The best things to do in Minneapolis

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What is it? An annual walking tour through Minneapolis’ Wedge neighborhood with one goal and one goal only: to admire cats in windows, on porches, and in the arms of their owners. Don’t forget your camera! There are so many cute cats and funny signs that you’ll certainly want to capture what you see.

Why go? If you’re looking for a unique and extremely local experience, the Cat Tour is it. Hundreds join by foot and by bike each year, clapping gleefully for all the cats they see along the way.

Time Out tip: The event is free, but organizers ask attendees of the annual late June event to get a ticket so they can know how many people to expect and plan for.

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What is it? An award-winning restaurant from The Sioux Chef, AKA Sean Sherman, that only uses ingredients that are Indigenous to Turtle Island, AKA North America. Think tacos comprised of corn four ways and duck pupusas, but no chicken, pork, beef, sugar or flour.

Why go? Owamni isn’t just about food, it’s about an entire philosophy set out to prove that there’s an alternative to our profit-at-all-costs capitalist system. The Owamni team strives to show that, even in this very globalized food system, the best thing we can do for ourselves, our planet, and the life forms we share it with is to keep things small, local, and Indigenous.

Time Out tip: Finding the entrance by just entering Owamni’s address into the GPS can be challenging. Instead, navigate towards the waterfront Mill Ruins Park. There, you’ll find the Water Works Pavilion that houses Owmani.

What is it? The Walker Art Center is a contemporary art museum with a collection of more than 15,000 pieces located adjacent to its sprawling outdoor collection known as the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden.

Why go? Works from local and international artists are found within the shimmery silver building that’s become one of the most-visited art museums in the country.

Time Out tip: The Walker offers free entry on Thursday nights and the first Saturday of each month.

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What is it? An independent neighborhood bookstore with a very wide selection as well as discounted books in carts out front.

Why go? What’s better than a dog-friendly, indie bookstore that sells aisles and aisles of new and used books? Nothing. And Magers & Quinn, in operation in the Uptown neighborhood since 1994, knows it. Find just about any book you’re looking for here, or ask the staff to order what’s not in stock. The kids’ books section is killer and worth a visit all on its own. The venue also regularly hosts readings from local writers.

Time Out tip: Don’t forget to grab Fido a treat from the jar near the front door!

What is it? First Avenue and its adjacent 7th St Entry are mainstay venues that host music acts from around the country and local artists as well. These are legendary venues that have helped define not just the Minnesota music scene, but the country’s as well.

Why go? How could you come to Minneapolis and not check out a show at the venue that helped launch Prince’s career, made famous by Purple Rain?

Time Out tip: Build in extra time before you arrive or depart to check out the star-studded stars painted on the outside of the building. The white stars hold the names of the many, many iconic artists who have performed there. Among the sea of white, there’s just one gold star. Can you guess who it is?

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What is it? It's a fabulous dive bar with an extremely paired-down menu that offers an iconic made-in-Minneapolis burger, the Jucy Lucy, stuffed with molten cheese rather than just slapping it on top.

Why go? A heated debate has been taking hold of Minneapolis for years: Who invented the Jucy Lucy—Matt’s Bar or the 5-8 Club? It doesn’t really matter, because one thing is certain: Matt’s Bar does it best. Order the special cheeseburger with all the available toppings (onions and pickles) and some fries on the side.

Time Out tip: It’s cash only, but there is an ATM inside.

What is it? One of the first urban Native centers in the world, the Minneapolis American Indian Center is a community hub that’s been going strong since 1975. It’s open to all but is focused on providing services that meet the needs of the Twin Cities’ Indigenous community.

Why go? There are always plenty of events (from sewing circles to community pickleball games) going on, but the on-site Gatherings Cafe that, like Owamni, has nixed all colonial ingredients to create its breakfast and lunch menus that feature fresh, locally-grown food prepared with ancestral knowledge is worth a stop anytime they’re open,.

Time Out tip: The Three Sisters kale salad, which features squash, hominy, and beans dressed in a maple vinaigrette, is delicious!

What is it? From Saturday matinee movies to comedy shows, literary events, and live performances by musicians in residence and so much more, the best thing about the Parkway Theater—which is tucked into a bustling corner of businesses along Chicago Avenue—is the variety.

Why go? The sheer volume and variety of entertainment at the Parkway Theater mean that something is always going on. Tickets are usually quite affordable, and thanks to the auditorium-style seats, every event is seated.

Time Out tip: Make a date out of it! There’s a lovely little cocktail bar called the Sidecar next door that has a limited food menu from its sister property, Town Hall Tap. Alternatively, you can opt for the Creekside Supper Club on the other side of the Parkway.

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What is it? Many people call Vinai “elevated” Hmong food, but what Vinai does is actually highlight and illuminate what Hmong food has always been—delicious and laced with tradition.

Why go? Chef Yia Vang has been on a mission to open this restaurant for years and, last year, it finally happened—and luckily so for everyone who visits because it’s amazing. Come for the creative dishes (think mango, apple, and cucumber served with fish sauce caramel) and stay for the gorgeous decor that transformed the space that was once a brewery as well as Vinai’s delightful drinks.

Time Out tip: Vinai is located smack in the heart of a bustling restaurant corner in Northeast. Plan to grab a pre-dinner drink at another nearby spot and consider swinging by yet another for dessert to get a solid sampling.

What is it? A 5.5-mile paved bike lane that was once a railroad track, the Midtown Greenway cuts across the city to make commuting by bike not only a breeze, but sometimes faster than going by car. It’s plowed during the winter, lit at night, and open 24/7.

Why go? Minneapolis is consistently ranked as one of the best bike cities in the country and the world. It’s only right that you experience biking around the city while you’re here.

Time Out tip: Didn’t bring your own bike? Rent one by the hour or by the day from Tangletown Bike Shop.