Noise Night at True North Studios x Curioso Coffee
Join True North Studio X Curioso Coffee Bar will be hosting a monthly Noise Night on the 3rd Thursday of the month with different musicians.
AApril 16 features Steve Solkela, a one‑man band and Minnesota funny man who was born to be on stage. He’s a comedian, musician, and stuntman who studied music at Rowan University in New Jersey, where he starred in several operas and left a lasting mark with his wild, goofy antics.
Community Pinata Workshop
This spring, our neighborhood will host a series of free, hands‑on community piñata‑building sessions where anyone can drop in, learn new skills, share their own, and help craft vibrant piñatas as a group.
The final event is a big Community Piñata Party, where everyone is invited to celebrate, connect, and break open the piñatas we made together. Both events are free and open to all ages, all skill levels, and all community members.
Spring Lines! Poetry workshops
Spring Lines! Poetry Workshops
Come celebrate National Poetry Month at Northeast Library off Central Ave in April! Spring Lines is a series of free, in-person community poetry workshops open to members of the public. These workshops are hosted by author and teaching artist Lara Mimosa Montes.
18+ are welcome. RSVP required. No experience needed.
For more info, contact: Lara, mplswritingworkshops@gmail.com
Dates: Saturday April 18, 2026
Time: 10 a.m. - Noon
Location: Northeast Library. 2200 Central Avenue Northeast, Minneapolis, MN, 55418
RSVP required. Email: mplswritingworkshops@gmail.com
Arena Dances Spring Show 2026
ARENA DANCES will premiere four new works by Wynn Fricke, Wendell Gray II, Shane Larson, and Assaf Salhov. These pieces will be performed by ARENA DANCES’ powerful repertory company as part of their 30th anniversary season.
Rooted in teamwork, bravery, and the power of dance, this program brings together a strong group of dancers—Nieya Amezquita, Alex Arce, Non Edwards, Sarah McCullough, and Jake Nehrbass. They will perform an evening of brand‑new works created by four choreographers whose voices represent different ages, places, and artistic styles.
Pride Cultural Art Center Artists in Residency exhibition
Come celebrate creativity, connection, and the start of an exciting new season of art at the Pride Cultural Arts Center.
The opening celebration of PCAC’s newest Artist in Residence cohort welcomes four incredible artists into the next chapter of their creative journeys. This shared exhibition marks the start of their residency and gives visitors the first chance to see their work together in one space.
Throughout the evening, guests can explore each artist’s unique ideas, materials, and stories, and even meet the artists in person. The exhibition shows the wide range of voices and creative styles that shape our community and sets the foundation for the work they will create during their residency.
Z Puppets Indigenous Short Film Festival
Join Z Puppets for their Indigenous Short Film Festival on April 25
Local Indigenous artists will be presenting family-friendly short videos featuring animation, puppetry, comedy and drama. Each screening is free to attend, will be 45 minutes long, and is served popcorn! Recommended for ages 6-adults. Space is limited, arrive up to 30 minutes early to get a seat.
Sacred Earth Performance Only
Ragamala Dance Company’s signature work, Sacred Earth is a powerful, hour-long journey of movement and music that celebrates the beauty and vitality of the natural world. Performed as a continuous arc of high-energy dance and evocative poetry, the work unfolds like a living ritual.
Super Spooncarving Saturday at the Center for People and Craft
Super Spooncarving Saturday at the Center for People and Craft (CPC)
Join CPC on May 2 for a day of spooncarving, knowledge-sharing, and community. Whether you’re brand new or already carving, come spend the day with fresh green wood, shared skills, and good people.
Choose a donation amount that works for you, starting at $20. All proceeds go directly toward buying carving tools for the Center, helping build a shared resource that everyone can learn from and use. Every registration includes the same access to the event, no matter how much you give.
