Every Gift Builds Our Festival
Each June, Como and Carter Avenues fill with color, music, and the hum of creativity as the St. Anthony Park Arts Festival comes to life. Artists set up their tents beneath the trees, children gather on the library lawn for story time, local musicians bring rhythm to the neighborhood, while book worms, hungry for new reads, pursue the annual St. Anthony Park Branch Library Association book sale. What many may not see, though, is that this joyful day is the result of an entire community coming together: one donation, one sponsor, one volunteer at a time.
The St. Anthony Park Arts Festival is powered almost entirely by community support. While it may look effortless from the outside, every part of the festival, from tents and trash bins to musicians, signage, and security, relies on local funding. The cost of permits, equipment rentals, and zero-waste initiatives add up quickly, and it’s the generosity of sponsors, donors, and our neighbors that keeps this beloved tradition alive.
“Every dollar we receive truly makes a difference,” says Festival Director Anna Gaseitsiwe. “A single sponsorship might cover Twin Cities media coverage, while a smaller donation could help pay for a youth art activity. It all connects and no contribution is too small to make an impact.”
Since Gaseitsiwe took over the festival in 2023 it has nearly doubled its footprint, creating more space for artists and activities as well as adding new features, such as a second stage and a beer and mead garden. The community response to the refresh has been overwhelmingly positive and the festival committee has more big ideas for 2026. But, all of this comes at cost. [insert quote from Paul about how we have been able to offset costs thanks to local businesses stepping up, but we need the surrounding community to lean in more… or something like that]
The festival is more than an opportunity for the community to gather and celebrate art. Many attendees might not realize that proceeds benefit the St. Anthony Park Branch Library Association, supporting programs that keep the library and our community connected year-round. That means each gift to the festival not only sustains a day of art and celebration, but also invests directly in the neighborhood’s creative and educational future.
As the festival continues to flourish, it showcases more than 65 juried artists, live music, food vendors, a beer and mead garden, and hands-on art experiences for all ages—alongside tents from many beloved community groups. Yet behind every booth, stage, and detail is the support of local businesses, neighbors, and volunteers whose time, creativity, and generosity make this celebration of art and community possible.
If you love seeing artists fill the park, hearing live music on the library lawn, or simply watching neighbors greet one another after a long winter, consider being part of the story. Sponsorship opportunities and donations help ensure the St. Anthony Park Arts Festival continues as a tradition for decades to come.
Together, we keep the arts thriving — right here at home.