The August 11-13 celebration will feature diverse music and entertainment, exclusive tours, family-friendly activities, fireworks, and much more.
SAINT PAUL, MN– Governor Mark Dayton and Lt. Governor Smith invite all Minnesotans to the Capitol Grand Opening Celebration on August 11, 12, and 13 at the fully restored Minnesota State Capitol. The three-day long celebration will reintroduce Minnesotans to the “People’s House,” which recently underwent a four-year restoration project. A diverse schedule of events is designed to bring Minnesotans of all ages, and from all corners of the state, to St. Paul to celebrate one of our state’s most iconic landmarks.
“The Minnesota State Capitol has finally been returned to its original grandeur, with additional public space and improved accessibility that truly make it the People’s House. It is a testament to the talented men and women of the building trades, who devoted three years to this project,” said Governor Mark Dayton. “I encourage all Minnesotans to come view the restored Capitol, and partake in the Grand Opening Celebration festivities August 11-13.”
“The State Capitol has been at the center of Minnesota civic and community life for more than 100 years. With this restoration finally complete, our Capitol is ready to serve as a gathering space for generations of Minnesotans,” said Lt. Governor Tina Smith. “I hope all Minnesotans will mark their calendars and visit their State Capitol this August.”
The Capitol Grand Opening Celebration spans three days with the theme of “My MN Capitol.” Festivities kick off on Friday, August 11 with yoga on the Capitol lawn, a ceremonial ribbon cutting, a Prince dance party, a Hotdish Panel series with insight from Minnesota leaders, and special “behind the scenes” tours of the restored Minnesota State Capitol. Saturday events include “Cap Untapped”, a beer dabbler event sponsored by Minnesota Craft Brewer’s Guild, a free concert by Minnesota headliners Lizzo and Poliça, sponsored by The Current and an extended fireworks show. On Sunday, join MPR for a “Bring the Sing,” a community sing-along event and meet the individuals who restored the Capitol to its original beauty at the Capitol Worker’s Appreciation Celebration.
“The best way to celebrate this historic gem is to celebrate the people it serves – the people of Minnesota,” said Administration Commissioner Matt Massman. “The Grand Opening will offer a diverse, engaging schedule of events for Minnesotans to celebrate at their State Capitol – The People’s House.”
Metro Transit will provide free rides to the Capitol on Saturday and Sunday, and admission to the Celebration will be free of cost. Accessible, fun, and family-friendly – the Capitol Grand Opening is sure to be one of the biggest events of the summer and a can’t-miss event for Minnesotans of all ages.
Detailed Grand Opening highlights and daily schedule of events are listed below:
Capitol Grand Opening Celebration Highlights
Kids Zone: Join the Science Museum of Minnesota, Minnesota Children’s Museum, Minnesota Zoo, the Minnesota Historical Society, and librarians from across the state in fun family friendly events each day from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
Outstanding Entertainment: Enjoy diverse music and dance performances throughout the weekend with groups of singers and dancers performing a variety of styles celebrating Minnesota’s vibrant cultures. Musical performances are on the outdoor stage throughout each day.
On Saturday night enjoy a free concert as The Current Presents: Lizzo and Poliça! Saturday night following the concert, fireworks will light up the sky behind the Capitol.
On Sunday, join Classical MPR and VocalEssence at “Bring the Sing on the Capitol Green” and sing-along side other Minnesotans in a community choral event on the Capitol lawn.
Yoga and Breakfast on the Capitol Lawn: Grab your yoga mat and join us for sun salutations on the Capitol Mall! Yoga classes will be led by the Twin Cities YWCA. On Saturday, free water bottles are provided to participants while supplies last. Also, a limited supply of free blueberry muffins will be served each morning compliments of General Mills.
