Behold the Party
25 Years in the Making.July 12 + 13, 2019

The Cities 97.1 Basilica Block Party began in 1995 as a fundraiser to help pay for the structural restoration of The Basilica of Saint Mary. Today, proceeds from the event benefit the Basilica Landmark, which preserves, restores and advances the historic Basilica of Saint Mary.

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Those About to Rock.

Friday, July 12, 2019
Start Time
  • 9:00 pm
  • 7:40 pm
  • 6:25 pm
  • 5:15 pm
Great Clips Stage
  • Kacey Musgraves
  • Dawes
  • Anderson East
  • Ruston Kelly
Start Time
  • 8:35 pm
  • 7:15 pm
  • 5:45 pm
PreferredOne Stage
  • Semisonic
  • The Jayhawks
  • Yam Haus
Start Time
  • 7:20 pm
  • 6:15 pm
  • 5:10 pm
Star Tribune Stage
  • Kiss the Tiger
  • Annie Mack
  • McNasty Brass Band
Saturday, July 13, 2019
Start Time
  • 9:00 pm
  • 7:40 pm
  • 6:25 pm
  • 5:15 pm
Great Clips Stage
  • Jason Mraz
  • Hanson
  • JOHNNYSWIM
  • Lissie
Start Time
  • 8:35 pm
  • 7:15 pm
  • 5:45 pm
PreferredOne Stage
  • CHVRCHES
  • Metric
  • Flora Cash
Start Time
  • 7:20 pm
  • 6:15 pm
  • 5:10 pm
Star Tribune Stage
  • Static Panic
  • The Bad Man
  • Michael Shynes

*Bands and times subject to change.

Blessed Be
the Ticket-Holder.

GENERAL ADMISSION

Single-Day: $70 | Two-Day: $125

Access to all 3 stages and all food/beverage vendors.

Purchase Tickets

FANZONE

Single-Day: $125 | Two-Day: $200

General admission + access to the Great Clips FanZone, a premium viewing experience. No tickets available at the gate.

SOLD OUT

BLOCK STAR

Single-Day: $200 | Two-Day: $N/A

General admission + all-inclusive food/beverage at the PreferredOne stage VIP section + free parking. No tickets available at the gate.

SOLD OUT

BLOCK LEGEND

Single-Day: $300 | Two-Day: $N/A

Block Star access + Great Clips stage VIP Skybox seating and Skybox bar + free parking. No tickets available at the gate.

SOLD OUT

HALL OF FAME

Single-Day: $400 | Two-Day: $N/A

The complete VIP experience! FanZone + Block Star + Block Legend + free parking + exclusive t-shirt. No tickets available at the gate.

SOLD OUT

25 Years of
Praising the Loud.

The year was 1995 AD. A gallon of gas was $1.09, the internet was being completely privatized, Coolio walked through the valley of the shadow of death, and some dude flew a balloon across the ocean. But the most notable event, of course, was the Cities 97.1 Basilica Block Party opening its pearly gates for the first time.

A miracle in the eyes of the sinners, the saints, and those people who sing along at concerts but don’t know the words, the party rocked the foundation of earth and heaven alike. And now, 25 years later, the miracle continues. So join us while we make noise, make memories, and make history. Join us for the 25th anniversary of the Cities 97.1 Basilica Block party.

Photos by Coppersmith Photography

The Loud Giveth.

At the heart of Minneapolis, The Basilica of Saint Mary rises along the skyline and serves as a recognizable part of our downtown landscape. But it’s more than just a place to rock out for two days during the Cities 97.1 Basilica Block Party—it’s also a spiritual, cultural and community center for many. The Basilica of Saint Mary—America’s first Basilica—has stood as a The Building of Hope for more than a century. But for decades, we took it for granted and it was nearly destroyed due to neglect. Fortunately, our community realized the value of the building in time to save it. Now, it’s up to us to turn back the hands of time and restore The Basilica to its original glory. Your ticket to The Cities 97.1 Basilica Block Party helps support The Basilica Landmark’s mission to preserve, protect and restore this historic building all year long. We are committed to ensuring The Building of Hope continues to welcome generations to come to rock out at the Block Party. Here’s how you can support The Basilica after the bands and beer disappear:

thebasilicalandmark.org

Sponsors

For sponsor information, please contact Jean Ryan, jean@jrimarketing.com or call 612-386-1055

