Parks and Recreation Links
Parks and Recreation Special Events
Bloomington shines brightest during these special events. Local arts, recreation and community organizations join with the City's Parks and Recreation staff to create fun for Bloomington's families, neighbors and friends. From winter to fall, the town is jumping with excitement. Please join in!

December 2022 - March 2023
Join Bloomington Parks and Recreation and community partners in welcoming winter during the annual Winter Fete Celebration. Most activities are free and all activities are fun for the whole family!
Visit the Winter Fete page for all of the exciting details.

May 1-28, 2023

What is the Step To It Challenge?
The Step To It Challenge is a FREE four-week physical activity challenge that motivates people of all ages and abilities to become more physically active. Family members, coworkers, schoolmates, neighbors, and friends come together to participate in this friendly competition among communities.
If you’re looking for a fun way to convert your competitive spirit into a spring exercise program, the Step To It Challenge is for you!
How do I get started?
- If you work or live in Bloomington, join our team online.
- Registration begins April 1 at www.steptoit.org
- Log your steps and other activities daily at the Step To It Challenge website beginning May 1, 2023. Use the online conversion chart to track other activities such as biking, Zumba, skateboarding, working around the house or even washing your car! New in 2023, use your Fitbit to track your activity.
- Get moving and stay active! The top stepper in each age group wins Minnesota Twins tickets.
- Check back for community rankings and status updates and help your city earn bragging rights as the most active!
Where should I walk?
Walking is just one of the ways you can earn your steps. But if you're interested in some fun and scenic places to walk in Bloomington, check out our Active Hiking and Biking Guide for suggestions.

Enjoy a uniquely fun hands-on experience with Public Works and Park Maintenance staff and equipment during the 2023 Public Works Open House, Saturday, May 20, 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Kites and Bites 2023
Enjoy food trucks, music and kites, all of which will take over Valley View Playfields at East 90th Street and Portland Avenue South on Saturday, June 10, 2023, 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.
KITES
FREE kites will be available for youth age 18 and younger (while supplies last). Or bring your own kites to fly high in the sky!
BITES
MUSIC AND ENTERTAINMENT
Have a blast dancing and moving to the high energy KidsDance DJ performance. 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
PARKING
On-street parking allowed for surrounding streets except East 90th Street. Parking allowed along 3rd Avenue South, west of Valley View Middle School. There is also plenty of on-street parking in the neighborhoods to the north.

Various days June - August
Grab the kids and invite the neighbors to see the best music groups and entertainers in the Twin Cities. Arts in the Parks includes Monday Morning Kids Series, Tuesday Performance Series, Midweek Music and Market, Thursday Blockbusters and Sunday Funday. All programs are free of charge and open to the public.
Learn more and discover the exciting lineup on the Arts in the Parks web page.
Saturdays, June 10 - October 14, 2023 (outdoor markets)
Wednesdays, July 12 - August 23, 2023 (Midweek Music & Market)
The Bloomington Farmers Market is a weekly gathering in which farmers, growers and producers sell their own products directly to the public. At the market you will find a great variety of fresh locally grown produce as well as flowers, meat, cheese, honey, maple syrup, berries, fresh baked goods, jams, jellies, coffee, smoothies, art and more! The market also features music and special activities.
To learn more or become a vendor, check out our Farmers Market page


Have you ever wondered how a fire truck works? Want to learn what EMTs and Police officers do? Curious about the equipment and work it takes to keep our streets and sidewalks clean and safe? Those questions and more will be answered during a morning of fun to help you understand the safety and service activities that go on all around our community.
Participate and learn with the help of Bloomington’s Police, Fire, Environmental Health, Public Health, Public Works and Parks and Recreation staff.
Date: Friday, June 23
Time: 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Site: Bloomington Civic Plaza Outdoor Amphitheater (east side of Civic Plaza)
Ages: All ages welcome.
Fee: Free!
Registration: None required.
For more information or questions, contact Parks and Recreation:
parksrec@bloomingtonmn.gov | 952-563-8877 | MN Relay 711

July 3, 2023
5 - 10:30 p.m.
Normandale Lake Park
84th Street between Normandale Blvd and Chalet Road
Bloomington's Independence Day celebration is held each year on July 3 at Normandale Lake Park. The fun includes music, food, fireworks and more!
In June you'll find information on performers, food, parking, weather and other details on the Summer Fete page.

On the One Music Festival features rising stars in the Twin Cities R&B, Neo-Soul, Reggae, Afrobeat and conscious Hip-Hop music scene, along with a touch of Spoken Word Poetry. Produced by The Avant Garde, this is a free event for all ages. Hosted by Chadwick "Niles" Phillips, On the One brings you the premiere talent in the state of Minnesota!
The 2023 On the One Music Festival takes place at Normandale Lake Bandshell Saturday, August 26, 12 - 8 p.m.

River Rendezvous 2023
One of the finest living-history events in the Midwest returns to Pond Dakota Mission Park in Bloomington! Experience the lifestyles of people living in Minnesota between 1800 and 1870 through story-telling and interactive, hands-on demonstrations.
- Costumed reenactors demonstrate 19th century frontier life.
- Tours of the restored 1856 Gideon and Agnes Pond House given throughout the day.
- OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
- Food and merchandise vendors on site.
- Admission:
- Adults: $10 / Children 4-17: $5 / Children 3 and under: Free
River Rendezvous 2023 takes place September 23, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. For details, visit the River Rendezvous page.


Join us for the Third Annual Halloween Trick or Treat Trail at Normandale Lake Park.
Featuring dozens of community organization stations along the trail, music from Kidsdance DJ, and food from Carnival Concessions, this FREE outdoor event takes place Sunday, October 29, 2 - 5 p.m. and is designed for children preschool age through 5th grade.