Courtesy of Loring Park Art Festival
One of the Twin Cities’ favorite summer traditions returns to Loring Park July 25-26, bringing together more than 165 artists, live entertainment, food vendors, family activities, and several new attractions for 2026. Now in its 32nd year, the free festival continues to celebrate creativity while showcasing the city’s talent.
This year’s Loring Park Art Festival runs Saturday, July 25, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday, July 26, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Set in the park’s summer gardens and greenery, the event features juried artists from across the region and beyond, along with activities for all ages. Producer Sara Collins says the festival is about more than browsing artwork—it’s about creating a welcoming place where artists and the community can connect. “Loring Park Art Festival highlights one of Minnesota’s most beautiful parks by filling it with artists, art opportunities, and community,” Collins says.
Courtesy of Loring Park Art Festival
One of this year’s biggest additions is the new Live Music and Local Fashion Stage. Presented by The Fashion Shenanigans, the experience spotlights emerging Twin Cities designers with runway shows, panel discussions, audience Q&As, and the opportunity to shop featured collections directly from the designers. “I’m excited for all of the new experiences we are offering this ear, but I’m especially looking forward to the Shop the Looks Tent, which will feature some of the Twin Cities’ most talented up-and-coming designers focused on sustainability and saving the planet,” Collins says. Fashion shows will begin at 1:30 p.m. on both Saturday and Sunday.
Visitors can also check out several other first-time experiences, including a pop-up art scavenger hunt with prizes, the Flavor World SoundGarden and Artist Market featuring interactive music activities and specialty vendors, “Arts Alive” demonstrations, natural henna art by Mada Mehndi, and printmaking demonstrations from Supercharged Printmakers. Sports fans can head to the Loring Park tennis courts on Sunday, where AJ Tennis Academy International and AJ Athletic Apparel Company are hosting a free guided tennis camp for all ages, equipment included.
The festival’s artist lineup also has a meaningful story this year. After learning that Ely’s Blueberry Festival would be canceled because of northern Minnesota’s wildfires, Loring Park organizers invited affected artists to participate at Loring Park instead. “We hope to see several of those artists join us. But beyond that, our roster of juried artists includes regional and local favorites, artists new to the festival this year, and a strong group of culinary artists,” Collins says. Live entertainment will take place on the Loring Park Stage near the tennis and pickleball courts.
Courtesy of Loring Park Art Festival
Although the Twin Cities has no shortage of summer art fairs, Collins believes the Loring Park Art Fest offers an experience all its own. “Art fairs happen almost every summer weekend throughout the Twin Cities, but Loring Park Art Fest is special because it’s tucked into the lush greenery of Loring Park, right in the heart of Minneapolis,” she says.
For more information, including the full entertainment schedule, visit loringparkartfestival.com.
