After taking three of the past four summers off, and suffering from lowered attendance in 2021, the Basilica Block Party returns to action this weekend with a familiar lineup and a new location.

Goo Goo Dolls and Counting Crows headline the two-night festival, which takes place Friday and Saturday at Boom Island Park near downtown Minneapolis.

Founded in 1995 as a fundraiser to help pay for structural restoration of the historic Basilica of Saint Mary, the Basilica Block Party was typically held the weekend after the Fourth of July outside the Basilica in downtown Minneapolis. Xcel Energy has a construction project in the nearby parking lot that held the main stage, thus the new location.

Boom Island Park was successfully used as a concert venue in 2016 when construction forced Rock the Garden organizers to move it from its usual home outside Walker Art Center.

“We’re really excited about the new location, it’s a much larger space,” said Block Party committee chair Emily Grondahl. “Be prepared for a fun day.”

Here’s what folks headed to the Basilica Block Party need to know:

Tickets

Plenty of tickets are still available as Boom Island can hold more than 30,000 people, roughly twice the capacity outside the Basilica.

General admission is $169 for both days and $99 for one. Fanzone tickets are $299 and $169 and include pit tickets, exclusive bars and bathrooms and two free drinks. The $599 and $349 VIP packages feature front row access, free food, two drink tickets and access to an air-conditioned tent and bathrooms. There is a buy-three-get-one-free deal for two-day general admission and Fanzone tickets. See basilicablockparty.org for details.

Getting there

The Basilica Block Party’s website has links to five nearby parking ramps and Grondahl suggests concertgoers purchase spots in advance online.

There will be a dedicated rideshare location along the west side of Northeast Main Street from BF Nelson Park entrance to Third Avenue Northeast. Bike racks will be available and the park is serviced by three different Metro Transit buses.

What is allowed on site

Feel free to bring: Small clutch bags (4.5” x 6.5” or smaller) or clear plastic bags (12” x 6” x 12” or smaller), lawn chairs (for general admission only), blankets, rain gear, non-aerosol sunscreen and bug spray, binoculars (without case), empty plastic reusable water bottles (no metal bottles, camelbacks or flasks), strollers (for infants and toddlers only) and small personal cameras (no detachable lenses or other accessories).

What isn’t allowed

Pretty much everything you would think, including outside food and beverage, coolers, aerosol containers, umbrellas, seat cushions, scooters, skateboards, musical instruments, flags, drones and illegal substances.

Getting in

Concertgoers can exchange their digital tickets for wristbands at either entrance. Those with wristbands can enter and re-enter throughout the day. Any damaged or tampered with wristbands are not allowed, nor can concertgoers share their wristband with another person.

Free hydration stations are located throughout the site.

The event will take place rain or shine, with no refunds. It’s also cashless, with cards accepted for payment.

Who is playing

Related Articles

Elvis, ATV stunts and bull riding: Five-day Washington County Fair opens Wednesday

Concert review: A little rain couldn’t stop Foo Fighters from setting Target Field on fire

Barry Manilow is playing St. Paul for the final time, and this time he actually means it

Concert review: Nyttu Chongo melds sounds from Mozambique with classical music instruments in Ordway performance

At Upper Landing Park this weekend, a free jazz show on ‘world’s only floating performance ship’

This year’s festival features two stages, down from the typical three, with the smaller stage devoted to local and regional acts. Doors open earlier than usual, at noon, and the music starts at 12:30 p.m.

Friday’s main stage lineup includes: Socktopus (1:15 p.m.), Yam Haus (2:30), Red Clay Strays (4), Dean Lewis (5:30), the Fray (7) and Goo Goo Dolls (8:30).

Saturday’s main stage lineup features: Guytano (1:15 p.m.), St. Paul and the Minneapolis Funk All Stars (2:30), Phillip Phillips (4), Judah and the Lion (5:30), Needtobreathe (7) and Counting Crows (8:30).

Friday’s local stage lineup includes: Cindy Lawson (12:30 p.m.), Parishes (2), Whiskey Rock and Roll Club (3:30), Black Widows (6:30) and Run Westy Run (8).

Saturday’s local stage lineup includes: The Muatas (12:30 p.m.), She’s Green (2), the Mary Jane Alm Band (3:30), Nur-D (6:30) and the Ocean Blue (6:30).