May 8, 2025
One of the biggest art parties in the country hits Northeast this month. Here’s how to make the most of Art-A-Whirl weekend.
The Canvas
Could one neighborhood really be so densely packed with painters, sculptors, jewelers, and more that its creative industry effectively takes over the city for a weekend? At Art-A-Whirl, the1,500-plus artists who will fling open their studio doors fromMay 16–18 for art-loving mayhem in Northeast would indicate that the answer is a resounding yes.
What began as a grassroots event hosted by a handful of artists in the mid-’90s has grown into the largest open-studio tour in the nation and attracts more than 110,000 attendees annually.
The Art
“Art-A-Whirl is like the Louvre—you’re never going to see it all,” says Anna Becker, executive director of the Northeast Minneapolis Arts Association (NEMAA), the nonprofit that organizes Art-A-Whirl.
While there are plenty of studios and spots better for those who prefer smaller crowds, the general hot spot is around Quincy Street near the Northrup King, Thorp, and Casket Arts Buildings, plus Quincy Hall and Indeed Brewing, which host giant parties and markets.
Indeed’s weekend-long Whirlygig party brings in some 30,000 people for special beers, food trucks, and live music.
“I used to think, Are we co-opting this thing?” says Indeed’s CBO, Ryan Bandy. “But a lot of artists are like, ‘Make it even bigger.’ So, our goal is to bring in as many people as possible.”
The Community
NEMAA and artists say that even though the weekend can be overwhelming, it’s an incredible celebration of the arts community. Some artists make their entire studio rent for the year in weekend sales.
“Artists generally see a big sales bump before, during, and after Art-A-Whirl,” Becker says.
This year, NEMAA is offering a digital Art-A-Whirl passport with opportunities to win raffles and prizes. The group also collaborated with Pryes Brewing to create a special Art-A-Whirl beer, and the taproom will host a NEMAA-curated market.
So, no matter where Twin Citians prefer to engage with art—be it craft beer or craft markets—there will be plenty of options for all.
