301 Cedar Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55454

The Afghan Cultural Society of Minnesota empowers and advocates for immigrant and refugee communities, supporting mental health, economic self‑sufficiency, and cultural well‑being. With multilingual, community‑based staff, ACS offers programs in arts and culture, education, family resources, healthcare navigation, and more. This year, ACS will host two free arts workshop series and a four‑event concert program in Cedar‑Riverside, celebrating and preserving Afghan cultural heritage through music, art, and community connection.

Location: Brian Coyle Center

Kalsoni is a purpose‑driven lifestyle brand dedicated to supporting the health and well‑being of women and girls through culturally and faith‑inclusive activewear. Inspired by the Somali word for “confidence,” Kalsoni designs modest, functional, and stylish activewear that empowers women and girls to enjoy fitness, sports, and outdoor activities while staying true to their values.

Their upcoming project, Threads of Identity, will host participatory fashion design workshops for Muslim girls in Cedar‑Riverside. These sessions will culminate in the co‑creation of a modest activewear collection and a public community fashion show, celebrating creativity, individuality, and confidence.

Location: Edna’s Park

Liz Draper is a classically and jazz-trained bassist whose career spans more than two decades, performing and touring internationally with artists including the Grammy Award-winning Okee Dokee Brothers, Soul Asylum, Charlie Parr, and Davina and the Vagabonds. Known for her versatility across jazz, classical, folk, metal, and experimental music, Liz is also a dedicated educator and 2019 Giant Steps Music Action Women fellow.

Her upcoming project will present two free afternoon pop-up concerts in Edna’s Park, featuring diverse Minneapolis acts in a healing, community-focused setting. Using a new band shell sculpture by House of Balls and equipment from the West Bank Business Association, the concerts aim to bring people together through music at the heart of the West Bank District.

Various Locations near Cedar Avenue

The Minnesota Fringe Festival, the largest performing arts festival in the Midwest, brings together adventurous artists and audiences for bold, creative performances. From July 31–August 10, 2025, the 32nd annual festival will feature hundreds of live shows by local, national, and international artists across venues throughout the Cedar South Cultural District. Whether you’re performing or attending, Fringe offers something surprising, inspiring, and welcoming to all.

Location: 1011 Washington Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55415

Founded as a collective of Arab, Arab American, and Muslim theater artists, New Arab American Theater Works amplifies voices and stories often missing from mainstream stages. For over 20 years, its members have created and performed locally, nationally, and internationally, challenging stereotypes and offering new perspectives on Arab and Muslim identities through powerful, original theater.

Their latest project will offer free weekly community drumming classes in traditional Middle Eastern and North African styles, hosted at their studio in the Open Book Building, creating space for cultural learning, rhythm, and connection.

Location: The Cedar, Cedar-Riverside

Located in the heart of Cedar-Riverside, home to the largest Somali diaspora in the U.S., The Cedar Cultural Center is a cornerstone of Minneapolis’s live music scene. Known for its intimate, high-quality concert space, The Cedar showcases artists from around the world, spanning genres from global roots and folk to indie, bluegrass, and experimental sounds. Its programming includes concerts, artist residencies, workshops, and community events that celebrate cultural diversity and creativity.

In partnership with The Qalanjo Project, The Cedar will host Kowda Luulyo, a free, two‑day Somali Independence Day celebration and cultural arts activation, highlighting music, dance, and community pride in Cedar-Riverside.

245 Cedar Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55454

Founded in 1952, Theatre in the Round Players (TRP) is a cornerstone of Minneapolis theatre, dedicated to artistic excellence, inclusion, and community engagement. TRP provides a welcoming space for diverse artists and audiences to connect through daring, collaborative storytelling and serves as a training ground for the Twin Cities’ theatre ecosystem.

In partnership with Be That Neighbor Theater, TRP will co‑produce Hope 612, an original youth‑written play exploring lived experiences with racism, policing, and substance abuse—while centering resilience and hope.

Location: TBD

10th Wave is a Twin Cities–based classical music ensemble committed to collaborating with living, local, and underrepresented artists to reimagine the concert experience. Their performances aim to build community and create welcoming spaces where everyone can enjoy music and the arts together.

Their upcoming project combines live music and puppetry, integrating shadow and 3D puppets with a newly composed musical work. Musicians will perform as silhouettes behind a screen, interacting with 3D puppets and objects that serve as both characters and instruments, creating an innovative and immersive experience for audiences of all ages.

Location: Riverside Plaza Community Hall

The Cedar Riverside Children’s Arts Program will offer a three‑month visual arts training program for local youth, providing structured, hands‑on instruction in creative techniques. The program will culminate in a public exhibition of student artwork, showcasing young artists’ talents and celebrating the creativity of the Cedar Riverside community.

Location: Brian Coyle Center

Founded in 1879 as Minneapolis’s first settlement house, Pillsbury United Communities (PUC) works alongside historically marginalized and underinvested communities to create lasting, systemic change. Through neighborhood centers, social enterprises, and programs that serve more than 55,000 people annually, PUC focuses on empowering individuals and strengthening communities.

In September 2025, PUC will host its annual Multicultural Exchange in Cedar-Riverside, offering a vibrant, inclusive space for neighbors, local businesses, and partner organizations to celebrate the district’s cultural diversity through food, art, and community connection.