Minneapolis is one of the final locations bidding to host the Sundance Film Fest in 2027.

Sundance organizers announced in April they were exploring a new home for the festival, moving it away from its 40-year home in Park City, Utah. Within days, the Minneapolis City Council unanimously moved to submit a bid. The city submitted its proposal on June 21.

“With our thriving arts and entertainment scene, diverse cultural heritage, and passionate film community, Minneapolis is the ideal backdrop for the Sundance Film Festival,” said Mayor Jacob Frey.

The city has established a cross-sector host committee to support the bid and potential festival, made up of leaders like Frey and St. Paul Mayor Melvin Carter — alongside others from government, philanthropy, arts and culture, economic development and media. Together, the committee has pledged to offer upward of $2 million in annual support to sustain and expand the festival.

“Everybody wants to be a part of this,” said Andrew Peterson, Film North executive director.

Government and philanthropic support are a key part of Minneapolis’ bid, alongside its winter infrastructure, theater district, and nation-leading arts and culture scene, organizers said.

Sundance established a two-part process for the search: an informational bid, then proposal. The final selection will likely come during the next festival, planned for Jan. 23-Feb. 2, according to entertainment website deadline.com.

It’s the last day of Taste of Minnesota in Downtown Minneapolis and thousands are expected to attend after organizers revamped the festival to accommodate more people.

Organizers said at least 70,000 people came out on Saturday for food, fun and entertainment.

They’re expecting a big turnout Sunday with some big-name artists Jimmy Jam, Terry Lewis and Morris Day and the Time take the stage.

Organizers revamped the food festival this year to make it bigger and better. 

“It kind of felt like the mini ‘Minnesota Get Together’ in a sense. Super busy, a lot of family a lot of fun. Our line didn’t stop the entire time and so it was super fun and the weather was great,” Amira Osman, of Pharaoh’s Gyros food truck, said.

Thousands of Minnesotans prepared their taste buds and lined up for the Taste of Minnesota on Saturday.

Organizers switched things up this year adding more food vendors and artists while doubling the festival’s footprint.

Over 50 vendors showcased their best menu items and some visitors took advantage of the new zip line ride on Washington Avenue.

Last year, event organizers ran into a few hiccups with the hot temps and unexpected high attendance, but this year, festival leaders say they’re prepared.

“It takes a little bit to grow the festival, but we’re hoping each and every year we can make it a little bit better and more improved and more fun for everybody,” Scott Gerlicher, Taste of Minnesota head of security, said. “We have just fantastic weather and we had fantastic music, tons of great food and a big crowd.”

Festival organizers said were no major incidents on Saturday, but there were a few minor heat-related incidents.

Last year, the event drew more than 100,000 people over the course of two days.

With the new flavor, organizers hope this year they can top that number.