October 14, 2025
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Downtown Council steps back from Holidazzle, Aquatennial

The Minneapolis Downtown Council says it will stop directly producing the Holidazzle and Aquatennial festivals and is seeking another organization to take over, citing inconsistent sponsorship funding and evolving needs of downtown Minneapolis. MDC will continue to promote the events and says Holidazzle will evolve into “Winterapolis,” a season‑long campaign highlighting winter activities rather than a single festival.

Business & Economy

📌 Key Facts

  • Minneapolis Downtown Council will no longer run Holidazzle and Aquatennial; it is looking for a new lead organizer
  • Reason: inconsistent funding and changing needs of Downtown Minneapolis
  • Holidazzle to evolve into a broader “Winterapolis” season of events; MDC will still promote both festivals

📰 Sources (1)

Holidazzle, Aquatennial changes ahead for Minneapolis
FOX 9 Minneapolis-St. Paul by Maury.Glover@fox.com (Maury Glover) October 14, 2025