True North Studio X Curioso Coffee Bar – Spring into Uptown May 2
True North Studio X Curioso Coffee Bar are teaming up for a day full of hands‑on activities, creativity, and community connection. This fun, festive event has something for all ages, with interactive stations and special guests throughout the day.
True North Studio is also partnering with nearby businesses to keep the celebration going. Queermunity will host a community seed and plant swap while Shop My Closet will welcome visitors for a spring clothing swap.
Sacred Earth Dinner and Performace
Ragamala Dance Company’s signature work, Sacred Earth is a powerful, hour-long journey of movement and music that celebrates the beauty and vitality of the natural world. Performed as a continuous arc of high-energy dance and evocative poetry, the work unfolds like a living ritual.
Mime Workshop at Strange Loop Projects on May 16
Mime Workshop with Myron Johnson at Strange Loop Projects on May 16
Step into the world of physical storytelling in this hands‑on mime workshop led by well‑known choreographer and theater‑maker Myron Johnson. Rooted in classical mime techniques and shaped by modern performance styles, this workshop invites participants to explore how the body alone can create entire worlds.
Community Piñata Party
Community Piñata Party, with snacks provided by Sister's Camelot!
Piñatas have a special way of bringing people together—colorful, creative, and full of joy. This spring, our neighborhood will host a series a free, final event is a lively Community Piñata Party, where everyone is welcome to come celebrate, connect, and break open the piñatas we’ve created together.
Event is free welcoming all ages, all skill levels, and all community members.
Roho Collective presents Art Heals : Spirits & Soul
Roho Collective presents Art Heals : Spirits & Soul
Opening the event will be a short grounding Sound Bath with Dorothy-Inez Deltufo, aka the "Queen of Shine." Jewel Jones a certified herbalist, naturopathic doctor, and founder of Alkaline Academy will be providing free herbal mixes for you to take home and herbal tea will be served throughout the afternoon.
Art Heals creates intentional spaces for community healing and connection through the power of art. We invite the community to participate in a collaborative, large-scale art installation designed to explore the intersections of identity, faith, and heritage. Led by artist and educator Christopheraaron Deanes, this project uses the metaphor of a puzzle to illustrate how individual experiences contribute to a unified national narrative.
Spring Lines! Poetry workshops
Spring Lines! Poetry Workshops
Come celebrate National Poetry Month at Northeast Library off Central Ave in April! Spring Lines is a series of free, in-person community poetry workshops open to members of the public. These workshops are hosted by author and teaching artist Lara Mimosa Montes.
18+ are welcome. RSVP required. No experience needed.
For more info, contact: Lara, mplswritingworkshops@gmail.com
Dates: Saturdays, April 11 & April 18, 2026
Time: 10 a.m. - Noon
Location: Northeast Library. 2200 Central Avenue Northeast, Minneapolis, MN, 55418
RSVP required. Email: mplswritingworkshops@gmail.com
Flavor World Art Share
Join Vibrant Storefront awardee, Flavor World for an afternoon of creativity, connection, and community at the Flavor World Art Share! A relaxed, show-and-tell style gathering where artists of all mediums are invited to share their work.
Whether you’re sharing a work in progress or a finished piece, this is a welcoming space to be seen and heard. There will be N/A beverages and snacks served. All people, all skill levels, and all mediums of art are welcome. Come hang out, discover and support local talent, and maybe even share something of your own!
Spring Lines! Poetry workshops
Spring Lines! Poetry Workshops
Come celebrate National Poetry Month at Northeast Library off Central Ave in April! Spring Lines is a series of free, in-person community poetry workshops open to members of the public. These workshops are hosted by author and teaching artist Lara Mimosa Montes.
18+ are welcome. RSVP required. No experience needed.
