BMNA Sponsored Events
Each year the Bryn Mawr Neighborhood Association sponsors events to bring neighbors together, where they can build relationships that support a healthy community. These events are supported by membership donations, in-kind contributions from our local businesses and neighbors, ticket sales, and Community Participation Program (CPP) allocations from the City of Minneapolis.
Festival of Garage Sales – Held the first full weekend in May.
This iconic neighborhood-wide garage sale has a long history. Started in the 1970s, the festival draws people from all over the city and beyond to Bryn Mawr for over 100 garage sales, along with eating and shopping at our local stores.
BMNA Annual Meeting – Held the second Wednesday in May
The annual meeting and potluck dinner takes place each year, as articulated in our by-laws. This is a membership business meeting where neighbors can vote for association representatives and officers, discuss neighborhood issues, hear from elected officials, and greet new and longtime neighbors.
Ice Cream Social and Scoop Off – Held the third week of July
Each year local ice cream shops donate ice cream, custards, and sorbet for our annual scoop off, attracting over 500 neighbors to taste and vote for their favorite flavors. It’s a chance to dance to a local band and socialize. We thank our longtime contributors – Adele’s Sabastian Joes, Ben and Jerry’s – among others for supporting this event.
Garden Tour – We expect to re-introduce the Garden Tour in 2025
The Bryn Mawr Garden Tour is a self-guided tour (typically held in July) that showcases private gardens owned and nurtured by passionate neighborhood gardeners.
Sip and Stroll – Held the second week of October
Sponsored by over 15 Bryn Mawr businesses, neighbors visit local stores and restaurants, with a final drawing for prizes and music at our neighborhood coffee shop, Cuppa Java.
Harvest Dinner — Held the third week of November
This fall gathering at Bryn Mawr Community School brings neighbors together for a potluck dinner and chance to compete with others for the best “dish”. The BMNA provides the main meal, with salads, chili, squash and other sides, and dessert brought by those who attend.
Anwatin Craft Fair – Held the first week of December
The craft fair takes place in conjunction with Taste of Anwatin, a middle school event featuring band and choir concerts and their Empty Bowls project. Crafters purchase a table and set up their wares in the school gym. The craft fair has a long history of featuring unique neighborhood goods, including homemade soap, crocheted and knitted hats and scarves, baked goods, jewelry, carvings, and locally written books.
Saturnalia Winter Festival – Held the second Saturday of December
An afternoon celebration of winter, this downtown Bryn Mawr street festival features horse-drawn hay wagon rides, drum corps dancing, and roasting marshmallows over open fire pits. After all the outdoor festivities, enjoy an evening dance at the local coffee shop.