2026 Spring St. Paul Art Crawl poster

Art Crawl Returns to St. Paul For Three Weekends in April

The Spring St. Paul Art Crawl returns this April, transforming neighborhoods across St. Paul into a citywide showcase of creativity, community and connection. Spanning three weekends — April 10–12, April 17–19 and April 24–26 — the free event will feature more than 35 participating venues, from artist lofts and galleries to historic landmarks and pop-up exhibition spaces.

Organized in partnership with the St. Paul Art Collective, the Spring Art Crawl has grown into one of Minnesota’s most accessible and expansive arts events, drawing thousands of visitors each year. This year’s crawl is structured by city council ward, encouraging exploration across the city: Wards 1, 3 and 4, which encompasses most of the western half of the city, host the opening weekend, followed by Ward 2, which includes West 7th, downtown the West Side and parts of East Side, and concluding with Wards 5, 6 and 7 in the North End and greater East Side.

At its core, the Art Crawl offers a rare opportunity for the public to step inside working artist studios and engage directly with creators. Visitors can expect a wide range of artistic mediums, including painting, sculpture, photography, textiles, jewelry and mixed media. Many sites will feature live demonstrations, interactive artmaking, music performances and pop-up markets, creating an immersive experience that extends beyond traditional gallery viewing.

New this year is the launch of “Draw Together,” a community-driven coloring book project debuting during the crawl. Created by Minnesota artists and students, the book is designed to foster creativity and belonging among young people and families. Featuring artwork in multiple languages — including Oromo, Somali, Spanish, Hmong and Dakota — the project reflects the cultural diversity of the region. Organizers say the coloring book, which will be available as a free printable download, underscores the idea that art can be a shared language across communities.

The crawl’s venues are as varied as the artwork itself. In the Como Park area, sites like the historic Como Streetcar Station and the Como Pavilion will host artists alongside scenic park views, live music and food offerings. Elsewhere, visitors can explore converted warehouses filled with open studios, neighborhood galleries, churches turned exhibition spaces and creative pop-ups in unexpected locations.

One of the largest hubs during the second weekend is the Schmidt Artist Lofts, located at the historic Schmidt Brewery on West 7th Street. The site will showcase the work of more than 80 local artists throughout its Brewhouse, with every hallway, gallery and studio activated for the event. Mediums range from printmaking and ceramics to furniture design and illustration, offering a comprehensive look at the region’s artistic talent.

The Schmidt location will also feature the 45th Annual MN 4th Congressional District High School Art Competition, sponsored by U.S. Rep. Betty McCollum. The exhibition highlights emerging young artists from across the district, adding an educational dimension to the weekend’s programming.

Visitors to Schmidt can expect more than just art. Food trucks, coffee service and outdoor gathering spaces will create a festival-like atmosphere, while a popular tote bag promotion will reward early art buyers. Free parking and open access make the venue an easy entry point for first-time attendees.

Across all three weekends, organizers emphasize that each portion of the crawl offers a distinct experience. From the artist-heavy Lowertown district to neighborhood-based venues in Midway and Frogtown, no two stops are the same. That variety is part of what has made the Art Crawl a staple of St. Paul’s cultural calendar.

Equally important is the event’s accessibility. With no admission cost, the crawl invites a broad audience to engage with art in a relaxed, welcoming environment. Whether visitors are seasoned collectors or simply curious, the event encourages exploration, conversation and discovery.

As the Spring St. Paul Art Crawl continues to expand, its mission remains rooted in community. By pairing large-scale exhibitions with grassroots initiatives like “Draw Together,” organizers aim to demonstrate how art can bridge generations and neighborhoods.

This April, as studios open their doors and artists share their work, the message behind the crawl is clear: creativity is not just something to observe — it is something to experience together.

Learn more

For more information about dates, venues and more, visit stpaulartcollective.org/spac-spring-art-crawl-2026

Get your copy of the Draw Together coloring book at stpaulartcollective.org/draw-together

Find out what is happening at the Schmidt Schmidtartists.com


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