For more info, contact: Lara, mplswritingworkshops@gmail.com
Dates: Saturdays, April 4, April 11 & April 18, 2026
Time: 10 a.m. - Noon
Location: Northeast Library. 2200 Central Avenue Northeast, Minneapolis, MN, 55418
RSVP required. Email: mplswritingworkshops@gmail.com
Xavier Tavera Artist Talk at Cruise
Xavier Tavera artist talk at Cruise, a new Vibrant Storefront art gallery in Uptown this Thursday, April 2
Join artist Xavier Tavera and curator Matthew Schum for a focused conversation in conjunction with Tavera's exhibition Unsettled, a meditation on land, energy, and trauma. The talk will unpack where the city goes following recent events in Minneapolis and Tavera’s artistic process, including documenting the local response to the federal surge in the Twin Cities.
This forum is free and open to the public; space is limited and will conclude with an audience discussion and Q&A session
Poet-O-Rama: Humor is Resistance. Joy is Rebellion.
Poet-O-Rama: Humor is Resistance. Joy is Rebellion.
At Strange Loop Laboratory, fourteen bold storytellers take the stage for an evening of poetry, humor, and unfiltered truth. This community gathering doubles as a fundraiser for the Immigrant Law Center of Minnesota and the Las Amigas Program, supporting individuals and families affected by ICE enforcement.
Grainline Grand Opening
Join the grand opening of Grainline, a new retail and workroom space dedicated to artisanal design, intentional craftsmanship, and independent creative practice located in Loring Park.
Grainline will feature a curated collections of garments and objects made by designers and makers within our city as well as around the world. Each piece reflects a commitment to material integrity, small batch production, and thoughtful construction.
Skntones open studio featuring Emilaysia
The Skntones studio will be open for one afternoon for a daytime creative session featuring Minneapolis artist Emilaysia, founder of Kodebymone. Emilaysia will be featured through a showroom-style showcase of her custom 1-of-1 garments, alongside a live art experience where guests can witness the creative process in motion. The event offers a rare opportunity to experience the craftsmanship and ideas behind Kodebymone up close while stepping inside the Skntones creative space.
The Native Joy Play Festival: A Celebration of Indigenous Creativity and Community March 27
The Native Joy Play Festival: A Celebration of Indigenous Creativity and Community
A two-day, community-centered celebration of contemporary Indigenous storytelling and performance, taking place at the Minneapolis American Indian Center.
This public festival uplifts Native joy, humor, resilience, and creative brilliance by presenting new short plays by Indigenous playwrights and staging them with Indigenous and BIPOC actors.
The Native Joy Play Festival: A Celebration of Indigenous Creativity and Community March 28
The Native Joy Play Festival: A Celebration of Indigenous Creativity and Community
A two-day, community-centered celebration of contemporary Indigenous storytelling and performance, taking place at the Minneapolis American Indian Center.
This public festival uplifts Native joy, humor, resilience, and creative brilliance by presenting new short plays by Indigenous playwrights and staging them with Indigenous and BIPOC actors.
Second annual artist exhibition at BBE HQ
Returning to downtown Minneapolis, this immersive experience transforms the BBE Headquarters into a community-centered gallery. We celebrate the voices of local and BIPOC artists who redefine our shared urban spaces.
The 2nd Annual Katherine Dunham Dance Workshop
A Legacy of Movement & Culture
Katherine Mary Dunham was an American dancer, choreographer, anthropologist, and social activist. One of the most renowned modern dance artists of the 20th century, she has been called the “matriarch and queen mother of black dance.”
Katherine Dunham (1909–2006) is revered as one of the great pillars of American dance history. Her world-renowned modern dance company exposed audiences to the diversity of dance, and her schools brought dance training and education to a variety of populations sharing her passion and commitment to dance as a medium of cultural communication.
Workshop Schedule
Dates: March 25 – 29, 2026
Location: Lundstrum Performing Arts, 1617 North 2nd Street, Minneapolis, MN, 55411
All classes are $15 or pay what you can
Visit to register: https://lundstrum.org/classes/katherine-dunham-workshop
Grand opening of Evergreen Studios
Grand opening of Evergreen Studios on March 19
This is your chance to be part of our official launch and celebrate this milestone with the community. At Evergreen Studios, we will encourage public participation by offering access to professional grade creative tools and performance spaces through free or low-cost events. Future programming will invite the public to participate as both audience and collaborators through youth showcases, open mics, panel discussions, and live performances.
