This week’s shopping highlights include…
I Like You returns to the State Fair this weekend.
HAPPENING NOW:
Idun Summer Sale: Save 40% on select pieces from spring and summer collections at Cathedral Hill high-end women's wear boutique, Idun. In store and online; no code needed. @ 495 Selby Ave, St Paul, shopidun.com
TUESDAY, 8/22:
The Nicollet xChange: Presented by Global Fashion Exchange, LUUM Collective and Downtown Improvement District, this weekly outdoor pop-up gives downtowners the chance to swap quality and quirky items in a marketplace setting. Each month will have a different theme as well as demos featuring a local artist, maker or expert to share skills like how to mend holes in clothing or tips to keep house plants thriving. Tuesdays 11:30am–2pm through 8/29 @ US Bancorp Center, 800 Nicollet Ave, Minneapolis, globalfashionxchange.org/gfxmsp
NE Farmers Market After Dark: The Northeast Farmers Market is back with its monthly night market at Bauhaus Brew Labs. Shop handmade goods from local makers and produce from local farmers, plus enjoy live music and sip on Bauhaus’s seasonal craft brews while you shop. Tuesday 6–9pm plus every 4th Tuesday through 10/24 @ Bauhaus Brew Labs, 1315 Tyler St NE, Minneapolis, @ne_fm
BEGINS THURSDAY, 8/24:
Shopping at the Minnesota State Fair: The Minnesota State Fair is better known for its food offerings than for its shopping—but it’s also a great place to pick up some locally made goods by homegrown brands and makers. From long-established heritage brands to new makers, there’s something for everyone. New vendors include Always Northern Permanent Jewelry, while returning favorites include Create Laser Art’s laser-etched goods, Essence One aromatherapy, Faribault Woolen Mill throws and accessories, I Like You’s quirky MN-themed gifts, and globally sourced goods from Midtown Global Market. The Textile Center will also have an exhibition on display and pop-up fiber art demos in the Creative Activities Building. Open 9am–9pm daily from Thursday to 9/4 @ Minnesota State Fairgrounds, 1265 Snelling Ave N, St Paul, mnstatefair.org
FRIDAY, 8/25 & SATURDAY, 8/26:
A&K Vintage Garage Sale: Local vintage brand A&K Vintage is having a garage sale. Most items will be vintage clothing, accessories and home goods, priced to move. Other items include modern clothing, shoes and accessories, art materials, housewares, books, toys and more. Cash, Card and Venmo accepted. Friday & Saturday 9am–3pm @ 1406 Palace Ave, St Paul, facebook.com
FRIDAY, 8/25–SUNDAY, 8/27:
Bro Bros Closet Back to School Sale: Vintage and streetwear clothing shop Bro Bros Closet is hosting a back-to-school sale this weekiend. Save 20% all clothing, in store only. Friday–Sunday @ Bro Bros Closet, 118 E 26th St #101, Minneapolis, @brobroscloset
SATURDAY, 8/26:
Mill City Farmers Market: A mainstay since 2006, the Mill City Farmers Market has moved outdoors for the summer season every Saturday through October. Each event features 50+ local farmers, food makers and artisans with a goal of building a local, sustainable and organic food economy. Saturday 8am–1pm @ Mill City Museum, 704 S 2nd St, Minneapolis, millcityfarmersmarket.org
NE Farmers Market: The NE Farmers Market is back outdoors for the season. Head to the St. Boniface Church parking lot every Saturday through October 14, rain or shine, for specialty foods, baked goods, beverages, fresh produce, and handmade goods. Saturday 9am–1pm @ 629 NE 2nd St NE, Minneapolis, northeastfarmersmarket.com
Excelsior Flea Market: Back for its 22nd year, the weekly Excelsior Flea Market is a great excuse to take a day trip out to the charming Lake Minnetonka–bordering town’s historic downtown. Expect handcrafted soaps, jewelry, macramé decor, home goods and more from new and returning vendors, plus food and more. Saturdays 9am–3pm weekly through September @ 10 Water St, Excelsior, facebook.com/ExcelsiorFleaMarket
Inventory Clean Out Driveway Sale: Vintage dealers Against the Grain Reclaim and Illy Willy, along with local macramé and jewelry maker Tamilee Merch, are hosting an inventory clean-out driveway sale. Expect vintage home decor and knick knacks, smaller vintage furniture pieces, vintage clothing, macramé and jewelry. Saturday 10am–6pm @ 5621 34th Ave N, Crystal, @againstthegrainreclaim
ArtJuice presents Gaia Market: Local queer artist ArtJuice presents a makers and artist market for nature lovers. Shop goods and art by seven artists with goods including jewelry, plants, crystals, prints, original art and more, plus live music. Saturday 10am–3pm @ Caydence Coffee + Records, 900 Payne Ave S, St Paul, @artjuice_
LAB Mpls Shop Small Series: In an effort to support small local businesses, LAB Mpls is presenting a series events at local shops around the Twin Cities. This month's host shop is Jenny in the City, and includes DIY activities from LAB, plus sips, snacks and shopping. Saturday 10am–noon @ Jenny in the City, 4504 France Ave S, Minneapolis, labmpls.com
