Local Events
2026 Art Shanties
From Meet Minneapolis:
We’re excited to be back on the ice this winter in South Minneapolis! We look forward to welcoming grown adults and kids of all ages to play / learn / grow / laugh / smile / sing / groove / gather with us in the Art Shanty village. More details to come this winter, including a performance schedule, village map, and information on visiting.
2026 Art Shanties
Saturday–Sunday, Jan. 17 – Feb. 8 • 10 AM – 4 PM
Lake Harriet
Lowry Hill Service Saturdays
Calling all walkers! This is a great way to promote neighborhood safety by using our collective eyes and ears on the street.
Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration
From Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board:
Annual tributes to Dr. King’s life and legacy take place at several park locations throughout the day, including an evening celebration at the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Recreation Center with speakers, live entertainment and the presentation of the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board’s Living the Dream award. Click here for details on events happening at other locations.
Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration
Monday, Jan. 19 • 6:30 – 8 PM
Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Park: 4055 Nicollet Ave S
St. Paul Winter Carnival
From Meet Minneapolis:
The Saint Paul Festival and Heritage Foundation’s 139th Saint Paul Winter Carnival will run for 10 days – all day on weekends and evenings during the week. The festival will attract 250,000+ people from Saint Paul and beyond to celebrate winter in Minnesota. Landmark Center, located in the heart of downtown Saint Paul, the Minnesota State Fairgrounds, and businesses throughout the city will be venues for event festivities, which include ice carving competitions, family-friendly artistic and educational activities, and much more!
St. Paul Winter Carnival
Thursday, Jan. 22 – Sunday, Feb. 1
Times & Locations Vary
2026 Art Shanties
From Meet Minneapolis:
We’re excited to be back on the ice this winter in South Minneapolis! We look forward to welcoming grown adults and kids of all ages to play / learn / grow / laugh / smile / sing / groove / gather with us in the Art Shanty village. More details to come this winter, including a performance schedule, village map, and information on visiting.
2026 Art Shanties
Saturday–Sunday, Jan. 17 – Feb. 8 • 10 AM – 4 PM
Lake Harriet
Lake Harriet Kite Festival
From Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board:
The Winter Kite Festival is a beautiful festival that fills the sky with colorful kites, offers winter activities for all, delicious local food trucks and free s’mores by the fire to warm up throughout the day.
Lake Harriet Kite Festival
Saturday, Jan. 24 • 12–4 PM
Lake Harriet
The Great Northern Festival
From Meet Minneapolis:
The Great Northern's annual winter festival invites people to change their perspective on the coldest months of the year. The five-day festival includes world premiere performances, food events, art, panels and speakers, films, regional craft, commissioned writing, storytelling, and outdoor activations - including the wildly popular Sauna Village.
The Great Northern Festival
Saturday–Sunday, Jan. 28–Feb. 1
Multiple Locations
Neighborhood Safety Meeting
The objective of the meeting is to hear updates from the City and MPD on improvements in safety in the local area.
Loppet Winter Festival
From Meet Minneapolis:
The City of Lakes Loppet Winter Festival is a two-day festival that includes the Luminary Loppet, which is the most magical night of winter; a variety of point-to-point Cross-Country Ski, Fat-Tire Bike, Skijor, and Snowshoe events, both competitive races and recreational touring events through Theodore Wirth Park; and a number of unique events, such as the Captain Ken's Kubb Tournament – plus much more.
City of Lakes: Loppet Winter Festival
Saturday–Sunday, Jan. 31–Feb. 1
Multiple Locations
2026 Art Shanties
From Meet Minneapolis:
We’re excited to be back on the ice this winter in South Minneapolis! We look forward to welcoming grown adults and kids of all ages to play / learn / grow / laugh / smile / sing / groove / gather with us in the Art Shanty village. More details to come this winter, including a performance schedule, village map, and information on visiting.
