Open Streets at Penn Fest is back! For one day only, Penn Fest is closed to traffic and open to pedestrians. This Richfield tradition is a fun and fantastic way to get to know the community while enjoying delicious food and listening to local music.
There’s always so much to do at Penn Fest, but we’ve rounded up our top 11 things to try this year.
1. Pet Zone:
Not only is Open Streets at Penn Fest pet-friendly but we also cater to our animal friends by hosting the Pet Zone on the northern end of Penn Ave. Visit with local animal rescues and pet entrepreneurs.
2. Lerum Car Show
Lerum Auto hosts its annual car show during Open Streets at Penn Fest. Check out classic cars right on the street. Located in front of Lerum Auto.
3. The Market
Local creators, artists and home-based vendors will set-up shop on the northern end of Penn Ave. near Fraser.
4. Food Trucks & Vendors
Come hungry as there is plenty to eat! This year’s line-up includes Doc Popcorn, Anchor Fish & Chips, Tot Boss, Westrum’s, Tibetan Momo, Amazing Momo, Mik Mart Ice Cream, Bonez BBQ and KCM Eggrolls.
5. Penn Ave. Restaurants
Stop by one of Penn Avenues own establishments for food and drink. Davanni’s will have pizza by the slice and a beer garden. Fireside Foundry will have live music all day.
6. Penn Ave. Businesses
Explore what local business is all about on Penn Ave. Many of our cherished establishments will have their doors open and will offer various specials, deals and giveaways. This includes free root beer floats at Lunds & Byerlys, yardsticks at Posters on Board and nutrition goodies at Penn Nutrition. KorAm Tae Kwon Do will do demos at 12:30 & 1:30.
7. The IndePENNdence 5K
Run, walk and support your community! Benefiting Minnesota Independence College and Community (MICC), a life skills program for young adults with autism spectrum disorders and other learning differences, this USATF certified race takes you right down the middle of Penn Ave. while hundreds of spectators cheer you on. For more information and to register, visit: www.signmeup.com/reg/form/126101/registration
8. BMX Demos
The event’s most popular attraction returns! Hosted by Penn Cycle, the BMX show is great for all ages with shows happening all afternoon.
9. Spartan Zone
Richfield Trojan pride! Various school groups and athletic teams will be with us so be sure to stop and say hello.
10. Music & Entertainment
Various music performers and entertainment groups will be performing throughout the day at numerous sites on the street. Acts include the Teddy Bear Band, Richfield Symphonic Band, Jim Berner, Ragtown, square dancing and Aztec dancing.
11. Community Groups and Local Businesses
A wide variety of local groups and businesses will be on the street to meet and interact with people. Highlights include the Health Fair 11 Community who will be conducting free health screenings. The Minnesota Art Truck will be serving up creative art activities. Pros of the Ropes will be doing double-dutch challenges. Three Rivers Park District will have free bike rentals.
This year’s shaping up to be the best Open Streets at Penn Fest yet. You can find more details on date and time as well as volunteer opportunities on our event page.
Richfield, Minnesota is your gateway to the Twin Cities. Stay in our hotels near MSP Airport and hotels near Mall of America. Richfield is only minutes away from everything Minneapolis and St. Paul have to offer.
