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Uptown Art Fair 2026

📅 08/09/2026

“2026 Uptown Art Fair logo with colorful artistic design”
“The official 2026 Uptown Art Fair logo, representing a celebration of artists, community, and creativity.”https://www.zapplication.org/participating-events.php

GENERAL INFORMATION

Uptown Art Fair 2026 Artist Prospectus

After more than 60 years as one of the nation’s most celebrated art festivals, the Uptown Art Fair returns to Uptown Minneapolis in 2026—reimagined, revitalized, and ready to welcome artists and audiences back to its iconic home.

Please read this prospectus in its entirety. Artists applying are responsible for all information contained herein. The show reserves the right to refuse any application and rescind an invitation if an artist misrepresents their work.


Event Dates & Schedule
August 7, 8 & 9, 2026
Friday: Artist Setup in AM 1:00 PM- 7:00 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Sunday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Location: Uptown Minneapolis

Event Overview
The Uptown Art Fair is a juried fine art festival showcasing approximately 300 gallery-quality artists from across the country. The event is designed to elevate artist visibility, maximize engagement, and create a vibrant, high-energy experience for both artists and attendees.
In addition to exceptional fine art, the festival features:

  • Live art demonstrations
  • Music and performance programming
  • Family-friendly activities
  • Curated food truck experiences

Safety is a top priority, with professional on-site management and 24-hour security throughout the event.


Attendance
Estimated attendance for the 2026 Uptown Art Fair is 200,000 visitors over the two-day event.


Mission
The Uptown Art Fair exists to:

  • Bring high-quality art directly to the public
  • Provide a strong sales platform for artists
  • Drive visitors and economic activity to Uptown Minneapolis

As the primary fundraiser for the Uptown Association, the event supports:

  • Neighborhood marketing and promotions
  • Community clean-up efforts
  • Educational programming
  • Grants and local partnerships
  • Ongoing neighborhood revitalization initiatives

Fees
Application Fee: $35 (non-refundable, per media)
Booth Fees:

  • Standard Booth: $475
  • Corner Booth (Premium): $575
  • Double Booth: $950
  • Double Corner Booth: $1,150

Early Bird Incentive:
Register by April 15, 2026 and receive $50 off booth fees



 

RULES/REGULATIONS

Exhibiting Requirements

All exhibiting and collaborating artists (defined as “Artist Partner” on ZAPP™) are required to be present for the entire duration of the 2026 Uptown Art Fair, including all show hours. Representatives may not attend in place of the artist. Photo identification may be required to ensure compliance.
At least 33% of all two-dimensional work displayed must be original. Artists must clearly define any reproductions or limited editions within their artist statement and appropriately label such works. The sale of postcards, note cards, posters, mouse pads, or other offset reproductions is not permitted.
Exhibiting artists are strongly encouraged to display an artist statement in a visible location within their booth, describing their process, materials, and body of work.
All work exhibited must be consistent with the images submitted during the jury process and of comparable quality. Work that does not meet these standards must be removed or stored upon request by event staff.
Artists may only exhibit and sell work within the media category for which they were accepted.
Artists may not exhibit in other fairs, exhibitions, or events within Minneapolis that take place during the same dates as the 2026 Uptown Art Fair.
Artists are solely responsible for the insurance, security, and protection of their work, display materials, and personal property. The Uptown Association is not responsible for loss, theft, or damage.
All work must be for sale. Artists retain 100% of their sales and are responsible for the collection and reporting of all applicable sales taxes.


 

BOOTH INFORMATION

 Individual booth assignments are made to create an appealing mix of media. Assignments are at the sole discretion of the Uptown Art Fair and are not interchangeable or transferable. Each artist is assigned a single 10 x 10 space. A double space is 10 x 20. Priority for booth assignments is given to previous years Best of Show winners. Booths not assigned to re-invited artists are assigned first-come, first-served, based on when fees are received. Artists will not be assigned a space until completed contract materials are received via ema

 

REFUND POLICY

Refunds & Cancellations
All cancellation requests must be submitted in writing via email.
May 31, 2026 – Deadline for cancellation with full refund. Written notice required (email accepted).
June 15, 2026 – Exhibit space assignments released. Deadline for cancellation with 50% refund.
July 1, 2026 – Deadline for cancellation with 25% refund.
Please note: No refunds will be issued after July 1, 2026.

 

JURY DETAILS

Average number of applications submitted each year:
850
Average number of artists selected from the jury to participate in the event:
300
Average number of exempt from jury artists who are invited to participate in the event:
0
How images are viewed by jurors:
Computer monitor
Within a medium category, applications are sorted and viewed by:
Application Received (date the application was submitted)
Jurors score applications using the following scale:
1 – 7
Comments for Scoring System.
1 representing the lowest score and 7 representing the highest. Applications are evaluated based on artistic quality, originality, technical execution, and overall presentation. Final scores are averaged across all jurors.
Number of jurors scoring applications:
10
The show organizes the jurors for a:
Single jury panel that scores applications for all medium categories
Comments for Jury Review.
The jury panel includes a mix of arts professionals with diverse backgrounds, including individuals with expertise across multiple mediums. This ensures that applications are evaluated for both technical excellence and overall artistic impact.
Jurors score
Separately from various locations
Am I allowed to observe the jury process?
Jury process is closed