Shoppers and party-goers are heading skyward this Pride weekend , Minneapolis rooftops from Loring Park to the riverfront are hosting brunches, tea dances and pool parties that matter for community and celebration. Here’s a quick guide to the top rooftop spots, what to expect and how to make the most of each one.

Essential Takeaways

  • On the Rox atmosphere: A relaxed, game-filled rooftop that feels like a cosy neighbourhood hangout, close to Loring Park and lively all weekend.
  • Roxy’s events: Multiple Pride shows and a post-parade drag brunch featuring big names, with DJs and a daytime tea dance on the rooftop.
  • Hewing Rooftop vibe: Known for skyline views, an active staff, signature cocktails and a Pride pool-deck party called "Sun’s Out, Buns Out."
  • Food and drinks: Expect shareable bites and bright, seasonal cocktails , think espresso martinis, Old Fashioneds and a rotating pink summer drink.
  • Practical tip: Arrive early for brunches and post-parade parties; some rooftop areas fill fast and have limited seating or seasonal weather changes.

Why On the Rox feels like a secret Loring Park hangout

On the Rox sits literally above Roxy’s Cabaret, and that upstairs perch gives it a neighbourly, tucked-away feel , think picnic tables, loungers, skeeball and life-size Connect Four for a playful, social vibe. The owners, Sam and Dion Turner, built the rooftop after buying the building in 2019 and turning a long renovation into a venue designed to be a safe space for the LGBTQ+ community. During Pride they stage drag shows, rooftop brunches and DJs across Friday and Saturday, plus a Sunday tea dance that’s all about the afternoon crowd and good music. If you like your rooftops informal and interactive, this is the place to linger after visiting Loring Park.

What to expect at Roxy’s Pride programming

Roxy’s Cabaret anchors the weekend with a packed schedule: drag performances, a post-parade drag brunch and DJs late into the night. The programming mixes classic cabaret energy with daytime celebrations, so you can plan anything from a boozy brunch to an after-party. For those who prioritise performer line-ups, look out for headliners announced for the brunch shows , they draw both regulars and visitors who want high-energy lip-sync and spectacle. Tip: shows have set door and start times, so aim to get there early to secure good views and table space.

Hewing Hotel’s rooftop: skyline views and a sun-soaked pool party

If skyline panoramas and a slightly more boutique hotel vibe are your thing, Hewing Hotel’s rooftop is a strong contender. Ron Heichert, the hotel’s director of lifestyle, points to the view and the happy staff as the rooftop’s calling cards. The team keeps menus focused on shareable plates and crowd-pleasing classics , two of the most popular cocktails are the Espresso Martini and Old Fashioned, with a bright pink seasonal drink kept on rotation for summer. Pride weekend brings "Sun’s Out, Buns Out," a pool-deck party with a DJ and branded drinks, perfect for a daytime heatwave celebration before heading back into the city’s evening events.

Choosing between On the Rox and Hewing: what matters

Both rooftops celebrate Pride warmly, but they serve slightly different moods. On the Rox leans playful and communal , great for games, drag shows and a friendly, neighbourhood feel. Hewing is more about the view, pool energy and hotel-style hospitality, so it’s ideal if you want to mix a sunset cocktail with a skyline selfie. Consider the crowd you want: family-style, picnic-table chatter and drag performances, or a splashy pool party and curated cocktails. For practical planning, check event start times and whether tickets or passes are needed for brunches or pool areas.

Practical tips for a smoother rooftop Pride weekend

Wear layers , rooftop temperatures shift quickly as the sun dips. Book or RSVP early for brunches and ticketed shows; walk-ins can face waits. If you’re planning to hop between rooftops, allow time for travel and queues; downtown routes fill up after parade time. Finally, pace your cocktails with water and share plates so you can enjoy a full day of events without running out of steam.

It's a small change that can make every rooftop stop feel more like a celebration.

Source Reference Map

Story idea inspired by: [1]

Sources by paragraph: