6 Events to Check Out at Art-A-whirl 2018
This 3-day festival is filled with local art, live music, food and plenty of fun activities. If you're planning on attending Art-A-Whirl these are the can't-miss events you should know about.
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Art-A-Whirl: The Basics
What is it?
A celebration of art in the Northeast neighborhood of Minneapolis. With over 650 artists at more than 50 locations showcasing their work, Art-a-Whirl gives you a chance to meet and buy art from all types of different artists including painters, jewelers, photographers, and woodcarvers. This event is the largest of its kind in the country and includes opportunities to see private artist studios and galleries, demonstrations, mini-workshops, installations and special exhibitions. It’s free and open to public and includes unique events in coordination with local businesses throughout the area.
When is it?
Friday. May 18th 5-10pm, Saturday, May 19th Noon-8pm, Sunday, May 20th Noon-5pm
Where is it?
Studio buildings, art galleries, home storefronts and local businesses in Northeast Minneapolis.
How to get around?
Art-a-whirl provides free trolley rides that make stops at various artist locations throughout the NE Minneapolis Arts District. Check out the trolley schedule for exact times and locations. There are free parking lots near most artist locations and on street-parking.
I Bought Art Sticker
If you purchase original artwork make sure to receive an “I Bought Art” sticker. Participating local businesses will offer discounts to anyone wearing this sticker at Art-A-Whirl. See here for a list of deals.
Top 6 Events to Check Out at Art-A-Whirl
1. Indeed Brewing Company: Whirlygig 2018
Back for another year, Indeed Brewing Company's Whirlygig 2018 will feature all the things you love about Art-A-Whirl starting with live bands, favorite brews and Minneapolis food staples from Blue Door Pub, Natedogs, Dogwood Coffee Company, and Milkjam Creamery. You can also check out Art-A-Whirl artist Chuck U while he creates a live painting. This event will feature the grand opening of Indeed’s tented Biergarten, where you can hang out, relax and take a beat before heading out to enjoy more Art-A-Whirl action.
2. 612Brew at Art-A-Whirl
Looking for a vast array of food truck options? 612Brew’s Art-A-Whirl event will feature 8 different food trucks including R Taco, PaniniPinups, Original Hockey Mom Brownies Food Truck, The Fabled Rooster, Heavy Metal Grill to name a few. You’ll also be able to wash it all down with a selection of over ten most popular 612Brew beers.
16 bands will perform within the 3-day event, with the headlining band, The Big Wu, preforming on Saturday.
Commemorate your time at the event with Tiger Rose Tattoo, which will have a pop-up tattoo shop located in the brewery doing flash art tattoos both Friday and Saturday.
And don’t worry, you will of course get to see some art. 612Brew is showcasing work from Dogfish Media, Melinda Wolff, Art by Megan Stuart, Wild Poppy Studio, EmLavArt and Paige Hanenburg. Present an “I Bought Art” sticker from a participating Art-A-Whirl artist or gallery and receive $1 off a pint of beer from the taproom.
3. Brew Bauhaus Labs: Liquid Zoo
This 3-day event put on by Brew Bauhaus Labs will feature different themed fun for each day of Art-A-Whirl.
Day 1: Dance party.
Various bands will take the stage throughout the course of the event and kick-off Art-A-Whirl with a gigantic dance party. Some of the most renowned local restaurants (Revival, Parlor Bar and Travail Kitchen) will also serve up some of their signatures dishes in the food tent.
Day 2: All day music and culinary affair.
Join in for an all-day concert featuring local and national talent. Down in the Valley and Northmade Co will be selling items from their collections so you can also do some shopping while you are around. Make sure to pick up a commemorative Liquid Zoo tee/tank from alchemist printing company as they live screen print made-to-order tees. Food trucks Butcher Salt and The Midnord Empanada Truck will make an appearance and Dogwood Coffee Company and Johnny Pops will have coffee and popsicles to help you warm up or cool down depending on your mood.
Day 3: Made by hands arts & crafts extra-vaganza.
This day will be all about the local art. Along with music and food, artists and craftsman will be selling all kinds of art from paintings to jewelry to ceramics. A fun new feature to try out will be an artist designed mini-golf hole from Can Can Wonderland. And if you’re ready for a new tattoo, Seawolf Tattoo Company will have pop up shop.
4. Grumpy’s Northeast Celebration
Grumpy’s Northeast is celebrating their 20th anniversary at Art-a-Whirl with a party headlined by indie-rock superheroes, Superchunk. This will be Superchunk’s first show in Minneapolis since 2010. There will be live music all day from 12pm-9:30pm along with showcases featuring local Art-A-Whirl artists. Admission is only $5.
5. Psycho Suzi’s: Art-thou-luau 2018
We have one word that will get you to join in on this event: PUPPIES! On Saturday May 19th, Psycho Suzi’s will feature its 6th annual Puppy Pageant. More puppies will be on hand for you to cuddle and take endless selfies with. More fun can be had dancing along to live music and with the build your own Bloody Mary bar. All of this taking place in a climate controlled tent so you don’t have to worry about the weather. Make sure to check out the after party with Indeed Brewing Company.
6. Social Cider Werks: Artefacts
Looking to do a whole bunch of shopping at Art-A-Whirl? Social Cider Werks will host Minnesota Mobile Market, where various mobile retail shops will be selling local items. Retailers include: Handsome Cycles, Sota Clothing, Paddle North, StyleTrolley, and Mill City Running. For entertainment there will be live chalk art murals, The St. Paul Ballet performing Bella Luna in collaboration with Handsome Cycles as well as other performances, and live music. Social Cider Werks will be featuring local NE artist and craftsman and Red River Food Truck will be on hand to serve some delicious award-winning food. All of this takes place on Saturday May 19th.
