MINNEAPOLIS EVENTS FIELD GUIDE
Float Fest 2025 — A Riverborne Celebration of the Mississippi
The inaugural Float Fest on August 9, 2025, brings together paddlers and riverside revelers with launches from North Mississippi Regional Park and a post‑paddle party at Graco Park, supporting the Paddle Share program.
Float Fest 2025 — A Riverborne Celebration of the Mississippi.
On August 9, 2025, Float Fest assembles a city‑sized invitation to experience the Mississippi from the water and from the shore. The day pairs guided nature walks and a self‑serve Paddle Share launch at North Mississippi Regional Park with an afternoon celebration at Graco Park—live music, food trucks, and community tabling—anchored by partners working to make river access more equitable.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Music, Food Trucks and Post‑Paddle Community
After returning your kayak, head to Graco Park for a neighborhood celebration — live music, yard games, food trucks and community tables invite lingered conversations and local flavor as the event runs through the afternoon.
Paddle Share Access to the Mississippi
Float Fest highlights Paddle Share, the river’s self‑serve kayak program: pick up a kayak at the North Miss paddle station, paddle downstream and drop off at Boom Island — an easy model designed to reduce barriers to urban river recreation.
A Coalition Making River Access Possible
The festival is staged with local and federal partners — including the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board, Mississippi Watershed Management Organization, Mississippi Park Connection, the National Park Service and Three Rivers Park District — all collaborating to connect communities with the river.
What the day feels like
What the day feels like
Float Fest moves from calm morning walks and hands‑on station help to easy downstream paddling and an upbeat riverside party — a short, urban river outing that blends interpretation, recreation, and community celebration in one three‑hour arc.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this event suits and what to consider.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
For paddlers: sunscreen and a hat; water, snacks or a bagged lunch; a change of clothes in a dry bag if you plan to stay at Graco Park; and a sealed bag or dry bag to keep your phone dry.
Bring provisions for your time on the water and a way to keep electronics dry; plan to return your kayak to Boom Island Park by 3:30 PM so you can attend the post‑event celebration.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
Where is the pre‑event nature walk meeting point and is parking available?
The nature walk meets at Carl W. Kroening Nature Center, 4900 Mississippi Ct, Minneapolis, MN 55430; free parking is available at the center.
Where do I return Paddle Share kayaks?
Return kayaks to Boom Island Park at 724 Sibley St NE, Minneapolis, MN 55413; parking at Boom Island is paid.
Where is the post‑event party and what parking is there?
The post‑event celebration takes place at Graco Park, 15 8th Ave NE, Minneapolis, MN 55413; handicap parking is available and there is accessible free street parking.
What are the addresses for the event locations?
Carl W. Kroening Nature Center: 4900 Mississippi Ct, Minneapolis, MN 55430; Boom Island Park (kayak return): 724 Sibley St NE, Minneapolis, MN 55413; Graco Park (post‑event): 15 8th Ave NE, Minneapolis, MN 55413.
Is parking free at Graco Park?
Graco Park offers handicap parking and accessible free street parking as noted in event directions.