Basilica Block Party

The pro's: A portion of the profits from this event goes towards the upkeep of the Basilica of St Mary. 3 stages of live music and a silent disco. The view of downtown Minneapolis from the Great Clips stage was pretty. Portapotties galore. The con's: The event was only from 5-10:30p yet tickets were $70+ticketing fees-expensive! Food & drinks were pricey too, as they tend to be at festival events. The crowd vibe just wasn't there for what you would expect from a music festival. Most folks seemed interested in roaming about and conversating vs jamming out to the music. A free bus pass was offered for everyone attending the event, but I didn't see a single bus on my 15 min walk back to my hotel. That's not necessarily BBP's fault but you'd think there'd be better coordination of public transportation between event planners and the city.Overall, if you go, you'll probably have some high-priced fun on a beautiful summer day in downtown Minneapolis.

Yes, the price is high for what it is but I think that helps attract a different type of crowd. I thought the whole event was just lovely. Well put together. Great (b/c list) bands. Great crowds. Kids did come. Food trucks ran out by 7pm - but the beer was flowing. prices were okay. Make sure not to buy tickets at the door. Would definitely recommend, would definitely go again.

I thinks it's awesome that this event takes place, it is really cool that a portion of the profits go to the restoration and maintenance of the Basilica. Multiple stages are really great too, I liked being able to go from one location to the other with little inconvenience. The cost of this event however is extremely high, $77 per person just doesn't seem right for a one night pass when the Goo Goo Dolls and Matchbox Twenty are headlining. I really don't care for either one of these bands one way or the other to be honest, I went because 4 of us were looking to experience some of the live music going on in Minneapolis that weekend. We knew the price of the tickets so we can't complain but we can say it's too expensive.I really hope the event is required to use the ticket system for drinks cause I really don't like it. You always end up with left over tickets and if you are going to tip you have to bust out cash anyways. I assume there is a reason they use the ticket system at events like this but what a pain in the ass.I haven't been to a General Admission concert like this in a while, going to this one made me remember what I do and don't like about them.Do:Freedom to RoamStanding RoomAbility to be close or far from stageDon't:Constant moving and repositioningFilth of the standing areaPeople who I swear just like to move through the crowdPorta PottiesAll in all I don't regret going because I like to think my money is going to a good cause.

Over the weekend, well Friday and Saturday Evening, I had signed up to Volunteer for the Basilica Block Party for the first time ever. Even when I lived around there, and was a member of the church, I avoided the area during the Block Party because of how crazy it got. Parking was crazy, the first night I had a friend drop me off and pick me up, because I didn't want to deal with all of the extra cars on top of the construction that was happening on Hennepin Ave. The second night because of other events that I was attending over the weekend, I parked in the Target Center Ramp Parking. Since no other events were happening, it was only $5 for parking on the weekend, and it was far enough away from all of the busy part of downtown that it made the exit super easy. I volunteered at the Coke Tent 1, which was by the Main Stage. It was so much fun! I could hear the music well and see the acts, along with working. It was 4 tickets for a beverage. At our tent we had Sodas, Lemonades, and Water. People loved the water, they did get a little fussy when they realized we couldn't give them the caps, but most got over it quickly. One gentleman who was there the first night, and came back the second night actually brought a cap with him the next evening. It was kind of funny, but very smart and resourceful on his part. The other volunteers were nice and friendly, and even the main staff that instructed the volunteers what the different tasks were. After this experience, I couldn't believe I waited this long to participate in this event. We got free T-shirts, and the colors were a pretty Teal. I believe they change each year, and I can't wait to see what the color is next year.

It was my first time attending the Basilica Block Party this summer and I had an absolutely fantastic time however I did not attend the entire show on Saturday. I was only there to see the Fray perform which made the night for me.My friend and I took an Uber to the Basilica Block Party which may have been the best option in terms of transportation because the streets/roads were crowded. There are nearby parking ramps such as the $5.00 MCTC Ramp, but not having to deal with a vehicle was really nice.Due to the fact that we arrived late, there was no line when we arrived so we got in right away. There were plenty of food/drink vendors to cater to the large amount of people that were there. Keep in mind that the food can get a bit spendy (we bought a basket of basic fries for $6). There were multiple stages but we stayed at the Great Clips Stage for the majority of the time. With the Minneapolis skyline in the background, it was the perfect setting for a concert at night. I hadn't listened to the Fray in a long time, but to hear them play some of their hits brought me back. I was not familiar with of their new songs, but they are a great band nonetheless and they sure made the Basilica Block Party a fun one this year!

Please excuse my inner hipster because she's about to come out to play.This year was my first block party experience and don't get me wrong, I had tons of fun shakin' my bon bon left and right but I think the line up could have been better, there could have been better food options, cheaper beer (in my dreams), and I wish the block party goers would annoy me less.I feel like Basilica is place where people can go to feel alternative or different and feel like they're at some great music festival without actually leaving the city and still being able to go out afterwards to their favorite bars like Cowboy Slims or Sneaky Pete's. They also rave about how much they love Ray Lamontagne because they're heard "that one song" of his. Hey boy in the Ed Hardy shirt, it's called "You are the Best Thing".There was never a long line for the porta potties, and they were usually decent inside, but I do wish they had a water filling station on the grounds somewhere to refill waterbottles, it was hawt!I understand that this event is sponsored by Cities 97 and they are geared towards contemporary/alternative rock, however I think that they could have picked a better selection of performers to open the Twin Cities to some new sounds, yet stick with their type of music.I would also like to note that Fitz and the Tantrums absolutely killed it! Bravo.

yes it expensive for what you get but what you get is a lot of bands and fixing the basilica. If you can't handle it don't go.

Great outdoor music festival!3 stages and tons of bands! The block party is a two day event and tickets can be purchased for either or both days.Multiple bands will play on each of the 3 stages simultaneously so you will have to do a little planning to pick which acts to see. It is all general admission style and standing room only so you have to be ready for that type of show but it can be a really fun time with some friends especially if there are any bands you are a fan of.Check it out!

This was our second year at the big festival. The bands were great but I have one issue. The way they set up handicap accessible areas is not fair. They only allow one companion to sit with the person who needs the space. While it is meant to be fair, it is inconvenient when there is a larger group. Since we had a larger group yesterday we chose not to sit in the handicap area. However, this meant dealing with rude people who pushed and blocked the person in the wheelchair. In fact, some people who require the handicap area had no idea it was available. They need to make better signs and accommodations.