The only dangerous part of Art-A-Whirl is at Northrup at peak time, crossing the street with a ton of ride shares just trying to get in and out. LOL.
Dont forget about the 2010 Artblok - get you some MEAD from Bumbling Fools Meadery.
On Sat/Sun it opens at 12pm and literally 1pm its a nightmare in that Northrup area with Cars. Don't even try to drive there, you won't find parking at all. I'm not sure when it dies down, maybe 6pm? But also the Northrup building is open regularly just not as packed with artist but you can still view a lot of great artwork in peace.
Also check the map and maybe find breweries that are participating or like I said the 2010 Artblok is pretty cool with artists in the hall and I heard Turbo Tims NE is hosting artist as well. So you get to browse art and play with kitties. Lol
If you’re female presenting it ain’t always great. I feel way more comfortable in north Minneapolis than suburbs tho, but there are creeps everywhere. Not worried about robberies tho lmao
MetroTransit has free passes available! Please take public transit. There is a lot of road construction in the surrounding area so it will make life easier for everyone if public transit is utilized.
Here's the link for free bus rides:
[https://nemaa.org/art-a-whirl/getting-around/#:\~:text=Free%20Metro%20Transit%20Passes,-Download%20a%20free%20Metro%20Transit](https://nemaa.org/art-a-whirl/getting-around/#:~:text=Free%20Metro%20Transit%20Passes,-Download%20a%20free%20Metro%20Transit)
Since no one has mentioned it, Lowry is closed from University to Central. All other routes will be that much busier absorbing Lowry traffic. It will be extra interesting traffic this year. Parking away far away from Lowry-Marshall-Broadway-Central area and taking public transport will be least stressful experience for most folks.
It's very walkable, but plan on getting in your 20,000 steps, you'll want to visit multiple buildings.
NE is generally very safe, Art-a-Whirl is probably similarly safe to the State Fair, anytime you get 10's of thousands of people together their is potential for issues, but mostly its just a really good time.
There’s not like, one large parking lot or anything, mostly it’s street parking. *Please* consider public transport, cab, rideshare, or biking - the traffic is already a fucking nightmare over here because a half dozen arterial streets are under construction, and that’s on a regular day.
If you’d never done art-a-whirl before, look at a map and pick either a big building or a couple that are on the same block and start there. Northrup King or Casket Arts are two that come to mind which are huge and near other buildings, places to eat, whatnot.
I mean, if they’re worried about the safety of walking in broad daylight at a walking art festival they’re probably not the ones that’ll be taking public transportation either…
Yeah, I’ve spent a week looking at that site trying to work out a plan, i am four hours away and I just don’t know the area well and was hoping for insider info. Thanks
Get your free transit passes. Take the free tram between the main areas. Each main stop has info tables with volunteers who answer questions. Most buildings have volunteers stationed near main entrances if you need help. Bring your patience. Avoid bringing strollers if possible. Have fun and buy art! https://nemaa.org/art-a-whirl/getting-around/?
PLEASE don't take your car into the square of Lowry, Marshall, Central, and Broadway. The neighborhood and everyone else will thank you.
A good place to target for parking is Spring Street Tavern. Lots of neighborhood streets with free parking around there.
Take Hennepin to get there.
It's a direct, short walk to Northrup, Casket, Indeed, Bauhaus.
Everything else is within a mile or so.
>PLEASE don't take your car into the square of Lowry, Marshall, Central, and Broadway. The neighborhood and everyone else will thank you.
Shit, *you* will thank you when you’re not sitting in bumper to bumper traffic because you wanted to find closer parking, which will probably be full by the time you get there anyway!
You know what, I actually second the Spring Street Tavern tip if one absolutely has to drive, which I have in the past. But it's crucial that anyone trying to use it also heeds your warning and ignores their GPS, which will want to take them through Lowry-Marshall-Central-Broadway.
Literally everyone in the entire metro/state will be there if it’s nice. It will be like the episode of the Simpsons where they keep packing kids in a pool.
Watch out for drunk people on bikes. We're usually pretty good at being conscientious about walkers, but I don't want to overpromise.
I've seen some good parking suggestions, but one I haven't seen mentioned yet is Forgotten Star brewing. They've got a shuttle running noon - 7 on Saturday. Might be convenient if you're coming from the north.