2026 Art Shanties
Saturday–Sunday, Jan. 17 – Feb. 8 • 10 AM – 4 PM
Lake Harriet
Lake of the Isles Winter Party
Join neighbors for treats, cocoa, pit fires, and open skating on Lake of the Isles at this Winter Party!
Powderhorn Art Sled Rally
From Powderhorn Art Sled Rally:
The Art Sled Rally is put on by neighborhood artists and residents in coordination with Adventures in Cardboard, the incredible staff at Powderthorn Park, local community organizations and business sponsors who all want to enrich the spirit of community life in Powderhorn through free public events with a focus on artistic expression and out-of-the-ordinary spectacle.
Powderhorn Art Sled Rally
Saturday, Jan. 31 • 2–3 PM
Powderhorn Park (E 33rd St & 10th Ave S)
Walker Free 1st Sat
From Walker Art Center:
Bring your loved ones to the Walker for a day of art and creativity. Admission is free on the first Saturday of every month from 10 am-5 pm. Explore current exhibitions, get creative with drop-in art activities for families from 10 am-3 pm, and check out a film in the Mediatheque.
Free 1st Saturday
1st Saturdays • 10 AM–3 PM
Walker Art Center (725 Vineland Pl)
2026 Art Shanties
From Meet Minneapolis:
We’re excited to be back on the ice this winter in South Minneapolis! We look forward to welcoming grown adults and kids of all ages to play / learn / grow / laugh / smile / sing / groove / gather with us in the Art Shanty village. More details to come this winter, including a performance schedule, village map, and information on visiting.
2026 Art Shanties
Saturday–Sunday, Jan. 17 – Feb. 8 • 10 AM – 4 PM
Lake Harriet
Luminary Loppet
From Meet Minneapolis:
The candlelit Luminary Loppet is the Twin Cities’ most magical event of the season. Come out to Lake of the Isles and enjoy the Luminary Loppet where you can walk, snowshoe, or ski on the candlelit trail winding across the lake. Experience 1,200 luminaries lining the trail with unique ice features and much more – all in the heart of Uptown. Refreshments such as hot chocolate will be offered at tents across the lake. Food trucks, beer, and music are located at the Luminary Party.
Luminary Loppet
Saturday, Feb. 7 • 6–10 PM
Lake of the Isles
Walker Sensory Friendly Sunday
From Walker Art Center:
Sensory Friendly Sunday is a monthly event designed for kids, teens, and adults with sensory processing differences, autism, or developmental disabilities. The galleries will be closed to the general public, allowing visitors to enjoy the museum in a calm environment, with accommodations such as quiet spaces, fidgets, and sunglasses available. Experience a selection of current exhibitions, make art, or watch a short film. All friends and family members are welcome.
Sensory Friendly Sunday
Sunday, Feb. 8 • 8 – 10 AM
Walker Art Center (725 Vineland Pl)
Family Day: Reflections
Join the MIA for a day of art and folk crafting for the whole family!
Queer Book Club
From Hennepin Co. Library:
Join our discussion of new and interesting books written by queer authors or on queer topics – LGBTQIA+ centered program. Bring along your book recommendations for future meetings. Hosted by Lynn from East Lake Library and Sara from Ridgedale Library, this book club will meet the second Tuesday of each month.
The link to the live online discussion will be emailed to registrants in advance (within 48 hours of the event).
Feb. 10 Kirby's Lessons for Falling (in Love) by Laura Gao
eBooks or downloadable audiobooks are available through www.hclib.org. Physical copies are available to check out at East Lake and Ridgedale libraries.
Queer Book Club
Tuesday, Feb. 10 • 6:30–7:30 PM
Online
Lowry Hill Service Saturdays
Calling all walkers! This is a great way to connect with neighbors in service of bettering Lowry Hill.
2026 Winter Beer Dabbler
From Meet Minneapolis:
The Midwest’s biggest and best winter beer festival will make its triumphant return to the Minnesota State Fairgrounds. We’re beyond excited to welcome you all back to the Mighty Midway to sample great beer from breweries all over the United States while enjoying music, food trucks, and other thrilling attractions.