Art + connection - Stained Mosaic Coasters workshop
Art + connection - Stained Mosaic workshop
Class will be inside the classroom of the coop.
Learn step-by-step techniques to cut and assemble glass pieces into a pair of mosaic coasters. All materials are included – and you’ll take your finished coasters home!
Come create, connect, and celebrate community through art!
Date: Saturday, March 14
Time: 4:30 - 7:30 p.m.
Location: Seward Coop - Friendship store - Classroom 1317 E 38th St, Minneapolis, MN 55409
Cost: Free to attend
Loverroot
Loverroot is a symbolic exploration of movement in forms of protest and revolution, transcending the sacred and profane. The performance is a kaleidoscope of live performance, multimedia/technology, poetry/text/spoken word, live rhythmic scores, and visual- digital art to amplify experimentation using Black popular culture.
Open call for indigenous filmmakers
OPEN CALL FOR FILMMAKERS - Twin Cities Indigenous Short Film Festival
Z Puppets is inviting Indigenous filmmakers living in the Twin Cities to submit short, family-friendly films for 2 free screening events!
Minnesota Moves: American College Dance Association welcome performance
The University of Minnesota (UMN) Dance Program and Northrop welcome their communities from across Minnesota, as well as college and university dance programs throughout the region, to Minnesota Moves, a showcase of dance artists who make their artistic home in the Twin Cities. The performance pulses with currents of community and social justice.
Wild Women of Winter
Celebrate International Women's Day with the closing exhibit of Wild Women of Winter at Vibrant Storefront, True North Studio X Curioso Coffee Bar in uptown from 11-1pm.
View the works of 6 different local artists and also participate in their monthly Creation Station and paint a Monarch Butterfly to be displayed in their window for the month of March.
Flavor World Art Share
Join Vibrant Storefront awardee, Flavor World for an afternoon of creativity, connection, and community at the Flavor World Art Share! A relaxed, show-and-tell style gathering where artists of all mediums are invited to share their work.
Whether you’re sharing a work in progress or a finished piece, this is a welcoming space to be seen and heard. There will be N/A beverages and snacks served. All people, all skill levels, and all mediums of art are welcome. Come hang out, discover and support local talent, and maybe even share something of your own!
zero, 1, effect, f(x) Residency Showing
zero, 1, effect, f(x) Residency Showing on March 1, concept and scores by Emily Gastineau with residency collaborators: Snem DeSellier, Juliet Irving, May Klug, José A. Luis, Marcela Michelle, Benny Olk, Sam Schwemberger.
It's in the air between us: all the unknown knowns. Sightlines are dispersing. Check the forecast for the general mood. Perception is relative but the inner ear is never off. Moisture condenses on the glass, the bulb flickers on and off. Diagram on diagram, erase, rewrite, smear, underline, ricochet, drip. The roots have been uncovered, the thread between if and then is fraying. Does this thing have a name? The chameleon knows it's not a shape but a method, the how not the what. It's getting warmer around the edges. Short short short long long long short short short. The device snaps back into place. Look at the sand, not the wave. Listen for the temperature, not the proof.
Center for People and Craft Cozy Art Night
The Center for People and Craft invite you for A Cozy Night Together—a chance to share a meal catered by local immigrant-owned restaurants, spend time crafting side by side accompanied by live music, and have the opportunity to help plane and finish our new, community-built worktables.
No matter your craft or skill level, bring something to work on or simply your curiosity to learn about the Center.
Modern Day Me presents The Art of Ezra Alyosha
Modern Day Me presents The Art of Ezra Alyosha on Feb 27
The Art of Ezra Alyosha features the evolving visual language of an artist born in Russia and raised in South Minneapolis, shaped by migration, dual identity, and the architecture of two distinct worlds. His work lives at the intersection of memory and environment, blending old-world heritage with Midwestern Street culture to create pieces that feel both intimate and monumental.
