Photo by Todd Buchanan
The popularity of hot yoga stems from the heat’s ability to loosen up the body. With a little bit of artificial humidity, limbs flow through inhuman manners and directions, allowing “Head to Foot Pose” to feel like a breeze.
Hot Minnesota summers offer the same type of environment to get bendy and stretchy, plus they serve as opportunities to meet fellow yogis. Check out these outdoor yoga events (many of which are free) occurring throughout the summer. Don’t consider yourself a yogi quite yet? These events are the perfect time to take advantage of the beautiful summer weather and try a new workout/relaxing technqiue.
Suggested equipment: Yoga mat (or beach towel), water bottle, sunscreen, bug repellent.
Recurring Events
Every morning: Sunrise Yoga
Who: Lake Harriet Yoga Project
When: 6:30 a.m. through September 5
Where: Lake Harriet Bandshell, 4135 E Lake Harriet Blvd., Minneapolis
What: Daily morning yoga throughout the summer, no cost
First Tuesday of every month: Karma Yoga Sculpt
Who: Luminous Yoga
When: 6:30 p.m. through September 6
Where: 3000 E Calhoun Pkwy., Minneapolis, at the sand volleyball court
What: All ages sculpt yoga using canned food as weights. Suggested (optional) donation of $5. Yogis can find a waiver for their first class and reserve a spot online with a donation. The canned goods go to a local non-profit after class.
Tuesdays: Savasana at Sunset
Who: Luminous Yoga
When: 6:30 p.m. through September 13
Where: 3000 E Calhoun Pkwy., Minneapolis, at the sand volleyball courts
What: All ages vinyasa yoga. Suggested (optional) donation of $5. Yogis can find a waiver for their first class and reserve a spot online with a donation. The canned goods go to a local non-profit after class.
Wednesdays: Summer Outdoor Yoga Class
Who: 1000 Petals
When: 8:30-9:30 a.m. through August 3
Where: 4825 Minnehaha Ave., Minneapolis, at the amphitheater next to Sea Salt Eatery in Minnehaha Falls Park
What: Morning yoga outside for adults, $13 per class
Wednesdays: Yoga at Lake of the Isles
Who: The Yoga Garage
When: 7 p.m. and 8:15 p.m. Times vary throughout the summer, see Facebook page for details
Where: Between 27th and 28th St. W by the lake
What: Sunset yoga every week throughout the summer, suggested (optional) donation of $5
Thursdays: Sunset Yoga at Lake Calhoun
Who: Andrew Craddock of Twin Cities Yoga Cooperative
When: 7:30-8:30 p.m. through July
Where: 3000 E Calhoun Pkwy., Minneapolis. Near the sand volleyball courts.
What: All-levels vinyasa yoga, optional donation, RSVP online
Sundays: Yoga around the city
Who: Andrew Craddock of Twin Cities Yoga Cooperative
When: 10:30-11:45 a.m. throughout the summer
Where: Location changes every weekend, check online to see where it will be each week
What: All-levels vinyasa yoga, optional donation, RSVP online
Last Sunday of every month: Yoga at the Aster Café
Who: CorePower Yoga
When: 9-10 a.m., through the end of August
Where: 125 Mainstreet SE, Minneapolis
What: Early-morning vinyasa yoga with brunch specials post-savasana, free event
Special events
July 9: cOMmon Grounds Yoga and Music Festival
Who: Common Grounds
When: 9 a.m.-6 p.m.
Where: Loring Park, 1382 Willow St., Minneapolis
What: Many yoga classes, activities, informational sessions, workshops, and music opportunities throughout the day. $65 for the full day, $35 for a half day. Purchase tickets here.
July 9: Bridging Communities: Bike + Yoga
Who: James Ford and Birgit Kraus
When: 1:00-5:30 p.m.
Where: Biking from either Bethune or Peavey Park and meeting at 420 SE Main St. for yoga
What: An event combining cycling and yoga into one afternoon, free event with online registration
July 16: Lolë Rooftop Fitness
Who: Lolë
When: 9:30-10:30 a.m.
Where: 337 N. Washington Ave., Minneapolis
What: A combination of yoga and strength conditioning, $10, Register online
July 16: Yoga Camp
Who: Go 96.3 Media
When: 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Where: Marquette Plaza, 250 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis
What: Yoga for kids and adults taught by local leaders and accompanied by DJs, suggested (optional) donation of $10 for adults and $5 for kids. Register online.
July 21: Yoga at Target Field Station
Who: CorePower Yoga
When: 5:30-6:30 p.m.
Where: 335 Fifth St. S., Minneapolis
What: Yoga as part of the Aquatennial celebration, free event
September 18: Yoga Camp
Who: Go 96.3
When: 10:30 a.m.- 2:30 p.m.
Where: Marquette Plaza, 250 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis
What: Yoga for kids and adults taught by local leaders and accompanied by DJs, suggested (optional) donation of $10 for adults and $5 for kids. Register online.