By Alexander Thompson
Shoreview is much more than tree-lined streets and lakes—it’s a place alive with color, rhythm, and community expression. Art, music, and festivals aren’t just occasional treats here; they’re woven into the fabric of our daily life. If you’re drawn to galleries, live performance, or celebrations that bring neighbors together, here’s a guide to what makes Shoreview sing.
Gallery Spaces & Local Artists
One of Shoreview’s cultural gems is Gallery 96, housed in the Shoreview Library. This nonprofit art organization showcases local talent through regular exhibitions—recent themes have included exploration, travel, and imagined places. Artists contribute works that reflect their perspectives and communities in conversation with the rest of the city. There are also glass-case installations and member shows that encourage both emerging and more established creators to share what they’re seeing. It’s a welcoming space to view, discuss, and discover art, without formal barriers.
How to Engage
- Attend gallery openings—it’s a chance to meet artists and learn about their process.
- Support local art by purchasing pieces or participating in collaborative public art efforts.
- Watch for calls for submissions; many exhibits accept work from shore-area creatives.
Music Under the Open Sky
Shoreview Commons behind the Community Center becomes a stage each summer. The “Concerts in the Commons” series features local bands and tribute groups, covering everything from dance big-band classics to heartfelt vocals, country, rock, or pop favorites. These free, open-air concerts are made for relaxing evenings with friends, blankets, and good music. On Wednesday mornings, the “Kidz Concerts in the Commons” bring performances designed for young audiences—interactive, joyful, and family-friendly.
What to Know
- Bring your own chair or blanket and arrive early to find a good spot.
- Dogs are welcome, if leashed and well-mannered (excluding some children’s shows).
- Most concerts are free; occasionally local groups sell snacks to support community organizations.
Festivals & Cultural Celebrations
Shoreview also bursts into celebration through annual traditions. Perhaps the best known is The Slice of Shoreview, a midsummer festival featuring a parade, food vendors, arts and crafts, and fireworks. It’s a gathering that embraces the whole community, young and old alike. Meanwhile, Culture in the Commons takes us on a global journey in our own backyard—Sunday afternoons dedicated to world music, dance, and storytelling that highlight cultural diversity from Ukrainian folk songs to Aztec dance and South Asian theater.
Why It Matters
Arts and culture connect us. In Shoreview, they provide a bridge across generations, backgrounds, and experiences. Whether it’s the shared moment of silence before a fireworks display, the laughter at a street-performer’s act, or the gasp of recognition at a well-crafted painting—these are places where we relate. We learn empathy. We express pride. We remember who we are and imagine what we might become together.
Tips for Staying Involved
- Sign up for Shoreview Parks & Recreation or Gallery 96 newsletters to stay in the loop.
- Volunteer at events—many festivals and concerts seek help with setup or hospitality.
- Attend with curiosity: even events outside your usual circle can become favorite new traditions.
No matter where you turn in Shoreview, there’s art to see, music to hear, culture to celebrate. Our city’s pulse is in these shared moments—let’s keep tuning in together.