WAYZATA — The Wayzata Area Chamber of Commerce has officially announced the return of the Wayzata Art Experience (WAE) for 2025, promising more artists, more live music, and an expanded footprint for one of Lake Minnetonka’s signature summer festivals.
Set for Saturday and Sunday, June 22–23, the annual event will once again transform downtown Wayzata into a vibrant, walkable gallery by the water. Lake Street will close to traffic and open to the community, with more than 150 juried artists expected to showcase their work in media ranging from ceramics and woodwork to photography, jewelry, and fine painting.
“This is one of our premier events, and each year it grows in both participation and community impact,” said Becky Pierson, President of the Wayzata Area Chamber. “We’re especially excited about the enhancements in 2025—including extended music programming, additional interactive art stations, and a larger footprint along the newly revitalized Panoway.”
What began in 2006 as a modest sidewalk showcase has evolved into a full-fledged destination festival. Now in its 19th year, the Wayzata Art Experience draws thousands of visitors from across the Twin Cities and greater Minnesota. The weekend offers live performances by local and regional musical acts, a curated food truck court, beer and wine garden, interactive art for kids, and beloved features like the vintage wooden boat exhibition and exotic car show.
This year’s event will continue to make use of the Lakewalk and broader Panoway project—a multi-phase revitalization effort transforming Wayzata’s waterfront into a pedestrian-friendly public space. The Lakewalk, a timber boardwalk along Wayzata Bay, provides a scenic route for visitors to stroll between art exhibits, live music stages, and lakeside seating areas. Just steps from the festival, visitors can admire sailboats, sip a cocktail, or relax in the town’s new civic gathering spaces that blend heritage with modern design.
Wayzata’s setting on Lake Minnetonka has always made it a cultural anchor on the west side of the metro. Home to acclaimed restaurants like CōV, Gianni’s Steakhouse, 6Smith, and Baja Haus, Wayzata offers fine dining and casual lakeside patios just steps from the art booths. Shoppers can explore high-end boutiques, Minnesota-made goods, and seasonal florals throughout the walkable downtown.
The Chamber expects record-breaking attendance this year, buoyed by the festival’s reputation and the rising allure of Wayzata as both a weekend destination and a place to call home.
“Wayzata is more than just a location—it’s a feeling,” said Pierson. “The Wayzata Art Experience captures the heart of our community: creative, welcoming, and always rooted in the beauty of the lake.”
Admission to the event is free and open to the public. Parking and shuttle information, along with artist lineups and event maps, will be available at wayzatachamber.com as the event approaches.
Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a longtime resident, the Wayzata Art Experience is a chance to see the town at its best—colorful, connected, and alive with inspiration.
