Roper Nicollet Mall sparkled at Dinner Du Nord, a culinary spectacle in downtown Minneapolis

Nicollet Mall came alive on Thursday evening as roughly 2,000 people gathered for the "Dinner Du Nord" event, showcasing local restaurants and live music. Attendees sampled dishes from over 40 eateries while enjoying the festive atmosphere created by musicians and vintage cars on display. The event aimed to draw people back to downtown Minneapolis and reshape their perceptions of Nicollet Mall, which has struggled post-pandemic. Some participants, including restaurateur David Fhima, expressed a desire for the event's atmosphere to become a permanent fixture, advocating for the closure of the street to buses. Mayor Jacob Frey has proposed relocating bus services to nearby streets, a move that has sparked debate among residents and transit users.

The event served as a reminder of the importance of community connection and civic engagement during challenging times. The city has previously experimented with similar events, indicating a trend toward revitalizing public spaces. Former Mayor R. T. Rybak hinted at more such events planned for the upcoming winter.