The 2026 Dakota Block Party will present a lineup of more than a dozen free musical acts throughout the afternoon and evening, along with food and beverage offerings from Dakota and local partners. Performers include Karrin Allyson, The Sounds of Blackness featuring. Jamecia Bennett, The New Standards, Moore by Four, Lucia Sarmiento, Joe Pulice Big Band, Southside Aces, and more.
Following a highly successful 40th anniversary event in 2025 that drew more than 10,000 attendees, the Dakota Block Party returns for 2026 with an expanded format. The 2026 event will include an outdoor stage on Nicollet Mall, Dakota’s indoor stage and the club’s new event space, The Quinlan Room by Dakota, just one block from Dakota inside the historic Young Quinlan Building.
“The response last year was incredible,” said Lowell Pickett, Dakota founder and partner. “So many people – fans, musicians and community leaders alike – asked us to do it again. The energy, the excitement and the sense of community were all fantastic, and we’re excited to bring all that back this year and in an even bigger way.”
OUTSIDE ON NICOLLET MALL
Nicollet Stage Live Music Lineup:
- L.A. Buckner & BiG HOMiE
- Nathan & The Zydeco Cha Chas
- Liv Warfield
- Dylan Salfer
- Sounds of Blackness feat. Jamecia Bennett
- Treble Makers Kids’ Corner (Outside Tent):
The Treble Makers kids’ area returns with even more activities this year including: Kid-friendly songs from The Bazillions, Instrument “petting zoo,” Face painting, Doughnut decorating, Tie-dye activities, Sparkle hair extensions, and Sidewalk chalk art,
Dakota Indoor Stage Live Music Lineup
To give as many guests as possible an opportunity to experience the indoor performances, Dakota will offer FREE reserved seating during three designated time blocks, along with standing-room access. Guests may reserve seats for one time block in advance. Additional seats will be held for the day of the Block Party and offered on a first-come, first-seated basis.
TIMESLOT 1
- Moore by Four
- Lucia Sarmiento
TIMESLOT 2
- Joe Pulice Big Band
- Karrin Allyson
TIMESLOT 3
- The New Standards
In The Quinlan Room
Inside the historic Young-Quinlan Building, the new Quinlan Room by Dakota adds more music and activities to this year’s Block Party. These activities will include the MacPhail Faculty and Student Ensemble and Swing Dancing with the Southside Aces
Event Details
- What: Dakota Block Party 2026
- When: Saturday, SEP 26, 2026 | 2–10pm
- Where: Nicollet Mall
- Cost: Free and open to the public
More information, and reservations are available at https://www.dakotacooks.com/dakota-block-party/
