MINNEAPOLIS — A storied Twin Cities art festival will have a new name and location when it returns in August. 

Organizers of the Uptown Art Festival officially announced Thursday that the event - which has been in existence for more than 60 years - is now known as the SoMi (South Minneapolis) Art Festival and will be staged in the large parking lot of Bachman's flagship location at 60th and Lyndale on Aug. 2 and 3. 

Festival officials say the reason for the new location involves challenges posed by construction work and the new design of Hennepin Avenue, along with rising production costs. The 2024 Uptown Art Fair was held at Bachman's last summer due to access issues on Hennepin, and organizers say it was a huge success with both artists and the greater community - so much so that organizers decided to make it permanent. 

“This exciting evolution marks a pivotal moment for the Uptown Art Fair, reflecting its resilience and commitment to adapting to the complexities of hosting large-scale urban events while addressing the changing needs of the community,” said Jill Osiecki, director of Uptown Art Fair. “The SoMi Art Fair will also serve as a critical fundraiser for the Uptown Association, helping to sustain future programming and ensure ongoing support for the Uptown neighborhood.”

The "reimagined" art experience will feature more than 300 juried artists, art demonstrations, food and live music. It will serve as a fundraiser for Uptown Minneapolis, supporting events and community programming. 

For more on the SoMi Art Festival and answers to frequently asked questions, check out this website.