July 17, 2025
This is my favorite time of year. Fall may be crisp and winter may be cozy, but there’s nothing like the joy and sense of community you feel in the height of summer.
This is the time when we’ve fully emerged from our residential cocoons, when we can stretch our legs, get reacquainted with our favorite parks and patios, smell the flowers, wave and smile at our neighbors who are all suddenly out and about along with us.
It’s also a time to delight in the abundance of community events we have available to us. In Ward 2, we’re fortunate to have an enormous number of these activities, many of which are free and easily accessible.
- Mears Park Lunchtime Concerts – Tuesdays & Wednesdays, noon–1 PM through Aug 14
- Lowertown Sounds – Thursdays, 6‑10 PM at Mears Park
- Summer Nights in Rice Park – Thursdays, 5–7 PM
- Music on the Mississippi – Aug 3, 1–3 PM at Upper Landing Park
- Melodies & Market on the Mississippi – Thursdays, Aug 13–Sep 3 (market & live music) at Harriet Island
- Movies in the Parks – Outdoor screenings around the city; Central Village, El Rio, Como, Phalen include titles like Cool Runnings, Toy Story, Jumanji
- Fitness in the Parks at Harriet Island & Mears Park – Zumba, yoga, folk dancing (folk dancing Tuesdays, yoga Saturdays, Zumba Sundays)
- Alebrijes – Keepers of the Island exhibit through Oct 26 (free public art) on Raspberry Island
These events aren’t just about having a good time.
I often say that St. Paul’s superpower is our connection to one another, our strong web of social capital that makes our big city feel like a small town, that helps us help one another, and that allows ideas to take root and flourish. Summer is the season when that superpower is nurtured through these opportunities to connect with one another and enjoy the beauty of our city. When we feel more connected to one another, we’re happier and healthier, we’re more aware of one another’s strengths and struggles and how we can help, and our community becomes more resilient.
I hope you’ll take some time this summer to enjoy these community events and the joyous feeling of connection and belonging they bring. See you out in the neighborhood!