What is it all about?

True to Rev. Michael O'Connell's vision, the Cities 97 Basilica Block Party has epitomized the spirit of volunteerism and community. More than 25,000 people gather annually in the presence of the historic Basilica of Saint Mary to celebrate good food, great music and summer fun.

We invite you to join us at the 14th Cities 97 Basilica Block Party and look forward to seeing you there.

A message from the Rector of The Basilica of Saint Mary...

Please join me for the 14th annual Cities 97 Basilica Block Party on July 11 & 12!

For thirteen fantastic years, the Cities 97 Basilica Block Party has been a "party of a higher order." On July 11th & 12th, we plan on hosting over 20,000 at The Basilica of Saint Mary in downtown Minneapolis for a weekend of community and great entertainment. We couldn't host this event without the help of over 1,600 volunteers who continue to make the weekend safe and enjoyable. It's a wonderful blessing to feel the energy surrounding The Basilica of Saint Mary at the event year after year.

Proceeds from the annual Basilica Block Party fund the ongoing restoration of The Basilica. When you help preserve our church and campus buildings, you are really protecting the foundation that enables this incredible community to build hope, faith and charity. Since the first Block Party, The Basilica parish has more than doubled from approximately 2,400 in 1995 to over 5,600 families today.

In addition to meeting the religious needs of our parish, The Basilica of Saint Mary serves as a refuge for the poor, a gathering place for people of all faiths and races, and as a center for the arts. Our beautiful, historic church is a landmark worthy of preservation and I appreciate your support of our efforts.

I hope you plan to join me at the Cities 97 Basilica Block Party the weekend of July 11 & 12!

Rev. John M. Bauer
Rector, The Basilica of Saint Mary

Looking for a fun volunteer opportunity?

We are looking for help!  If you are interested in volunteering, please call 612.317.3457 or email us at blockparty@mary.org.