This week’s local shopping and style highlights includes the kickoff of the Minnesota State Fair, the grand opening of a new vintage shop and more.
Linda Simpson’s The Drag Explosion comes to the Walker this Thursday
New this week:
Now open: Lundeen Jewelry: Local jewelry designer Nick Lundeen has just opened his first storefront. Jewelry is in his blood—his grandfather opened Lowell Lundeen Jewelry in Dinkytown in 1968. Lowell Lundeen became a go-to jewelry store in the area for handmade and one-of-a-kind pieces. Following in his grandfather's footsteps, Nick Lundeen's shop will carry his jewelry designs as well as the work of up to ten other small, independent jewelry designers. Weekly hours: Wednesday–Saturday, 11am–6pm daily @ 512 2nd St SE, Minneapolis, @lundeenjewelry
WEDNESDAY, 8/21:
Mends & Friends at Moth Oddities: Do you have a growing pile of clothes that you love but “just need a little fix” before you can wear them again? Then head to vintage shop Moth Oddities as it hosts Mends & Friends, a casual happy hour for friends to mend together at the shop’s adjoining studio space. Plus, skilled menders will be on-site to assist with repairs. Wednesday 5–8pm @ Moth Studio, 13 5th St NE Minneapolis. Registration $19 @ mothoddities.com
THURSDAY, 8/22:
Sip N Shop Networking Event: North Loop retailer D.NOLO will be joined by jewelry designer Gretchen Ventura for an end-of-season sale and networking event. Sip a cocktail and enjoy a bite while shopping D.NOLO goods at 40% off and Ventura's jewels for all genders at 50% off, plus free styling assistance. Free parking. Thursday 5–8pm @ D.NOLO, 211 3rd Ave N, Minneapolis, @gretchenventurajewelry
Linda Simpson’s The Drag Explosion: Since the 1980s, Linda Simpson has been a fixture of NYC nightlife as a pioneering drag artist, publisher of the revisionary queer magazine My Comrade and photographer documenting the influential downtown queer artist community. Originally from the Twin Cities, Simpson returns to present her behind-the-scenes photography in the one-woman live slideshow The Drag Explosion at the Walker as part of its ongoing Nightlife as Form series. The photos trace the history of the golden era of NYC queer nightlife, activism and iconic artists such as Keith Haring, RuPaul and Willi Ninja (of Paris Is Burning fame). Afterward, join Simpson for a party featuring performances by local queer artists and drag performances. Free. Thursday at 6pm @ Walker Art Center Cinema & Cargill Lounge, 725 Vineland Place, Minneapolis, walkerart.org
DAILY BEGINNING THURSDAY, 8/22:
Minnesota State Fair: Our legendary state fair is best known for its food offerings and livestock, 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. Vendors include Christopher Straub of Project Runway fame (who sells everything from designer duffel bags to children’s books and plush toys), I Like You (quirky MN-themed gifts) and Midtown Global Market’s globally sourced goods. Open 9am–9pm daily through Monday, 9/2 @ Minnesota State Fairgrounds, 1265 Snelling Ave N, St Paul, mnstatefair.org
SATURDAY, 8/24:
Practically Magic Moving Party + Sale: The multi-vendor vintage store is leaving its St. Anthony Park location for the Fulton neighborhood in Minneapolis. They’re closing out their first chapter with a red tag sale on remaining merchandise (happening now through Saturday) and a party on their last day open, Saturday. Saturday 10am–5pm @ 2238 Carter Ave, St Paul, @magicalpractically
Open Streets Lyndale: Uptown isn’t dead after all. (Sorry, Star Tribune.) Despite the city of Minneapolis ending its contract with the nonprofit that organized the Open Streets series, it’s back after all. The city is now partnering with three neighborhood associations to host three events beginning with this Saturday’s Lyndale event. Happenings include a patio party at Hi Flora restaurant with vintage vendors, local makers and a live DJ, and live music from Lone Rock Bride at the vintage shop in the old White Castle building (2pm @ 3252 Lyndale), plus live music, entertainment, food, family activities and pop-up vendors along the street, plus vintage shopping from Lyndale shops including Final Stop Vintage (2431 Lyndale), Clubhouse Market (2441 Lyndale), The Color Blue Vintage (2403 Lyndale) and Lucky Cat Records (2557 Lyndale). Saturday 11am–5pm along Lyndale Ave S from 22nd–36th St, Minneapolis, uptownminneapolis.com
