What began as a lighthearted joke has blossomed into a beloved community tradition—and it’s all about celebrating the feline residents of a historic Minneapolis neighborhood.
In 2017, local resident John Edwards playfully proposed a “cat tour” as a humorous twist on the historic home tours in Minneapolis’ Lowry Hill East, known as “The Wedge.” What started as a small gathering of 20 people admiring cats in windows has since exploded into an annual event attracting hundreds—and even inspiring other cities to follow suit.
From Joke to Community Phenomenon
Edwards, who frequently walked through the neighborhood and noticed its many apartment-dwelling cats, initially envisioned the tour as a satire of traditional architecture walks.
“I thought, ‘Why don’t we have a cat tour?'” Edwards told PEOPLE. *”It started small—just people walking around spotting cats in windows. For the first few years, it was maybe 20 attendees. None of the cats were pre-registered; it was whoever happened to be lounging in a window that day.”*
The event gained traction in 2019 when social media buzz and local news coverage drew hundreds of participants. Since then, the Wedge LIVE Cat Tour has become a staple, with over 500 attendees visiting 20 designated “cat stops” in June 2024.
More Than Just Cats: Building Community
While the tour celebrates the neighborhood’s feline residents, Edwards believes its true magic lies in bringing people together.
“It’s not just about the cats—it’s about gathering outdoors, walking as a group, and experiencing the neighborhood in a fun, shared way,” he said.
The event has also served as an unexpected platform for local advocacy. “It highlights the condition of our streets,” Edwards noted. “When people walk the neighborhood, they notice infrastructure needs. This year, we used the tour to draw attention to ongoing street reconstruction and safety improvements.”
A Trend Going National?
With growing media attention, Edwards has fielded inquiries from other cities interested in launching their own cat tours.
“I’ve gotten messages asking for advice on organizing similar events,” he said. “I wouldn’t be surprised if cat tours start popping up elsewhere—though I hope Minneapolis keeps its claim as the original!”
Looking Ahead to 2025
This year’s tour plan is already underway, with dates set and a grand marshal named. Cat registrations are open, though Edwards admits one lingering concern: “I’m never worried about turnout—people always come. But will the cats cooperate? So far, they’ve never let us down.”
As the event continues to grow, one thing is clear—this quirky celebration of community and cats has cemented its place in Minneapolis’ heart.
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