Elizabeth Brisbin

Cedar Riverside Community Health Fair August 21st at Brian Coyle Center

Cedar Riverside Community Health Fair

🎉 You’re Invited! 🎉
Cedar Riverside Community Health Fair
Thursday, August 21st, 2025
10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
📍 Brian Coyle Center – 420 15th Ave. S, Minneapolis, MN

Join us for a fun-filled, family-friendly day focused on health, wellness, and community!
Whether you’re looking for helpful resources, free health services, or just a great time with neighbors, we’ve got something for everyone:

✨ FREE giveaways & activities including:

  • 🚲 Bike giveaway – 3 chances to win!
  • 🎒 Backpack giveaway
  • 🌿 Henna & face painting
  • 👶 Kids’ activities
  • ✂️ Free haircuts
  • 🎶 Live music & DJ
  • 🍽️ Halal food truck

💉 Free health services on-site:

  • Health screenings
  • HIV testing
  • COVID-19 testing & vaccinations
  • Plus, helpful health & wellness resources

Don’t miss it – bring your family, friends, and neighbors!

📞 Questions? Contact us:
Awol Windissa: [email protected] | 612-876-9330
Aliazar Eliyas: [email protected] | 612-876-9326

Elizabeth Brisbin

Phillips Community Health Fair August 6th at Waite House Center

🎉 You’re Invited! 🎉
Phillips Community Health Fair
📍 Waite House Center – 2323 11th Street S, Minneapolis
🗓️ Wednesday, August 6, 2025
⏰ 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM

Join us for a day of health, fun, and connection at the Phillips Community Health Fair!
Bring the whole family and enjoy free services, exciting activities, and awesome giveaways — all in the heart of your neighborhood!

💥 What’s happening:
🎒 Backpack giveaway
🎨 Face painting & kids’ fun
✂️ Free haircuts
🩺 Health screenings
🧪 HIV & COVID-19 testing + vaccinations
🎶 Live DJ + music
💡 Health & wellness resources
🍎 And so much more!

Let’s come together for a healthier, stronger community.

📞 Questions? Contact us:
Awol Windissa: [email protected]
Esthefanie Odell: [email protected] | 612-876-9308

Elizabeth Brisbin

Important Leadership Update at Pillsbury United Communities

Dear Friends, Supporters and Community Advocates,

We want to inform you that Cinnamon Pelly has stepped down as CEO of Pillsbury United Communities, effective immediately, for personal reasons. We are grateful for Cinnamon’s service and leadership and wish her well in her next chapter.

To ensure a smooth transition and maintain organizational stability, the Board has appointed Anthony Washington, our CFO, as Interim CEO. Anthony’s experience and calm, focused leadership have already helped us make strong progress in shoring up our finances and operations. He will continue to guide the organization with support from the Board and senior leadership.

To further support the transition and organizational continuity, Pillsbury House + Theatre leaders Noël Raymond and Signe Harriday are joining the Executive Leadership Team as Interim Chief of Staff and Interim Head of Social Enterprises respectively. They join existing ELT members Denise Fosse (Chief Development Officer) and Robert Sanders (Director of Real Estate).

We know leadership changes can create uncertainty. Please know that this transition is being handled with care and urgency, and that we are committed to open, timely communication every step of the way. We are entering a new chapter—one shaped by accountability, renewal and a commitment to continue to work alongside communities in aspiration and through adversity. With strong interim leadership in place and a thoughtful search ahead, we are confident in the path forward.

In Solidarity,

Anthony Washington
Interim President & CEO

Elizabeth Brisbin

Open Your Heart’s 16th Annual Summer Challenge

Support Pillsbury United Communities (PUC) participation in Open Your Heart’s 16th Annual Summer Challenge!

As of 2025, approximately 537,890 Minnesotans are facing hunger, with 34% of them being under the age of 18. Additionally, food insecurity is now reported to affect 1 in 5 households in Minnesota.