Potty Mouth Market: Local maker Potty Mouth Makery presents a curated lineup of 20 local makers and artists showcasing their latest works for sale, spanning original art, prints, crochet, candles and scents, clothing and more with an emphasis on queer and BIPOC artists. Saturday noon–4pm @ Minneapolis Cider Co, 701 SE 9th St, Minneapolis, @pottymouthmakery
Market Collective MN Makers Market: The maker collective pops up this weekend at Summit Brewing with a mix of unique goods from a group of 13 local makers and artists. Find items like candles, crystals, hand knit goods, ceramics, permanent jewelry, original art, stickers and more, and enjoy craft beer while you shop. Saturday noon–5pm @ Summit Brewing, 910 Montreal Cir, St Paul, @marketcollectivemn
Night Market at Forgotten Star: Forgotten Star Brewing’s summer Night Market is a night of vintage, handmade goods, vinyl, beer, food and more. The more than 30 vendors include vintage from Queen Bee, Rust Buffalo, frockqueen, Dolly's Dreamhouse and more. There will also be vinyl DJ sets from the Ring Toss Twins nd a projection light show, and food from Hodgepodge, Bao Bao Buns and Flamingo’s Ice Cream. Saturday 7–11pm @ Forgotten Star Brewing, 38 Northern Stacks Dr, Fridley, facebook.com
SATURDAY, 8/24 & SUNDAY, 8/25:
Stay Gold Vintage Grand Opening: Local vintage brand Stay Gold Vintage is opening their first storefront this weekend in the Standish neighborhood of Minneapolis. Since 2014, Stay Gold owner Tamrah Ryan has been selling curated vintage clothing, accessories and home goods with an emphasis on mid-century, ‘60s kitsch and ‘70s retro at vintage popups in the Twin Cities and out of her Prospect Park studio. Get a first look at the new store and first dibs on the merch, plus shop permanent vendors Collecting Dust Vintage and Tim Engle, during their two-day grand opening event. Saturday & Sunday 10am–5pm both days @ 2719 E 42nd St, Minneapolis, @staygold.vintage
SUNDAY, 8/25:
Frogtown Arts Festival: This new festival was created to celebrate artists, creators and small businesses of the Frogtown and Rondo neighborhoods. Presented by 825 Arts and Frogtown Neighborhood Association, the fest features local performers, art vendors, arts workshops and food. The event also doubles as the grand opening for the recently renovated 825 Arts space. Free. Saturday 1–8pm @ 825 University Ave W, St Paul, frogtownaf.org
Big Fat Super Swap: Cake Plus Size Resale hosts this weekend’s Big Fat Super Swap–an all-gender clothing swap for sizes 2XL and up. The event’s mission is to help combat clothing scarcity in harder-to-find sizes. The events will be held outside in the parking lot next to Cake; masks are required. The swap is free to attend. Donate gently used clothing items size 2XL and up to Cake during shop hours; sizes 4XL, 5XL and 6XL especially needed. Sunday 1–4pm @ 5149 Bloomington Ave, Minneapolis, bigfatsuperswap.org
WEEKLY EVENTS:
The Nicollet xChange Swap + Shop: This weekly outdoor pop-up from Global Fashion Exchange and Downtown Improvement District returns for its second year to give the community the chance to swap quality items in a marketplace setting, plus a Mending and Repair Bar every other week with local sewing experts. Tuesdays 11:30am–1:30pm through 8/29 @ US Bancorp Center, 800 Nicollet Ave, Minneapolis, globalfashionxchange.org/gfxmsp
Mill City Farmers Market: Amidst the Twin Cities’ plethora of farmers markets, Mill City Farmers Market stands out for its idyllic location at the Mill City Museum and its emphasis on building a local, sustainable and organic food economy. A mainstay since 2006, the market is outdoors for the season, popping up weekly with a curated, diverse group of over 50 local farmers, food makers and handcrafted artisans hailing from across the state. Saturdays 8am–1pm @ Mill City Museum, 704 S 2nd St, Minneapolis, millcityfarmersmarket.org
NE Farmers Market: The weekly NE Farmers Market is back outdoors for the season. Head to the St. Boniface Church parking lot every Saturday through October 12, rain or shine, for specialty foods, baked goods, beverages, fresh produce and handmade goods. Saturdays 9am–1pm @ University Ave NE & 7th Ave NE, northeastfarmersmarket.com
Excelsior Flea Market: Back for its 23rd 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–4pm weekly through September 21 @ 10 Water St, Excelsior, facebook.com/ExcelsiorFleaMarket
Linden Hills Farmers Market: The Linden Hills Farmers Market is back with its outdoor market. 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 through October, rain or shine. Sundays 10am–1pm @ Settergrens, 2813 W 43rd St, Minneapolis, farmersmarketsofmpls.org
