Pride Above the City: Rooftop Destinations Celebrate Weekend Festivities

On the RoX

Co-owners and spouses Sam and Dion Turner of Roxy’s Cabaret also own the adjoining The Nicollet Diner and are preparing a full lineup of events for Pride weekend at On the Rox, the rooftop cocktail bar and restaurant located above Roxy’s Cabaret.

“It’s a fairly new space in the grand scheme of things, so anybody that has a chance should come take a look at it,” Turner says. “We’re really close to Loring Park, so you can visit the park and then come and have a drink afterward on our rooftop.”

After purchasing the building in 2019, Turner says it took roughly two-and-a-half years to open because of extensive renovations and delays caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Turner says creating spaces where LGBTQ+ guests feel comfortable and celebrated has always been a priority.

“We’ve always wanted Roxy’s to be a drag venue, and we always wanted all of our spaces to be safe spaces,” Turner says.

Turner described On the Rox as “one of Minneapolis’ best-kept secrets,” noting the rooftop hosts events six nights a week, including date nights, “RuPaul’s Drag Race” watch parties and service industry nights on Sundays for workers in hotels, restaurants and bars.

The venue will also host a post-parade tea dance from 2-7 p.m. Sunday with DJ Ty Jordan.

“It’s basically an afternoon get-together, a safe space for the LGBTQ community to gather on a Sunday afternoon and dance and drink,” Turner says.

Pride weekend events will begin Friday with DJ Michel.Be performing from 8 p.m. to 2 a.m. on the rooftop at On the Rox. The DJ will return Saturday night from 8 p.m. to 2 a.m., following a rooftop brunch and buffet earlier in the day.

Saturday will also feature two Pride Anthem drag show performances. Doors for the first show open at 5 p.m. with performances beginning at 6 p.m. The second show will begin later that night with doors opening at 8 p.m. and performances starting at 9 p.m.

The weekend will conclude with a post-parade drag brunch at Roxy’s Cabaret. Doors open at 2 p.m. and the show begins at 3 p.m. Performers include Nina DiAngelo, Bebe Zahara Benet and Monica West.

Jamie Olsen, director of operations, described the atmosphere at On the Rox as relaxed and interactive.

“There’s everything from picnic tables to loungier areas,” Olsen says. “There are games, skeeball machines and life-size Connect Four, so it’s a nice active space.”

Hewing Hotel

As director of lifestyle at Hewing Hotel, Ron Heichert oversees events, promotions, social media and branding. His focus is on bringing people into the hotel’s spaces and ensuring they have a memorable experience. From the Summer Concert Series to Hewing XChange, he helps lead a variety of programs that keep the hotel active year-round.

“The Rooftop is the place to be in the summer,” Heichert says. “I honestly believe it is the best view of the downtown skyline there is. On the weekends, it’s busy, lively and fun and during the week, it’s the perfect place for happy hour or meeting up with some friends for a chill night.”

Heichert shares that the hotel’s Espresso Martini and Old Fashioned are the two most popular drinks on the menu, but every season they make sure to have one bright pink drink.

“Our goal is to make that one perfect summer drink that is sweet, balanced, refreshing and crushable,” Heichert shares. “Our food menu is focused on easy, shareable bites.”

He believes that Hewing Hotel’s rooftop stands out from the other rooftop destinations in the Twin Cities because of the staff.

“It’s the kind of place where the staff are having as much fun as the guests,” Heichert says.

But he also credits the skyline views.

“The views are unmatched. It’s the perfect spot to propose to your special someone,” Heichert continues. “But the real magic is how we embrace the seasons. Even in the dead of winter, you’ll find hotel guests out in the rooftop spa pool with beanies on, catching a sunset selfie against the perfect downtown skyline.”

Each year, the hotel throws a party on the pool deck called “Sun’s Out, Buns Out” that takes place on the Saturday afternoon of Pride Weekend from noon to 4 p.m. This year, the event features DJ Shiek spinning with Absolut as the event sponsor.

“We’re working on some really fun drink specials for the day,” Heichert shares. “It’s always a fun way to get some sun, kick it with your girls, and then head on out for some fun and dancing elsewhere in the city.”

Heichert states that one of the reasons he loves working at Hewing is because of how supportive, welcoming and inclusive the culture is.

“A perfect example is our Pride party; everyone on the team actively wants to work that day because they know it’s going to be a fun day with a fantastic, joyful crowd,” he says.

Heichert explains that, regardless of corporate trends or social climate shifts, the Hewing Hotel’s ownership has remained completely unwavering in its support of our community initiatives.