The Dakota Arts Calendar
A living guide to the creative life of our region — thoughtfully gathered, always growing.
What you'll find here
The arts are always in motion across Dakota County, and this calendar helps you follow along. We use smart, AI-assisted curation to gather art-related events from local arts organizations, city and county pages, and park and recreation programs — bringing them together in one welcoming place. From gallery openings and community workshops to family art days and seasonal celebrations, it's all here, updated as new gatherings take shape.
Beyond our own backyard
Creativity doesn't stop at the county line. We also feature art-related happenings across the greater Twin Cities metro — the medium-specific events that make each craft feel like its own world. Think ceramics shows, fiber arts markets, printmaking fairs, and the larger art festivals worth planning a whole day around. Wherever inspiration is happening, we want to help you find your way to it.
Explore what's ahead, and discover your next place to gather, learn, and connect.
Workshops, Camps, and Classes are ongoing learning opportunities at our fellow Arts Orgs in Dakota County. Please go directly to their website for details:
A Common Thread Exhibition
The 2026 member biennial celebrating fiber art and artists.
Artist Reception on August 6 at 5:00 PM
Textile Center in Minneapolis
Taking Shape (Celebrating 50 Years of the Normandale Japanese Garden)
Collaborative ceramic installation at the Fine Arts Gallery at Normandale Community College. August 24 – October 2 (Opening Reception on September 26, 4:30 PM – 7:00 PM).
Fall Sound Garden
A temporary installation merging the natural soundscape with music, dance, poetry, and visual art.
(Guided tours on weekends).
Caponi Art Park, Eagan
Riverfront Fine Arts Festival
A large juried fine arts festival held along the Cannon River Walkway during the Defeat of Jesse James Days
Northfield
https://northfieldartsguild.org/event/riverfront-fine-arts-festival-2026/2026-09-13/
Eagan Art Block
Eagan Art Block is a two-week celebration of art, learning, and community spaces.
Eagan
"At The Wake"
"At The Wake" (MTA Fall 2026): A dramatic exploration of a family grappling with the legacy of a war hero and the secrets of a 1975 murder.
Rosemount
Chroma Zone Mural & Art Festival
A festival in the Creative Enterprise Zone with live painting, mural tours, and block parties.
St. Paul
Sound Garden Closing Event
Solitary group experiences of the sound installation
Caponi Art Park, Eagan
Urban Classic: Earth Wind and Fire
Join Minneapolis’ own Urban Classic, led by Michael Bland, for a concert/show dedicated to the music of Earth, Wind & Fire. Prepare to groove as this powerhouse band, featuring a horn section, delivers a high-energy performance of the legendary Earth Wind and Fire funk, soul, and R&B hits. Michael Bland and his band will deliver a powerful and electrifying performance of the EWF major hits. This is a powerhouse performance you won’t want to miss.
– New Ampitheater in Kelley Park, Apple Valley
https://avartsfoundation.org/event/urban-classic-earth-wind-and-fire-new-ampitheater/
36th Annual Fall Non-juried Member Exhibition "Alchemy of Light"
Minnesota Watercolor Society’s 36th Annual Fall Non-juried Member Exhibition "Alchemy of Light": Hosted at the Hopkins Center for the Arts. August 6 – September 12 (Opening Reception on August 6, 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM).
https://www.minnesotawatercolors.com/content.aspx?page_id=4001&club_id=518255
American Craft Connects Conferences & Awards
Examine how the artful work of the human hand builds connection, shapes culture, fosters community, and grows today’s economy at the country’s premier convening of the craft field.
Be part of the conversation across three days of engaging panels and presentations featuring industry luminaries and extraordinary makers. Celebrate the inspiring artists and advocates receiving ACC’s 2026 Biennial Awards, and meet the rising generation of artisans both carrying forward and challenging the traditions of craft in America.
Minneapolis
American Pottery Festival (APF)
The 28th annual event bringing together ceramic artists from across the US.
Opening Night Party on August 28 at 5:00 PM
Northern Clay Center, Minneapolis
Concerts in the Orchard: Darlene and the Boys at LeDuc
Enjoy a seat in the apple orchard at the LeDuc Estate while you listen to Darlene and the Boys play classic country music.
Please bring your own chair or blanket to sit on during the event.
The event is free to the public, but donations are encouraged.
The Concerts in the Orchard take place each Sunday during the month of August. In the event of rain, the event will be held at St. Luke's Episcopal Church.
