Peavey Plaza is an outdoor events venue in the heart of downtown Minneapolis, and is owned by the city of Minneapolis. The Plaza is the location for all kinds of music events and festivals through the year. It was one of the post-war architectural project to promote urban renewal between the 1950s and 1970s, and is one of the nation's best examples of a modernist sunken urban plaza.
The sunken garden has artistic fountains, a reflecting pool and waterfalls, and features different levels with flowers and trees priovding an excellent spot to relax and a great outdoor space to entertain the crowds. In the summer there are live bands as part of the free Toons @ Noon lunchtime events and the After 5 series of Happy Hour concerts. Music featured includes swing, rock and blues and snacks are available from vendors around the Plaza.
The Minnesota Orchestra hosts the Sommerfest during July with concerts held at its home, the Orchestra Hall, and in Peavey Plaza. Local restaurants have food tents around the Plaza and the orchestra performs free concerts — from polka dances to folk and jazz — in the sunken gardens. Get here early for the free events as seating is limited.
Peavy Plaza hosts other events including the annual Aquatennial festivities, and is one of the venues for the Twin Cities Hot Summer Jazz Festival, attracting up to 75,000 visitors. Over winter the Plaza is frozen over and becomes a popular icing rink. The Plaza has also hosted fan celebrations for the Minnesota Twins.
