Everything you need to know about Meals on Heels 2019

Meals on Heels attendees

The 11th edition of Meals on Heels on Thursday, Aug. 15, is poised to be the best one yet! With 13 great local restaurants joining, a beautiful setting on the Mississippi River at Nicollet Island Pavilion and a raffle and auction jam-packed with great items, we can’t wait for this year’s event. And the best part is 100% of the proceeds support people who get Meals on Wheels in the Twin Cities!

If you haven’t purchased your tickets yet, get them here. And if you’re new to the event, read on for everything you need to know! There are also a few exciting new twists for all of you who are returning guests!

What’s with the name?
Meals on Heels was conceived as an event where attendees could have some fun with fashionable footwear while supporting Meals on Wheels – and the name was a logical fit. The Swank Soles Competition crowns the most fashion-forward and imaginable footwear in three divisions: Men’s, Women’s and Group. You can check out what people wore last year here.

Do I have to wear heels?
No. “Heels” is used broadly here. You pick the style that you think looks best on you!

Can I still come even if I don’t wear fancy shoes?
Yes! Attendees aren’t required to enter the Swank Soles Competition but we think you’ll want to! For the men, it’s a $500 gift card to Martin Patrick 3. For the women: a jam-packed basket including a $250 R.F Moeller Jeweler gift card, $50 Cafe Latte gift card and a haircut or manicure at Simonson’s Salon & Spa. The best group gets a private wine class for 20 people at Total Wine & More!

What’s the food situation?
It’s an over-the-top selection of delectibility from 13 great local restaurants! From juicy lucys to shrimp tacos to craft ice cream, our restaurant lineup has you covered. So much that it warrants its own post. 

How about drinks?
Beer, wine and soda are hosted for the first half of the event with regular tickets. For VIP ticket holders, those items are hosted through the whole event. Nicollet Island Pavilion also features a full bar with all types of drinks available for purchase.

Is there a raffle? Auctions? More?
Meals on Heels has become known for its raffle that’s packed with great prizes, but this year the prizes to be had are out of control. Like last year, a live auction will be conducted at the event including a VIP suite to an upcoming Maren Morris concert, a trip to a luxurious Mexico resort with multiple destinations to choose from and Southwest Airlines tickets to anywhere in the continental U.S. 

NEW THIS YEAR: A silent auction full of fantastic items! Suite tickets to a sold-out Luke Combs show at Xcel Center? Check! An epic private beer and barbecue bash at Able Brewing? You bet! An aerial tour of the Twin Cities…with KDWB’s Dave Ryan’s as your pilot? That’s there, too! You can check out the full list of items up for bid here. At the link, you can create an account and be notified when bidding opens. You can also participate if you aren’t able to attend! Bidding is open now!

ALSO NEW: Spin the Bottle sponsored by our friends at Brandography. This one’s simple. You get a spin for $20 and wherever it lands, you get a prize! Prizes include gift cards, tickets and experiences galore. Everyone’s a winner!

What else is happening at the event?
Thanks to JCI St. Paul, the fan-favorite Fling the Ring game is back! You get three chances to fling a ringer and win a bottle of wine! We’ll also have a photo booth on hand so you can document the experience with your friends. Also new this year, all ticket holders will receive an invitation to request a song to be played at the event!

How should I get there?
We recommend public transit, taxi and ride share apps for maximum and safe enjoyment of all the event has to offer. If you plan on driving, there are limited paid parking spots at the Nicollet Island Pavilion. We also are able to offer free parking at De La Salle High School just two blocks away. Halo Transportation will run a shuttle to and from the lot during the event and we thank them for their support!

Sounds good, but I don’t have tickets. Where do I get them?
Get them online until midnight the day of the event! Tickets will also be available at the door on Thursday, but they go up $5 on the day of the event.