Family Gathering Concert Series

The Family Gathering Concert Series is a nine-part celebration of live music, creativity and community running from September 12 to November 8, 2026, across Minneapolis. It's presented by the Minnesota Independent Venue Alliance (MNIVA) in partnership with the City of Minneapolis, and the whole thing is built around one simple idea: inviting kids, families and neighbors to experience the city's independent music venues in a new way, while supporting the artists and businesses that keep the scene thriving.

Each morning, the series moves to a different venue, with family-first sets, interactive moments and creative stations. The local music community powers the extra bits: a balloon animal artist and a 'crazy hair' station, plus an MNIVA table with coloring sheets, temporary tattoos and stickers. Food trucks will be on hand serving snacks, so it works as a morning outing for the whole crew. The focus is on the family-first sets, meaning the music is geared toward all ages rather than a late-night crowd.

The series hits nine independent Minneapolis venues over the course of the run: Hook and Ladder, Capri Theater, Dakota Jazz Club, Parkway Theater, Animales, Pillar Forum, Green Room, The Cedar Cultural Center and First Avenue. That's a wide sweep of the city's club and theater scene, from the jazz club to the legendary First Avenue, all opened up for families on a morning when they're usually quiet.

Every date starts at 10 AM, and entry is free. RSVP is encouraged but not required, though it doesn't guarantee entry, so showing up a bit early is a good call. With nine dates spread from mid-September to early November, you can catch one or two, or make a habit of it and see how the different rooms handle the morning shift.