Open Your Heart’s Summer Challenge provides participating food shelves like us with a matched grant proportional to their fundraising activities throughout July. Click: [https://secure.givelively.org/donate/pillsbury-united-communities/2025-summer-challenge] and make a donation today!

For 16 years, Open Your Heart has provided the highly impactful Summer Challenge Grant to support food shelves like PUC across the state.

This funding helps raise awareness of hunger and provides us with additional funding during these slower summer months to continue meeting the needs of our community. At a time when food shelves face tremendous strain and the increased need for resources, funds through Summer Challenge have a tremendous impact on food shelves like us!

Elizabeth Brisbin

Celebrating Pride Month: Twin Cities Events June 25-29

Celebrate Pride Month

June 25 @ 5:30 pm – 8:30 pm

Take PRIDE in Yourself: An LGBTQ+ Resource Fair

Lush Lounge and Theater 990 NE Central Ave, Minneapolis, MN, United States

Neighborhood HealthSource and LUSH Lounge and Theater invite you to kick off your PRIDE weekend at Take PRIDE in Yourself: An LGBTQ+ Resource Fair! There will be FREE HIV rapid testing, STI testing, PrEP consultations with a qualified provider, MNsure information, community resources, and more! This exciting event will be held 5:30-8:30pm Wednesday, June 25th, […]

 

June 25 @ 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm

Twin Cities Queer Transplant Group

Quatrefoil Library 1220 E Lake St, Minneapolis, MN, United States

The Twin Cities Queer Transplant Group is a new community meetup for folks who have recently relocated to the Twin Cities. Drop by to meet new people, learn about local LGBTQIA+ resources, chat, and share your favorite Twin Cities discoveries! Locals, partners, and family welcome. Meetings hosted every 4th Wednesday at Quatrefoil Library. Questions and […]

 

June 27 @ 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm

Dignity Twin Cities Pride Liturgy

Prospect Park United Methodist Church 22 Orlin Ave SE, Minneapolis, MN, United States

Dignity Twin Cities is a small Christian community that, in the tradtion of Liberation Theology from Latin America, provides a spiritual base for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender Catholics, their families and friends. We are also an activist organization that works to change the antiquated sexual theology of the Roman Catholic Church. Join us as […]

 

June 27 @ 7:30 pm – 9:30 pm

Minnesota Philharmonic Orchestra Pride Concert: Love Letters

St. Mark’s Episcopal Cathedral 519 Oak Grove St, Minneapolis, MN, United States

A prince’s love breaks a sorcerer’s curse. A Vietnamese son writes letters to his mother, who cannot read, exploring their fraught family history and unfolding the relationship with his first love. A Finnish composer protests censorship of the press through what would become a second national anthem for his liberated nation. The MPO’s Pride concert shares […]

 

June 28 – June 29

Twin Cities Pride Festival

Loring Park 1382 Willow St., Minneapolis, MN, United States

The Twin Cities Pride Festival is Minnesota’s second largest festival and the largest FREE Pride festival. Highlighting the best in LGBTQIA+ entertainment on 3 stages, featuring over 650 vendors, including LGBTQIA+ & BIPOC community resources, artists, and businesses.   Learn more here!

 

June 28 @ 11:00 am – 12:00 pm

Prana&Pride

Fulton Brewing Co. 414 N 6th ave, Minneapolis, United States

Prana&Pints is partnering with Fulton Brewing Co. to bring you a awesome fundraiser event!! This event will bring you an all inclusive yoga class, beverages, and a whole lotta fun! Cost is $30. This includes 1hr of yoga, 2 beverages tickets, and for each ticket sold $10 will go to Rainbow Wardrobe 🙂 We are […]

 

June 28 @ 11:00 am – 2:00 pm

HEY Y’ALL! IT’S PRIDE!

