Events - Future Events View

Join us at the Walker Art Center as we tour Dyani White Hawk‘s art exhibit, "Love Language" with a special guide.

Rooted in intergenerational knowledge, Dyani White Hawk’s art centers on connection—between one another, past and present, earth and sky. By foregrounding Lakota forms and motifs, she challenges prevailing histories and practices surrounding abstract art. Featuring multimedia paintings, sculpture, video, and more, Love Language gathers 15 years of the artist’s work in this major survey. The exhibition unfolds across four sections named by the artist to speak to Indigenous value systems: See, Honor, Nurture, and Celebrate.

See introduces visitors to White Hawk’s worldview. Opening with early pieces that combine quillwork, beadwork, and painting, the artist examines, dissects, and reassembles elements of her own Sicá?gu Lakota and European American ancestries.

In Honor and Nurture, White Hawk uplifts family, ancestors, and community. Her acclaimed Quiet Strength series honors the labor of Indigenous women by referencing Lakota quillwork in the form of large abstract paintings.

The exhibition’s final section, Celebrate, marries traditional techniques with outsize scale, paying homage to small gestures that hold great meaning. Featured here are a new series of glass mosaics, beaded sculptures, and White Hawk’s monumental Wopila/Lineage paintings.

Though the Walker does not have docents, we will have the special experience of being guided by Marne Zafar, a Native artist who is friends with Dyani White Hawk. Ms. Zafar recently spoke at MCC and previously took a group of our members on an acclaimed tour of Native art at MIA.

We will meet at the Walker at 10:20 am; the tour begins promptly at 10:30 and is limited to 12 participants. Cost: $16 for Seniors, payable at the door; free to Walker members.

The Program Committee meets each month to discuss and develop new program ideas for our members. If you have a program idea, please feel free to fill out the Program Committee Proposal form and email it to Jane at janestacy@millcitycommons.org.

Do you ever find it hard to really connect with other members at our larger programs or speaker events? Then this spontaneous gathering might be just what you’re looking for!

Join us for a relaxed afternoon of conversation at The Cabana Club — a perfect chance to meet new members and catch up with familiar faces you haven’t seen in a while.

If you’re joining us for the first time, please contact the MCC office so we can be sure someone is there to welcome you.

Coffee, conversation, and connection await you at C.R.E.A.M Café. No sign-ups, no fuss—just friends and neighbors gathering for a morning chat.

This guided discussion group with professional facilitation supports MCC members and nonmembers who are in a caregiving role.

Join the MCC Board of Directors for an Open Forum from 4:00-4:30 pm at the MCC Offices, 2nd Floor Commons area.

Enjoy this month‘s reading of "Sonia Flew," by Melissa Lopez; (Jungle Theater Reading Series).

Sonia‘s parents, fearful of the new government, sent their only daughter from Cuba to the United States in 1961. Set in Minneapolis and Havana, a story of family unfolds across the generations as Sonia - now raising two children with her Jewish husband - struggles to come to terms with her past, her lost parents, her own children, and her adopted country.

Schedule time with a Tech Support Guru on Zoom and have your nagging technology questions answered during our complimentary Help Desk. The zoom link will be provided in your confirmation email.

You are the ultimate decision-maker in your own health care—especially when it comes to medications. While prescribers recommend what to take and in what dosage, it’s you who makes the final choices: which medications—prescription or over-the-counter—you’ll actually take, how much, how often, and for how long. Because only the medications you choose to take affect your health, understanding your decision-making process is essential. Pharmacist and MCC member Dr. Mary Indritz will explore how pharmacists can positively influence those decisions and help create a better, safer medication experience.

This program has been cancelled and will be rescheduled.

Start your Saturday with good company and great conversation!

Join fellow MCC members for a relaxed Saturday morning breakfast mixer at Elsie’s Restaurant, inside their cozy main dining room. Whether you arrive on foot, by bike, or by car, hot coffee will be waiting! You can order a full breakfast or simply enjoy a beverage while chatting with friends—old and new.

Seating will be open at tables of four or five to encourage easy conversation. To help the restaurant prepare, please register in advance.

Note: We’ll be gathering in a secluded indoor space within Elsie’s main dining room. Attendance is limited to 22 participants to ensure smooth service for Elsie’s staff.

Join your MCC Opera Friends at the Met Live in HD performance of “Arabella." Following the performance, let’s walk a half block to CRAVE restaurant for conversation and refreshments. There is free covered parking next to the theater. Tickets should be purchased online before the performance.

