On Saturday, June 7, thousands are expected to gather at the Minnesota State Capitol for Merge Twin Cities, “a free outdoor Christian festival packed with live worship, powerful gospel messages, food trucks, baptisms, and fun for the whole family” from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Organized by Shine in the World Ministries under its Merge USA campaign, the event aims to “unite Christians in boldly claiming Jesus Christ is the solution for our cities.”
Stephen, an event organizer with Shine, told Alpha News, “The main goal is to celebrate the nations that are in the Twin Cities and to proclaim the Gospel. It’s gonna be a really fun celebration with people from all walks of life.”
“If you want to see a day that celebrates Minnesota, that celebrates the different people that are here, where joy, peace, and fun is the focus, this festival is for you,” he added.
The Capitol, chosen as “a beautiful gathering space” and “a landmark of people coming together in unity from every tribe and tongue,” sets the stage for this vibrant event.
The festival kicks off at 10 a.m. with 10 cultural tents along Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard, showcasing different nations represented in the Twin Cities. Attendees can enjoy food trucks, vendors, bouncy houses, basketball, and other games for all ages.
Local artists, including Known MPLS Choir, Tru-Serva, Niko Eme, and sibling hip-hop duo Sis N Lil Bro, perform at noon. National artists—Naomi Raine, Hulvey, Josiah Queen, and Evelyn Wanjiru—perform starting at 4 p.m., joined by speakers Nick Hall of Pulse Evangelism, Sammy Wanyonyi, founder of Merge, and Cyrena Denniston. The day concludes with baptisms at 8 p.m.
Merge has invited Child Evangelism Fellowship (CEF) to offer kid-friendly Gospel activities on the Capitol lawn, including Bible Story Times with crafts on Saturday and “Parties in the Park” at partnering churches on Friday at 3 p.m.
Organizers expect around 10,000 attendees for this second Capitol event since 2021, with plans to expand to other U.S. cities. “We don’t have to go to other nations to reach them—they’re actually right here in our backyard,” Stephen said.
For more details, visit mergeusa.org.
Symone Harms
Symone Harms is a Media Production and Business Marketing student at Bethel University. She is actively involved in The Royals Investment Fund, The 25, theatre, and other leadership positions. She also cohosts Rooted, a podcast dedicated to being rooted in truth, growing in freedom, and prospering in life. A Minnesota native with a passion for storytelling and digital media, she aspires to a career in broadcasting as a news anchor and reporter.