Hey Y’all 2501 Marshall Street Northeast, Minneapolis, MN, United States

HEY Y’ALL — IT’S PRIDE!  Join us at Hey Y’all (formerly Betty Danger’s) for a fabulous day of food, drinks, and drag with POWER Drag Revue! Expect high-energy performances, fierce looks, and all the Pride vibes while Hey Y’all serves up tacos and cocktails.  All are welcome — come celebrate love, identity, […]

 

June 29 @ 2:00 pm – 7:00 pm

Dome Darty: Pride Above the City ft. Vogue Down Minneapolis & DJ Shannon Blowtorch

Sheraton Minneapolis Downtown Convention Center 1313 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis, MN, United States

This Pride Sunday, the celebration doesn’t stop at the parade— it rises 14 floors above the city at the Pride Dome Darty, an electrifying afterparty hosted inside Sheraton Minneapolis Downtown Convention Center’s stunning 14th floor Dome. With 360° views of downtown, this immersive event is your chance to dance, sip, and slay as the sun […]

Elizabeth Brisbin

Celebrating Pride Month: Twin Cities Events June 20-22

Celebrate Pride Month

June 20 @ 8:00 pm – 12:00 am

Pride Glow Up at Nowhere Entertainment: A Night of Color, Celebration, and Community

Nowhere Entertainment 5300 South Robert Trail, Inver Grove Heights, Minnesota, United States

Mark your calendars for Friday, June 20, 2025, because Nowhere Entertainment is throwing a celebration you won’t want to miss. From 8:00 PM to Midnight, join us for our first-ever Pride Glow Up — a high-energy, night of fun, color, community, and self-expression! We’re transforming our entertainment center into a vibrant rainbow wonderland, complete with […]

 

June 20 @ 10:00 pm – 2:00 am

Forbidden Pride Party

Ground Zero Nightclub 15 NE 4th St., Minneapolis, MN, United States

The Forbidden Bazaar celebrates diversity year round, but in June we go extra! This variety show will feature queer and trans performers, from burlesque to drag, aerial acrobatics to fire dancing, and more! Get your photo taken in our photobooth, check out wearable art from many different vendors, dance the night away, and get onstage […]

 

June 21 @ 9:00 am – 1:00 pm

Chisago Lakes Family Pride

Chisago Lakes Middle School grounds 13750 Lake Blvd, Lindstrom, MN, United States

Welcome to the Family Pride Run/Walk & Vendor Fair! Our goal is to create a safe, welcoming, and affirming environment where LGBTQ+ individuals, their families, and friends can feel a sense of belonging, celebrate their identities, and build a community of support and acceptance in the Chisago Lakes area. Join us at Chisago Lakes Middle […]

 

June 21 @ 12:00 pm – 2:00 pm

Pride Brews & Drag Brunch

Boom Island Brewing Company and Taproom 5959 Baker Rd, Minnetonka, MN, United States

Mark your calendars for June 21st and celebrate PRIDE MONTH with POWER Drag Revue. Get ready to brunch and be dazzled at Boom Island Brewing Co’s “brew-unch” Drag Brunch event! Sip on your favorite Boom Island brews and seltzers, savor delicious bites from the food truck, and prepare to be wowed by a fabulous Pride-themed drag show! […]

 

June 21 @ 5:30 pm – 9:00 pm

The Capri Presents: ROAR! Featuring Bebe Zahara Benet

Capri Theater

ROAR! A Global Music Spectacle Featuring BeBe Zahara Benet A Revolution in Rhythm This Pride Month, the legendary Capri Theater opens its doors for an unforgettable night of communal celebration and radical joy. ROAR! is more than a concert—it’s a cultural awakening, headlined by none other than BeBe Zahara Benet, the trailblazing performer and winner […]

 

June 21 @ 7:30 pm – 9:30 pm

Leading Ladies: Divas of Broadway

Ordway Concert Hall 345 Washington Street, Saint Paul, MN, United States

She’s back! Join TCGMC and Broadway star, Britney Coleman, at the Ordway Concert Hall for Leading Ladies! A little bit beauty and a little bit beast, this concert explodes with the music of Broadway sung by the biggest divas to grace the stage. “Let us entertain you” with songs from Gypsy, Into the Woods, Chicago, […]