Celebrate Little Mekong: XIA Gallery & Cafe and Springboard for the Arts are collaborating with the organizations and businesses in Little Mekong Cultural District to celebrate the economic and cultural richness in our communities. Walk along the street of University Ave W in St. Paul and visit the restaurants and shops in Little Mekong. Visit Springboard and XIA Gallery & Cafe for the main events, including an arts and crafts fair, live performances, children’s book reading, spoken word performances, community mural painting and more. Saturday 11am–6pm @ Springboard for the Arts, 262 University Ave W, St Paul, xiagallerycafe.com
Market Collective MN Makers Market: The maker collective pops up indoors at Modist Brewing with a mix of unique goods from a group of local vendors. Find items like candles, skincare, jewelry, original art, prints and more, and sip craft beer while you shop. Saturday noon–6pm @ Modist Brewing, 505 N 3rd St, Minneapolis, @marketcollectivemn
Wild Vintage August Market: Close out summer with Wild Things Antiques during their monthly Wild Vintage Market. Held outside of The Clapping Monkey House of Coffee, it features pop-ups from local vintage home goods vendors as well as the latest finds from the 50+ vendors of the Wild Things Collective and Wild Things Antiques, plus food trucks and music. Saturday noon–4pm @ Clapping Monkey, 7274 Commerce Cir E, Fridley, wildthingsarehere.com
Nine Keys Summer Market: Queer + woman-owned metaphysical shop and salon, Nine Keys, is hosting a summer market. Local vendors will be selling feather goods, jewelry, art and more, plus offering card readings. Saturday 4–8pm @ Nine Keys Salon + Metaphysical, 4549 Bloomington Ave, Minneapolis, @ninekeysmpls
SATURDAY, 8/26 & SUNDAY, 8/27:
Stillwater Flea Market: Held the last weekend each month on the Washington County Fairgrounds, the outdoor Stillwater Flea Market features more than 100 crafters, vendors, food trucks, music and more. Saturday & Sunday 9am–3pm both days @ Washington County Fairgrounds, 12300 40th St N, Stillwater, facebook.com/stillwaterfleamarket
We the Starborne Back Alley Sale: St. Paul shop We the Starborne, which sells specially sourced crystals, handmade sacred tools, plant medicine and more, celebrates the third year of their open-air makers markets this weekend. This month’s vendor goods includes aromatherapy, house plants, handmade jewelry, upcycled vintage clothing, body care and more, plus a tarot and crystals swap and mini feng shui readings. The market will return once a month through October. Saturday & Sunday noon–5pm @ We the Starborne, 593 Hamline Ave N, St Paul, @we.the.starborne
Hello Fall Makers Festival: Local maker Crunchy Soap + Home presents a special makers market featuring all-handcrafted goods from more than 25 local makers, spanning basket weaving, pottery, carpentry, wood carved goods, textiles, folk art and more. Plus, enjoy a drink or food on the deck or inside before or after you shop. Saturday & Sunday noon–5pm each day @ American Legion, 263 3rd St N, Bayport, @crunchysoap_home
SUNDAY, 8/27:
Linden Hills Farmers Market: The Linden Hills Farmers Market is back with its outdoor market and a great group of vendors, including crowd favorites from last year and new startups we know you're going to love. Come for lunch, support your local growers and makers and enjoy live music. Find them in the parking lot of Settergrens of Linden Hills every Sunday, rain or shine. Sundays 10am–1pm @ Settergrens, 2813 W 43rd St, Minneapolis, farmersmarketsofmpls.org
Babes & Brunch: Make Your Own Floral Arrangement: Larissa Loden jewelry hosts a workshop instructed by Emmy Ross of Alta Events Co to help you create a stunning petite floral arrangement. No experience required; this is a beginner-friendly workshop for ages 18+. Tickets include all materials needed, breakfast treats and a complimentary alcoholic or NA beverage. The store will also be open for shopping after the event. Sunday 10am–noon @ Larissa Loden Jewelry, 2032 Marshall Ave, St Paul, $75 @ eventbrite.com
Under Fire Hangout Vintage Pop-up Event: St. Paul vintage shop Under Fire Hideout is hosting a pop-up event with special guest Bling by Bianca offering customized tooth gems, Honeymoon Coffee's coffee and lemonade bar, a pop-up from vintage clothing seller Making of Urban Thrift, plus fellow vintage shops Sustainability Freaks and Grandpa's Closet (#105) will be open down the hall. Sunday 11am–6pm @ Urban Fire Hideout, 2147 University Ave W #100, St Paul, @underfirehangout