2026 Winter Beer Dabbler
Saturday, Feb. 21 • 3–6:30 PM (early access 2 PM)
MN State Fairgrounds
Lowry Hill Board Meeting
All Lowry Hill residents 16 and older are invited to attend our monthly Board meetings. Please email us if you’d like to speak at the meeting!
Walker Free 1st Sat
From Walker Art Center:
Bring your loved ones to the Walker for a day of art and creativity. Admission is free on the first Saturday of every month from 10 am-5 pm. Explore current exhibitions, get creative with drop-in art activities for families from 10 am-3 pm, and check out a film in the Mediatheque.
Free 1st Saturday
1st Saturdays • 10 AM–3 PM
Walker Art Center (725 Vineland Pl)
Family Day: Dragons & Monsters
Join the MIA for a day of art and folk crafting for the whole family!
Lowry Hill Service Saturdays
Calling all walkers! This is a great way to connect with neighbors in service of bettering Lowry Hill.
Walker Free 1st Sat
From Walker Art Center:
Bring your loved ones to the Walker for a day of art and creativity. Admission is free on the first Saturday of every month from 10 am-5 pm. Explore current exhibitions, get creative with drop-in art activities for families from 10 am-3 pm, and check out a film in the Mediatheque.
Free 1st Saturday
1st Saturdays • 10 AM–3 PM
Walker Art Center (725 Vineland Pl)
Lowry Hill Board Meeting
All Lowry Hill residents 16 and older are invited to attend our monthly Board meetings. Please email us if you’d like to speak at the meeting!
Family Day: Kids in Bloom
Join the MIA for a day of art and folk crafting for the whole family!
Earth Day Cleanup
Join neighbors from around Lake of the Isles for the annual Earth Day Cleanup!
Art in Bloom
From Minneapolis Institute of Art:
Join the Friends of the Institute and celebrate spring at Mia during Art in Bloom! Presented by the Friends, this year’s four-day festival takes place April 23–26, 2026.
Free and open to everyone, Art in Bloom showcases imaginative floral interpretations of selected works of art from Mia’s permanent collection, created by more than 100 individual and commercial florists. Experience the floral beauty and fragrance throughout the museum, take a free guided tour, and enjoy family-friendly activities.
Art in Bloom
Thursday, Apr. 23 – Sunday, Apr. 26 • 10 AM – 5 PM
Minneapolis Institute of Art
Linden Hills Garage Sale
From Linden Hills Neighborhood Council:
Each May, the Linden Hills Neighborhood Council coordinates a neighborhood-wide garage sale. We include traditional garage sales, Buy Nothing free sales, and retail sidewalk sales. There were 90+ sales hosted across Linden Hills in 2025!
2026 Linden Hills Garage Sale
Saturday, May 2 • 9 AM – 3 PM
Linden Hills Neighborhood
Walker Free 1st Sat
From Walker Art Center:
Bring your loved ones to the Walker for a day of art and creativity. Admission is free on the first Saturday of every month from 10 am-5 pm. Explore current exhibitions, get creative with drop-in art activities for families from 10 am-3 pm, and check out a film in the Mediatheque.
Free First Saturday
1st Saturdays • 10 AM–3 PM
Walker Art Center (725 Vineland Pl)
Lowry Hill Board Meeting
All Lowry Hill residents 16 and older are invited to attend our monthly Board meetings. Please email us if you’d like to speak at the meeting!
Doors Open Minneapolis
Doors Open Minneapolis, produced by Rethos, is your chance to explore the buildings that tell our city’s story. From theaters to business hubs, sacred spaces to private clubs, sports complexes to engineering wonders, historical gems to not-even-open-yet buildings, Doors Open Minneapolis will give you a FREE behind-the-scenes look at dozens of exciting venues. Building owners and caretakers will provide unique perspectives that illustrate why these venues, people and businesses, are central to our city’s identity.