Join us for an engaging update on the work of the Minneapolis Parks Foundation with Executive Director Martin Wera and Michael Schroeder, Assistant Superintendent for Planning at the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board. Together, they’ll share the latest developments along the Mississippi River, including what’s next for the Parks Foundation following the success of the RiverFirst Campaign, and the Park Board’s exciting plans shaping the riverfront’s future.

Do you find it hard to really get to know members at our large programs … or those featuring a speaker? This spontaneous event might be just right for you! Join us for a casual conversation at Milwaukee Road Restaurant and Bar at The Depot. Take this opportunity to meet new members and reconnect with some you haven’t seen lately. If you are attending for the first time, please contact the MCC office so we can be sure someone is there to meet you.

Join Mary Texidor for a discussion about what she experienced, learned and took away from this year‘s Village to Village Gathering and LeadingAge conference in Boston.

Do you ever find it hard to really connect with other members at our larger programs or speaker events? Then this spontaneous gathering might be just what you’re looking for!

Join us for a relaxed afternoon of conversation at The Cabana Club — a perfect chance to meet new members and catch up with familiar faces you haven’t seen in a while.

If you’re joining us for the first time, please contact the MCC office so we can be sure someone is there to welcome you.

Coffee, conversation, and connection await you at C.R.E.A.M Café. No sign-ups, no fuss—just friends and neighbors gathering for a morning chat.

Start your Saturday with good company and great conversation!

Join fellow MCC members for a relaxed Saturday morning breakfast mixer at Elsie’s Restaurant, inside their cozy main dining room. Whether you arrive on foot, by bike, or by car, hot coffee will be waiting! You can order a full breakfast or simply enjoy a beverage while chatting with friends—old and new.

Seating will be open at tables of four or five to encourage easy conversation. To help the restaurant prepare, please register in advance.

Note: We’ll be gathering in a secluded indoor space within Elsie’s main dining room. Attendance is limited to 22 participants to ensure smooth service for Elsie’s staff.

Join fellow MCC members for a delightful afternoon at Theater Latté Da’s production of My Fair Lady - widely regarded as one of the greatest musicals of all time. With its unforgettable songs, sharp wit, and timeless charm, this beloved classic captures hearts while reminding us that asking someone to change the way they speak is asking them to surrender a piece of who they are.

As a special offering for MCC, the theater has reserved 15 seats exclusively for our group. To take advantage of this 20% discount, call the Theater Latté Da box office at (612) 339-3003 and identify yourself as part of the Mill City Commons group for the November 30 performance at 2:00 p.m. Tickets are $51.20 plus a processing fee.

Free parking is available across the street from the Ritz Theater in the lot shared by the Sheridan Clinic and Las Estrellas School, with entry off University Avenue.

What does it take to break the cycle of poverty—and build a thriving community where every child can succeed? The Northside Achievement Zone (NAZ) is tackling that question head-on in North Minneapolis. Their bold mission: to end multi-generational poverty by creating a culture of achievement where all low-income children of color have the support to graduate high school and flourish in college, career, and life.


Join us for an inspiring conversation with Karl Benson, Vice President of Wealth Build, and Sondra Samuels, President and CEO of NAZ, as they share their innovative strategies for ensuring children receive not only an excellent education, but also the opportunities and resources to achieve lasting economic success.

Do you find it hard to really get to know members at our large programs … or those featuring a speaker? This spontaneous event might be just right for you! Join us for a casual conversation at Milwaukee Road Restaurant and Bar at The Depot. Take this opportunity to meet new members and reconnect with some you haven’t seen lately. If you are attending for the first time, please contact the MCC office so we can be sure someone is there to meet you.

Whether you’re an active bridge player or someone who fondly remembers late-night games in college, you’re invited to join us for the very first meeting of the MCC Bridge Club. We’ll get acquainted, enjoy a few hands, and chat about how we’d like the group to take shape going forward.

We’ll meet in the Community Room at the Bridgewater Condominium.
Questions? Reach out to MCC member Dan Rischall at drischall@gmail.com —he’ll be happy to help. This program is limited to 8 participants.

Do you ever find it hard to really connect with other members at our larger programs or speaker events? Then this spontaneous gathering might be just what you’re looking for!

Join us for a relaxed afternoon of conversation at The Cabana Club — a perfect chance to meet new members and catch up with familiar faces you haven’t seen in a while.

