Parks and Recreation Special Events

December 2023 - February 2024

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. 

Event canceled due to inclement weather.

Spring into action during spring break on Thursday, March 28 from 1:00 - 3:00 p.m.

Certified instructors will offer a FREE, learn-to-shoot archery event for youth ages 9+.

Instruction will be provided at 1:15 PM, 1:45 PM, 2:15 PM, and 2:45 PM. 

A maximum of 10 archers per timeslot allowed. 

Spectators can watch the new archers learn or participate in a variety of lawn games while they wait.

Free event, no registration required.

• All equipment provided.
• Additional parking available at Marsh Lake Playfields.

Download, print and share the Try Archery Event flyer.

May 1-28, 2024

Step-to-It

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, 2024. Use the online conversion chart to track other activities such as biking, Zumba, skateboarding, working around the house or even washing your car!  
  • You can use your Fitbit to track your activity. 
• Get moving and stay active! The top stepper in each age group wins Minnesota Twins tickets.
• Help Bloomington 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

• Eggroll Queen
• Heavy Metal Grill
• Hometown Creamery
• Soul to Soul BBQ
• Taqueria el Patron
• Tot Boss

Have a blast dancing and moving to the high energy KidsDance DJ performance. 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.

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

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.