The Central Minnesota Common Roots Festival began in the summer of 2017 after a massive, 75-day road construction project negatively impacted the local venues, theaters, restaurants, and shops in historic downtown St. In response, hundreds of community members came together to create a music festival rooted in what they all had in common: a shared love of original music and supporting local businesses. In a matter of weeks, dozens of volunteers helped organize the first Central Minnesota Common Roots festival featuring over 175 musicians on 15 stages across 9 venues in downtown St. Cloud, including variety shows, street markets, and more. Since then, Common Roots has kept the vision of supporting local businesses and musicians by showcasing original, local, and regional Minnesota music at its core while continuing to learn, grow, and expand its roots across the greater St. Beyond this year’s festival, experience a live show you have never heard, eat at a local restaurant you have never tried, spend your dollars in local shops and establishments, and continue to support your local favorites. Together we can continue to grow community across central Minnesota rooted in our common love for the people and places that make it special. For more information about this years festival visit www.commonrootsfest.com
