Forest Lake Arts in the Park — Summer Art Fair Tuesdays at Lakeside Memorial Park

If you haven't made it out to Forest Lake's Arts in the Park yet this summer, here's your sign. Every Tuesday evening through August, Lakeside Memorial Park turns into a full-blown community art fair — and it's exactly the kind of laid-back, family-friendly outing that makes lake living in the Twin Cities so great.

What's Arts in the Park?

It's exactly what it sounds like — a weekly outdoor art fair set right on the shores of Forest Lake. The city's Lakeside Memorial Park fills up with artist and artisan booths showcasing original paintings, photography, handmade jewelry, pottery, woodworking, textiles, and all kinds of creative work from local and regional artists. It's the kind of place where you can browse original art, chat with the makers, and walk away with something unique for your home — or just enjoy the creativity on display.

But it's more than just an art fair. Each Tuesday also brings a farmers market with fresh local produce, baked goods, and seasonal treats, plus a rotating lineup of food trucks for dinner on the grass. And from 6:30 to 8:30 PM, there's live music — a different performer each week, ranging from folk and bluegrass to rock and country. The whole thing runs from 5:00 to 9:00 PM, giving you plenty of time to browse, eat, listen, and soak up the lake-view sunset.

Perfect for Families and Art Lovers Alike

Here's the thing about Arts in the Park — it works for everyone. Art lovers get to browse original work in a beautiful outdoor setting. Families get a low-stakes evening out where kids can run around on the grass, grab dinner from a food truck, and hear some live music. And locals get to hang out in one of the nicest parks in town with their neighbors. There's no pressure, no admission fee, and no reason not to go.

If you've got little ones, this is a great introduction to art and live music in a setting that doesn't require them to sit still or be quiet. Let them wander the booths, grab a popsicle from a vendor, and dance to the band. It's that relaxed.

2026 Concert Series — Full Lineup

Arts in the Park is more than an art fair — it's a full summer concert series running every Tuesday from June 16 through August 25. Music is provided in partnership with Forest Lake Ford, and each week brings a different sound to the park from 6:30 to 8:30 PM.

This year's lineup includes community favorites like the Forest Lake Marching Band kicking off the series, the swing sounds of Saints of Swing, the foot-stomping Roe Family Singers Bluegrass, and the beloved Annual Corn Feed — a classic Forest Lake tradition that pairs live music with fresh roasted corn. It's the kind of programming that makes you feel like you're part of something real. Grab a blanket or a lawn chair, settle in on the grass, and enjoy the show with the lake as your backdrop.

What to Bring

A few things to make your evening better:

Plan Your Visit

Arts in the Park runs every Tuesday through August 25 from 5:00 to 9:00 PM at Lakeside Memorial Park in Forest Lake. Parking is available near the park, and the event is free to enter. The farmers market runs alongside the art fair, and food trucks are on-site each week so you can grab dinner while you browse.

The full schedule — including which band is playing each week — is available on the City of Forest Lake's website.

Whether you're a serious art collector, a parent looking for a low-key Tuesday evening out with the kids, or just someone who wants to sit on the grass by the lake and listen to live music with a food truck dinner in hand — Arts in the Park is waiting for you.

See you at the park, lake community.