Spring is finally on the horizon in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and that means one thing: the city is waking up again. From outdoor markets along the riverfront to arts festivals, new restaurant openings, and beloved local traditions like my annual Sip N’ Bloom event, there’s something for everyone to enjoy as temperatures rise and days get longer.
Whether you’re a longtime Twin Cities resident or planning a visit, here’s your 2026 spring guide to the best ways to celebrate the season in Minneapolis, Wayzata, and the nearby lakes area.
🥕 Mill City Farmers Market — Outdoor Market Return
One of the most eagerly anticipated spring happenings is the return of the Mill City Farmers Market outdoor season. While the market runs year-round with indoor events through April inside the Mill City Museum, the outdoor market kicks off in May, when the riverside Saturdays are once again filled with fresh produce, artisan foods, local flowers, and community spirit.
🌿 What to know:
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Outdoor market Saturdays start in May 2026, though you can still visit the indoor market:
First and Third Saturdays November – April, 9am – 1pm
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Runs weekly through early fall along the Mississippi Riverfront
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Shop fresh spring greens, herbs, bread, cheese, and local craft
This is one of the best spring activities in Minneapolis — perfect for foodies, families, and market lovers looking for farm-fresh seasonal produce and unique local vendors. Stroll the riverfront with a local shop smoothie, like Parcelle's blueprint - one of our favorite weekend treats!
🎨 Minneapolis Spring Events & Festivals
Spring in Minneapolis also brings a rich calendar of cultural events and festivals that make the city buzz with energy:
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The 45th Minneapolis St. Paul International Film Festival: April 8–19 — one of the Twin Cities’ biggest cultural celebrations, featuring hundreds of films from around the globe.
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Art-A-Whirl: May 15–17 — Northeast Minneapolis’ massive art open-studio tour with galleries, live demonstrations, and music.
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Minneapolis Farmers Market & Others across many neighborhoods: outdoor markets spring back in full swing, offering seasonal produce, artisan goods, and local eats throughout spring and summer.
☀️ Outdoor Dining & Patio Season
If there’s one spring ritual Minneapolis residents wait all winter for, it’s outdoor dining and patio lounging. As snow melts and patios open up throughout the city, neighborhoods like North Loop, Northeast Minneapolis, and Lakes Uptown become hotspots for brunch, drinks, and al fresco vibes. Popular spots with outdoor seating have become must-visit spring places to eat and drink as the season warms.
🍽️ New Restaurants & Dining Openings — Minneapolis 2026
The Twin Cities food scene continues to grow. Exciting restaurant openings and expansions are helping make Minneapolis one of the most talked-about regions in the Midwest for food lovers:
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Acclaimed Owamni is relocating to the Guthrie Theater along the Mississippi River, expanding its Indigenous cuisine offerings in spring 2026 (and opening Šhotá Indigenous BBQ as well - a more casual spot in the former Seward Co-op Creamery space).
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Pop-up turned brick-and-mortar spots like A to Z Creamery in Hopkins and Dahlia in Northeast Minneapolis are bringing seasonal sweets and soft serve to weekend crowds across the metro in time for warmer weather.
These new openings make Minneapolis restaurant openings 2026 a great reason to explore a different neighborhood each weekend. View a comprehensive list of openings here!
🌸 Sip N’ Bloom — Our Annual Spring Event
One signature spring event we’re most excited about is my own Sip N’ Bloom gathering — an annual celebration of warm weather, great company, and beautiful blooms to take home.
Mark your calendars:
📅 Sip N’ Bloom: Late April 2026 — exact date to be announced!
This event perfectly captures the essence of spring in Minneapolis: sunny patios, fresh cocktails, flowers blooming, and friends gathering to toast the season.
🛍️ Wayzata & Lake Minnetonka Spring Scene
Just a short drive west, Wayzata is blooming with its own local charm:
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Smaller pop-up markets, concerts, performances, and community theater productions run through March and April, adding to Wayzata’s warm-weather appeal.
And while the famous James J. Hill Days festival takes place in September, its vendor applications becoming available in spring keeps the buzz alive early in the season too. Grab Lunch on the water at one of the area's great casual dining spots, or celebrate a special evening at an establishment like Eloise.
🗓️ Spring 2026 Checklist: Don’t Miss These Minneapolis Favorites
✔ Browse seasonal produce at Mill City Farmers Market, the Minneapolis Farmer's Market, St. Paul Farmer's Market, and other neighborhood markets
✔ Hit the Minneapolis St. Paul International Film Festival and Art-A-Whirl
✔ Try new restaurants and patio openings around town
✔ Celebrate spring blossoms at Sip N’ Bloom in late April
✔ Explore Wayzata’s spring activities and Lake Minnetonka breezes
Spring in Minneapolis & Wayzata is a time of renewal. From outdoor markets and arts events to new restaurants and neighborhood celebrations, there are countless reasons to get outside, enjoy the season, and connect with the local community. Bookmark this guide and make the most of Minneapolis spring events 2026 — the best weather, food, and festivities are right around the corner! 🌼
