PeopleFest!

When: Saturday, July 26, 9 a.m.–noon
Where: Miller Park Playground, 8208 Eden Prairie Road

A sensory-friendly celebration for individuals with disabilities and their families

Inclusive Day of Play is an event designed to celebrate and promote the importance of inclusive play spaces for individuals of all abilities can play together. Join us for engaging activity stations, a bounce house, live music, therapy animals and police and fire vehicles. A dedicated sensory break area will provide a calming space for those who need it. Connect with local organizations through a resource fair, and treat yourself at the on-site food truck with a variety of delicious items available for purchase. The barrier-free playground and splash pad will be open throughout the event—welcoming everyone to play, cool off, and enjoy the day.

Presented by Eden Prairie Parks and Recreation in partnership with Gillette Children’s.

When: Sunday, July 27, 4–8 p.m.
Where: Staring Lake Amphitheatre, 14800 Pioneer Trail

"PeopleFest! A Community Celebration of Culture" is a series of community events to celebrate the unique cultures represented in Eden Prairie.

The PeopleFest! Party is the celebration's signature event.

The event includes live music and dance performances, demonstrations and art experiences, as well as booths with a variety of cultural and educational organizations sharing their stories, activities and outreach.

When: Monday, July 28, 7–8:30 p.m.
Where: Staring Lake Amphitheatre 14800 Pioneer Trail

Sit back and enjoy this free Starring at Staring concert featuring Corey Medina & Brothers, a blues rock band with raw emotion and storytelling, delivering powerful performances that resonate with their audience.

Their music creates a space where people connect with the band, and with each other, fostering a sense of community and shared experience. With a sound that continues to evolve, they bring an energy that is both moving and fun, creating an atmosphere where everyone can let loose, feel the music and enjoy the movement.

Learn more at CoreyMedina.com.

When: Tuesday, July 29, 10:30–11:15 a.m.
Where: Staring Lake Amphitheatre, 14800 Pioneer Trail

Enjoy the sounds, actions, stories and fun of children's entertainers from around the Twin Cities through Kidstock.

Danielle Daniel is a magical storyteller. She takes audiences on an exciting journey filled with adventure, suspense and drama. Her voice and dramatization captivate and transport you to a variety of places and times. She weaves folktales, fairy tales and stories full of adventure and imagination that impart positive messages of courage, faith, respect and love.

When: Wednesday, July 30, 6-8:15 p.m.

Where: Valley View Building, Solarium, 11840 Valley View Road

Join one or both parts of this 2-part PeopleFest! event! After the 2SLGBTQIA+ Communities | Part 1 Training from OutFront Minnesota, there will be a facilitated community dialogue on fostering inclusivity in Eden Prairie!

Part 1: 6:00-7:00 PM

OutFront Minnesota will be leading the Supporting 2SLGBTQIA+ Communities | Part 1 Training. The training covers basic terms and concepts relating to gender and sexuality. We will learn about the differences between sex assigned at birth, gender identity, gender expression and sexual orientation and what 2SLGBTQIA+ means. We will also begin to learn basic tips on how to be more inclusive and supportive in our daily lives. KQ Quinn (they/them) is the Associate Director of Educational Equity at OutFront Minnesota. They have been presenting trainings with OutFront for over three years and would be happy to connect with you if you have any questions, please email them at kq@outfront.org or trainings@outfront.org

Part 2: 7:15-8:15 PM

Creating a sense of belonging and safety doesn’t end with training—it’s an ongoing conversation. This interactive World Café discussion led by the Eden Prairie Human Rights and Diversity Commission (HRDC) will empower participants to continue discussing what they learned at the OutFront Minnesota: Supporting 2SLGBTQIA+ Communities training and discuss where we go next. Through open dialogue, we will reinforce the importance of collective responsibility in ensuring every individual feels valued, supported, and safe.All ages are welcome to attend.

Get more information

When: Thursday, July 31, 7–8:30 p.m.
Where: Staring Lake Amphitheatre, 14800 Pioneer Trail
 

Sit back and enjoy this free Starring at Staring performance featuring Jordan Johnston and the Elevation.

Jordan Johnston is a Minneapolis-based R&B/pop singer, songwriter, and producer known for his infectious hooks and smooth vocals, drawing inspiration from icons like Michael Jackson, Prince, Justin Timberlake, and Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis.

