What started as a small group speaking French and discussing culture together officially became a nonprofit in 1975. That group has grown into Alliance Française (AFMSP), an organization dedicated to sharing the French language and cultures of Francophone countries around the world with the local community.
AFMSP is celebrating its 50th birthday in 2025, and we want you to celebrate with us! Check out all there is to do and come get to know us this year as we celebrate 50 years of community building in Minnesota. AFMSP believes in its mission to share the French language and the diversity of Francophone cultures with the community. Each year we seek to engage the Twin Cities community with a range of cultural events, classes, and local partnerships, to offer everyone the opportunity to discover the world in their own neighborhood.
Cultural Events
We partner with local artists, authors, performers, and more to host over 100 cultural events annually, many at no cost to the community. Our biggest event of the year is a Bastille Day Celebration in July. This free family-friendly street festival includes live music and performances, a vendors market, food trucks, and kids’ activities, and sees over 2,500 visitors each year! Our busy calendar of events means there’s something for everyone, including concerts, book clubs, art exhibitions, and more in French and English.
Adult Classes
Everyone can learn a second language! Immersion learning is shown to be the best way to learn, so from the very beginning we teach all en français. Offered for all levels and all ages, our classes are a space where people can make friends, develop new skills, and prepare themselves to meet the world. We also offer special workshops and topics to expand your cultural knowledge as you learn the language.
Youth Programming
Our youth programming brings the French language and world to children through games, arts and crafts, cooking classes, and more hands-on activities. There are options for everybody with weekday and weekend classes, homeschool courses, and afterschool programs. Our students are able to make new friends and develop a skill that will be an advantage to them throughout their life. We offer classes all year long, including school release day camps and summer camps during those long school breaks!
Cooking Classes
Food is a form of connection in every culture, and we are proud to offer classes highlighting traditional French and Francophone cuisine. In partnership with local chefs, we have hosted classes for many traditional recipes from countries around the world including Laos, Togo, Morocco, and of course, France!
Whether you’re visiting for a coffee and croissant in our cafe, picking up a few gifts in our boutique, brushing up on your French in a class, or stopping by the Vaaler Galerie to see the latest exhibition, we look forward to seeing you and saying bienvenue to Alliance Française.
