The Uptown Art Fair, around since 1962, returns this weekend and in a different, yet familiar, location.
Rebranded as the SoMi - South Minneapolis - Art Fair, was located on Lyndale Avenue the last couple of years.
Now, the fair returns to its roots, says Stephanie Pennaz, executive director of the Uptown Association.
"We're bringing it back to Uptown, and it's reimagined around the beautiful Lake of the Isles," she says. "But it's so important to have this iconic event back, fr the economic impact of it."
The goal isn't only to get the locals to return, but also the visitors in town this weekend as well.
"We want them to leave as a visitor, wanting to come back and planning their next trip," Pennaz adds. "I think these folks will be back often."
Due to construction along Hennepin Avenue the last couple years, the fair was bounced around including being held in the south Minneapolis parking lot of Bachman's. It's now back in the heart of Uptown. It'll be on the south side of Lake of the Isles, just north of Lagoon Ave.
"The one thing we learned a lot from the artists is it's important to have a very soft path to walk, they call it, and what better soft path to walk than Lake of the Isles? You can't make up a better view," adds Pennaz. "It also incorporates a block of the mall."
There will be over 200 artists in addition to food, beverages, and music.
What to Know:
August 7–9, 2026
Hours:
Fri 8/7: 1pm – 7pm
Sat 8/8: 10am – 6pm
Sun 8/9: 10am – 4pm
A map of the 2026 Uptown Art Fair.
(Uptown Association)
Location: Lake of the Isles + The Mall
Admission is free.
Skip the hassle of searching for parking! Complimentary shuttle service will be available throughout the Uptown Art Fair weekend from the convenient Seven Points Parking Ramp (1375 W. 31st Street) – pickup/dropoff at Lake Street pedestrian exit by Girard Avenue (next to Arizona Taco Company)
Shuttles will run continuously between the parking ramp and the festival, with drop-off and pick-up located near Lagoon Avenue & Knox Avenue South, just steps from the fair entrance. Expect service every 10 minutes.
Shuttle Hours
- Friday, August 7: 1:00 PM – 7:00 PM
- Saturday, August 8: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Sunday, August 9: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