Minneapolis Sculpture Garden Art Fair
From Homespun Events:
The event is owned and operated by the team behind the Minnehaha Falls Art Fair, which was voted by artists in the Sunshine Artist Magazine as the 49th Best Art Fair in the United States and 2nd Best Art Fair in Minnesota! The event will feature approximately 150 artist booths, along with a botanical market, music, crafts, food, and more.
Minneapolis Sculpture Garden Art Fair
Saturday, May 9, 10 AM – 5 PM • Sunday, May 10, 10 AM – 5 PM
Minneapolis Sculpture Garden
Art-a-Whirl 2026
From NEMAA:
Art-A-Whirl is the largest open studio tour in the country, which happens annually in Northeast Minneapolis. Over 1,300 NEMAA member artists, galleries, and businesses participate across all of Northeast Minneapolis at over 100 locations. Art-A-Whirl is a fantastic way to connect with artists in their own spaces, support local artists, enjoy demonstrations and interactive activities, listen to live music, and enjoy local restaurants and breweries.
Art-a-Whirl 2026
Friday–Sunday, May 15–17 • Fri: 5–10 PM, Sat: 12–8 PM, Sun: 12–5 PM
Locations across Northeast Minneapolis • free to attend
Lowry Hill Service Saturdays
Calling all walkers! This is a great way to connect with neighbors in service of bettering Lowry Hill.
Lowry Hill Board Meeting
All Lowry Hill residents 16 and older are invited to attend our monthly Board meetings. Please email us if you’d like to speak at the meeting!
Edina Art Fair
From Edina Art Fair:
The Edina Art Fair features 280 of the nation's top artists, a variety of food vendors, kid's activities, live music, Edina Grill and Red Cow Craft Beer Gardens, Edina Liquor Wine Garden and more. Headlining bands will keep the energy going on Friday and Saturday nights in the Lunds & Byerlys Parking Lot where guests can enjoy craft beer, wine and specialty food. The Finn Band headlines on Friday and Harbor & Home on Saturday. Take the complimentary shuttle from Southdale Center to the Edina Art Fair and experience the start of summer with the Edina Art Fair.
Edina Art Fair
Friday, June 5 • 3 – 8 PM
Saturday, June 6 • 10 AM – 7 PM
Sunday, June 7 • 10 AM – 5 PM
Lowry Hill Service Saturdays
Calling all walkers! This is a great way to connect with neighbors in service of bettering Lowry Hill.
Twin Cities Pride Festival
June is Pride Month, and there are so many ways to celebrate! Whether you prefer quiet or big crowds, Minnesota has a mix of gatherings to fit any style.
Lowry Hill Board Meeting
All Lowry Hill residents 16 and older are invited to attend our monthly Board meetings. Please email us if you’d like to speak at the meeting!
Lowry Hill Service Saturdays
Calling all walkers! This is a great way to connect with neighbors in service of bettering Lowry Hill.
Loring Park Art Festival
Since 2000, Loring Park Art Festival has combined creative expression and community connectedness to surprise and delight all who attend. With beautiful ponds and formal gardens, Loring Park makes an idyllic spot to celebrate art, music, food and entertainment for two days each summer in downtown Minneapolis.
The event features 140 visual artists selling original work, with something for everyone. Visitors will encounter strolling musicians, scheduled stage performances, engaging children's activities and adventurous culinary options.
Loring Park Art Festival
Saturday, July 25 •10 AM – 6 PM
Sunday, July 26 • 10 AM – 5 PM
Powderhorn Art Fair
The 32nd Annual Powderhorn Art Fair is slated to bring together over 150 artists, immersive art installations, food trucks, and more to Powderhorn Park.
National Night Out
National Night Out is an annual community-building campaign that promotes police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie to make our neighborhoods safer, more caring places to live. To host an event in your Minneapolis neighborhood, register with the City of Minneapolis at the link below.
33rd MN Fringe Fest
Minnesota Fringe produces opportunities for artists of a wide variety of backgrounds, abilities and experience levels, creates novel ways of engaging with the performing arts, and has a continuing commitment to accessibility for artists and audiences.
