Minnesota Yacht Club Festival Set to Attract 35,000 to St. Paul

The Minnesota Yacht Club festival kicks off Friday in downtown St. Paul, promising a vibrant atmosphere as it welcomes back music lovers to the riverfront. This year, the lineup features popular acts such as Green Day and Hozier.

Julia Flaherty, co-owner of Joseph's Grill near Harriet Island Regional Park, shared her excitement: "Last year they were like locusts... they came in and ate us and drank us out of everything. We look forward to this all year long, we plan for it." The anticipation is palpable as local businesses prepare for the influx.

With an expected attendance of 35,000, the festival is set to transform the city. Flaherty noted, "Last year, we saw people from out of town. California, Canada. The Canadians were really fun," highlighting the festival's appeal beyond local residents.

St. Paul police are gearing up for the event, deploying around 400 officers over the three-day period. Senior Commander Jesse Mollner indicated that some officers will focus on traffic enforcement while others will monitor the festival grounds to ensure safety.

Tickets remain available online, but attendees are advised to leave valuables at home and familiarize themselves with the festival's bag policy to avoid complications.

Transit options may be affected due to road closures and maintenance on the Green Line light rail. For detailed information on accessing the festival, visitors are encouraged to check local resources.

Frankie McLister, originally from Middletown, Maryland, holds both bachelor's and master's degrees from Arizona State University's Walter Cronkite School of Journalism.