North Minneapolis has countless fun, family-friendly activities going on this summer. Whether you’re looking for a fast-paced adventure or just want to sit and enjoy some free entertainment, North News has you covered with these top picks. By Mathias Durie | Intern

1. Eat on the Avenue: Eat on the Avenue is a twice weekly event highlighting the local restaurants on W Broadway Ave. Beginning June 1, it occurs every Friday and Sunday from 11am-2pm as well as one Wednesday a month from 5-8pm. All dates and times are available on the Eat on the Avenue Facebook page. Dine-in options include Sammy’s Avenue Eatery, Breaking Bread Cafe and Wendy’s House of Soul. Fridays feature various food trucks lined up on Broadway between Bryant and Emerson Ave. while Wednesday and Sunday events provide a food courtyard at Sanctuary Covenant Church. This years vendors will offer a diverse array of cuisines including East African, comfort food, Latin Fusion, Mediterranean, and vegan options.

2. Get creative at FLOW Northside Arts Crawl: FLOW Northside Arts Crawl is a three-day art festival in North Minneapolis that highlights community members’ artistic talents. This year’s 13th annual event will be July 26-28 and takes place on Plymouth Ave. and over a mile and a half of W Broadway Ave, stretching from the Mississippi river to Penn Ave. This non-juried, self guided tour highlights various theatres, galleries, commercial and vacant spaces, featuring creativity in forms ranging from rap and ballet to graffiti and artisan. FLOW has been put on by the West Broadway Coalition every year since 2006 and will feature over 300 artists of all ages with levels of experience from practicing to professional at 35 different locations along the corridor. The weekend celebration begins Thursday with a Plymouth Ave. Block party running from 6-10pm. Friday’s events go from 3-10pm and include ticketed events, preview parties, opening receptions, and the West Broadway Farmers Market. Saturday is an all day affair (11am-9pm) with indoor and outdoor activities at Freedom Square, the Capri Theater, Juxtaposition Arts, and the KMOJ stage.

3. Experience live music and a movie at Live on the Drive: The 11th year of the outdoor summer concert series Live on the Drive is in full swing as the second event of the summer is set to take place July 12. All Live on the Drive events take place on the corner of Victory Memorial Drive and 34th Ave. The band astralblak, formerly known as ZULUZULUU, will headline the July edition and Wonder Woman will be screened after the concert. The final Live on the Drive event of the summer will be August 9 with PaviElle performing and a showing of A Wrinkle In Time to follow. All Live on the Drive events feature food vendors and start at 6pm. Be sure to bring a lawn chair or blanket to sit on and a few dollars to grab a snack before the show.

4. Hop on your bike for a Slow Roll: A group of welcoming and adventurous Northsiders take a bike ride through North Minneapolis every Tuesday night. Slow Roll is an event based originally out of Detroit that has made its way to the Twin Cities. A seven mile route is marked out each week in a different section of the city to highlight every aspect of North. The event begins at 5:30pm with free bike tune-ups and music from a live DJ. Slow Roll also provides bikes and helmets for anyone that needs one. At 6:30pm the group is sent off on their hour-long bike ride through the city. Anthony Taylor, Adventures Director at the Loppet Foundation, leads the group of riders through the streets. The route loops back to the original meeting spot where there is food and more music waiting. The night ends with a celebration of the journey by enjoying a free meal provided by local businesses.

5. Shop at the Camden Farmers Market: The Camden Farmers Market kicked off Thursday, June 7 with a variety of food trucks, tents and tables. The market will take place every Thursday from 3-7pm at North Market until Oct. 11. Some attractions include a Bombon gelato + espresso truck, soulspeak handcrafted jewelry, free chair massages by Doorway Massage Therapy, Vanlice lemonade, vegan options from Chelles’ Kitchen, Wha’ Jamaican food, and a live DJ. New vendors and entertainment are added each week to ensure fresh food options and fun experiences all summer long.

6. Support local growers at the West Broadway Farmers Market: The West Broadway Farmers Market (WBFM) began on June 15 with a variety of vendors and entertainment. The market is open every Friday now through October 12 from 3-7pm at Freedom Square. Regular vendors include Appetite for Change which offers fresh local produce, Chang’s Kettle Corn, and the Animal Rights Coalition. The WBFM is a perfect place to shop and talk with local vendors while dancing to live entertainment. The West Broadway Coalition sponsors the event and more information such as event dates and directions can be found on the West Broadway Farmers Market Facebook page.

7. Take a dip at Webber Natural Swimming Pool: North Minneapolis is home to the only naturally-filtered, chemical-free pool in the country. Webber Natural Swimming Pool (4330 Webber Pkwy) opened for the summer June 9 and is open every Tuesday-Sunday (closed Monday) from 1-7pm. Daily admission is free and lap swim (11:30am-1pm) is $3 per day. WNSP is accessible for all ages and swimming levels with it’s zero depth entry, shallow pool, open swimming area, jumping platform, and lap swimming lanes. Swimming lessons can be purchased at the rec center, pool house or online and are offered Tuesday-Friday 11:30am-12:10pm and 12:15-12:55pm. WNSP also offers free lifeguard training Thursdays at 5:30pm.

Seven ways to make the the most of your summer in North Minneapolis