Guide to the Wakpa Triennial Art Festival
Celebrate and uplift Indigenous artists in Saint Paul during this month-long celebration of art from September 12 through October 11.
A Moment to Pause
As “Wakpa” means “River” in the Dakota language. This festival honors the Mississippi River as a living cultural landscape that is a sacred site, historical witness, and a shared community resource. Over the course of a month, 40 commissioned artists will come together to share a piece of their work with the community at a series of free, public art events along the Downtown Saint Paul Riverfront.
This year is guided by the theme “A Moment to Pause.” This theme invites artists and audiences to slow down, reflect, and reconnect—both with themselves and with the land, water, and communities that hold them.
Live Mosaic Installation
The underpass along Sibley Street and East 2nd Street in Downtown Saint Paul was selected as the location of the 2026 Wakpá Triennial Art Festival’s principal public artwork. During the festival’s opening weekend, September 12-13, a “poster tapestry” will be created on the railroad wall along a block of East 2nd street.
Full Day Activation
On September 19, Raspberry Island will feature an incredible lineup of events from a floral installation, Sidewalk Poetry readings, hands-on activities with Artist Gita Ghei, and an acoustic set of musical poetry of Dakota sound by Buffalo Dreamers & Oyate Hotanin.
Indigenous People's Weekend + Native American Food Truck festival
The last weekend of the Wakpá Triennial coincides with Indigenous People's Weekend, a festival at Battle Creek on the East Side on October 10-12 that will feature the largest Native-led basketball expo, an art and vendor market, tasty eats from Native-owned food trucks, and so much more!
Learn More
Creative Discovery
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Public Art in Saint Paul
Discover iconic murals, sculptures and public works that make Saint Paul such a unique destination.
Wakáŋ Tipi Cave and Wicaḣapi
Honoring and respecting this sacred Saint Paul site.
Dine Near all of the Action
Where to Eat in Downtown
Discover where to dine in bustling downtown from noble hotel experiences and lively music halls to casual skyway eats.
Where to Eat in Lowertown
This urban center welcomes visitors to delve into a variety of eateries spanning from chill breweries to lively pre-game hangouts.
Where to Eat on the West Side
Uncover delicious dining options that share a piece of Saint Paul's rich cultural identity.