Minneapolis Vintage Market - August: Minneapolis Vintage Market returns to the Utepils Brewing parking lot for its August edition. Find Minnesota's best vintage clothing, accessories and home goods vendors all in one spot. Plus, there will be coffee and a live DJ to enjoy while you shop, and easy on-site parking. Sunday noon–4pm ($10 early-bird from 11am–noon) @ Sociable Cider Werks, 1500 Fillmore St NE, Minneapolis, mplsvintagemarket.com
UPCOMING:
September 11: Luxe Streetwear: Soul Train: Local fashion designer Keiona Cook of Qe’bella Couture returns with her semi-annual fashion show benefiting her nonprofit, Lovely’s Sewing. This fall’s theme is “Soul Train,” so expect retro-futuristic, disco-fied looks from a group of six local fashion Labels. Designers include QeBella Couture, Zagaza by Arianne Zager, Renaissance Access, Flavor World, Corazon and Lesley Helen Couture, plus a segment featuring kids' designs from Lovely's Sewing. Monday 9/11 from 7–10pm @ Mosaic Venue, 817 S 5th Ave #300, Minneapolis, Tickets $30–$150 @ eventbrite.com
September 14: MAN DOWN Menswear Fashion Show: Produced by Fashion Week MN producer Gayle Smaller, Jr, this new fashion show concept celebrates menswear in the Twin Cities as a vehicle to bring awareness to male mental health. MAN DOWN will spotlight designer's menswear collections from Venci, Anyse Fashion , Black Beauty 6, Creek, Jordan Carpenter Fashion and msp6ft as well as male and masc presenting models. It will be preceded by a pop-up shop and resource fair. Thursday, 9/14 from 5–9pm, 6:15pm show @ The Luminare, 770 SE 9th St, Minneapolis. Tickets $30 @ eventbrite.com
September 17: EVOLVE Fall 2023: Despite Fashion Week MN taking a hiatus from a fall season (with plans to return in April 2024), its finale event EVOLVE is returning for a fall showing. Produced by local boutique The Fitting Room owner Kimberly Jurek-Valanzasca, the semi-annual event features all local designers and their capsule collections from ready-to-wear to couture. All collections as well as designers’ current collections will be immediately available for purchase after the show. Sunday, 9/17 from 1–6pm @ American Swedish Institute, 2600 Park Ave, Minneapolis. Tickets $65–$95 @ eventbrite.com
September 20: All Black Attire Party: Richard Moody of IAmMoody has been producing fashion shows in the Twin Cities for 30 years, always with an emphasis on luxury fashions and dynamic runway presentations. He’s back with his 6th annual All Black Attire party at MartinPatrick3. The runway show will highlight fall collections from the iconic North Loop luxury retailer. Attendees are asked to play up the theme by coming dressed in your favorite black attire. The free, unticketed show will take place in the alley alongside the store and will be a first-come, first-served event, so make sure you get there early. Wednesday 5–8pm @ MartinPatrick3, 212 3rd Ave N #106, Minneapolis, @martinpatrick3
September 22–29: Black Fashion Week MN: The semi-annual event returns with a fresh lineup of events to celebrate fall fashion and style from local, Black-owned businesses. Select tickets now available; stay tuned to their Eventbrite for tickets as they become available @ eventbrite.com
September 23: Avant Garden 2023: The party of the year is returning this September 23. This year’s artful benefit welcomes guests indoors for a night of dancing, dining, cocktails, and more high-style happenings amongst the artful backdrops within the iconic museum. Attendees will be able to bid on our premier art auction and dance the night away during the After Party with DJ sets from headliner Vagabon and local DJs Tricky Miki and Dub Minus. Most importantly: Ticket sales help sustain the Walker’s mission to make its galleries accessible to all. Saturday, 9/23, 5pm dinner, 8:30pm after party @ Walker Art Center, 725 Vineland Pl, Minneapolis. Tickets start at $150 @ wlkr.art/AG23
September 24: Ooh Lá L'Alliance: The Alliance Française Mpls/St Paul will host its 6th Annual Fall Fashion Fundraiser. It includes a runway show featuring fall looks from local brands and shops plus a silent auction and pop-up boutiques! Sunday, 9/24, 10am–12pm, location & ticket details TBA, afmsp.org
October 6: Fashionopolis: Mpls.St.Paul Magazine’s annual fall fashion show returns to the Four Seasons Minneapolis hotel. The event features a runway show produced and styled by Grant Whittaker, and also features food, cocktails, music, interactive experiences and a 360-degree photobooth. Friday, 10/6, 5:30–10pm @ Four Seasons Hotel, 245 Hennepin Ave, Minneapolis. Tickets $75+ @ mspmag.com
October 26: Joynoelle Fall Runway Presentation: The veteran local fashion designer is back with her first fashion show since before the pandemic. Inspired by the beauty and sadness of our oceans, the new collection focuses on the textures and colors of coral reefs and the creatures that call them home and will be shown in a runway show. Thursday, 10/26 at 7pm @ Minneapolis Club, 729 2nd Ave S, Minneapolis, Tickets $50 @ joynoelle.com