Each year Mall of America hosts over 400 events, announces and opens countless new retail and dining options, and even helps raise millions of dollars for nonprofits through our Community Relations events. We’re proud to offer our guests such a unique experience each time they come to the mall. Whether it was your first time at one of these events or your 100th, we hope you had fun. I’m going to take you through just a small handful of highlights from the year!
Pop-Up Concert performance by Boyz II Men
To kick off the year and Mall of America’s 25th Birthday, we surprised our guests with a pop-up concert by one of the most popular boy bands of the 90s. After teasing it on our social channels throughout the week, we announced it the morning of the concert, causing excitement and swirl among Boyz II Men and MOA fans alike. After performing all their top-hits, we kicked off 25 weeks of celebration with streamer cannons.
Weinlick Renewal Vows
Almost 20 years ago, David Weinlick took out an ad in a local newspaper looking for a bride. He vowed to let 40 of his closest friends choose her for him and then marry her the same day. Little did he, or we, know that over 300 women would show up to participate. That same day, David would embark on a journey of a lifetime with his new bride, Elizabeth or “Bethy.” 19 years and 4 children later, the Weinlicks renewed their vows this year. In a challenging turn of events, Dave was recently diagnosed with Stage IV cancer and, wanting to make the most of their unknown time together, decided they wanted to renew their vows where it all began. Cheers to MOA’s favorite couple!
JoJo Siwa Taping
JoJo Siwa skyrocketed to fame after starring in Lifetime’s popular reality show, Dance Moms. Since then she has launched a music career and even won a Kid’s Choice Award for Favorite Viral Music Artist. She’s been to Mall of America to see her fans many times, but none of her visits compared to this one. In June, Siwa gave her fans a peek into her exciting world by filming a live performance for her upcoming half-hour docu-style special titled JoJo Siwa: My World.
Mall of America turns 25!th Birthday
Who knows how to throw a bigger party than the biggest mall in the country? Mall of America turned a quarter of a century this past August and had a huge party to celebrate. Guests were able to take photos with a one-of-a-kind cake made by the Cake Boss, Buddy Valastro from the hit TLC show of the same name. Guests visited from all over the state to be a part of our birthday festivities which included giving out over 2500 cupcakes and breaking not one but TWO World records: The World’s Largest Gathering of Birthday Hats and The Most Cupcakes Iced in One Hour.
Carlos Bakery Opening
We are constantly bringing exciting and new brands to Mall of America and this year we had one of our biggest store openings to date. The bakery had a grand opening in September with thousands of guests vying for a chance to try his fabulous baked goods including cannolis, lobster tails and cupcakes! With Buddy Valastro here himself to meet everyone fans of his waited in line for hours to meet the famed baker, even waiting outside and overnight.
Curated Style: Straight form the Runway Fashion Show
Being centered around retail and entertainment, the Curated Style Fashion Show is the perfect event for Mall of America. With over seven designers from the hit series Project Runway we hosted our third annual show. The Rotunda was transformed into a high fashion runway complete with video, lights and even a performance by World of Dance runner up (and Minnesota local) Eva Igo. Anyone with a passion for fashion was also invited to the first ever special trunk show with the designers from the show. Guests could buy items straight from the runway and also meet their favorite designers. I managed to snag the most comfortable sweatshirt I own from Christopher Straub. You can still buy them online here!
Walk to End Hunger celebrates 10 years
Mall of America made headlines again this year by deciding to be closed on Thanksgiving for the second year in a row. While we were closed, we actually were open for a little bit in the morning for a very special cause. The Walk to End Hunger celebrated their 10th year in giving back before giving thanks. Thousands of walkers, including Minnesota Senator Amy Klobuchar, helped support and raise awareness for hunger issues by participating in this walk. The walk provided financial support for countless of hunger relief organizations and over the past 10 years has raised approximately $1.5 million.
Wahlburgers is coming
For those who love an experience of dining that includes a line of famous celebrities, have we got some news for you. If you hadn’t heard, Wahlburgers will be opening their first Minnesota location at Mall of America. The restaurant comes from Chef Paul Wahlberg along with his two brothers Mark and Donnie and their unique dining experience features signature burgers, home-style sides, house made condiments, fish, chicken and even vegetarian options!