New markets and interactive demos are set to debut at this weekend's Art-A-Whirl festivities.
Everything kicks off this Friday featuring fresh additions like the Logan Park Artists Market, family-friendly dog art stations, and unique watercolor and textile demonstrations across 100 local sites.
Executive director of the Northeast Minneapolis Arts Association, Anna Becker, says visitors can also snag a limited edition artist-designed beer can.
"We're working with Pryes to do an artist-designed can for Art World Gold," says Becker. "So the same artist that is designing our directory, and Art-A-Whirl guide cover also designed the can."
Becker adds her top tip is to utilize this year's expanded free trolley routes to navigate the 800 artist showcase.
They anticipate a record breaking turnout of roughly 175,000 people.
They also believe this year's Art-A-Whirl could provide the economic boost Northeast Minneapolis needs, bringing those visitors to the Arts District which supports over 1,400 local artists and businesses.
"I think we really need this emotionally, as a community, but also economically as well after the difficulties that we experienced in the winter. Art-A-Whirl is a great economic driver for Northeast," adds Becker.
Art-A-Whirl Weekend
When: May 15–17, 2026 - Friday 5–10pm, Saturday 12–8pm, Sunday 12–5pm
Where: Northeast Minneapolis (map available here)
What: Over 1,600 NEMAA member artists, galleries, and businesses participate across all of Northeast Minneapolis at 100+ locations. Art-A-Whirl is a way to connect with artists in their own spaces, enjoy demonstrations and interactive activities, listen to live music, and enjoy local restaurants and breweries.
Cost: Art-A-Whirl is free and open to the public.
Parking and Transportation: Parking is available but limited. Organizers encourage attendees to use Metro Transit and local trolleys. More information is available here. Metro Transit is also offering free ride passes which you can find for each day here: Friday - Saturday - Sunday.
