Basilica Block Party
The Basilica Block Party is a music festival held in Minnesota every year. Pack up your RV and head to the hottest church party of the summer.
Event information
The Basilica Block Party is a two-day music festival that takes place every year in Minneapolis, Minnesota. It is the largest event of its kind held in the city. The Basilica of St. Mary, the first Basilica established in the United States of America, hosts and provides the space for the event.
The festival was first held in 1995 as a way to raise funds for the restoration of the Basilica of St. Mary. It met with a certain level of controversy, with members of the public questioning the use of a music festival to restore a historic Catholic church. However, the event raised over $100,000 in its first year. A percentage of the funds collected goes towards the St. Vincent de Paul outreach program, which offers assistance to people in need.
Artists who have performed at the Basilica Block Party in the past include Imagine Dragons, Phantom Tails, Goo Goo Dolls, Grace Potter & The Nocturnals, Matt Nathanson, Motion City Soundtrack, Death Cab for Cutie, Brandi Carlile, and The Revolution. The festival has been going strong for many years and draws around 25,000 people to the City of Minneapolis every single year.
Tickets
Ticket prices start at $60 for the general admission single-day passes and go up to over $400 for single-day VIP hall of fame tickets. Some tickets will give you access to exclusive viewing areas, free parking, complimentary merchandise, and other perks. You'll need to buy tickets for children between the ages of 5 and 12.
You can purchase your tickets online and bring printouts to enter the venue. You will also be able to save your pass on your phone and scan it at the entrance. Take a look at the official website for updated details on tickets and pricing.
Explore Basilica Block Party RV Rentals
Transportation
Driving
Motorists may want to expect some construction on highways in Lyndale. You may or may not need to take an alternate route, and at least some delays are to be expected. So keep your gas tank full, and enjoy gearing up with your favorite music artists while on the road. Check the festival website for detailed driving instructions and different route options.
Parking areas
Paid parking options like the Minneapolis Community & Technical College (MCTC) parking ramp are located close to the Basilica. Complimentary parking will be provided to patrons holding any of the VIP passes. Spots sell out fast and are available on a first-come, first-serve basis, so it's a good idea to get to the festival grounds early. Bikes are welcome in some parking areas of the venue, but spots may be limited.
Public Transportation
Festival organizers work with Metro Transit to offer free rides to Basilica Block Party ticket holders. Several bus routes will get you close to the Basilica. You could also choose to take a taxi or private hire transportation to the venue.
Where to stay
Onsite
Camping on the venue is not permitted. Book a spot at an RV park or campground nearby in advance to get the best deals.
Nearby
There are some great RV parks in Minnesota a short drive away from the Basilica. Some of these are nestled along the lakeshore and offer some incredible views. At these, you'll be able to enjoy activities like fishing, canoeing, and kayaking. If you're primarily there for the festival and want to get to the venue as fast as possible, there a few campgrounds right along the highway that will give you easy on and off access.
Getting around
Skateboards, skates, wagons, and personal motorized vehicles will not be allowed on the venue, so you'll need to get around on foot. The site is ADA accessible, and organizers go to great lengths to ensure that patrons with disabilities don't have any difficulty getting around. Temporary pedestrian ramps are installed in certain areas to make them easier to navigate.
What to pack
Clothing
Most people will be dressed in light, comfortable clothing that reflects their personal style. You're likely to see plenty of on-trend pieces, crop tops, denim shorts, and coordinated sets. You can't go wrong by throwing on a few comfortable basics and upping the style-quotient with stylish shoes and unique accessories.
Gear
You will be allowed to carry a small bag or purse with essentials like sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, binoculars, an empty water bottle, and a small or disposable camera. Keep in mind that you can get in through the express check-in "no bag" lines if you can do without a bag.
Health & Safety
Make sure you put on plenty of sunscreen and wear a hat to protect yourself from the sun. Water stations with free filtered drinking water will be present in convenient locations all over the grounds. Carry a non-glass water bottle and fill it up often to stay hydrated and fresh.
Where to eat
Cooking
Cooking on the festival grounds or bringing in food is not permitted. But you'll find no shortage or food or beverage options. If you'd prefer to cook during your trip, check in advance to be sure what your RV park allows regarding fires and fuels. Enjoy preparing your meals on the cooktop in your RV, but remember that open flames may not be allowed.
Restaurants
There are some great restaurants within walking distance of the Basilica. Get quinoa pancakes at a healthy, trendy spot or enjoy drinks and the sunshine at one of the outdoor patios. Minneapolis has a thriving craft beer scene, so try some new brews if you're in the mood to experiment.
Vendors
Vendors selling delicious food and beverages will be present all over the venue. Food tickets can be purchased using cards, cash, or other payment methods. In addition to delicious Minneapolis staples and favorites, you'll also be able to try different cuisines. Every year new food vendors are added to offer something different to regular festival attendees.
Safety
Security
Trained security staff, festival volunteers, and Minneapolis police will be present on the venue to keep patrons safe. They will be checking bags and tickets at the entrances and also making rounds. The block around the Basilica will be restricted from public access using metal barricades before the ticket windows open. Anyone seen breaking the rules will be escorted out of the venue area.
Weather
The weather in Minneapolis in mid-July is generally pleasant with low chances of rain. If adverse weather does occur, there are contingency plans in place. Instructions and information will be disseminated on social media and the festival website. Basilica Block Party is a rain or shine event, and no refunds will be given.
Medical
EMTs, physicians, nurses, paramedics, and festival staff will be present at the venue to provide assistance to ill or injured Block Party patrons. Arrangements will be made to accommodate guests with disabilities such as ADA accessible portable toilets. Special "Ambassador" volunteers will be available to help ADA patrons.
