Starts Friday: Break out the sunblock, grab your wallet and go. For this three-in-one-weekend art fair extravaganza, more than 650 artisans from around the state and country will descend on Minneapolis to compete for your attention and bucks. The Uptown Art Fair boasts 350 professional artists and 50 "youth artists," plus 20 performers and a slew of food vendors. Its new 30-minute "Culinary Arts Competition" challenges chefs and artists to create arty new treats -- using beer and chocolate, among other things. (Noon-8 p.m. Fri., 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Sat., 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sun., free. Lake St. & Hennepin Av. S., www.uptownartfair.com) The Powderhorn Art Fair touts its 66-acre park and the pretty lake around which 184 artists will pitch their display tents. This year's special feature is Pianos on Parade, 20 colorfully painted uprights set out for impromptu performances. (10 a.m.-6 p.m. Sat., 10 a.m. -5 p.m. Sun., free. 3400 15th Av. S. 612-767-3515 or www.powderhornartfair.com) Closest to downtown Minneapolis, the Loring Park Art Festival claims that the varied price range of its 140 artists assures that there will be "something for everyone." Plus strolling musicians, staged performances, children's activities and food booths, of course. (10 a.m.-6 p.m. Sat., 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sun., free. Oak Grove St. & Hennepin Av. S., across from Walker Art Center. www.loringparkartfestival.com) Go by bike or use an ArtPass for a free bus ride among the fairs on Saturday and Sunday. (www.metrotransit.org/artpass)
MARY ABBE