Backed by a powerhouse live band featuring his father Bob Johnston (former Flyte Tyme producer), Demar “DEMZ” Gayle (Raging Fyah), Ace Mack (Silk, Cameo, Ann Nesby), and guitarist Christian Couch (Jaybee & The Routine), Jordan brings a fresh, soul-infused sound that’s both timeless and radio-ready

When: Friday, August 1, 9:15 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.

Where: Bell Museum—Meet at Central Middle School (CMS) for busing to and from the Bell Museum.

Explore Minnesota’s natural history through Dakhóta and Ojibwe traditional ecological ways of knowing. In each field trip, students will journey the biomes of Minnesota learning from Dakhóta or Ojibwe perspectives, increase awareness of Indigenous star knowledge and make earth-sky connections, and partake in hands-on outdoor learning on the Bell Museum Learning Landscape or Gibbs Farm.

Family field trips provide a great opportunity for the entire family to learn together! Families with multiple students are welcome to join, but all youth under 18 must attend with a registered adult. Space is limited and registration is required—register each person (all children and caregivers) attending.

Get more details and register

When: Friday, Aug. 1, 7:30–10:45 p.m.
Where: Staring Lake Amphitheatre 14800 Pioneer Trail

Schedule
7:30 p.m.: Pre-show entertainment
9 p.m.: Movie begins

Bring the family and enjoy a free movie night under the stars! Pack a blanket or lawn chairs, and come early to grab your spot and enjoy concessions before the film begins.

TaikoArts Midwest

“Taiko,” the Japanese word for drum, refers to a modern, high-energy style of group drumming known as “wadaiko” in Japan and “kumi-daiko” in North America. This powerful art form blends music, dance, martial arts and athleticism into a visually dynamic performance experience.

The group has developed a diverse and original body of work, earning national recognition for its bold, theatrical and visually striking stage presence.

The Mighty Drumming Club is a youth-led ensemble bringing the spirit and power of Taiko to BIPOC, queer and homeless youth in the Twin Cities. At its core is a rising star youth performance group that showcases the talent and leadership of its members.

Through training in multiple Taiko styles, students learn not only musical and rhythmic skills but also teamwork, discipline, and creative collaboration. Members are taught how to drum in sync, listen deeply, train one another, and perform with intention.

Raya and the Last Dragon
Rated PG

Long ago, humans and dragons lived together harmoniously in the world of Kumandra. But when evil threatened the land, the dragons sacrificed themselves to save humanity. Now, 500 years later, lone warrior Raya must track down the legendary last dragon to stop the evil force that has returned… and once again threatens her home world.

When: Saturday, August 2, 10-11:30 a.m.

Where: Valley View Building, Solarium, 11840 Valley View Road

Join us for a meaningful morning of learning and connection as we explore the rich traditions of religious holidays across different faiths in our community. This panel discussion will feature guest speakers from Judaism, Islam, Christianity, and Hinduism, each sharing insights into significant holidays within their traditions, the values behind them, and how they are celebrated. Whether you're curious about the stories behind various holidays or interested in fostering greater cultural understanding, this session offers a welcoming space to learn, ask questions, and celebrate the diversity within our community. All are welcome!

Get more information

When: Sunday, Aug. 3, 6–7:30 p.m.
Where: Staring Lake Amphitheatre 14800 Pioneer Trail

Sit back, dance along, and enjoy this free Starring at Staring performance featuring Salsa del Soul.

This Twin Cities-based nine-piece orchestra performs various styles of music from the Spanish-speaking regions of the Caribbean.

Formed to bring high-energy dance music to local salsa lovers, Salsa del Soul features some of the most talented musicians in the Twin Cities Latin music scene. Their repertoire spans a variety of rich musical styles, including Son, Son Montuno, Plena, Cha-cha-cha, Bachata, Merengue, Timba, and, of course, Salsa!

When: Saturday, July 26-Monday, August 4 during library hours

Where: Reading Garden on the west side of Eden Prairie Library, 565 Prairie Center Drive

Details: Free, no registration required

Participate on your own time! Stop by the Reading Garden at the Eden Prairie Library anytime during library hours for the We Laugh Alike Story Stroll, featuring the book by Carmen T. Bernier-Grand. Each page is displayed on a different sign throughout the garden. Walk through and follow this sweet story that celebrates our similarities and our differences.

More information coming soon!