HOW TO PARTICIPATE 

Art-A-Whirl's 30th weekend takes place May 16 – 18 in Northeast Minneapolis. It is a self-guided open studio tour that encourages visitors to meet new artists and makers, catch art demos and activities, and more. Restaurants, breweries, cideries, and coffee shops throughout the neighborhood also celebrate with food and drink specials, live music, artist demos, and deals. 

Plan your visit ahead of time. Over 1,400 artists and makers will participate at nearly 100 sites over three days, so there’s much to see. Visit Art-A-Whirl’s website or download their free Passport App to map out your day and find the artists and activities you want to visit. 

If you purchase a piece of art, you will get an “I Bought Art” Sticker to wear with pride. When visitors buy art (and get their sticker), check in at Art-A-Whirl locations, and/or use sustainable transportation, they will earn points towards prizes through the app. 

Pro Tip: Visit Art-A-Whirl’s website for more information, including an accessibility guide, maps, hours, and frequently asked questions. The free Passport App will help guide visitors at the event and allow them to earn points towards winning prizes as they visit various participating studios and businesses and use sustainable transportation. 

GETTING THERE

Art-A-Whirl happens throughout Northeast Minneapolis at 100 sites over three days. It’s popular with large, fun-loving crowds, so plan with tips on the website. If driving, consider driving to a Metro bus line and parking there, or park in Northeast Minneapolis residential areas and walk in. As a bonus, you can get in your daily steps.  

Metro Transit offers a free downloadable pass that helps you navigate the neighborhood. Parts of the neighborhood are closed to cars or only offer parking lot access. Visit Art-A-Whirl’s website to learn more. Three complimentary trolleys run and loop through the Northeast Minneapolis Arts District, taking roughly 30 minutes, with a trolley visiting a stop every 10-15 minutes. Southwest Transit also provides buses from Chaska, Eden Prairie, and Chanhassen to Sociable Cider Werks. 

Taxis and ridesharing apps are also available in Minneapolis-St. Paul, but beware of surge pricing.  Bike racks are available throughout the neighborhood, and larger rack stations exist at various businesses.  

Dogs are not allowed as the crowds and noise of this event can be stressful, and some people may not be comfortable around them. Service animals are welcome. 

To avoid the largest crowds, consider attending on Friday or Sunday, as they are less popular than Saturday. 

Pro Tip:  Download the daily complimentary Metro Transit pass for complimentary public transportation to, from, and within the event. 

MUST-SEE ATTRACTIONS

If you're eager to soak up as much as possible, the “no cars allowed” stretch of Quincy Street and 14th Ave NE is the perfect choice. Here, you’ll stumble upon vibrant outdoor entertainment, a bunch of buildings filled with talented artists, a variety of restaurants and bars, plus you might even catch some food trucks dishing out tasty treats. 

Make sure to check out bigger artist venues like Quincy Hall, Q.arma, Solar Arts, and Northrup King, but don’t miss the charming, tucked-away spots featuring local artists sprinkled throughout the area.  

Looking to see it all? Definitely take advantage of the trolley! It’s a fun way to visit all the major artist studios in NE, explore pop-ups along the beautiful Mississippi River and dive into the delicious restaurants and talented artists on 13th Ave. Plus, it’s a great way to experience the "path-less-traveled" side of Art-A-Whirl — especially if the hustle and bustle can feel a bit much. (Though keep in mind, it’s still a lively event wherever you go!) 

Pro Tip: If you make a large purchase, you don’t need to carry it all day. Schedule a time with the artist to pick it up later. Many artists are also open to paying in installments if you have a purchase that’s a little out of your immediate budget. 

EATING & DRINKING

The neighborhood offers plenty of places to sit, grab a bite, or relax with a cold drink. Many restaurants, breweries, cideries, and coffee shops host artists participating in the event.  

Some popular places to visit include Centro, Pryes Brewing Company, Minneapolis Cider Company, Sociable Cider Werks, BŪCH Fermentary & Taproom, Broken Clock Brewing Cooperative, Padraigs Brewing, Dogwood Coffee, and SIP Coffeebar. Some businesses offer specialty brews, drinks, or specials for eventgoers.  

Pro Tip: Bring a water bottle and refill it often. Nearly every participating Art-A-Whirl location has bathrooms. For restrooms with baby-changing stations, visit the Art-A-Whirl map and look for the Accessibility icon.  

LIVE ENTERTAINMENT

In addition to open studios and artist pop-ups, Art-A-Whirl features live entertainment like art demonstrations, interactive activities, music and performances.  

At Quincy Hall, Nokomis Knitting Company will demo how their socks are made by a hand-cranked knitting machine. Horse enthusiasts will love catching Allison Eklund in the Northrup King Building, where she’ll be painting in the hallway by studio 222. You might even take home a beautiful, freshly painted oil artwork (neatly boxed for transport) or request equestrian-themed subjects, too! And for the celestially inclined, don’t sleep on Studio 371 Anna’s Moon Factory custom art demo also in the Northrup King Building. 

For more interactive experiences, make your mark on an oversized community canvas in the Solar Arts Building's Second-Floor Lobby, blend your own nail polish with Atomic Polish, or swing by Flux Arts to make your own polymer clay creation. Engage your ears, reflect, and connect in the California Building, where writers will read their short stories about finding home in Minnesota, Japan and Africa. 

The Twin Ignition Startup Garage will be buzzing all weekend with live music and art, plus a special book signing with Andrea Swensson. On Saturday, bring any physical music from a Minnesota artist and enjoy a complimentary drink from Surly Brewing while soaking up the sounds of live local musicians. 

Art-A-Whirl is all about celebrating creativity and building community. Many businesses in Northeast Minneapolis will join in on the fun, whether they're part of NEMAA or not. Pop into any spot this weekend, and you’ll probably experience some special entertainment, activation, or local artist pop-up to celebrate. 

See more NEMAA Art-A-Whirl activities here. 

Pro tip: Be patient and kind to other attendees. Thousands of people attend this beloved event every year, so be patient and kind; you can expect to receive the same from other attendees. 

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