If you’re joining us for the first time, please contact the MCC office so we can be sure someone is there to welcome you.

Join us for a powerful evening of film and conversation as the MCC Native American Programming Workgroup and Abiitan co-host a screening of "Lakota Nation vs. United States."

This compelling documentary tells the story of the Lakota people’s struggle to protect their sacred Black Hills, offering a provocative, visually stunning testament to their enduring resilience in the face of removal, exploitation, and genocide. The film is not only a chronicle of historical injustice but a stirring portrayal of a people whose strength and hope point to a better future.

The film will include closed-captioning to ensure accessibility for all participants.

Following the screening, we will gather for a 30-minute discussion to reflect on the film’s themes and explore its relevance today.

We hope you’ll join us for this opportunity to learn, connect, and deepen our understanding of Native American history and ongoing efforts for justice.

There is on-street metered parking available. All registrants must check in and out at the concierge desk. Abiitan recommends arriving 15 minutes early.

Coffee, conversation, and connection await you at C.R.E.A.M Café. No sign-ups, no fuss—just friends and neighbors gathering for a morning chat.

This guided discussion group with professional facilitation supports MCC members and nonmembers who are in a caregiving role.

The Mill City Commons Board, Committee Chairs and Staff invite you to our Annual Business Meeting on December 3 at 4:00 pm. Join us to learn what‘s going on at MCC, ask questions, and provide input. Small bites and beverages will be provided. Members are welcome to stay until 6:30 pm to mingle. All members are encouraged to attend.

Caffeine and camaraderie for members of MCC! This group meets every other Thursday and is hosted by various members who get the conversation going.

*This event is open to all members of MCC. Registration is required.

Journalist and architecture critic Linda Mack shares insights from the 28 oral history interviews she conducted following her years at the Star Tribune. Drawing from these firsthand accounts, Mack explores how the Minneapolis riverfront—now celebrated as one of the city’s great success stories—was shaped through bold decisions, spirited debates, and moments when the outcome could have taken a very different turn. Join us for a fascinating look at the visionaries, controversies, and pivotal choices that transformed the riverfront into the dynamic landscape we enjoy today.

Start your Saturday with good company and great conversation!

Join fellow MCC members for a relaxed Saturday morning breakfast mixer at Elsie’s Restaurant, inside their cozy main dining room. Whether you arrive on foot, by bike, or by car, hot coffee will be waiting! You can order a full breakfast or simply enjoy a beverage while chatting with friends—old and new.

Seating will be open at tables of four or five to encourage easy conversation. To help the restaurant prepare, please register in advance.

Note: We’ll be gathering in a secluded indoor space within Elsie’s main dining room. Attendance is limited to 22 participants to ensure smooth service for Elsie’s staff.

Join your friends and neighbors for the Sunday Soiree, hosted by Vicki Underland-Rosow, Ric Rosow, Christine Umhoefer, Kathy St. John, and Bob and Marcy Rinek in the Social Room at the Eleven.
After you register, please come back to the main page and use this link: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0E48AEAF2CA7FAC43-60288045-december to let us know what you will be bringing.

The entrance to the building actually not on West River Pkwy but on 11th Street between 2nd Ave and the parkway. The entrance is a long driveway to a concrete wall with a large ELEVEN on it. There you will find limited guest parking for about 10 cars near the front door. Other options are street parking or using the public parking ramp at the back end of the eleven building.

On December 7th there is a Vikings football home game around noon. Traffic should be mostly cleared out by 5:30 but parking charges are more because of the game. In looking at the Minneapolis web site it states street parking is $6 per hour in our area. The public parking lot in the ELEVEN building will probably be higher. Carpooling is recommended.

Black Men Teach is a Twin Cities–based nonprofit dedicated to increasing the number of Black male teachers in elementary schools. Through partnerships with schools, colleges, and community organizations, the group creates a strong pathway to recruit, prepare, and retain Black men in the teaching profession—from college preparation to ongoing classroom support. By offering financial, professional, and personal resources, Black Men Teach ensures educators have what they need to thrive.

Join us as Markus Flynn, Executive Director of Black Men Teach, shares how this innovative organization is transforming classrooms and changing lives—one teacher at a time.

Do you find it hard to really get to know members at our large programs … or those featuring a speaker? This spontaneous event might be just right for you! Join us for a casual conversation at Milwaukee Road Restaurant and Bar at The Depot. Take this opportunity to meet new members and reconnect with some you haven’t seen lately. If you are attending for the first time, please contact the MCC office so we can be sure someone is there to meet you.

