Really Spicy Opera Singalong: Thursday, July 19, 4:30–5:30p, Nicollet Theater in the Round

In the stream of passersby on a busy Farmers Market Thursday, a small crowd was piling up around a painted piano under the Light Walk in Nicollet Center, the two blocks of Nicollet between 6th and 8th streets.

The hold-up? A dynamic trio of musicians, members of Really Spicy Opera, was delighting kids and grown-ups with lively renditions of musical singalongs and familiar favorites.

Really Spicy Opera returns to Nicollet this Thursday, July 19th, performing at the Nicollet Theater in the Round in front of the Minneapolis Central Library, starting at 4:30p.

Thursday’s performance will be the third in a series of free summertime shows in the outdoor venue, a marquee feature of the Nicollet design, which has showcased a variety of local artists this season.

The Prairie Fire Lady Choir performed on June 7 with special guest Leah Lemm, and the Cromulent Shakespeare Company presented The Taming of the Shrew a week later. Music filled the space both evenings of the Northern Spark art festival, June 15–16. 

Programmed by the Mpls Downtown Improvement District, the Nicollet Theater in the Round provides a unique urban setting for music, drama, or dance. Have ideas for what you’d like to see? Contact [email protected].

Tuesday Open House: Pop-in to the Pop-up!

Stop by the Mpls Downtown Improvement District's summer pop-up office (651 Nicollet, in Gaviidae Common) Tuesday between 2 and 6p to play giant chess, chat with DID staff, and enjoy poppin' snacks and lemonade. Featuring Street Show live music from 4 to 5:30.

Aquatennial Downtown This Week

Headed to the riverfront to catch Saturday's fireworks? Why not linger at one of Nicollet's sidewalk cafes as you wait for it to get dark? Then enjoy a stroll through the Light Walk between 6th and 8th. Aquatennial events on Nicollet include a Family Fun Fest @ JB Hudson Jewelers (Thurs. 3–7p) and a blood drive in IDS Center (Wed.–Fri., 9a–3p).

International Day of Music @ Orchestra Hall, July 21

This free street festival and 12-hour music marathon features artists such as Insingizi, Marimba Africa, TU Dance and more across multiple stages. Bring the whole family! This special event is part of the Minnesota Orchestra’s “Music for Mandela” project. Find a full list of performers and a free Metro Transit pass here.

For more information about Nicollet Mall programming, please click here.