Wright County Swappers Meet: The WCSM is a farmers market, art fair, antique mall, garden center, sporting goods store and garage sale in South Haven, MN. This large outdoor market features 150-250 vendors on an average weekend with 300+ vendors holiday weekends. Saturdays 7am–1:30pm through October @ 13594 100th St NW, South Haven, facebook.com
Wadena Flea & Craft Market: This seasonal indoor and outdoor market has four buildings filled with unique finds. It’s filled with vendors selling everything you can think of including farm fresh produce, toys and games, antiques, apparel, home decor, glassware and more. Saturdays & Sundays weekly through September plus Memorial Day and Labor Day from 9am–5pm @ 13560 US Highway 10, Wadena, www.wadenafleamarket.com
Shady Hollow Flea Market: Kicking off this weekend, the Shady Hollow Flea Market has been going strong for 52 years across 3.5 acres of shaded, grassy grounds just 5 miles south of Detroit Lakes. Every weekend, as many as 125 vendors from throughout the trig-state area will showcase their wares with different offerings each weekend, from fine collectibles and jewelry to sports equipment, tools and collectibles. Saturdays & Sundays 6am–3pm through August plus every Saturday in September @ 12673 Co Hwy 17, Detroit Lakes, facebook.com
TICKETS NOW AVAILABLE:
Serge + Jane Annual Fall Fashion Event: Celebrate five years of Edina boutique Serge + Jane with an in-store fashion show. Get a jumpstart on your fall wardrobe with the show, styled by Grant Whittaker, plus a pop-up from Sven Clogs and more. Thursday, 9/5, 5–9pm, 6pm show @ Serge + Jane, 4532 France Ave S, Edina. Tickets $50 @ eventbrite.com
EVOLVE: The EVOLVE fashion show is back with a curated lineup of local fashion designers presenting their fall collections. Produced by local boutique The Fitting Room, which specializes in locally made fashions, the semi-annual event will showcase 25 local brands including Danielle Everine, Scott J Lehmann, Van Quigg, Alma Mia, Moon Gold Goods, SHExclusive Jewelry and more. All runway collections and more will be immediately available for purchase after the show. Friday, 9/6, 6:30–9:30pm @ Open Book 1011 Washington Ave S, Minneapolis. Tickets $60–$95 @ eventbrite.com
Avant Garden 2023: The party of the year is back (and so is the tent). This year’s benefit welcomes guests indoors and outside on the Walker grounds 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 the silent art auction and dance the night away under the stars during the After Party with a headlining set from Grammy-nominated DJ A-Trak. After Party tickets include two drink tickets and late-night bites. Most importantly: Ticket sales help sustain the Walker’s mission to make its galleries accessible to all. Saturday, 9/21, 5pm dinner, 8:30pm after party @ Walker Art Center, 725 Vineland Pl, Minneapolis. Tickets $150+ @ walkerart.org/avantgarden
Fashionopolis 2024: Mpls.St.Paul Magazine’s annual fall fashion show returns to the Four Seasons Minneapolis hotel. The event features an elevated runway show produced and styled by style extraordinaire Grant Whittaker showcasing fall fashions from local retailers like MartinPatrick3. The event also features a Mall of America pop-up shop with premium retailers, cocktails, interactive experiences and more. Friday, 9/27 from 5:30–10pm @ Four Seasons Hotel, 245 Hennepin Ave, Minneapolis. Tickets $75+ @ events.humanitix.com
Party at Mia: Here’s your chance to party at the Minneapolis Institute of Art after dark. Come dressed to impress and celebrate creativity and community while supporting the museum’s mission: to enrich the community by collecting, preserving and making accessible outstanding works of art from the world’s diverse cultures. A ticket includes two drink tickets, light bites and valet. Saturday, 9/28, 8pm–midnight @ Minneapolis Institute of Art, 2400 3rd Ave S, Minneapolis. Tickets $150 @ artsmia.org
Sustainable Outerwear Fashion Show: In lieu of a week of events, Black Fashion Week MN is putting all its energy into one big show this fall. Find sustainable, secondhand outerwear looks styled for the streets from Buffalo Exchange, Goodwill, Arc’s Value Village and more. There will also be a presentation of the fall collection from local designer Jummy’s Corner. Sunday, 10/6, 4–7pm @ Hewing Hotel, 300 N Washington Ave, Minneapolis. Tickets $25–$45 @ eventbrite.com