Weekend Happenings: Art, Art, Art & A Derby

For the art lover, this is your weekend.  There are a number of art fairs happening if you're willing to travel into the city.  If you'd like to stay closer to home, Shakopee is celebrating is annual Derby Days.

Uptown Art Fair
Calhoun Square
3001 Hennepin Ave.
Minneapolis, MN 55408
August 3-5, 2012
Cost:  Free

Annual event held in the heart of the Uptown, Minneapolis business district at the bustling intersection of Lake St. and Hennepin Ave. Choose from a variety of limited editions and one-of-a-kind treasures from 350+ artists including sculptures, paintings, photographs, woodcarvings, glasswork, jewelry, multimedia compositions and more. Other features: food and drink from over 20 vendors; outdoor wine garden; non-stop entertainment on the performance stage; youth art fair; family activity area.


Loring Park Art Festival
1382 Willow St.
Minneapolis, MN 55403-2256
August 4 & 5, 2012
10:00 am to 6:00 pm
Cost: Free

Loring Park Art Festival will feature lovely art in a downtown area with dramatic city views. In addition to the work of 140 visual artists on display, the festival will also host special activities, performances, and other happenings along the park's pathways.


Powderhorn Art Fair
Powderhorn Park
3400 15th Ave. S.
Minneapolis, MN 55407
August 4 & 5, 2012
10:00 am to 6:00 pm
Cost: Free

Those looking for something a little more low-key may prefer to take in the nature and art on display at the Powderhorn Art Fair.  Here, 184 local and national artists, strolling musicians, stage performances, and more will fill the park with creative charm. This festival is also known for its community showcase, so if you're looking to buy local — or if you just want to see what your neighbors have been up to creatively — be sure to take a look. There will also be kid-friendly activities and food to enjoy. Looking to go to all three events, but don't want to bike or deal with parking? Download a Metro Transit pass at metrotransit.org/ArtPass and ride between events for free.


Shakopee Derby Days
150 Fillmore St. N.
Shakopee, MN 55379
August 1-5, 2012
Cost:  Free

Shakopee's 25th annual community festival, held the first full weekend in August. Many free or low-cost events and activities for all ages, including entertainment, Family Fun Park, bean bag toss tournament, Taste of Shakopee, soapbox derby, market fair, fireworks, parade, senior Olympics, 5K turf run, and more. Most events are located in Huber Park.
Source:  City Pages, Explore MN