd Ave S and 24th Ave S

Science rules! Come take part in fun, hands-on activities that demonstrate science concepts to kids and adults alike, led by a science outreach team from the University of Minnesota.

6. Sierra Club

Location: corner of E Franklin Ave and 24th Ave S

Visit the Sierra Club’s tent to learn about their work in environmental preservation. If you’re on your bike, also be sure to try out their pop-up protected bike lane!

7. Seward Co-op Creamery Café

Location: in front of Seward Co-Op b/t 26th Ave S and 27th Ave S

Join Seward Co-op and Springboard for the Arts outside the Seward Co-op Creamery Café for local food products from the Co-op, Hoyo Sambusa, Mama C’s Salsa, Sonny’s Ice Cream and Feral Kombucha. There will also be an artist pop-up and musical performances taking place throughout the day!

8. Slap Happy Studios

Location: by corner of E Franklin Ave & 27th Ave S in front of Code Blu Coffee

Near the end of the route, Slap Happy Studios, a Twin Cities based production company, will be holding a children’s carnival- complete with face painting, trivia, photo ops, and more! Stop by for some family fun!

Open Streets Franklin is a City of Minneapolis event, hosted by Our Streets Minneapolis, and presented by the Center for Prevention at Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota. Open Streets Franklin is sponsored by the Native American Community Development Institute (NACDI).