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Best Upcoming Art Festivals In Minnesota

As the spring season stirs our urge to get out of doors and explore, here are the five best upcoming art festivals in Minnesota. For more information, see last spring's art festivals at Best Upcoming Spring Art Festivals Or Events In Minnesota.

Photo Credit: Saint Paul Art Crawl

Tea and Treasures
Hopkins Center for the Arts
1111 Mainstreet
Hopkins, MN 55343
(952) 979-1101
www.hopkinsartscenter.com/tea-treasures

Date: Sat. Feb. 8, 2014

Well-timed for Valentine's Day shopping, plan on this wonderful new event. Gold, silver, copper and semi-precious stone made up as classy hand-crafted earrings, necklaces, rings and bracelets will be on display. One-of-kind purses, scarves and seasonal accessories made by local artists will enchant you or your special friend this February. Entry to the jewelry show is free. Also note, the Friends of the Hopkins Center for the Arts is hositng an Afternoon Tea that same day at 1 p.m. Chef Phil Velo from the Depot Coffee House is serving gourmet teas and a delightful and delicious array of tea sandwiches, pastries and cakes. Your $25 helps support the Hopkins Center for the Arts. You must call or stop by HCA for advanced tickets for the tea.

Related: Best Haunted Places In Minnesota

Spring Art Crawl 2014
St. Paul, MN
www.stpaulartcrawl.org

Date: April 25-27, 2014

Over 300 superb Saint Paul artists will open the doors of their studios and galleries to exhibit and sell original artwork at 24 locations throughout the city. Many of the buildings in Lowertown are within walking distance of one another near the St. Paul Farmers' Market and Union Depot, which has over 1,100 parking spots. Some are further west along University and Grand Avenues. The website will contain a catalog map and a list of buildings, as well as a list of special events and musical performances. This spring marks the 21st year of this biennial event.

Spring Festival, An Arts & Crafts Affair
Canterbury Park
1100 Canterbury Road
Shakopee, MN 55379
(952) 445-7223
www.hpifestivals.com

Date: March 28-30, 2014

Canterbury Park features 500 of the nation's top juried artists and crafters. The show features exhibitors specializing in traditional and contemporary art and handcrafted wares. Show organizers Huffman Enterprises touts this show as being top ranked for 31 years. The show is geared to promote a festive atmosphere with tents for each vendor, stage entertainment and hourly gift certificate drawings.

Festival of Nations
St. Paul RiverCentre
175 W. Kellogg Blvd.
St. Paul, MN 55102
(651) 647-0191
www.facebook.com/FestivalofNationsSaintPaulMN

Date: May 1-4, 2014

See 26 folk artisans demonstrate original crafts of their heritage. Enjoy food from croissants to lefse or bratwurst to gyros from 35 cafes featuring food from around the world. Since 1932, the Festival of Nations has featured food, dance, ethnic art and imported gifts from 47 countries, making this one of the largest multi-cultural events in the United States. Purchase a passport to 41 cultural exhibits. See more than 100 dancers and musicians in joyful costumes performing continuously throughout the festival on three stages. Check out the many opportunities to volunteer and help make this cultural showcase dedicated to illuminating the richness of our cultural heritage another success. Volunteers are encouraged to wear their ethnic costumes.

Rivertown Art Festival
North Lowell Park
Myrtle St. E.
Stillwater, MN 55082
(651) 439-4001
www.greaterstillwaterchamber.com

Date: May, 2014

Fine and fun go together at Stillwater's 37th annual Rivertown Art Festival. The finest of drawings, paintings, photography, fiber, paper, wood, ceramics and glass await the effete art aficionado. Fun seekers will enjoy the marketplace, which has been "booming with artists and increasing over the years," according to Greater Stillwater Chamber Event Manager Dolly Parker. "Shoppers will love a variety of handmade items and foods like wine jelly, homemade tortilla chips, spices, salsas, candles and body lotions, just to name a few."

Street Faire at the Lakes
Washington Ave.
Detroit Lakes, MN 56501
(218) 844-4221
www.dlstreetfaire.com

Date: May 30-31, 2014

Juried arts, creative crafts, fun food, and a beer garden await you in Detroit Lakes. See amazing art from more than 125 of the best artists from across the country. Breathe in the sound of live music, the aroma of brats and burgers and the ambience of a festive spring atmosphere. Stay for the Street Dance Friday night from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m.

Related: Best Twin Cities Summer Art Exhibits And Events

Robin Johnson was born in Annandale, Minn. and graduated from Richfield High School and then the University of Minnesota where he studied Political Science, Business and Industrial Relations. A writer for Examiner.com, he also consults with a variety of organizations and individuals helping them develop and grow. His work can be found at Examiner.com.

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