Midway, St Paul

October 2 - 4

2026

Three days of music, art, and community in the heart of st Paul

Halfway between downtown St Paul and downtown Minneapolis, the Midway is much more than a place to pass through. This is a place of intersections of all kinds. Where people, cultures, and communities share space and build connections. Midway is where we come together.

The Midway Music and Arts Festival is a neighborhood-wide celebration spotlighting the creative energy, cultural diversity, and small business ecosystem of St. Paul’s Midway. Anchored in the idea that the Midway is both a geographic and cultural meeting point, the festival brings together music, art, literarature, and community. Our local parks, small businesses, and performance venues will tranform into arts spaces and stages, hosting events that range from arts and crafts show to live music, and from literary readings to DJ sets, creating a dynamic, walkable, transit-oriented experience that encourages exploration and connection across the Midway.

What to expect

Imagine that in one weekend, patrons of music and art can attend a wide array of live musical performances and artistic exhibitions taking place throughout the Midway at various times, venues, and locations. All of this will happen under the banner of the Midway Music & Arts Festival, with the intention of supporting local venues, theaters, restaurants, artists, performers, and businesses in the Midway neighborhood of St. Paul. Attendees can experience:

  • Live Music Across the Neighborhood
    Local and regional artists perform across multiple venues throughout the weekend, showcasing the depth and diversity of the local music scene.

  • Arts & Cultural Experiences
    Galleries, creative spaces, and pop-up installations feature visual art, performance, and interactive experiences.

  • Small Business Activation
    Restaurants, bars, and shops can participate through specials, extended hours, and festival tie-ins—turning the entire corridor into an active, welcoming destination.

  • Indoor & Outdoor Programming
    From parks and patios to music venues and storefronts, the festival blends formal and informal spaces to create an accessible environment for all ages. 

  • Community-Centered Design
    Built in partnership with neighborhood organizations, artists, and businesses, the festival prioritizes local talent, relationships, and long-term community impact.