Lowry Hill Service Saturdays
Calling all walkers! This is a great way to connect with neighbors in service of bettering Lowry Hill.
Minnesota State Fair
Often referred to as the “Great Minnesota Get-Together,” the annual Minnesota State Fair is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the region. The State Fair’s mission is to educate and involve our guests by providing a world-class showcase that is innovative, entertaining and fun.
Minnesota State Fair
Thursday, Aug. 27 — Monday, Sept. 7
MN State Fairgrounds (1265 Snelling Ave N, St. Paul)
Lowry Hill Board Meeting
All Lowry Hill residents 16 and older are invited to attend our monthly Board meetings. Please email us if you’d like to speak at the meeting!
Neighborhood Super Sale
100+ sales across six neighborhoods—find new treasures at the 2026 Neighborhood Super Sale!
Lowry Hill Service Saturdays
Calling all walkers! This is a great way to connect with neighbors in service of bettering Lowry Hill.
Lowry Hill Board Meeting
All Lowry Hill residents 16 and older are invited to attend our monthly Board meetings. Please email us if you’d like to speak at the meeting!
Lowry Hill Service Saturdays
Calling all walkers! This is a great way to connect with neighbors in service of bettering Lowry Hill.
Election Day 2026
Election Day is coming! Don't forget you can still register when you show up to vote with specific identification. If you’ve moved since the last time you voted, you’ll need to update your registration. You also have the right to take paid time off work to vote without using personal leave or vacation time. More at the City's website, including:
Election Day 2026
All polling places open 7 AM – 8 PM
Lowry Hill Service Saturdays
Calling all walkers! This is a great way to connect with neighbors in service of bettering Lowry Hill.
Lowry Hill Board Meeting
All Lowry Hill residents 16 and older are invited to attend our monthly Board meetings. Please email us if you’d like to speak at the meeting!
Lowry Hill Service Saturdays
Calling all walkers! This is a great way to connect with neighbors in service of bettering Lowry Hill.
Queer Book Club
From Hennepin Co. Library:
Join our discussion of new and interesting books written by queer authors or on queer topics – LGBTQIA+ centered program. Bring along your book recommendations for future meetings. Hosted by Lynn from East Lake Library and Sara from Ridgedale Library, this book club will meet the second Tuesday of each month.
The link to the live online discussion will be emailed to registrants in advance (within 48 hours of the event).
Jan. 13 Hammajang Luck by Makana Yamamoto
Feb. 10 Kirby's Lessons for Falling (in Love) by Laura Gao
eBooks or downloadable audiobooks are available through www.hclib.org. Physical copies are available to check out at East Lake and Ridgedale libraries.
Queer Book Club
Tuesday, Jan. 13 • 6:30–7:30 PM
Online
Family Day: Around the World
Join the MIA for a day of art and folk crafting for the whole family!
Walker Sensory Friendly Sunday
From Walker Art Center:
Sensory Friendly Sunday is a monthly event designed for kids, teens, and adults with sensory processing differences, autism, or developmental disabilities. The galleries will be closed to the general public, allowing visitors to enjoy the museum in a calm environment, with accommodations such as quiet spaces, fidgets, and sunglasses available. Experience a selection of current exhibitions, make art, or watch a short film. All friends and family members are welcome.
Sensory Friendly Sunday
Sunday, Jan. 11 • 8 – 10 AM
Walker Art Center (725 Vineland Pl)
Luminary & Skating Party
From South Uptown Neighborhood Association:
Come over to Bryant Square park to experience a winter wonderland featuring hundreds of luminary lanterns around the skating rink and park. Stick around to skate or enjoy hot chocolate around two fire pits. This community event is co-sponsored by Bryant Square Park and the South Uptown Neighborhood Association.
Luminary Skating Party
Saturday, Jan. 10 • 5:30–7:30 PM
Bryant Square Park (3101 Bryant Ave S)
Meet at Mia: Got Hygge?
