Twin Cities weekend guide: Pencil sharpening, Open Streets, Edina Art Fair
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John Higgins and Curtis Ingvoldstad next to Loti Pencil, left, and human pencil dancers. Photos: Audrey Kennedy/Axios
It's that time of year again — Loti Pencil is receiving its annual sharpening.
Catch up quick: Since its creation in 2022, owner John Higgins has thrown a massive annual party for the community to celebrate the (originally) 16-foot-tall pencil sculpture, carved from a tree in Higgins' front yard by chainsaw sculptor Curtis Ingvoldstad.
What to expect: Professional pencil sharpener David Rees will return for the ceremony, as will the human pencil dancers, marching band and matching giant pencil sharpener.
- Organizers upgraded the PA system for those at the edge of the crowd.
🧠 Audrey's thought bubble: As an unofficial Loti Pencil historian (I've been documenting it since before its creation), I've seen this event go from about 100 people in 2022 to thousands in 2025. Here's my advice:
- Don't drive. Seriously. Parking is scarce and the roads are narrow, meaning you can get stuck for nearly an hour trying to go three blocks (ask me how I know). Take the E Line to Hennepin Avenue and walk from there.
- Create a meet-up plan for your group, especially if you bring kids. Children are encouraged to come to the front during a portion of the ceremony — make sure they can find you after it's over!
- Bring lots of water and sunscreen. The tree that previously provided the most shade is now a pencil.
- Prepare to stand the whole time. Though the pencil is slightly elevated, the surrounding area is flat — if you sit, you won't be able to see a thing.
- Be patient with your fellow pencil lovers. It's a lot of people in a relatively small space, but we're all here to have fun!
📍 Details: Saturday, June 6, from 1–2:30pm at 2217 E. Lake of the Isles Parkway.
- While you're there, grab a free ticket for the afterparty at Icehouse.
More things to do...
Celebrate Prince's legacy at one of the many events around downtown Minneapolis this weekend.
- Members of his bands the Revolution and the NPG will reunite at the Armory's 10th Anniversary Concert Friday night ($94+), and the city will host a free block party and sing-along on Saturday.
- Head to Plymouth on Sunday for the grand opening of the People's Museum for Prince, featuring works by over 60 artists across seven countries. Free
🎨 It's a big weekend for art fairs, starting with the popular Edina Art Fair Friday–Sunday at 50th & France. Pro tip: Avoid parking battles by taking the free shuttle from City Hall.
- Shop under the canopy of Swede Hollow Park at St. Paul's Art in the Hollow Festival on Saturday, or head north to the St. Anthony Park Arts Festival. The latter features 65 artists, a beer and mead garden, live music and a library book sale. Free
🚂 Union Depot is celebrating its 100th anniversary this weekend with Train Days, the family festival featuring all things railroad. Activities include large-scale models, tours of historical trains and a music festival on Saturday with five local artists. Free
💒 Break out your wedding dress — the Garter Toss Wedding Chapel is throwing a bridal dive bar crawl in North St. Paul this Saturday.
- Expect a swag bag, stops at six nearby pubs and a wedding cake eating contest. Wedding attire heavily encouraged.
🚶 PSA: Two major Twin Cities roads will be closed for street festivals this Sunday. Open Streets Lyndale shuts down Lyndale between 22nd and 42nd streets and Grand Old Day closes Grand Avenue from Snelling to Dale.
- The latter features a parade, car show, skateboard competition, six live music stages, family activities, wiener dog races and more. Both free