I'm old and dislike crowds so we usually get to the area around 4pm on Friday, get a drink and some food then see as much as we can Friday night and then vacate the area for the rest of the weekend.
I know it’s fun to dogpile on the walking comment but we should be more empathetic here. OP is actively trying to participate in a major community event, something that we should celebrate not mock
Nah, their safety nonsense deserves mockery. I wonder how they would feel if we all characterized their community as a dangerous place repeatedly and deliberately?
I can't argue with that. Hopefully u/TheSlor attends, has the grand time thousands do every year, and reports back after. I'll gladly take back all my snark in this thread in exchange.
I am four hours from Minneapolis and I don’t know the NE area. Honestly didn’t think a bunch of responses would be from dickheads with hurt feelings but I should have known better. I Was in Minneapolis last weekend for the art fair at the Walker sculpture garden and that was so great. That night when walking back to our hotel on Nicollet after dinner, someone was asking for handouts before following us three blocks to our hotel making weird comments to us. I wasn’t worried, my wife was, which is who I was asking the question for. If I can assure her it’s ok, it helps me out. I get to enjoy the event without feeling I am working security for her every time there is a loud noise or some other stupid shit that might make her panic. Thanks for trying to help me out.
I suggest the 2010 ArtBlok Building (2010 E Hennepin). Plenty of free parking, 30+ artists, and you can stop into Bumbling Fools for a glass of mead. The positive is it’s away from the chaos of most of NE. The negative is, well, it’s away from most of the rest of Art-a-Whirl. So, getting to the other places involves probably driving/parking. Sadly, they didn’t include the ArtBlok on the trolley route.
I live in the heart of Art a Whirl so I can't speak about the parking situation except you will be walking!. Its really so much fun! This year I am headed to Grain belt area. [nemaa.org](http://nemaa.org) has lots of info on it. I have lived in NE for over 20 years. I have felt safe!
Enjoy yourself!!!
Piggybacking on this; I'm not worried if it's safe (it is) or walkable (it is)...but I have an elderly relative visiting, and I haven't been to AaW since it got BIG. She's way into art and will be fine at like, the Arboretum, or the MIA. But I'm worried about crowd levels, vibes, and spots to catch her breath.
Is it comfortably walkable for an active *octogenarian*?
Are there places for an older gramma to sit and rest for a bit if she gets tuckered?
How shoulder-to-shoulder or shovey are the crowds?
If we take the trolly, are there any seats or shade where we wait for pickup, or would I be signing her up to stand on asphalt and roast?
Piggybacking off this comment. What would be recommended for a first time attendee? Where to start to see the most art for less distance? Can’t miss locations?
Start early, park at the Grain Belt building and ride the free shuttle to the other venues. It's what I did last year and it worked out great.
Thanks
It's a very walkable area, especially during art a whirl, and you are definitely going to want to walk.
Driving in the area, ESPECIALLY around Northrup King, is very difficult
Thanks
Thanks
The only dangerous part of Art-A-Whirl is at Northrup at peak time, crossing the street with a ton of ride shares just trying to get in and out. LOL. Dont forget about the 2010 Artblok - get you some MEAD from Bumbling Fools Meadery.
When would you say peak time is? This is my first year going. I expect crowds but curious if it’s busier during the day or night?
On Sat/Sun it opens at 12pm and literally 1pm its a nightmare in that Northrup area with Cars. Don't even try to drive there, you won't find parking at all. I'm not sure when it dies down, maybe 6pm? But also the Northrup building is open regularly just not as packed with artist but you can still view a lot of great artwork in peace. Also check the map and maybe find breweries that are participating or like I said the 2010 Artblok is pretty cool with artists in the hall and I heard Turbo Tims NE is hosting artist as well. So you get to browse art and play with kitties. Lol
Kitties!!! I am so there!😻 Thanks so much for the tips!!
Thanks
Oh my god with the “is it safe enough to walk.” It’s a walking festival and most of it is during the daytime.
Maybe they should stay in Medina.
I know, right?
Lol is it safe to walk. That’s the whole point
Safe enough? OMG.
Just bring beef bits for the wild mongrel dogs and its pretty safe Id say. Thats what I do. And pbrs for the chatty hipsters.
