Longer days and warmer temperatures mean the start of summer in Minneapolis, and the Kenwood Neighborhood Organization (KNO) is ready for a full summer of fun and wellness at East Cedar Lake Beach.
Six years ago, KNO board members Will Stensrud and Mark Brown began organizing community engagement and stewardship efforts at East Cedar Lake Beach. The duo contributed countless hours with many dedicated volunteers to transform programing at the park.
Their goal was to create a stronger sense of stewardship, public safety, welcoming and community at the beach for all — neighbors and visitors alike — to participate and enjoy.
These efforts have been successful, contributing to a reduction in crime by 80% at the beach over the last six years and increased engagement by neighbors and visitors of all ages.
With the planned opening of the Southwest light rail in 2027, KNO has deepened its commitment to beach programming as a public safety strategy, in large part because of the generosity of residents who give of their time, talent and funds.
Kenwood neighbors dedicated to the stewardship of the beach kicked off the season with the annual beach clean-up. Stewardship efforts continue every morning throughout the summer. Before most people are awake, volunteers quietly clean the beach every morning so that it is ready for all to enjoy.
This year’s beach wellness activities kicked off in scantily clad fashion with 612 Sauna Cooperative. Wellness programming will continue from June through early September. Due to popular demand, wellness programming will expand this summer with the addition of Pilates by Alotapilates on Wednesdays and a doubling of yoga offerings to every Tuesday and Thursday. All Pilates and yoga sessions start at 7 p.m. and are free for all attendees.
In addition to wellness activities at East Cedar Lake Beach, performances and family events are planned throughout the summer.
The Beach Opener, a fun, family-friendly day with interactive drumming and dance, kicks off a full calendar of events at both East Cedar Lake Beach and Kenwood Park.
Brother Ghana, a frequent Kenwood School artist in residence, and Duniya Drum and Dance will get the heart pumping and the body moving on Saturday, June 8, 3-5 p.m. Bread & Pickle, by Kenwood resident Kim Bartmann, and Shaved Ice food trucks will be serving tasty treats at this family-friendly event.
Summer fun takes on a British accent with Shakespeare at the beach by the Classical Actor’s Ensemble, Sunday, June 23 at 3 p.m. It then morphs into a swashbuckling fun time on July 13 at 3 p.m. with the ever-popular family event, Pirates and Mermaids, featuring the Tin Fish food truck.
Another truck rolls in on August 25 at 3 p.m.: the Pickup Truck Opera presenting Faust, an operatic adventure laced with Depeche Mode. All unique, creative adventures not to be missed at the beach.
KNO-supported family fun spreads to Kenwood Park with Movie in the Park, featuring the movie Migration on July 1 at 7 p.m., hosted by the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board.
August 10 at 4 p.m. will be full of laughs as the Open Eye Theatre Puppet Show returns again along with a pop-up farmers market in partnership with East Isles Association and surrounding neighborhoods.
Summer programming wraps up on September 7 with the highly anticipated Fire & Ice event at East Cedar Lake Beach. An evening of Sebastian Joe’s ice cream, hula hoops, face painting and awe-inspiring performances by real live fire dancers! A perfect send-off to summer at East Cedar Lake Beach.