Behind-the-Scenes Tours: Join guides from the Minnesota Historical Society and a host of Capitol volunteers for a tour of the Minnesota State Capitol Building. Grand Opening Tours will include special behind-the-scenes looks at restored spaces including the Loggia and Quadriga (the golden chariot statue a top the capitol dome), the Governor’s office, the Senate Retiring Room, and the private Supreme Court Conference Room. Tours run from 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM, beginning every 30 minutes from the Information Desk. And, dusk each day will feature a special viewing, raising and lighting of the Rotunda Chandelier.
Getting to the Capitol: Getting to the Capitol is easy! Bike or enjoy free Metro Transit rides on Saturday and Sunday to the Capitol. Free parking will be available in designated Capitol area parking lots on Saturday and Sunday. The Minnesota State Capitol is located at 75 Rev Dr Martin Luther King Jr Boulevard., St Paul, MN 55155.
Grand Opening Celebration Daily Schedule
Friday
7:30 AM Yoga on the Capitol Lawn
9:00 AMCapitol Blessings and Ceremonial Ribbon Cutting
10:00 AM Tours begin
11:00 AM Kids Zone begins on the capitol lawn and indoors
12:00 PM Minnesota State Band Performance
2:00 PM Hotdish Panel: The Life and Work of Cass Gilbert
3:00 PM Afoutayi Performance
4:00 PMKids Zone ends
5:00 PM Tub Ntxhais Thaji Lij Performance
7:00 PM Cocktails on the Loggia – 21+, free, ticketed event
7:00 PM Theatre of Public Policy– free, ticketed event
7:00 PMNorthland Community Schools Drum and Dance Performance
8:00 PMRaising of the Chandelier in the Capitol Rotunda
8:30 PMPrince Dance Party with DJ Dudley D
10:00 PM Tours end
Saturday
8:00 AM Yoga on the Capitol Lawn – free water bottles while supplies last!
8:00 AM Tours begin
9:00 AMTicket to Brazil Performance
11:00 AM Hotdish Panel: Vice President Walter Mondale and Governor Quie
11:00 AM Kalpulli Ketzal Coatlicue Performance
11:00 AM Kids Zone begins on the Capitol Lawn and Indoors
11:00 AM Hotdish Panel: Minnesota’s Contributions to Music
1:00 PM Sansei Yonsei Kai Performance
2:00 PM Hotdish Panel: Women’s Leadership
2:00 PMZorongo Flamenco Dance Theatre Performance
2:30 PMHotdish Panel: History of Beer in Minnesota
3:00 PM Afoutayi Performance
4:00 PM Cap Untapped, presented by the Craft Brewers Guild and The Current – 21+. Tickets required.
4:00 PM Kids Zone ends
5:00 PM Titambe Performance
7:00 PM Cocktails on the Loggia – 21+, free, ticketed event
7:00 PM The Current Presents: Lizzo and Poliça!
8:00 PM Raising of the Chandelier in the Capitol Rotunda
9:30 PM Fireworks!
10:00 PM Tours end
Sunday
9:00 AM Yoga on the Capitol Lawn
9:00 AM Tours begin
10:00 AM Hotdish Panel: The Minnesota Native American Experience
10:00 AM Somali Museum Dance Troup Performance
11:00 AM Kids Zone begins on the Capitol Lawn and Indoors
11:00 AM Hotdish Panel: Students and Legislative Engagement
1:00 PM Bring the Sing on the Capitol Green, presented by Classical MPR and VocalEssence
2:00 PM Hotdish Panel: Minnesota Folklore
2:30 PM Capitol Workers’ Memorial Plaque Dedication
3:00 PM Worker’s Appreciation Ice Cream Social and Celebration
3:30 PM Bill Koncar Polka Band Performance
4:00 PM Hotdish Panel: Our Changing Demographics
4:00 PM Kids Zone ends
5:00 PM Sumunar Musical Performance
8:00 PM Raising of the Chandelier in the Capitol Rotunda
8:00 PM Tours end
For More Information
For additional details for the Minnesota State Capitol Grand Opening Celebration visit:
www.mn.gov/mymncapitol. Share your Celebration photos on social media using #MyMNCapitol.
