FRIDAY, AUGUST 2, 2013: noon-8 p.m.
SATURDAY, AUGUST 3, 2013: 10 a.m.-8 p.m.
SUNDAY, AUGUST 4, 2013: 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
LOCATION: Lake Street and Hennepin Avenue and “The Mall” in Southwest Minneapolis.
FEATURES:
* Professional works of art ranging from limited editions to one-of-a-kind treasures in each of 12 media including sculpture, painting, ceramics, jewelry, mixed media, and more. Over 350 talented fine artists from around the world!
* Tomorrow’s Stars youth art fair in Calhoun Square- the future of the Uptown Art Fair
* Festival food and ice-cold beverages from over 20 vendors
* Non-stop entertainment- ranging from reggae to magic- on the performance stage located in the Old Chicago parking lot
* Wine for tasting and purchase in the newly expanded outdoor wine garden located at Old Chicago
* Interactive art activities at the Family Imagination Station
* A Culinary Arts Competition pairing up local chefs and artists to compete while creating dazzling art
ACHIEVEMENTS: The Uptown Art Fair is the winner of nearly 100 International Festivals and Events Association (IFEA) Pinnacle Awards. The Pinnacles recognize the highest quality in promotional programs and materials produced by IFEA’s more than 3,000 member festivals and events around the world. They are the most prestigious awards in the special events industry. Art Fair Sourcebook listed the 2007 Uptown Art Fair as 8th in the nation. The Harris Guide ranked it the #1 Art Fair in Minnesota.
Settling in after returning back to it’s original location along a two block stretch of Lyndale between 28th St and Lake Street, it’ll be the 4th year for the rebirth of a Lyn Lake tradition. It’s time to celebrate spring (or will it be summer) with biking, music, artists, craft persons, art cars and businesses welcoming each other in Lyn Lake style.
With the Blaisdell YMCA supplying the event insurance and the majority of the 90-plus volunteers, over 25 businesses supplying financial support in the form of sponsorships, the Lyn Lake Street Fest continues to grow and take its place as a free-wheeling day of celebration of the start of spring in the vibrant heart of South Minneapolis.
This year’s biggest change will be the two music stages, back to back on the bridge over the Midtown Greenway, one facing north and one facing south, alternating sets every 45 minutes.
Nine exciting local bands are signed on, including HALLOWEEN, ALASKA – KID DAKOTA – OMAUR BLISS – MAYDA – BLOODNSTUFF – KILL-ME KARE BAREand back by very popular demand, the only band to play consecutive years at the Lyn Lake Street Fest, KOO KOO KANGA ROO! Two other acts are signed but shrouded in secrecy until April 20th.
With the increased footprint for the festival, there will be numerous artists and craft booths, and more local restaurants like Herkimer, Moto I, Galactic Pizza, Falafel King and others serving up street food. The art car community will be out in full force. The Trustone Financial parking lot is hosting a wide variety of family friendly children’s activities. Jugglers and Renaissance performers will also entertain through out the event.
This dual event is the brainchild of John Meegan, owner of Top Shelf at 31st and Lyndale. John is a board member of the Lyn Lake Business Association, and also the volunteer community board chair of the Blaisdell YMCA in South Minneapolis. This year he is co-chaired by Blake Iverson, Friedman Iverson Law Firm. Music booking has been graciously donated by Indie Music Resources. All graphic and web design is contributed by Westwerk.
The event is a fundraiser. In 2010, the Festival generated over $16,000 for the YMCA and the Lyn Lake Business Association, and over $2,100 in tips from the beer booth was donated to the Joyce Food Shelf. In 2011 over $23,000 was shared by the three local non-profits. Hopefully the gods of good weather will look favorably on this year’s festival again.
The City of Lakes Loppet is a cross-country ski festival featuring the beautiful trails and lakes of the Twin Cities.
Join us on the first weekend in February for this celebration of winter in Minnesota!