By Rich Larson
The Friends of Downtown Northfield have announced the return of the popular Third Thursday Street Dance series, bringing live music, food, and family-friendly entertainment to Bridge Square throughout the summer of 2026.
The free monthly events will take place from 5 to 8 p.m. on June 18, July 16, August 20, and September 17, inviting residents and visitors to gather downtown for an evening of community celebration.
This year’s lineup features a mix of local and regional talent. The season opens in June with the Northfield Community Band and The Main Thing, followed in July by Jivin Ivan and the Kings of Swing. Los Rebeldes will headline the August event, and September will showcase bands from St. Olaf and Carleton College.
Music will be performed on a showmobile stage set up in front of the post office in Bridge Square, with attendees encouraged to bring chairs or use seating provided on-site. Food trucks and local restaurants will offer dining options, while a group of area beverage makers—known as the “Fermentation Friends”—will serve drinks during the festivities.
Organizers emphasize that Third Thursdays are designed as an all-ages event centered on accessibility and community connection. The series is supported by local sponsors, including Age Friendly Northfield, which helps fund musicians during the summer months.
A new addition this year is the September event hosted by Northfield’s two colleges, aimed at welcoming students into the broader community alongside local residents.
The series is organized by volunteers from the Friends of Downtown Northfield and remains free to attend.
Rich Larson is the owner and General Manager of KYMN Radio. Contact him at rich@kymnradio.net.