Spanning layered collage, expressive aerosol compositions, and commanding large-scale mural works, the exhibition reflects multiple phases of growth and self-definition. Recurring elements—bold typography, city skylines, symbolic color palettes, and textured surfaces—form a consistent visual vocabulary throughout.
More than a collection of artworks, this show documents transformation: geography becoming identity, experience becoming structure, and personal history becoming form.
Minneapolis Arts Commission Monthly Meeting
The Minneapolis Arts Commission advises the City Council and mayor on arts-related issues and was chartered in 1974 with the mission to strengthen the arts and enrich cultural life in Minneapolis. The commission works closely with ACA staff and shares their goal of developing a strong and vital arts community throughout Minneapolis.
MAHARU - Public showing of a work-in-progress
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Join us for a special free public showing of Maharu, a work that is currently being developed by Contempo Physical Dance on February 16.
Maharu, a powerful play written by Kasano Mwanza and reimagined as a vibrant contemporary dance adaptation, is a journey into the heart of Afro-Brazilian and Zambian folklore. By attending this showing, you'll be able to witness the transformation of this play into a dance work and have the opportunity to talk to the artists about their creative processes.
Fresh Baked, a new performance series presented by Strange Loop Projects
Four choreographers. One day. Brand-new work.
Fresh Baked is a new performance series by Strange Loop Projects that challenges choreographers to create performance-ready work within a 24-hour creative window. Four artists receive shared prompts and race the clock to develop original choreography, presented live for an audience that same night.
Mardi Gras pARTy at True North Studio
Join True North Studio for an afternoon of art, music, and festive flair. Enjoy live performances by Space Monkey Mafia & Friends, and immerse yourself in creativity at our ARTrageous Adventures Creation Station, where you can design and decorate your own Mardi Gras mask.
Each guest will receive a festive door prize and have the opportunity to explore our newest exhibition, Wild Women of Winter, featuring the work of six talented local female artists from the Twin Cities. True North Studio is a vibrant “third space” in Uptown, powered by a collective of creative entrepreneurs — Curioso Coffee, ARTrageous Adventures, and Lucent Blue Event + Design.
Art + connection - Jewelry / Earrings making workshop
Art + connection - Jewelry / Earrings making workshop
Class will be inside the classroom of the coop.
Learn to make polymer clay beads and then use jump rings and a variety of beads / findings to assemble earrings or other jewelry.
But this evening is about more than art—it’s about connection. Part of the workshop will include conversation with fellow participants, offering time to reflect, share stories, and build community.
Come create, connect, and celebrate community through art!
Date: Saturday, February 14
Time: 4:30 - 7:00 p.m.
Location: Seward Coop - Friendship store - Classroom 1317 E 38th St, Minneapolis, MN 55409
Cost: Free to attend
Pride Cultural Arts Center celebrates their one-year anniversary on Feb 14
Arts & Cultural Affairs Vibrant Storefront awardee, Pride Cultural Arts Center (PCAC) celebrates their one-year anniversary on Feb 14.
Come to the PCAC this weekend, enjoy a cupcake, donate to or use the food pantry, shop the Rainbow Wardrobe, and be surrounded in community.
Cruise presents “Unsettled”
Vibrant storefront awardee, Cruise announces a new series of photographs by Minneapolis-based artist Xavier Tavera. "Unsettled", looks at recent events through the contentious site of land in Minnesota and landscape photo more broadly.
ZOMA House grand opening on Jan 31
ZOMA House is one of the 2025 Vibrant Storefront awardees and is a new gathering space is for Twin Cities artists and community members.
Join us on January 31 for the grand opening of their doors! Since October, they have been working to develop their programming calendar, and ZOMA House looks forward to sharing their programming and future offerings with all of you.