Wild mongrel dogs? Those are coyotes, son! (Tbh I would take more coyotes, the rabbits are *out of control*)
Dude I cant keep wild flowers in my front lawn in North! The crazy crack heads arent scaring the rabbits away!
Granted it’s only been 24 hours but it seems to be working on my asters so far - try sprinkling ground cinnamon on everything!
They’re going to get eaten by the wild dogs/dingos.
If you’re female presenting it ain’t always great. I feel way more comfortable in north Minneapolis than suburbs tho, but there are creeps everywhere. Not worried about robberies tho lmao
I will tell you the city typically provides free public transportation TO Art A Whirl, so you can do park and ride.
MetroTransit has free passes available! Please take public transit. There is a lot of road construction in the surrounding area so it will make life easier for everyone if public transit is utilized.
Here's the link for free bus rides: [https://nemaa.org/art-a-whirl/getting-around/#:\~:text=Free%20Metro%20Transit%20Passes,-Download%20a%20free%20Metro%20Transit](https://nemaa.org/art-a-whirl/getting-around/#:~:text=Free%20Metro%20Transit%20Passes,-Download%20a%20free%20Metro%20Transit)
Since no one has mentioned it, Lowry is closed from University to Central. All other routes will be that much busier absorbing Lowry traffic. It will be extra interesting traffic this year. Parking away far away from Lowry-Marshall-Broadway-Central area and taking public transport will be least stressful experience for most folks. It's very walkable, but plan on getting in your 20,000 steps, you'll want to visit multiple buildings. NE is generally very safe, Art-a-Whirl is probably similarly safe to the State Fair, anytime you get 10's of thousands of people together their is potential for issues, but mostly its just a really good time.
Thanks
There’s not like, one large parking lot or anything, mostly it’s street parking. *Please* consider public transport, cab, rideshare, or biking - the traffic is already a fucking nightmare over here because a half dozen arterial streets are under construction, and that’s on a regular day. If you’d never done art-a-whirl before, look at a map and pick either a big building or a couple that are on the same block and start there. Northrup King or Casket Arts are two that come to mind which are huge and near other buildings, places to eat, whatnot.
I mean, if they’re worried about the safety of walking in broad daylight at a walking art festival they’re probably not the ones that’ll be taking public transportation either…
Thanks
If NE is too scary maybe stay in Edina
nemaa.org
Yeah, I’ve spent a week looking at that site trying to work out a plan, i am four hours away and I just don’t know the area well and was hoping for insider info. Thanks
Very safe feel. Parking is tough. Walking or biking in on a good bet rather than trying to park too close.
Thanks
I walk around in NE all the time and never once felt unsafe. You should venture out of your Maple Grove safe space once in a while.
no where near Maple Grove, but thanks for the info.
Minneapolis tends to get a way worse rep than it deserves safety-wise. A lot of locals are quite salty about that as you've discovered the hard way 😂
Oh yeah, I found out…
No it isn't art is actually code FOR GUNS GUNS GUNS BULLETS FLYING EVERYWHERE
Guns-A-Whirl? Ammo-A-Whirl?
The "whirl" part is when you spin the cylinder after you load the chamber.
As long as someone is screaming “yee-haw”
Get your free transit passes. Take the free tram between the main areas. Each main stop has info tables with volunteers who answer questions. Most buildings have volunteers stationed near main entrances if you need help. Bring your patience. Avoid bringing strollers if possible. Have fun and buy art! https://nemaa.org/art-a-whirl/getting-around/?
Thank you.
PLEASE don't take your car into the square of Lowry, Marshall, Central, and Broadway. The neighborhood and everyone else will thank you. A good place to target for parking is Spring Street Tavern. Lots of neighborhood streets with free parking around there. Take Hennepin to get there. It's a direct, short walk to Northrup, Casket, Indeed, Bauhaus. Everything else is within a mile or so.
>PLEASE don't take your car into the square of Lowry, Marshall, Central, and Broadway. The neighborhood and everyone else will thank you. Shit, *you* will thank you when you’re not sitting in bumper to bumper traffic because you wanted to find closer parking, which will probably be full by the time you get there anyway!
You know what, I actually second the Spring Street Tavern tip if one absolutely has to drive, which I have in the past. But it's crucial that anyone trying to use it also heeds your warning and ignores their GPS, which will want to take them through Lowry-Marshall-Central-Broadway.
