Minneapolis’ 31st Stone Arch Bridge Festival Draws Crowds with Top Arts and Music Showcase in 2025

Minneapolis, MN – The heart of downtown Minneapolis came alive over the weekend of June 14-15, 2025, as the city hosted the 31st annual Stone Arch Bridge Festival. Renowned for its vibrant atmosphere and high-quality offerings, the festival solidified its standing as a major cultural event, having been ranked #16 in Sunshine Artist Best of 2024.

The festival’s footprint meandered along the scenic West River Parkway, offering attendees picturesque views of the Mississippi River and connecting them with prominent city landmarks such as the iconic Guthrie Theater and the historic Mill City Museum. This unique urban setting provides a distinctive backdrop for the confluence of arts, culture, and community engagement that defines the Stone Arch Bridge Festival.

A Celebration of Arts and Community

As the festival celebrated its 31st year, it continued its tradition of highlighting the creative spirit of the region. While celebrated for its extensive array of visual arts and craft vendors – a key factor contributing to its impressive ranking in national surveys like Sunshine Artist – the 2025 iteration also placed a significant emphasis on its musical programming, featuring a broad spectrum of local and regional talent across two dedicated stages.

Diverse Musical Lineup Across Two Stages

The festival featured performances on two primary stages: the Star Tribune Stage and the Cities 97.1 Stage. These venues provided a platform for a diverse range of musical genres, catering to varied tastes throughout the weekend.

Saturday’s Performances

On Saturday, June 14, the Star Tribune Stage hosted a dynamic lineup that captivated audiences throughout the day. Performers included Sawtooth Witch, Smokin Joe, Unattractive Giant Monster, ELOUR, Chad Atkins, Pullstring, The Right Here, and Leslie Rich and Rocket Soul Choir. Each act brought their unique sound to the riverside, contributing to the lively atmosphere.

Simultaneously, the Cities 97.1 Stage on Saturday featured performances from Amanda Brown Perry, Eli Gardiner, Leslie Vincent, Third Date, Scott Allen and the List, Betty Won’t, Danger Pins, and The Walker Brothers. This stage provided an alternative soundscape for festival-goers exploring the parkway.

Sunday’s Performances

The musical energy continued on Sunday, June 15. The Star Tribune Stage welcomed Sawyer’s Dream, Zoey Says Go, Couch Potato Massacre, Radiator Girl, Willows, and Burning Blue Rain, offering a compelling mix of sounds to close out the weekend on that stage.

The Cities 97.1 Stage on Sunday featured sets by DGS, Zachary Scott Johnson, Quantum Mechanics, Dan Israel, John Magnuson Trio, and Shug E. These performances rounded out the festival’s extensive musical offering, providing continuous entertainment for attendees strolling the festival grounds.

Looking Ahead

The 31st Stone Arch Bridge Festival successfully delivered another year of arts, music, and community engagement in one of Minneapolis’s most picturesque settings. The event’s continued success, underscored by its national recognition, highlights its importance to the cultural landscape of the Twin Cities. As the festival looks towards future years, its legacy as a premier summer event in Minneapolis appears firmly established, promising continued opportunities for artists, musicians, and the public to connect and celebrate.