Clear your calendar, borrow a bike, and wear sunscreen. Art-A-Whirl is upon us and we want to help you do this weekend right! There’s a lot of art, there’s a lot of music, and there are very few parking spaces. We’re going to give you the insider tips for how to get the most out of one of the best weekends of the year in the Twin Cities.
Embrace the Pop-Ups
For decades Northeast Minneapolis has been a central hub for artist studios. In fact the genesis for Art-A-Whirl was a conversation about hosting an open-studio tour to highlight these studio spaces. But dropping in on somebody’s studios can result in you watching an artist work while they are forced to “tolerate your existence” in the words of our own Tiffany Bui. But if the thought of that makes you cringe with embarrassment, Tiffany recommends the pop-up experiences. Her top pick for this year is at the Flux Arts Building where they are hosting a disco cowboy event in partnership with Recovery Bike Shop. This is a hands-on event where every artist in the building is crafting a disco cowboy art activity you can participate in. Have you always wanted to bedazzle a pony or paint your own bike helmet? Want no longer! Your bedazzled, safety-forward, helmet future awaits you at the Flux Arts Building.
Say Burlesque
Minnesota has a big burlesque scene and it’s great to see some of that coming to the Twin Cities. The Marble Fae Creative Collective is hosting a 13-act show that aims to transport viewers to alternate realities. Many of the big names in Minnesota burlesque are getting in on the fun for this event including Boo Dior and Sweet Novemba.
Go Vintage
Earring by Lovely Little Uglies. (Tiffany Bui / City Cast Twin Cities)
If your taste pulls you to the vintage side of things, make sure to make a stop at Moth Oddities. This shop is a gem throughout the year but they step up the intensity for Art-A-Whirl with a murderers’ row of great Minnesota jewelers and artists hawking their wares. One of our favorite guest artists is Lovely Little Uglies, the famous makers of the chickens-with-cowboy-boots earrings.
Enjoy the Vibes
Do you need a spacious spot to take a breather and enjoy the vibe? Look no further than Earl Giles Restaurant and Distillery. Grab a bite to eat and check out a load of great vendors.
Pro-tip: Don’t bring your 13-year-old child there on Friday; the celebrated rapper and vocalist Dessa is scheduled to perform on Friday and Tiffany said that she will “elbow over a 13-year old to see Dessa.” Tiffany didn’t even say she was willing to do it if necessary. I think she wants to elbow a 13-year old so leave your seventh-grader at home.
Bring Something Home
Don’t leave Art-A-Whirl empty-handed! There are a lot of great studios and pop-ups that let visitors take a proactive role in art creation. If your puppy has an artistic flourish we suggest a visit to Logan Park for LICK Art. Armed with acrylic paint, a plastic bag, and peanut butter, you can turn your pooch into Jackson Pollock.
The good people at Sharra Franks mosaic are ready to shepherd you through a do-it-yourself mosaic project. During your session, you’ll choose a mini frame and create your piece using a beautiful treasure trove of materials including glass, beads, tile, china, and vintage findings. Everything is included and beginner-friendly!
Pro-tip: This experience requires a reservation. Book in advance here.
What if your bra was art? You can participate in bra screenprinting at Casket Arts Building on Saturday. This hands-on project from Supercharged Printmakers will take your undergarments to the next level in record time.
Don’t Forget the Music
Though artists and art studios are at the center of the event, Art-A-Whirl turned into a Twin Cities phenomenon thanks to spectacular music programming at the bevy of elite bars and breweries in the area. Here are our picks for great music during the weekend.
Black Market Brass at Indeed Brewing’s 2025 Whirlygig. (Abby Boehm / Indeed Brewing)
The lineup at Indeed Brewing on Friday features some of the best young acts in the Twin Cities including Room3 and BAKKWOODDRIFT. Zippy Laske is a talented songwriter navigating a career renaissance with a set at Bauhaus on Saturday. Eastside Food Coop, the Twin Cities’ best grocery store (according to us) is also throwing a banger of an event on Saturday with sets from Cornbread Harris, Laamar, and Ozone Creations. On Sunday Kennadi Watkins, one of the premier voices of gospel music in town, will get things started at Indeed.
Might we also suggest finishing up your Art-A-Whirl with some indoor music? Sunday night might be the right time to hoof it over to the 331 Club to catch indoor sets from Jim Walsh (The Mad Ripple), Mikkel Bee, Diane, and more!
We Implore You, Don’t Drive
The 17 bus. (Tim Evans / City Cast)
Northeast Minneapolis does not have the parking capacity to sustain all the car traffic coming into the neighborhood for Art-A-Whirl. Your best bet? Grab a free bus pass or prepare to park far away and hoof it to the center of the action.
Pro-tip: Riding a bike is a great way to get to all of the different arts buildings during Art-A-Whirl, even if you don't own a bike. Recovery Bike Shop on Central Avenue will be lending out bikes for free all weekend long. Show up to Recovery during Art-A-Whirl, pick out a bike, and return it by Sunday at 6 p.m. for FREE! They'll also have helmets and bike locks available to borrow on a first-come, first-served basis, but they recommend bringing your own if possible.