For PR and media inquiries, please contact Emily Sudlow, emily.sudlow@creativepr.com or call 612-342-9893
For general inquiries, please contact Olivia Farley at 612-317-3457

Volunteer

The Cities 97.1 Basilica Block Party needs your help in tending to God’s celebrating flock. Feed their hunger. Quench their thirst. Shepherd them on their journeys. Not only will you be part of the celebration, you can also count on some credit in heaven. Volunteer opportunities will open May 2nd.

Sign up

FAQ

Tickets
Q. Am I able to buy general admission tickets online day-of the event?

Yes, starting at 12:01am each day of the event, you will be able to buy tickets to print at home for the gate ticket price.

Q. Will tickets be available at the gate?

Yes, all types of tickets will be available at the gate beginning at noon on Friday + Saturday, subject to availability. Gate ticket prices are $75 for single-night and $125 for two-day passes. Gate sales are cash and credit card only, and there are no fees for tickets bought at the gate.

Q. Am I able to buy VIP tickets at the gate?

Yes, the gate tent will be selling Friday & Saturday BlockStar, BlockLegend, Hall-of-Fame, and FanZone tickets and ticket upgrades, subject to availability

Q. If I bring a child, do I need to buy them a ticket to enter the grounds?

General admission tickets for children ages 5-12 may be purchased for $20 at the front gate or by calling Etix at 1-800-514-3849 before the event. The child must be with you to purchase a children’s ticket at the gate. Children cannot enter any VIP area with a $20 child ticket, and a VIP ticket for that area must be purchased for any child over 5. Child tickets are always available at the gate.

Q. Will I be able to save my ticket to my phone to scan for entrance to the event?

Yes, look for the mobile compatible download when purchasing your ticket.

Q. Why are there additional fees if I buy online or by phone?

The fee is made up of multiple components: fee to use the Etix ticketing platform, cost to built the BBP tickets on the Etix platform, cost to recover chargebacks from fraudulent ticket purchases, and credit card fees, among others.

Q. Are tickets to the event tax deductible?

No, general admission tickets are not tax deductible. However, a portion of the price of VIP packages is tax deductible. See more information on these types of tickets in the Tickets section of our website.

Q. What are your Box Office Hours of Operation?

The on-site box office will open at the gate for purchase of tickets, subject to availability, and pick up of will call on Friday & Saturday, July 12 & 13 starting at noon.

Q. When do ticket prices increase?

General admission ticket prices increase at 12:01am on June 22, 2019 to $70 for single-day and $125 for two-day passes.

Getting Here/Staying Here
Q. What are directions to get to the event?

If you are traveling…

  • I-94 Westbound, take the Hennepin/Lyndale exit (Exit 231B). Go north (right) on Lyndale/Hennepin, and north on Hennepin to N 17th Street.
  • I-94 Eastbound, take the Lyndale Avenue exit (Exit 231A) toward Hennepin. Stay in the left lane. Turn left onto Dunwoody Blvd.
  • 35W Northbound, follow signs for 11th St/Mpls Comm and Tech College and merge onto S 11th St. Go south (left) on Lyndale/Hennepin and north on Hennepin to N 17th Street.
  • 35W Southbound, take the I-94 West exit (Exit 231B). Stay in the right lane. Go north (right) on Lyndale/Hennepin and north on Hennepin to N 17th Street.
  • 394 Eastbound, take the Dunwoody Blvd exit (Exit 8A). Go East (right) on Dunwoody Blvd to N 17th Street.

