Minot has advanced to the public voting phase for a national Levitt Foundation grant of up to $120,000 to bring 10 free outdoor concerts to downtown Minot each summer from 2026 through 2028, according to Local Motives, operator of Citizens Alley in Minot.

Minot is one of only 100 cities across the country to reach the voting round. The only other community in North Dakota is Bismarck, through the Dakota West Arts Council.

The proposed Levitt AMP Minot Music Series would create a dependable rhythm of 10 consecutive weeks of live music downtown. It would mean more opportunities for people of all ages to come together, more chances for local and regional musicians to share their talent, more support for small businesses, and more recognition for Minot as a vibrant, welcoming community, Local Motives stated in a news release.

Public voting opened Friday, Sept. 5, and closes Sept. 15 at 7 p.m. People are asked to vote and encourage friends and family to vote at levitt.org/vote or text MINOT to 877-409-5525. Each person may vote for up to five cities. Voters also are encouraged to support Bismarck’s proposal.

“This opportunity reflects what’s possible when Minot comes together,” said Jessica Ackerman, executive director of Local Motives, in the release. “With the vision and creativity of music series partners like community organizer Jazmine Schultz and the Minot Area Council of the Arts, we’re building more than a concert series. We’re creating a place where music, community and connection can thrive. Citizens Alley was designed for moments like this, and we’re excited to show the Levitt Foundation how Minot supports and celebrates the arts and community.”

The Levitt Foundation funds the largest free outdoor concert series in America, focused on activating public spaces, building community and making the arts accessible to everyone. Voting is an important measure of community support, and the number of votes received will be a key factor in determining which cities are awarded grants this November.