News from the Downtown Alliance
June 25, 2021
A note from the president

Friends,

Despite the absolute monsoon during last weekend's Rosé Fest, it was a blast. And besides, we sure needed the rain (I'm a Minnesota dad and it was Father's Day, I can't help it!). It's no secret that I love Kellogg Mall Park and it was wonderful to see it activated.

I'd like to extend a quick shout out and congratulations not only to our friends at the St. Paul Area Chamber for hosting their first in-person party in more than a year last night at Osborn370, but also to all those newly in leadership positions who were celebrated at the 2021 Executive Reception. It was a great reminder of the many ways that even throughout the pandemic, SPAC has been working to create meaningful connections in the East Metro.

We've been sharing and promoting the #WelcomeBackStPL website and events calendar for several weeks now, but yesterday the calendar got a big upgrade. Whether you're looking for music in Rice Park, outings for kids, or food and beverage focused events (like Grillfest this weekend!) the new calendar now allows you to sort by event type or venue. Plus we're still adding new events every day, so if you haven't made it your homepage yet I'm not sure what you're waiting for. While you're there be sure to check out the details about the weekend-long Welcome Back Downtown 4th of July celebration coming to you next week from the Saints, Downtown Alliance and Securian.

Keep reading to find out how to be entered to win gift cards to your favorite downtown businesses, a roundup of events coming up this week and some great recent coverage of our friends at The 428 and Wellworth.

Take care,
Joe

Joe Spencer
President
Saint Paul Downtown Alliance
Snap, Tag, Win
All summer the #WelcomeBackStPL statue will move around downtown, making stops at our favorite parks, venues and destinations.

You’re likely to run into it at one of our events, or you may stumble upon it out of the blue. Either way, we want to see your pictures showing off your StPL pride!

  • SNAP a picture with the statue - a selfie, a shot of your dog, or just admiring the scenery, we love them all!
  • TAG us in your post - use #WelcomeBackStPL and @StPLdowntown on your favorite social channel
  • WIN - each tag gets you entered to win a downtown gift. Winners are selected randomly.
#WelcomeBackStPL events & news this week
If last weekend was all about the beverages at Rosé Fest, this weekend it's all about the food. The first installment of the Vinai & Company chef-driven feast series is happening tonight at the Saint Paul Farmers' Market (tickets are sold out, but don't worry there will be more!). Saturday and Sunday the 9th annual much beloved Grillfest returns to CHS Field. Tickets are still available (be sure to use promo code "VSP" for 25% off!) and it's rain or shine, so grab your rain jacket just in case and we'll see you there.

Here's a glance at what else is coming up :

  • June 25 - Vinai & Company Feast | Farmers' Market
  • June 26-27 - Grillfest | CHS Field
  • June 26 - BRP presents : "One More Saturday Night" | Farmers' Market
  • June 30 - Trivia Mafia | Loon Café
  • July 2-4 - Welcome Back Downtown Weekend | CHS Field & Mears Park

Be sure to bookmark WelcomeBackStPL.com - new events are added daily!
Co-working on our mind
There's no doubt that our habits, both personal and professional, have evolved dramatically over the past fifteen months. For many of us our kitchen tables, guest bedrooms or any spare surface area were transformed into offices over night. Co-working spaces aren't new, but as restrictions are lifted and traditional offices plan to welcome their workforces back in the coming months, some employers and small businesses find themselves considering alternative work spaces for the first time.

Axios recently reported on the national rise in "third workplaces" as more people are eager to begin leaving their home offices. Locally, Wellworth inside The 428 has received consistent praise both for it's co-working space and for it's top-of-the-line health certifications. As the first WELL certified building in the Twin Cities, Wellworth and The 428 boast nearly a dozen wellness-oriented features including hospital-grade air and water filtration, and daylight in every work space.

Downtown restaurant and retail options
Stumped for where to order dinner from these days? Or who has a patio to visit?

Have questions?

Banner photo cred : Visit Saint Paul