From Minneapolis Institute of Art:
Connect, create, kick back! Meet at Mia is a series of free Thursday evening events for adults. Get to know us—and each other—with live music, art making, special programs, and unique food and drink (for purchase). No registration or secret handshake required.
The winter months are peak hygge (pronounced HUE-guh) season. This Scandinavian word encourages us to tap into the cozy side of life, so we’re bringing those chill vibes to Meet at Mia. Make colorful, geometric art with Tia Keobunpheng and bring some “ahhh” to your senses with hand-crafted simmer kits. Roam Mia’s galleries to find the perfect wintery landscapes and bask in the glimmer of Norwegian silver artworks.
Create geometric artwork with Tia Keobounpheng
Make spice kits with Laura Wennstrom to bring some hygge-friendly aroma home with you
Explore “Crowning the North: Silver Treasures from Bergen, Norway”
Tour Mia’s winter-inspired art collection
Meet at Mia: Got Hygge?
Thursday, Jan. 8 • 5 – 9 PM
Minneapolis Institute of Art (2400 3rd Ave S)
Lowry Hill Board Meeting
All Lowry Hill residents 16 and older are invited to attend our monthly Board meetings. Please email us if you’d like to speak at the meeting!
Walker Free 1st Sat
From Walker Art Center:
Bring your loved ones to the Walker for a day of art and creativity. Admission is free on the first Saturday of every month from 10 am-5 pm. Explore current exhibitions, get creative with drop-in art activities for families from 10 am-3 pm, and check out a film in the Mediatheque.
Free 1st Saturday
1st Saturdays • 10 AM–3 PM
Walker Art Center (725 Vineland Pl)
Kenwood Safety Walk & Cleanup
Join your neighbors in Kenwood for a safety walk and cleanup!
Christmas Family Fun Day
Christmas Family Fun Day
Saturday, Dec. 20 • 10:30 AM – 3:30 PM
Midtown Global Market
Nicollet Island Last Chance Market
From Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board:
Looking for those last perfect holiday gifts? The Nicollet Island Last Chance Market is here to save the season! Join us inside the historic Nicollet Island Pavilion for a cozy, one-day indoor market featuring 50 incredible local vendors—makers, artists, and small businesses offering gifts for partners, pets, friends, neighbors, and everyone in between.
• 50 booths filled with handmade goods + local favorites
• Live music throughout the day
• Onsite gift wrapping so your finds can go straight to the party—or under the tree
• A festive, warm, and welcoming holiday atmosphere
• Free to attend + free parking
This is your chance to finish your holiday shopping in one beautiful place—while supporting local businesses and enjoying a little seasonal magic along the way.
Nicollet Island Winter Market
Saturday, Dec. 20 • 10 AM–4 PM
Nicollet Island Pavilion (40 Power St)
Lowry Hill Service Saturdays
Calling all walkers! This is a great way to connect with neighbors in service of bettering Lowry Hill.
ASI Winter Solstice
From the American Swedish Institute (ASI):
Mark the shortest day and longest night of the year at ASI with ASI’s popular Winter Solstice Celebration. Since pagan days, solstice has traditionally meant the “year as reborn,” with ancient (and modern) Scandinavians fusing it into the longer “Jul” or Yule season. ASI celebrates this powerful seasonal juncture with fun, festivity, and performance.
Winter Solstice
Friday, Dec. 19 • 5–9 PM
American Swedish Institute (2600 Park Ave)
Linden Hills Holiday Wine & Stroll
From Linden Hills Neighborhood Council:
Please consider making a blood donation at this upcoming blood drive. The need for blood is constant and only volunteer donors can fulfill that need for patients in our community. Nationwide, someone needs a unit of blood every 2 to 3 seconds and most of us will need blood in our lifetime. Thank you for supporting our partnership with the American Red Cross blood program!
Linden Hills Holiday Wine & Stroll
Thursday, Dec. 18 • 5 – 8 PM
Linden Hills