St. Cloud is a thriving Mississippi River city blessed year-round with a wide range of cultural, social and recreational activities. Historic theatres, renowned international gardens and regional shopping are just a sample of what awaits you, so much of it happening in Downtown St. Cloud!

WEEKLY happenings include:

The Young Professionals Group meets each Wednesday at 5:00 pm at the Veranda Wine Bar on 5th Avenue to mingle and network with other young professionals. You don’t need to be a member of the Young Professionals Organization to attend, so come check it out! Please contact the St. Cloud Downtown Council for more information about meetings or to give a presentation.

Mi Famiglia hosts Downtown Business Nights each week on Thursdays, 5:00 pm – close. Enjoy wine features; wine club samples and membership; specialty martini features, classic cocktail features; specialty appetizer features also available. Call (320) 217-6000 for more information.

Generally speaking, the following events are held annually.

April 10, 2008 Downtown Council’s Annual Celebration
 This Annual event has since evolved into an evening that, simply put, is just “a whole lot of fun”. It’s a mixture of mingling and socializing, networking, a side of delectable foods, a silent auction, keynote speaker and awards presentation.

This event provides an opportunity for all of our members and supporters of Downtown, with a common goal, to come together. We also recognize a person or business for their extraordinary contributions to Downtown. All Downtown Council members, Downtown employees, residents and supporters are welcome to join us for this wonderful event.

Sponsorship opportunities offered. To register for any DTC event or to obtain additional information, contact email

April 18-19, 2008 9th Annual Earth Day ½ Marathon
 St. Cloud State Campus and Downtown St. Cloud. The Earthday ½ Marathon will be run along the Mississippi River, beginning and ending on the SCSU campus.

Join us in St. Cloud this April for Minnesota’s Premier Half Marathon Event which is a unique festival to include a half marathon with up to 2,000 runners, a 5K run along the scenic Mississippi River, a 1K Junior Run, a Fitness Expo with over 3,500 spectators, an entertainment stage with various performers and speakers, a Kids Korner with creative activities for the entire family, a Pasta Feed and Downtown St. Cloud entertainment. The Half Marathon will include a Relay Division that will give even more people an opportunity to take part in the Earth Day experience!

If interested or to receive a brochure, please call the St. Cloud State Rec. Dept. for more information (320) 255-3325 or earthdayhalfmarathon.org.

Starts Mid-May, 2008 Farmer’s Market
 Fresh, Locally Grown & Organic Goods! The St. Cloud Farmer’s Market has begun for the season. Located in the Downtown Bremer Bank Parking Lot, the market is open Sunday mornings 8 am – Noon. Early season items include bedding & herb plants, perennials, naturally raised chicken, pork and lamb, baked goods, farm fresh eggs, bird houses/feeders, llama wool/yarn, natural soaps, sunscreen and bug spray, yak meat, goat cheese, homemade caramel corn and more!

June 7, 2008 Shriner’s Parade

Summer 2008 dates not set Downtown Historic Tour
 Welcome to the historic downtown St. Cloud walking tour. The tour usually coincides with the annual Historic Home Tour.

June 26, 2008 Annual Golf Scramble
 This fun-filled, relaxing 18-hole (best ball) tournament begins with a shot-gun start at 1:00pm. The cost is $90 per golfer, which includes golf, dinner and prizes. Sponsors at each hole have the opportunity to advertise their business while having some fun with the golfers participating.

To for any Downtown Council event or to obtain additional information, contact via email or by phone at (320) 257-8600.

June 26-28, 2008 Granite City Days

July 3, 2008 Historic Home Tour

4th of July Freedom Fest & Fireworks
The American Legion is hosting this family-friendly party on Veteran’s Bridge (near the Civic Center). There will be food vendors, beer and wine coolers, bands, pull-tabs and other activities from 5:00 pm – Midnight. Fireworks begin around 10:00 pm.

Wilson Park and Hester Park have children’s activity areas from 2:00 pm – 10:30 pm.

July 2008 Bike Criterium With the booming interest in bicycle racing, we anticipate as many as 200-300 racers from all over the Midwest participating in this Downtown event. Teams from MN, IA, WI, MI as well as national competitors will be competing for cash and prizes. The team association to the Minnesota Cycling Federation, Grandstay and Out N About Gear will be hosting the “St Cloud Criterium” this year. For more information, call (320) 260-2117.

The race format is what is called a “Criterium”; it is the most exciting, spectator friendly type of bicycle race. The course is usually less than a mile in length, with 4 to 7 corners. As with all bike racing, there are different categories that group “like” rider’s skill and experience. Each category then races for a pre-determined length of time, with 1 hour being the maximum. Upon completion of that time, a lap counter counts the riders down from 5 laps to go. On the last lap, a bell is rung indicating to the riders that this is now a race to the finish line. The first one across the line wins! The other dynamic and unpredictable facet of criterium racing is the race for the “Primes” also known as the prize lap. On any given lap the bell can be rung announcing a “Prime” lap. The first racer over the finish line wins the prize, which can amount to cash or prizes up to 100$. The race for these “Primes”, can, in many cases, break up a race. If the main field allows a group of riders to get away from them and create a gap, they may very well be able to stay away until the finish. Whether it is a pack finish or a solo breakaway this format of racing provides the spectators with at very exciting view of bicycle racing.

