Minneapolis is on the hunt for event maestros to take on their popular Open Streets events. The city government is waving a carrot in the form of $50,000 for each event, along with additional in-kind services, to entice organizers to apply their expertise to two major 2024 festivities on Central Avenue Northeast and Franklin Avenue. But those looking to cash in on the city's generous offer need to hustle—proposals are due by May 10, as detailed on the City's website.

For those event planners with the chutzpah to tackle both gigs, Minneapolis is willing to double down, promising up to $100,000. As the search heats up, the city has already placed its bets on a trio of event organizers for other dates, with the Uptown Association set to animate Lyndale on August 24th. The West Broadway Business and Area Coalition will jazz up West Broadway come September 21st, and the Lyndale Neighborhood Association will grace Nicollet Avenue with their presence on September 28th, all pending City Council green light.

However, for those who've never experienced the car-free utopia of Open Streets, it's more than just a traffic diversion. It's a chance for the city's heartbeat—its businesses, artists, and community groups—to spill into the asphalt and showcase the melting pot that is Minneapolis. Since its 2011 inception, these events have attracted upwards of 677,000 participants who walk, bike, and roll through the veins of the city turned pedestrian paradises.

This is not the first rodeo for Minneapolis when it comes to pedestrian-centric events. Open Streets is a globally inspired movement, but Minneapolis puts its own spin on it—making it a unique manifestation of the city's diverse culture. An opportunity presents on these days when residents can reconcept with their urban environment, fostering a sense of community rarely savored amidst the hum of traffic.

Open Streets Minneapolis, aside from being a boon for community spirit, also acts as a stage for local economic and creative expression. To be a part of this collaborative city project, prospective organizers need to shoot their proposals through the gauntlet of the City's eSupplier Portal by the 2 p.m. deadline on the forthcoming May 10. And as for the final dates for these communal celebrations—they'll be set in stone once the event maestros and the city officials ink their agreements.