Anoka Social District to Reopen on May 1st
April 17, 2025 – For Immediate Release
Contact: Doug Borglund, Community Development Director
Phone: 763-576-2723
Email: dborglund@ci.anoka.mn.us
ANOKA, Minn. – The Anoka Social District will reopen on Thursday, May 1, 2025, for the third time of its pilot program. Daily hours will be 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. and the district will close for the season on Sunday, Oct. 5, 2025. Again, the five-month program’s sustainability will be tested by city staff, participating bar and restaurant owners, and patrons. Adults, 21 and older, can purchase alcoholic beverages from licensed establishments in branded, recyclable cups, and sip and stroll with those beverages throughout the district. Recycling containers are provided for easy, proper disposal of the cups. Signage is displayed with rules and regulations, the district map, and a QR code for more information.
The first pilot program was held for 30 days in September of 2023 followed by the second program held from May 1 through Oct. 6, 2024 – both proving to be successful.
In 2024, the social district boundaries expanded to the south side of Main Street between 1st & 3rd Avenues. This extension allowed patrons access to additional businesses that participate in the program.
Mayor Erik Skogquist said, “The Anoka Social District has been a great success bringing in new faces to see our city and to experience all we have to offer. I couldn’t be happier with how the City of Anoka and all of our downtown businesses have worked towards a common goal, and look forward to more creative partnerships to enhance the vibrancy and social interactions that make Anoka unique.”
Many events are planned within the social district boundaries this season, including the popular:
- Rockin’ on the Rum concert series on Wednesdays, June 18 – September 24 from 6-8 p.m.
- Anoka Farmers Market on the Rum, Wednesdays, June 18 – September 24, 3-7 p.m.
- Annual Anoka Riverfest & Craft Fair, Saturday, July 12, 9 a.m.–5 p.m.
- Anoka Food Truck Festival, Saturday, August 16, 11 a.m. – 9 p.m.
- Anoka Vintage Fest on Saturday, October 4, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Registered buskers will add to the entertainment by showcasing their talents at various designated locations throughout the district on any given date. Entertainers can register for a busker permit through the city’s website.
The final day, Sunday, October 5, will showcase the Anoka Halloween Great Pumpkin Expo from 11 a.m.–3 p.m., including a pumpkin weigh off, adult pumpkin carvings, scarecrow contest, food trucks, merchandise, and more.
Businesses licensed to sell alcoholic beverages (to date) for sipping and strolling in the Anoka Social District include:
- 10K Brewery – 2005 2nd Ave.
- 201 Tavern & Grill / Anoka Hardware Store – 201 Jackson St.
- Ambi Wine Bar – 2015 2nd Ave.
- Casa Rio Tex Mex Restaurant – 201 Jackson St.
- Club 300 / Nucky’s Speakeasy – 300 E. Main St.
- Danno’s Ibiza West – 227 E. Main St.
- MaGillycuddy’s – 2016 1st Ave.
- Serum’s Good Time Emporium – 213 Jackson St.
- The Anoka Lions Club (Riverfront Memorial Park at Rockin’ on the Rum concerts)
It is possible that more bars and restaurants may be added to the list if applications are submitted.
Following this year’s social district, city staff will prepare a report to the Anoka City Council regarding any safety concerns, operational issues, and recommendations for improvements. As required, a final report will then be submitted to the Minnesota State Legislature.
Come and experience all Anoka has to offer while enjoying the Anoka Social District. Learn more atanokaminnesota.com/764/Anoka-Social-District.
