Minneapolis city leaders announced the completion of financing and design for the Northside Amphitheater, a community performing arts center that will bring an 8,000-capacity outdoor venue to the north side along the Mississippi River.

The project represents the culmination of nearly a decade of community engagement and planning, with Mayor Jacob Frey calling it an "extraordinary" development that will connect north side residents to the riverfront for the first time in generations. The amphitheater is scheduled to begin construction in July 2027, with the venue expected to open by summer 2029.

Key partners in the project include First Avenue, which will operate the venue, the Minnesota Orchestra, and the African-American Community Development Corporation (AACDC). First Avenue CEO Dana Frank emphasized the project's community-centered approach, noting that the company signed a Community Benefits Agreement with AACDC after extensive community input sessions. The agreement includes commitments to local hiring, anti-gentrification measures, and a per-ticket fee that will fund youth programs and community events.

The development will create approximately 500 construction jobs and 250 permanent positions, according to city officials. The venue will host up to 54 commercial events annually, with additional community programming controlled by local organizations. Council Member Vita, who represents Ward 4 where the project is located, said the Minneapolis City Council voted unanimously to approve the final agreements.

The project also includes plans for mixed-income housing development in a second phase, though specific timelines for residential construction remain under evaluation with state funding agencies. The state of Minnesota contributed more than $25 million to the project, which includes both the performance venue and supporting public infrastructure.