THE RONDO BLOCK PARTY STORY
The Rondo Block Party was originally launched as the Taste of Rondo Block Party in July 2023, with the goal of reconnecting the community through a vibrant, celebratory event that honored the rich legacy of the historic Rondo neighborhood. Held during a time when the beloved Rondo Days Festival was still on hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the inaugural block party provided much-needed joy, unity, and cultural celebration. It also served as a promotional opportunity for the Taste of Rondo Restaurant, which ultimately closed the following year.
The overwhelming turnout and positive feedback from attendees, vendors, and sponsors inspired the planning team to continue the event into 2024. Following the restaurant’s closure, the Rondo Community Coalition was formed and the team sought a new home for the growing celebration. We found it just three blocks east—at the Rondo Commemorative Plaza, which is curated by the Rondo Center of Diverse Expression (RCODE).
The move allowed the event to expand significantly, adding two more city blocks, an open grassy lot for an enhanced Kids Zone, and full use of the historic plaza. With these enhancements, the Rondo Block Party was officially born, and the event shifted to its new annual home on the first Saturday of August.
The 3rd Annual Rondo Block Party in 2025 marked another leap forward in size, attendance, and community impact. Now, with growing momentum and deeper community ties, we look forward to welcoming you to the 4th Annual Rondo Block Party on Saturday, August 1, 2026, as we continue celebrating the past, present, and future of Rondo with purpose, pride, and joy.
2026 Event Outlook
🎉
📅 Saturday, August 1, 2026
🕚 11AM – 6PM
📍 Rondo Commemorative Plaza, 820 Rondo Ave, St. Paul
🔥 Bigger, Better, and Bolder in 2026
The 4th Annual Rondo Block Party is set to be the largest celebration yet, honoring the rich legacy of the Rondo community while expanding into new areas of innovation, wellness, and engagement.
The 2026 Theme is Build The Block, Partnerships In Action.
The Rondo community is coming together with purpose to strengthen relationships, share resources, and create visible progress that benefits residents, families, businesses, and future generations. The theme reflects the spirit of collective ownership in Rondo – where neighbors, organizations, leaders, entrepreneurs, youth, and supporters work side by side to preserve the community’s legacy, support economic growth, celebrate culture, and build a stronger future together. It is a call to move beyond conversation into collaboration, showing that real community change happens when partnerships are active, intentional, and rooted in the needs and strengths of the people of Rondo.
We are building on a powerful legacy of joy, resilience, culture, and unity. The 4th Annual Rondo Block Party is more than an event—it’s a movement.
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Kidz Zone
The Kidz Zone will offer a fun, safe, and engaging space for children and families to enjoy age-appropriate games, activities, creative projects, and interactive experiences. Created with young people in mind, the Kidz Zone will help make the Rondo Block Party a family-friendly event where children can play, learn, explore, and celebrate alongside their community.
From 11 AM to 4 PM the Kidz Zone will feature bounce houses, face painting, a climbing wall, game truck, Bubble Baron, artistic expression activities, youth engagement opportunities, interactive games, creative experiences, designed to inspire fun, learning, connection, and participation for children, teens, and families.
Health & Wellness Block
The Health & Wellness Block will feature community health resources, wellness-focused partners, employment and workforce development opportunities, training programs, and pathways for residents to connect with services, information, and career-building resources that support healthier living, economic mobility, and overall community well-being.
Funding for this project is provided by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota, as part of its commitment to investing in community-led solutions that pave the way for all Minnesota communities to achieve their healthiest life.
Technology Row
The Technology Row will introduce youth, families, and community members to hands-on technology experiences, digital learning opportunities, career pathways, and innovation resources. This area will help expose attendees to coding, gaming, digital tools, STEM education, and technology-based careers while encouraging curiosity, creativity, and future-ready skills.
Food Trucks & Vendors
The Food Vendor block will showcase a variety of delicious food options from local vendors, food trucks, and community-based entrepreneurs. From classic festival favorites to culturally inspired dishes, guests will have the opportunity to support local food businesses while enjoying meals, snacks, and refreshments throughout the event.
Vendor Marketplace
The Vendor Marketplace will highlight local small businesses, artists, makers, service providers, and community organizations. Guests can shop for unique products, learn about local services, connect with entrepreneurs, and support businesses that reflect the talent, creativity, and economic strength of the Rondo community.