Day 94: Basilica Block Party

I remember a few years ago thinking the highlight of my summer was watching my friends’ band, Holiday, win the Battle of the Bands and play at the Basilica Block Party in 2005 with Better Than Ezra and Marc Broussard. That was the 10th annual Basilica Block Party, and this year, the 15th year, will be exciting as well.

The Basilica Block Party began in 1995 as a fundraiser to pay for the $9.5 million structural restoration of The Basilica of Saint Mary, listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Proceeds from the event will fund the continued renovation of The Basilica. Five percent of proceeds have been designated for the St. Vincent de Paul outreach program to serve those in need. The program provides food and shelter to nearly 3,500 people a month, as well as shoes and transportation assistance to 250 people every week.

The goal of the Basilica Block Party is to promote the spirit of volunteerism and community. More than 25,000 people gather annually in the presence of the historic Basilica of Saint Mary and surrounding blocks to celebrate good food, great music and summer fun.

And speaking of great music, this year’s lineup includes the likes of V.V. Brown, Ingrid Michaelson, The Avett Brothers, Robert Francis, Guster, Barenaked Ladies, Rogue Valley, Spoon, Weezer, local faves ReadyGoes and Batttle of the Band winners Hunter(Hero). There’s more than I could list without making an awkwardly long sentence and paragraph, but check out the full list of bands at the Basilica Block Party website.

Tickets are still available for this huge shindig, but for those who are a little light in the wallet, there may still be volunteer opportunities available as well, which would allow you to catch some of the action in return for some work. Call the volunteer hotline at (612) 317-3415 to find out.

There will be lot of food and drinks available for purchase on site and also big prize raffles.

The Basilica of St. Mary is the site of the party, and is located on Hennepin Ave. just off of I94 on the west side of Downtown Minneapolis. Parking is available at several nearby ramps and lots, but is not free, so bring cash for it. Otherwise, Metro Transit has several routes that stop nearby. Check out the location on the map.

The Basilica Block Party is July 9 & 10 and kicks off at 5 p.m. both nights.

For more information, check out the Basilica Block Party online.