In a time of rising political polarization and institutional strain, the U.S. Constitution’s system of checks and balances faces unprecedented challenges. Professor Peter Larsen, Assistant Professor of Constitutional Law at Mitchell Hamline School of Law, invites you to a timely exploration of the separation of powers—how it was designed to function, how it’s being undermined, and what these shifts mean for the future of American democracy.


This talk will examine the erosion of democratic protections, the dangers of executive overreach, legislative gridlock, and judicial partisanship, and offer concrete ideas for civic engagement, institutional reform, and legal accountability. Whether you’re an activist, engaged citizen, or policymaker, this discussion will clarify the stakes—and the steps needed to uphold our constitutional democracy.

Do you ever find it hard to really connect with other members at our larger programs or speaker events? Then this spontaneous gathering might be just what you’re looking for!

Join us for a relaxed afternoon of conversation at The Cabana Club — a perfect chance to meet new members and catch up with familiar faces you haven’t seen in a while.

If you’re joining us for the first time, please contact the MCC office so we can be sure someone is there to welcome you.

Coffee, conversation, and connection await you at C.R.E.A.M Café. No sign-ups, no fuss—just friends and neighbors gathering for a morning chat.

The next Executive Committee meeting is on December 10, 1:30-3:00 pm.

The Membership Committee develops new strategies for member engagement and retention. If you are interested in learning more, please reach out to Committee Chair Jane Helsing.

Sign up for the Great Decisions 2026 Series. We are using the MCC program calendar as our online sign up mechanism and you can pay your fees online if you wish. All members received an email with registration information. Please contact the MCC office with any questions.

Schedule time with a Tech Support Guru on Zoom and have your nagging technology questions answered during our complimentary Help Desk. The zoom link will be provided in your confirmation email.

The Federal Reserve has come into the news as President Trump has criticized its interest rate policies and attempted to fire one member of the board of governors and made threats against Jerome Powell, the chair of the Federal Reserve’s board. We are home to the Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis, one part of the larger Federal Reserve System.

MCC member Jose Peris, who has a PhD in economics, will talk about the history of the Federal Reserve System, how it is now organized, what functions it performs, and why its independence from political interference by the president and Congress in its decisions on interest rates and financial policy is important. Presidents have influence on the Fed because of their power to appoint the governors and the chair; subject to Senate confirmation, and Congress in defining its policy goals and general structure. But neither can override the policy decisions the board of the Federal Reserve System makes. This talk will shed light on one of the most powerful and little understood agencies of our federal government.

Each month, we’ll explore the diverse flavors of our city with a visit to a different restaurant. This month, we‘re headed to the Nicollet Island Inn.

Space is limited to 12 participants, so be sure to reserve your spot. Please register by Noon on Tuesday, December 9.

Start your Saturday with good company and great conversation!

Join fellow MCC members for a relaxed Saturday morning breakfast mixer at Elsie’s Restaurant, inside their cozy main dining room. Whether you arrive on foot, by bike, or by car, hot coffee will be waiting! You can order a full breakfast or simply enjoy a beverage while chatting with friends—old and new.

Seating will be open at tables of four or five to encourage easy conversation. To help the restaurant prepare, please register in advance.

Note: We’ll be gathering in a secluded indoor space within Elsie’s main dining room. Attendance is limited to 22 participants to ensure smooth service for Elsie’s staff.

Join us for a special preview tour of the market at 10:00 a.m., one hour before the building opens to the public. Meet featured artists, including MCC member Ann Bitter, and learn about the rich history of the Casket Factory, now home to more than 150 artists. Support talented local creators producing one-of-a-kind works across a variety of disciplines, and enjoy art demonstrations, live music, coffee, and cookies along the way!

Every year, the U.S. Supreme Court hands down decisions that shape our daily lives. The justices read the briefs, hear the arguments, debate the issues—and now you can step into their shoes.


On November 5, the Court heard a major case focused on presidential authority and tariffs. At the heart of the matter is a critical question: Can a president legally claim near-unlimited power to impose tariffs on anyone, for any reason, at any level, and for any length of time?


Join us as we explore the arguments and cast our own “decision” on the case. Later, we’ll compare our reasoning with the Supreme Court’s ruling once it’s released.


No legal background needed—just curiosity and a willingness to dive in. Before the session, you’ll receive materials to help you understand the issues, along with a link to the recording of the actual oral arguments.

