Brady Drake
About The DCP
The Downtown Community Partnership is a nonprofit development corporation for the downtown district. On a daily basis, the DCP is involved in the planning and coordination of events and activities that attract thousands to downtown and promote the city center as healthy and vibrant. The DCP also leads efforts within the community to shape public policy that advocates for the betterment and enrichment of downtown. The DCP drives initiatives in marketing downtown as vibrant, clean, and safe.
What are they hosting?
You’d recognize the DCP in many downtown-centered events held throughout the year, including the Downtown Fargo Street Fair, Xcel Energy Holiday Lights Parade, Coffee & Cocoa Crawl, and the St. Patrick’s Parade. The annual street fair is a huge event with a regional reach—attendees and businesses alike get excited for its return to the downtown streets!
Why is this important?
Emma reminds us that the street fair isn’t just another shopping event, it is a local tradition. This event, along with the others hosted by the DCP, works towards the mission of “supporting businesses, promoters, advocates, and visionaries of historic downtown Fargo and its future by connecting and partnering within our community and beyond.”
These community traditions that we put on are not the only thing that moves our community forward. We are constantly working with the city and our partners to achieve the goals and community priorities identified through various conversations and workgroups."
What has happened?
With years of community togetherness under their belts, the DCP projects have seen efforts pay off. Some include establishing the Business Improvement District (BID) that organizes resources to ensure a clean, safe, well-maintained, and vibrant downtown and, with the city, the Downtown Infocus Plan—a comprehensive and open planning process to envision the future for downtown Fargo. DCP supports projects that will grow, innovate, and expand downtown.
Learn more about some of these initiatives at downtownfargo.com/about-us
Events
Downtown Fargo Street Fair
July 13-15, 2023
In its 47th year, the Downtown Fargo Street Fair is the largest free event in the state of North Dakota. Boasting 225+ vendors spread over 8 blocks, it draws 130,000 attendees from across the state region and beyond. Attendees peruse arts & craft vendors, enjoy delicious food options, and experience the best downtown Fargo has to offer over the course of three days.
Xcel Energy Holiday Lights Parade
Parade
December 2, 2023
Every year, the Xcel Energy Holiday Lights Parade attracts thousands of spectators throughout the FM community and features approximately 100 spectacular parade floats, marching units, equestrian entries, and more. Starting in downtown Moorhead, the route crosses the Red River on NP Ave and proceeds through downtown Fargo on Broadway
Coffee & Cocoa Crawl
February 24, 2024
The annual Coffee & Cocoa Crawl is hosted by the DCP as part of Frostival celebrations. After grabbing a mug and wristband, attendees make their way to 20+ businesses throughout the downtown district and sample coffees, cocoas, and teas from local vendors and visit the many local businesses!
St. Patrick's Parade
March 16, 2024
Since 1996, the parade has united the community and celebrated the unofficial beginning of spring with some Irish flair. The DCP has proudly hosted the FM St. Patrick’s Parade since 2019. The parade has historically attracted more than 10,000 attendees to enjoy a festive entourage of bands, equestrians, Irish dancers, bagpipes, civic clubs, and multicultural groups. The DCP is committed to keeping the legacy of this wonderful community event thriving with insight and stories from original planning members.