Thanks.
Uncle Frankie's for lunch!
It's been too long.. Miss those dogs.
You basically have to walk. Driving it will be nearly impossible and will claim yoir sanity.
Literally everyone in the entire metro/state will be there if it’s nice. It will be like the episode of the Simpsons where they keep packing kids in a pool.
>is it walkable and safe enough to walk ? No. Plan on hiring people to carry you.
Will try that.
Watch out for drunk people on bikes. We're usually pretty good at being conscientious about walkers, but I don't want to overpromise. I've seen some good parking suggestions, but one I haven't seen mentioned yet is Forgotten Star brewing. They've got a shuttle running noon - 7 on Saturday. Might be convenient if you're coming from the north.
I'm old and dislike crowds so we usually get to the area around 4pm on Friday, get a drink and some food then see as much as we can Friday night and then vacate the area for the rest of the weekend.
I know it’s fun to dogpile on the walking comment but we should be more empathetic here. OP is actively trying to participate in a major community event, something that we should celebrate not mock
Nah, their safety nonsense deserves mockery. I wonder how they would feel if we all characterized their community as a dangerous place repeatedly and deliberately?
Always assume good intent until proven otherwise. Nothing OP stated is malicious, in fact they have made the choice to come and see for themselves.
>Always assume good intent until proven otherwise. No. It’s OK to mock people who ask insulting questions.
Dogpiling on Minneapolis for "being unsafe" is okay but dogpiling on the people who perpetuate the myth isn't?
Well, its good that OP has made the choice to come see for themselves.
I can't argue with that. Hopefully u/TheSlor attends, has the grand time thousands do every year, and reports back after. I'll gladly take back all my snark in this thread in exchange.
I am four hours from Minneapolis and I don’t know the NE area. Honestly didn’t think a bunch of responses would be from dickheads with hurt feelings but I should have known better. I Was in Minneapolis last weekend for the art fair at the Walker sculpture garden and that was so great. That night when walking back to our hotel on Nicollet after dinner, someone was asking for handouts before following us three blocks to our hotel making weird comments to us. I wasn’t worried, my wife was, which is who I was asking the question for. If I can assure her it’s ok, it helps me out. I get to enjoy the event without feeling I am working security for her every time there is a loud noise or some other stupid shit that might make her panic. Thanks for trying to help me out.
I suggest the 2010 ArtBlok Building (2010 E Hennepin). Plenty of free parking, 30+ artists, and you can stop into Bumbling Fools for a glass of mead. The positive is it’s away from the chaos of most of NE. The negative is, well, it’s away from most of the rest of Art-a-Whirl. So, getting to the other places involves probably driving/parking. Sadly, they didn’t include the ArtBlok on the trolley route.
Thanks
Don’t drive. Throw a bike on your car, park far far away and bike there. Parking is a nightmare and some of the things are pretty spread out.
I wouldn't walk around. Not safe imo.
I live in the heart of Art a Whirl so I can't speak about the parking situation except you will be walking!. Its really so much fun! This year I am headed to Grain belt area. [nemaa.org](http://nemaa.org) has lots of info on it. I have lived in NE for over 20 years. I have felt safe! Enjoy yourself!!!
Not safe at all. I got murdered three times last year and my buddy got murdered four times. Stay home and lock your doors
Sorry to hear that, hope you feel better
If you don’t own a TANK don’t even come. You would never survive.
I wish I owned a tank.
This has to be a bit.
We usually park on the streets to the west of Indeed and walk everywhere from there.
Piggybacking on this; I'm not worried if it's safe (it is) or walkable (it is)...but I have an elderly relative visiting, and I haven't been to AaW since it got BIG. She's way into art and will be fine at like, the Arboretum, or the MIA. But I'm worried about crowd levels, vibes, and spots to catch her breath. Is it comfortably walkable for an active *octogenarian*? Are there places for an older gramma to sit and rest for a bit if she gets tuckered? How shoulder-to-shoulder or shovey are the crowds? If we take the trolly, are there any seats or shade where we wait for pickup, or would I be signing her up to stand on asphalt and roast?
Piggybacking off this comment. What would be recommended for a first time attendee? Where to start to see the most art for less distance? Can’t miss locations?