Q. Where is the best place to park?

Public parking is available for $10 at the Minneapolis Community & Technical College (MCTC) parking ramp, located across from the Basilica. Other public parking is available within walking distance at the Walker Art Center, Dunwoody Institute, and other downtown area parking ramps.

Free parking is available at the MCTC ramp with the purchase of a VIP ticket. Present your VIP ticket at the entrance of the parking ramp.

Q. Is there bike parking?

Of course, there are bike racks available in the parking lot under the freeway, on 17th Street in front of The Basilica. They are first-come, first-served. No reserved spots here.

Q. Are there MetroTransit passes?

Yes, passes can be found below for each night.

Friday, July 12th pass

Saturday, July 13th pass

Q. Where is the gate located?

The gate entrance into the grounds is located on 16th Street and Hennepin.

Q. What’s the best option for transportation?

Rides are free on Metro Transit with a special code located in the directions section of this website. We also encourage you to ride your bike! We will have bike racks available in the parking lot under the freeway, on 17th Street in front of The Basilica.

Q. Is there a good hotel nearby?

Yes! One of our great sponsors, The Hilton Minneapolis, or several other options in downtown Minneapolis.

Guests are able to make reservations over the phone by calling 1-888-933-5363 or when making reservations on www.Hilton.com and referencing your group’s three-letter code, BAS.

Accessibility
Q. What accessibility options are available?

We have seating areas for individuals who require accommodation and a clear view of both the PreferredOne Stage and the Great Clips Stage. Temporary pedestrian ramps are installed to make it easier to navigate the curb at the Great Clips Stage. There is parking in the MCTC ramp for those that need accessible parking. There will also be ADA portable restrooms around the grounds. These areas are marked on the map located at the food and beverage ticket tents. If you need assistance on the grounds, find a volunteer wearing a t-shirt that says “Safety”. It is their job to assist you.

Vendors
Q. How can I become a food vendor for BBP?

Fill out the application at www.mary.org/bbpvendor.

On-Site
Q. What time do the grounds open?

The party starts at 5pm sharp.

Q. What items are allowed into the grounds?

Items Allowed Into Grounds
Small or disposable cameras, GoPros (without accessories)
Small bag or purse, 12” x 12” x 6” only
Binoculars
Empty water bottle (non-glass)
Strollers
Items Not Allowed Into Grounds
Backpacks
Large bags
Camelback style hydration packs
Outside food and beverages
Cans or glass bottles
Alcohol
Coolers
Illegal drugs or substances
Firearms, knives, weapons or objects that could be used as weapons
Fireworks
Professional grade cameras or video equipment
Recording devices
Pets (except service animals)
Selfie sticks
Umbrellas
Banners of flags on poles
Laser pointers
Lawn chairs
Skateboards or skates
Wagons
Kites
Frisbees

Q. Can I get in quicker if I don’t bring a bag?

If you don’t bring a bag at all, go through the express check-in “no bag” lines.

Q. Can I use checks or credit cards on-site?

Credit cards can be used to purchase admission tickets, merchandise, and food and beverage tickets.

Q. Are there ATMs on-site?

Yep, there are ATMs outside the gate, and in three locations on the grounds.

Q. Is BBP merchandise available at the event?

BBP merchandise, along with band merchandise, will be available on site in three different merchandise tents. BBP merchandise is not available prior to the event.

Q. If I purchase food + beverage tickets on Friday, can I use them on Saturday?

Yes, you sure can.

Q. Is there a spot where mothers can nurse?

Of course, we have an area where a mother can nurse her child, or pump. It is located in the Basilica School on 16th + Laurel in the lower level ADA restroom.

Q. If I leave, can I re-enter?

No, there is no readmission once you leave the grounds.

Q. What happens if it rains?

The show will go on, rain or shine. In the event of severe weather, information and instructions will be posted on our website, and through our social media accounts.

Q. How do I stay hydrated?

There will be free water refill stations located throughout the festival grounds. Bring a water bottle (non-glass) to fill up and stay hydrated.