We will also be holding a Kids Race designed for kids of all ages. There will be prizes and giveaways for all youth participants.

August 7-10, 2008 Benton County Fair

August 16, 2008 Shriner’s Kiddie Event

September 6, 2008 St. Mary’s Cathedral Block Party
The annual block party features outstanding musical groups, games for kids, a food court and a raffle. For more information, call (320)251-1840.

September 6, 2008 Paramount’s Opening Night Gala
 Don’t miss this Gala celebration.

For more information, call (320)259-5463.

September 10, 2008 Let’s Meet Downtown

The September get-acquainted meeting will be hosted by Thelen Advertising at 705 W. St. Germain Street. Let’s get together and meet one another to learn more about OUR NEIGHBORS and NEIGHBORING BUSINESSES. See you at 4:30 pm.

September 14, 2008 Wedding Expo

The Expo is held at the St. Cloud Civic Center. For more information, call (320)291-7201.

Sept 19, Nov 21, 2008 Art Crawls
 Mingle up and down the street of St. Germain and peruse fine art and craft, enjoy beverages and snacks, watch artist demonstrations, be entertained by musicians, and have a chance to meet the featured artists from across the reason. Up to 15 participating businesses/galleries offer up a sense of community, light-hearted enjoyment and simply great art. These Art Crawls are fast becoming a staple in Downtown activity.

October 4, 2008 Kids’ & Parents’ Expo

Held at the St. Cloud Civic Center. For more information, call (320)257-3976 or check out www.kidsandparentsexpo.com

October 9, 2008 Let’s Meet Downtown

The October get-acquainted meeting will be hosted by Netgain Technology at 720 West St. Germain Street. Netgain is combining this event with their annual Ribfest. Let’s get together and meet one another to learn more about OUR NEIGHBORS and NEIGHBORING BUSINESSES. See you at 5:00 pm.

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October 11, 2008 16th Annual Women’s Showcase

The Showcase features celebrity speakers, food court, fashion shows, stages and 250 exhibits. For more information, call (320)259-7108.

November 13, 2008 Let’s Meet Downtown

The November get-acquainted meeting will be hosted by the Central Minnesota Community Foundation at 101 South 7th Avenue. Let’s get together and meet one another to learn more about OUR NEIGHBORS and NEIGHBORING BUSINESSES. See you at 7:30 am.

November 15-16, 2008 Annual Craft Show

The St. Cloud Civic Center is host to this annual event, just before the Holidays. For more information, call (651)457-8980.

December 5-7, 2008 Dog Show

The Annual Dog Show is held at the St. Cloud Civic Center. For more information, call (320)764-7555 or go to www.granitecitykennelclub.com.

December 6, 2008 6th Annual Winter Nights & Lights Parade

As the first event in the Downtown is Holiday Towne series, the Winter Nights and Lights Parade will ignite the holiday spirit on Saturday, December 6, beginning at 4:30 p.m. The parade route is along St. Germain Street. Bring your hot chocolate, lawn chairs and Holiday shopping mood.

Call to be part of the parade 257-8600, or email to request a form.

Downtown is coming alive with lights and décor like never before. There will be more than Santa to make you smile. Experience the excitement in the air during the Holiday Season. Bring the whole family for special activities, photo opportunities with Santa, and best of all, join in the lighted holiday parade guaranteed to put even the Grinch into the Holiday Spirit.

Get dinner for yourself and the kids from your favorite Downtown restaurant, then sweeten up with some cookies and hot cocoa found a several Downtown stores and businesses. When your belly is full, look for Santa — he will be waiting to get his picture taken with you. All the while be entertained by live holiday music and colorful street entertainers.

Rekindle your sense of wonder and amazement in Downtown St. Cloud.

Additional information about events in Downtown St. Cloud or the St. Cloud area:

Check out current productions at the Paramount Theatre at (320) 259-5463 or go to their website.

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Call the Pioneer Place on 5th at (320) 251-3940 for current productions or click to check out the website.

Call the St. Cloud Symphony Orchestra at (320) 257-3117 for current productions.
Call the Bo Diddleys at (320) 255-9811 for their live entertainment schedule.
G.R.E.A.T. Theatre offers incredible children’s events. (320) 258-ARTS.
Many downtown establishments, including the Red Carpet, DB Searles, The Press, and Tavern on Germain have bands in the evenings.
Call the Black Box Theatre at (320) 255-9703 for current productions.

The Civic Center offers a wide range of events each year that you might find of interest. For additional information and directions, contact the staff at (320) 255-7272 or (800) 450-7272.

Check out the Convention & Visitors Bureau calendar or call (320) 251-4170 or (800) 264-2940.

Get Involved

If you are interested in serving on the Promotions & Events Committee, contact at (320) 257-8600, or , Committee Chair at (320) 229-5253.