Basilica Block Party

I thinks it’s awesome that this event takes place, it is really cool that a portion of the profits go to the restoration and maintenance of the Basilica. Multiple stages are really great too, I liked being able to go from one location to the other with little inconvenience. The cost of this event however is extremely high, $ 77 per person just doesn’t seem right for a one night pass when the Goo Goo Dolls and Matchbox Twenty are headlining. I really don’t care for either one of these bands one way or the other to be honest, I went because 4 of us were looking to experience some of the live music going on in Minneapolis that weekend. We knew the price of the tickets so we can’t complain but we can say it’s too expensive.
I really hope the event is required to use the ticket system for drinks cause I really don’t like it. You always end up with left over tickets and if you are going to tip you have to bust out cash anyways. I assume there is a reason they use the ticket system at events like this but what a pain in the ass.
I haven’t been to a General Admission concert like this in a while, going to this one made me remember what I do and don’t like about them.
Do:
Freedom to Roam
Standing Room
Ability to be close or far from stage
Don’t:
Constant moving and repositioning
Filth of the standing area
People who I swear just like to move through the crowd
Porta Potties
All in all I don’t regret going because I like to think my money is going to a good cause.

Great outdoor music festival!
3 stages and tons of bands! The block party is a two day event and tickets can be purchased for either or both days.
Multiple bands will play on each of the 3 stages simultaneously so you will have to do a little planning to pick which acts to see.
It is all general admission style and standing room only so you have to be ready for that type of show but it can be a really fun time with some friends especially if there are any bands you are a fan of.
Check it out!

yes it expensive for what you get but what you get is a lot of bands and fixing the basilica. If you can’t handle it don’t go.

Please excuse my inner hipster because she’s about to come out to play.
This year was my first block party experience and don’t get me wrong, I had tons of fun shakin’ my bon bon left and right but I think the line up could have been better, there could have been better food options, cheaper beer (in my dreams), and I wish the block party goers would annoy me less.
I feel like Basilica is place where people can go to feel alternative or different and feel like they’re at some great music festival without actually leaving the city and still being able to go out afterwards to their favorite bars like Cowboy Slims or Sneaky Pete’s. They also rave about how much they love Ray Lamontagne because they’re heard «that one song» of his. Hey boy in the Ed Hardy shirt, it’s called «You are the Best Thing».
There was never a long line for the porta potties, and they were usually decent inside, but I do wish they had a water filling station on the grounds somewhere to refill waterbottles, it was hawt!
I understand that this event is sponsored by Cities 97 and they are geared towards contemporary/​alternative rock, however I think that they could have picked a better selection of performers to open the Twin Cities to some new sounds, yet stick with their type of music.
I would also like to note that Fitz and the Tantrums absolutely killed it! Bravo.