 

June 22 @ 11:00 am – 2:00 pm

Twin Cities Pride Family Fun Day

Como Park East Pavilion 1151 Como Ave, St. Paul, MN, United States

Join us for an action packed celebration of LGBTQIA+ families at our annual Family Fun Day! This FREE event is open to all families, friends, and allies. We can’t wait to share this special day with you! Free community meal including hot dogs, chips, beverages, and more. Engaging crafts, exciting games, and fun activities for […]

 

June 22 @ 12:00 pm – 3:30 pm

Puppies & Pumps Drag Show + Purse Bingo

JX Venue 123 Second St N, Stillwater, MN, United States

As part of Saint Croix Valley’s Queer Crawl we have teamed up with COCO’S HEART DOG RESCUE and THE MINNEAPOLIS DRAG SCENE for a super fun event! Bring your entire crew, play with ADOPTABLE PUPPIES, sip on drinks from our full bar, WIN CASH + DESIGNER PURSES WITH BINGO and have fun watching an epic DRAG SHOW!!   […]

 

Elizabeth Brisbin

Grand Opening of Pillsbury Creative Commons July 26th

Pillsbury Creative Commons
Pillsbury House + Theatre is proud to announce the creation of a new community arts and economic development hub with a renewed vision and a new name encompassing the extended campus: Pillsbury Creative Commons (PCC). This expansion initiative, opening July 26, with a community celebration, is poised to enliven South Minneapolis by harnessing the power of the arts community to uplift, connect and support residents.
Located next door to Pillsbury House + Theatre and Full Cycle Bike Shop at 35th Street and Chicago Avenue, PCC will provide technical arts workforce training and adds community radio station KRSM to an expanded campus that now spans 3501 to 3529 Chicago Avenue. With a mission to channel the creativity and leadership of artists into meaningful opportunities for the community, PCC is building a foundation for long-term impact in our city and region.

“This bold new vision affirms our deep commitment to community-rooted innovation, access, and transformation through the arts,” said Noël Raymond, Sr Director of Arts and Culture at Pillsbury United Communities. (PUC is the parent organization of PCC & PH+T.) “We are thrilled to open our new space this July, demonstrating our commitment to co-creating enduring change toward a just society, and we hope this is only the beginning of an even larger investment in our community.”
KRSM first took to the airwaves in 2017. In 2020, during the civil unrest in South Minneapolis, KRSM hosts did not have access to KRSM studios to respond and give voice to the community, in real time. This challenge was one of many seeds that led to the development of PCC, which provides 24-hour access to the community-centered station.

Designed by Gensler, the new 4,495 square foot space includes three studios for KRSM 98.9 FM visible from Chicago Avenue with unfettered access to the station for hosts. KRSM continues to be a vital platform for emerging voices and local storytelling, offering essential tools and resources to those looking to share their experiences and perspectives.

Adjacent to KRSM’s new home is the Scene Shop, which will serve as the laboratory and building space for PCC’s Technical Arts Training (TAT) program. Led by André Samples, TAT is a fully paid, multi-phase program that introduces community members to technical trades such as carpentry, welding, scenic painting, lighting, sound, and projection design, job skills that are in demand. The program features hands-on instruction, apprenticeships with local venues, and comprehensive job placement support. In addition, youth participants in the summer Step-Up internship program, as well as local creators, will use the space to gain new skills and launch careers in the creative arts.

Together, these new facilities reflect a bold investment in the creative and economic future of South Minneapolis—offering access, training, and infrastructure that uplift community voices, close opportunity gaps and activates individual agency.
Save the Date: Annual Inside Out Block Party Returns July 26, 2025, with the Grand Opening of PCC

To mark the opening of the expanded PCC campus, Pillsbury House + Theatre (PH+T) and KRSM radio are thrilled to announce the 4th annual Inside Out Block Party on Saturday, July 26, 2025, from 1–5 PM!

