Minnesota graduation weekend 2027: things to do in Minneapolis

14 to 16 May 2027 · ExpectedMinneapolis, United States

University of Minnesota Commencement brings parents, grandparents and siblings to Minneapolis for a weekend. The ceremony takes a morning: this guide covers where to stay, the celebration dinner and what to do with the rest of the time.

Tours in Minneapolis Hotels for these dates

Know before you go

Confirm the date and ticket rules on the school's commencement page: guest tickets are often limited.
Book the celebration dinner when you book the hotel. Every restaurant in town is full that weekend.

Airport to 3M Arena at Mariucci and campus venues

MSP airport is on the Blue Line light rail, 25 minutes to downtown.

Metro Green Line to campus.

Public transport directions to 3M Arena at Mariucci and campus venues

Where to stay by budget

Budget	Where	Why
Budget	Bloomington	Chains near the Mall of America and USA Cup fields.
Mid-range	North Loop	Restaurants and bars.
Splurge	Downtown	Luxury hotels.

Three hotels we would book

Budget: Hampton Inn Minneapolis Bloomington West
Mid-range: Hewing Hotel
Splurge: Four Seasons Hotel Minneapolis

Links search the nights from 13 May to 17 May. Event weekends sell out early and prices rise as the date gets closer: book a cancellable room as soon as you know you are going.

Day plans for the free hours

Built around the usual graduation weekend schedule for 14 to 16 May 2027. Session times change: check the official timetable and move the blocks around.

Arrival day

Thursday 13 May

Check in, walk the campus with your graduate and book a celebration dinner.

FreeStone Arch Bridge.
EatMidtown Global Market Food hall

Ceremony day

Friday 14 May

Ceremonies take the morning. The afternoon is for photos and a long lunch.

EatMatt's Bar Jucy Lucy burger
Easy outingBrewery tour Evening · Nightlife · Food
North Loop breweries.

The day after

Monday 17 May

A free day before everyone leaves. A good time for a trip out of town.

Half-dayMall of America and Nickelodeon Universe Half day · Family · Indoor
Indoor theme park.
EatMidtown Global Market Food hall

Grandparents and siblings

Low walking and kid friendly.

Family pickChain of Lakes bike tour Half day · Family
Lakes and trails.
Rain or heat backupMill City Museum.

Family-friendly picks

Half day · Family · Indoor

Mall of America and Nickelodeon Universe

Indoor theme park.

See times and prices

Half day · Family

Chain of Lakes bike tour

Lakes and trails.

See times and prices

Minnesota Zoo.
Science Museum of Minnesota.

Evening and day-trip tours

Evening · Nightlife · Food

Brewery tour

North Loop breweries.

See times and prices

After dark

North Loop and Uptown.

4 tours worth booking for Minnesota

Tour	Length	Good for
Mall of America and Nickelodeon Universe	Half day	Families, Bad weather
Mississippi riverboat	Half day	Tired legs
Chain of Lakes bike tour	Half day	Families
Brewery tour	Evening	Night owls, Food lovers

Event weeks sell out. Book tours with free cancellation as soon as the session times are published.

Where to eat

Matt's Bar Jucy Lucy burger
Midtown Global Market Food hall

Reserve dinner for the nights around the event: restaurants near the venue fill up days ahead.

Rainy-day backups

Half day · Family · Indoor

Mall of America and Nickelodeon Universe

Indoor theme park.

See times and prices

Walker Art Center.
Mill City Museum.

Getting around on event days

Metro Blue and Green lines; Blaine (USA Cup) needs a car.

Day trips from Minneapolis

St Paul: 20 minutes
Stillwater: 45 minutes

Bringing a group?

Corporate hospitality, fan clubs, teams and families travelling together: tell us the dates and group size and we will put together tours, transfers and a group dinner for Minnesota.

Plan a group trip

Questions people ask

When is University of Minnesota Commencement 2027?

The next edition is 14 to 16 May 2027, following the usual pattern. The organiser has not confirmed it yet.

How do I get from the airport to 3M Arena at Mariucci and campus venues?

MSP airport is on the Blue Line light rail, 25 minutes to downtown. Metro Green Line to campus.

Where should I stay for University of Minnesota Commencement?

For most visitors the best base is North Loop: Restaurants and bars.

What else can we do around University of Minnesota Commencement?

Good short outings in Minneapolis include Mall of America and Nickelodeon Universe, Mississippi riverboat, Chain of Lakes bike tour. See the day plans on this page for a full schedule.

What is there for kids and families near University of Minnesota Commencement?

Family-friendly picks: Mall of America and Nickelodeon Universe, Chain of Lakes bike tour. Minnesota Zoo.

How far is 3M Arena at Mariucci and campus venues from Minneapolis centre?

About 3 km in a straight line. Metro Green Line to campus.

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