Overview
- The Council says it will no longer produce the two marquee festivals unless a new organizer emerges, marking a shift away from running large events.
- Holidazzle is being reframed as Winterapolis, a partner-led campaign running November through February with arts, culture, markets and activations across downtown.
- The Minneapolis Foundation and Meet Minneapolis are joining the Council to help deliver Winterapolis and to spotlight and add programming throughout the season.
- Funding pressures are central to the move, with inconsistent corporate sponsorships, reduced city contributions, and annual costs for the festivals typically totaling $1 million to $2 million.
- The Aquatennial’s future is unresolved as discussions continue with sponsors and the city, which says it cannot manage the festivals but will support efforts to find new leaders.