Join us for an afternoon of food, fun, and community celebration, featuring KRSM DJs broadcasting live, an artist market featuring local artists and artisans, and family-friendly activities for all ages. It’s a chance to come together, connect with neighbors, visit the new PCC space, and celebrate the rich creativity and culture of South Minneapolis.

Please note: Chicago Avenue from 35th to 36th Streets will be closed to traffic during the event to create a safe and welcoming space for everyone to gather and enjoy.

Mark your calendar—we can’t wait to see you there!

About Pillsbury Creative Commons (PCC)
Pillsbury Creative Commons (PCC) is the new name for the campus that also includes Full Cycle and Pillsbury House + Theatre. Pillsbury House + Theatre has been a community anchor organization and celebrated arts and economic development hub in South Minneapolis for over three decades—connecting and uplifting the community through creativity, opportunity, and belonging.

About Pillsbury House and Theatre (PH+T)
From the Makers Series to Chicago Avenue Project and Naked Stages, PILLSBURY HOUSE + THEATRE brings audiences closer—to the edge, to the actors, to affordable adventurous theatre, to fellow audience members, and to a strong, vibrant community. Now in its 34th year, the theatre continues to inspire enduring change towards a just society. An integral part of Pillsbury United Communities, one of the largest human services organizations in the state, Pillsbury House + Theatre demonstrates that the highest quality art is an integral part of all healthy communities, winning community trust, accolades and awards across the metro and nationally. Learn more about our programs at opportunities at www.pillsburyhouseandtheatre.org.

Elizabeth Brisbin

Career Pathways building equitable opportunities for young people

Career Pathways

A huge thank you to Gary Ly, Career Pathways Program Manager, and Julie Graves, Senior Director of Youth and Future Focus for your incredible leadership and commitment to youth development with Pillsbury United Communities.

The work highlighted by The Minneapolis Foundation in the Career Pathways feature is a testament to your dedication to building equitable opportunities for young people to explore, prepare for, and thrive in meaningful careers. Your vision and collaboration are helping shape a more inclusive future where every young person has the tools and support they need to succeed. We’re honored to be part of this work and grateful for the opportunity to have leaders like you.

Elizabeth Brisbin

A Call for Peace During This Tragedy

Pillsbury United Communities

In the wake of the heartbreaking shootings that have affected our Minnesota communities, our hearts are heavy. We hold in you our hearts and send thoughts of healing to the families and communities of Representative Melissa and Mark Hortman, and Senator John Hoffman, during this deeply painful time.

We send healing, strength, and unity to all those impacted by this tragedy. In moments like these, we are reminded of the importance of compassion, understanding, and our shared humanity.

Now more than ever, we call for peace — in our streets, in our hearts, and in our nation. Let us come together to support one another and work toward a future free from violence.

🕊️ Pillsbury United Communities

Elizabeth Brisbin

You’re Invite to the North Market Health Fair July 19th

Health Fair

🎉 YOU’RE INVITED to the North Market Community Health Fair! 🩺🌿
A Day of Wellness, Fun, and Freebies—For the Whole Neighborhood! Join us for a vibrant celebration of health and community! Whether you’re looking to connect with local resources, enjoy family-friendly activities, or just grab some great giveaways—you won’t want to miss this!

🗓️ Date: Saturday, July 19, 2025
📍 Location: North Market, 4414 N Humboldt Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55412
🕒 Time: 11:00 – 3:00PM

✨ What to expect:
✅ Free health screenings
🎁 Exciting giveaways
🧘‍♀️ Wellness activities for all ages
🎨 Kids’ crafts and games
🥗 Healthy snacks & local food vendors
🗣️ Meet local health experts & community orgs
Bring your neighbors, bring your family—everyone is welcome! Let’s come together to celebrate health, connection, and the strength of our community.
💚 Healthy people = healthy neighborhoods!

