Uptown, Powderhorn & Loring: A three-way affair of the arts

Grab your sunscreen and free Metro Transit Art Pass and head out for a weekend celebration of art on the streets and in the parks. Three Minneapolis art fairs compete for your attention and wallet. Have fun. Buy lots. Support the arts.

The setting: Staged on city streets and a shady mall near Lake Calhoun, Uptown — celebrating its 50th anniversary — claims to be Minnesota's second most popular festival, after the State Fair.

Total artists: 350. • Other entertainment: Hourly performances by acts including Tim Mahoney and Davina & the Vagabonds, family activities and a youth art fair showcasing "Tomorrow's Stars."

Did you know: A Culinary Arts Competition challenges local chefs and artists to blend the same three ingredients into edible dishes and displayable art. • Where: Lake St. & Hennepin Av. S., Mpls.

When: Noon-8 p.m. Fri.; 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Sat.; noon-5 p.m. Sun.

Info: UptownArtFair.com.

The setting: Boasting 66 sylvan acres, Powderhorn Park welcomes regional and national artists to a bucolic setting where exhibitors' tents line shady paths around a pretty lake.

Total artists: 184. • Other entertainment: Acoustic music, jugglers and neighborhood talent galore. • Did you know: The eco-friendly event encourages vendors to avoid plastic bottles and offers free water from city fountains.

Where: 35th St. and 15th Av. S., Mpls.

When: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Sat.; 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sun.

Info: PowderhornArtFair.com.

The setting: An urban oasis between Walker Art Center and the Basilica of St. Mary, Loring Park has a pond surrounded by cattails and overlooked by high-rise apartments. • Total artists: 140. Other entertainment: A quick-draw art competition, theater and dance performances, a bell choir and children's activities. • Did you know: Artist-decorated pianos are available for anyone to play. Where: Oak Grove St. and Hennepin Av. S., Mpls. When: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Sat.; 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sun. Info: LoringParkArtFestival.com.