Events are held in Oak Park and downtown, previously on Main Street.

Tonia Vitko, co-director for the Council of the Arts, said Citizens Alley is a perfect space for the summer art events.

“It’s nice that it’s such a contained area. It’s perfect for the arts because it’s decorated for the arts already,” she said. The location also offered shade from Thursday’s heat as well.

The next Arts in the City event scheduled for Citizens Alley will be held Aug. 7., featuring “The Sound of Independence: Celebrating 30 Years of Breaking BarriersSound of Independence,” sponsored by Independence, Inc.

Jill Schramm/MDN A number of arts enthusiasts find a shady spot in Citizens Alley Thursday evening to take in the music of the Swing Band of Minot.

Last year, Visit Minot received a $1 million Destination Tourism grant from the North Dakota Department of Commerce on behalf of four downtown small businesses. Citizen Alley, part of the Aksal Group development, received funds to enhance the initial work on a public plaza with seasonal amenities.

Citizens Alley will be releasing its August schedule soon, which will include a grand opening.