North Market is an enterprise of Pillsbury United Communities.
OPEN DAILY 9AM-9PM
North Market, 4414 N Humboldt Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55412
https://mynorthmarket.org/

Elizabeth Brisbin

Celebrating Pride Month: Twin Cities Events June 13-18

Celebrate Pride Month

June 13 @ 5:00 pm – 10:00 pm

TC Gemini vs. Boston Banshees – Pro Women’s Rugby

TCO Stadium 2685 Vikings Cir, Eagan, MN, United States

TC Gemini’s last home game of the inaugural season, and Pride Game! Join us for a free pre-game party 5-6:30pm on the Vikings Museum Rooftop with live music and beer from MetroNOME Brewery Gates open at 6pm Kickoff is at 7pm Join us after the game for a social at Union 32 Craft House  – […]

 

June 13 @ 7:30 pm – June 29 @ 4:30 pm

The Macbeths

Center for Performing Arts (CFPA) 3754 Pleasant Ave, Minneapolis, MN, United States

ROUGH MAGIC PERFORMANCE COMPANY PRESENTS A HAUNTING NEW MACBETH All-Women/Non-Binary Cast, Bold Adaptation Opens Friday the 13th at the Center for the Performing Arts Prepare for a Macbeth unlike any you’ve seen before. Rough Magic Performance Company proudly presents an original, immersive adaptation of Shakespeare’s Macbeth. Directed by Heidi Batz Rogers, adapted by Catherine Justice, […]

 

June 13 @ 9:00 pm – 12:00 am

Pride Skate Party 2025

Cheap Skate Roller Center 3075 Coon Rapids Boulevard, Coon Rapids, MN, United States

It’s time for the annual Pride Skate Party at Cheap Skate! Event is $15 / 18+ / Alcohol free / Music by DJ Shannon Blowtorch, Hosted by Angela “Hazmat Circus” and Jojo Ventus Ninja. Photobooth by Anne Fry Photography. Vendors, games, food, and more! Rental skates available for $5. Cheap Skate also has a large […]

 

June 14 @ 10:00 am – 2:00 pm

Spotlight Science: SciPride

Bell Museum 2088 Larpenteur Ave W, St Paul, MN, United States

Recommended for all ages Celebrate Pride when we center the work of LGBTQIA+ scientists and allies at the Bell Museum! Meet researchers and experience their work through hands-on activities for all ages around the museum. This public program is open to all. Spotlight Science is a regular program that shines a light on current science conducted […]

 

June 14 @ 10:00 am – 5:00 pm

Hastings Pride Festival

Levee Park 20 Ramsey St., Hastings, MN, United States

Join us for our Annual Pride Festival!Kick off the fun with our Pet Parade at 10 AM everyone’s welcome to participate! Enjoy a full day of live entertainment, face painting, food vendors, caricatures, bounce house, Rainbow Station, gender-affirming closet swap, and so much more!  Family-friendly and open to all come celebrate with us!

 

June 15 @ 10:00 am – 1:00 pm

ABBA Drag Brunch with Sasha Cassadine & Friends

American Swedish Institute 2600 Park Ave, Minneapolis, MN, United States

Celebrate Pride in style at ASI’s first-ever ABBA Drag Brunch! Don’t miss this special event celebrating Queer culture featuring Sasha Cassadine and her crew. Tickets admit you to FIKA Café’s fabulous brunch buffet (including vegan options). Coffee, mimosas, and more are available for purchase. Come in your most iconic outfit and bring dollar bills to […]

 

June 17 @ 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm

Nature Gays in the Woods

Battle Creek Regional Park

About This Event Join Maria (Four Season Foraging), Tanner (Tanner Barnharst) and Haleigh (Wide Eyed Outside) for Nature Gays in the Woods during Pride Month! This event welcomes and centers people who identify as LGBTQIA+, plus their friends and family members. Tuesday, June 17th from 6:30pm to 8:30pm at Battle Creek Regional Park in Maplewood, […]

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