Come ready to listen, reflect, and decide. It’s an engaging and surprisingly fun way to get inside the workings of the nation’s highest court.


After you register, facilitator Peter Hutchinson will send you all the details you’ll need to prepare.

Do you find it hard to really get to know members at our large programs … or those featuring a speaker? This spontaneous event might be just right for you! Join us for a casual conversation at Milwaukee Road Restaurant and Bar at The Depot. Take this opportunity to meet new members and reconnect with some you haven’t seen lately. If you are attending for the first time, please contact the MCC office so we can be sure someone is there to meet you.

Current international news and U.S. foreign policy provide an endless trove of topics for learning and discussion. Retired foreign service officer and MCC member Bill Davnie will identify a topic in advance, although news can always lead us in a fresh direction. There will be both presentation and discussion.

The Program Committee meets each month to discuss and develop new program ideas for our members. If you have a program idea, please feel free to fill out the Program Committee Proposal form and email it to Jane at janestacy@millcitycommons.org.

Do you ever find it hard to really connect with other members at our larger programs or speaker events? Then this spontaneous gathering might be just what you’re looking for!

Join us for a relaxed afternoon of conversation at The Cabana Club — a perfect chance to meet new members and catch up with familiar faces you haven’t seen in a while.

If you’re joining us for the first time, please contact the MCC office so we can be sure someone is there to welcome you.

Coffee, conversation, and connection await you at C.R.E.A.M Café. No sign-ups, no fuss—just friends and neighbors gathering for a morning chat.

This guided discussion group with professional facilitation supports MCC members and nonmembers who are in a caregiving role.

Witness the direction of your own village, Mill City Commons, as the gavel passes to next year’s chair, and new officers and board members are welcomed. The regular monthly meeting of the board directly follows beginning at 4:15 pm. Members are welcome and encouraged to stay for the board meeting.

Join the MCC Board of Directors for an Open Forum from 4:15-4:30 pm at the MCC Offices, Room 216.

Please join us for a free guided tour of Collidoscope: De la Torre Brothers Retro-Perspective—the first major touring exhibition celebrating artists and brothers Einar and Jamex de la Torre. Featuring 37 vibrant works of sculpture and installation, the show has been described by The New York Times as “dazzlingly complex.”

Living and creating on both sides of the U.S.–Mexico border, the de la Torre brothers infuse their art with sharp wit and cultural insight. Their work blends ancient Mesoamerican imagery, Mexican folk traditions, Baroque extravagance, and contemporary pop culture—resulting in bold, joyful pieces that mix humor, irreverence, and thoughtful social commentary.

After the tour, we’ll head to Churchill St. Restaurant for a Dutch-treat lunch and continued conversation.

Free parking is available at the Cafesjian Art Trust. Please plan to arrive 10 minutes before the 10:00 am tour. There is no cost for this tour, but is limited to 7 participants.

Despite a ceasefire in the Hamas- Israel conflict, there remain many questions regarding the future of the Region. Can there be a permanent peace in Gaza? Can a revived nuclear program in Iran surface? Is there hope for stable governance in Lebanon and Syria? And lastly what about steps towards Palestinian sovereignty? We will examine these issues and several others, along with the potential impact of U.S. engagement.

Our speaker for this program is Henry Berman. Henry is a retired businessman, working for 34 years at Ecolab, a global organization, located in St. Paul. He has been a popular Great Decisions speaker throughout the state for 10 years. His primary focus of interest has been the Middle East, where he has personal ties.

Do you find it hard to really get to know members at our large programs … or those featuring a speaker? This spontaneous event might be just right for you! Join us for a casual conversation at Milwaukee Road Restaurant and Bar at The Depot. Take this opportunity to meet new members and reconnect with some you haven’t seen lately. If you are attending for the first time, please contact the MCC office so we can be sure someone is there to meet you.

Do you ever find it hard to really connect with other members at our larger programs or speaker events? Then this spontaneous gathering might be just what you’re looking for!

Join us for a relaxed afternoon of conversation at The Cabana Club — a perfect chance to meet new members and catch up with familiar faces you haven’t seen in a while.

If you’re joining us for the first time, please contact the MCC office so we can be sure someone is there to welcome you.

Join your fellow MCC members to ring in the New Year with a festive Dutch-treat dinner at Chloe. Because of our group size, Chloe will offer a limited menu and include a 20% service charge. Please register by December 29. Space is limited to 16 participants, so early sign-ups are encouraged!