There will be an extra tour at 5:30pm before each concert. You can reserve your spot in advance by signing up below. Walk-ins will be welcome on a first come, first serve basis!
LeDuc Estate, Hastings
Mixed Precipitation's Pickup Truck Opera
A performance of a traveling pop/classical opera
Caponi Art Park, Eagan
What's Going On? Songs From the Vietnam War Era
A multimedia production by the Fabulous Armadillos utilizing song, narration by veterans, and video to explore the 1960s and 1970s.
Ames Center, Burnsville
"Is Murder Tax Deductible?" (Second Act Players)
A comedy play where a mischievous millionaire fakes her own demise to test her potential heirs.
Rosemount
Natural Sculpture Workshop
An outdoor workshop with sculptor Jim Proctor using natural materials gathered in the park
Caponi Art Park, Eagan
Power of Ten – At Splash Valley
Power of 10 brings you the freshness of Bruno Mars, the passion of Stevie Wonder, the electricity of Michael Jackson and the power of Otis Redding. In addition to performing with national acts such as REO Speedwagon and Cheap Trick.
This week’s Summer Concert is at Splash Valley in Apple Valley!
Bring a blanket or lawn chair for seating.
Cost
Admission to Splash Valley Water Park is free beginning at 5 p.m.
If you arrive before 5 p.m., regular admission rates apply
https://avartsfoundation.org/event/power-of-ten-splash-valley/
Circus Manduhai
A circus and acrobatic display by a Mongolian group
Wescott Library, Eagan
https://dakotacountylibrary.libcal.com/calendar?cid=9306&t=m&d=0000-00-00&cal=9306&cm=4881&inc=0
Live at the Lake (Casperson Park Outdoor Performance Stage)
Debbie O'Keefe & Hot Toddies (with opening act Johnny Table All-Stars).
Lakeville
https://www.lakevilleareaartscenter.com/1239/Live-at-the-Lake
August Featured Artists Exhibition
Showcasing Sam Chung, Guillermo Cuellar, S.C. Rolf, and others
Northern Clay Center, Minneapolis
Roe Family Singers
A husband-and-wife duo playing old-time music with banjo, guitar, and fiddle.
Galaxie Library, Apple Valley
https://dakotacountylibrary.libcal.com/calendar?cid=9306&t=m&d=0000-00-00&cal=9306&cm=5077&inc=0
35th Annual Powderhorn Art Fair
A large juried fine art and fine crafts festival featuring 190 artists set around Powderhorn Lake in Powderhorn Park in Minneapolis.
Eye to Eye Exhibition
A signature exhibition bringing artists together from disparate disciplines and communities
Fresh Eye Gallery, Eagan
Root Pickers - Folk, Country, Bluegrass, Rock and Roll
Root Pickers - Folk, Country, Bluegrass, Rock and Roll
Meet the Author: Robert Trail Library (Free event)
Meet the Author: Robert Trail Library (Free event)
The Layne Yost Group: Tribute to the Music of John Denver
John Denver’s music is timeless and well known. Layne Yost's Tribute is faithful to the music and the man. Yost, Jon Shimoda, and Carol McDowall capture the simple soul of Denver's music through guitar, fiddle, and upright bass arrangements. A wonderful show that will take you back and remind you of simple things that remain true. Tickets: Reserved seats $35; RAAC Members $30.
Gallery Opening at Hagen Hus Gallery
Our collaborative art exhibition drops tomorrow!
Featuring Minnesota-based artists Mandy Madsen and Cheryl LeClair-Sommer, visitors will have the opportunity to navigate through 18 oil landscapes.
Hagen Hus Gallery - 4640 Nicols Rd., Suite 203, Eagan, MN, 55122
Tie Dye with DCA
Tie Dye with Dakota Center for the Arts at Art Block on Saturday, September 20th, from 10am-1pm at Advent United Methodist Church! Bring your own t-shirt or bandana (limit 1 item per person) to Tie Dye for free OR purchase a 100% cotton bandana on-site for $3. If you bring your own t-shirt or bandana, we recommend 100% cotton, as they hold dye the best for this process.
DCA Pottery Sale
Join Dakota Center for the Arts at the NEW Eagan Art House on Saturday, September 13th, from 12pm-4pm. Along with fun activities hosted by the Art House, DCA will be there selling pottery to support the Eagan Art House.
