Minneapolis families and fair‑goers can pause the rides and food‑court bustle to experience a vibrant outdoor gallery at the State Fair’s Joyful World Mural Park. From Thursday through Sunday, local Black muralist Reggie LeFlore will live‑paint an 8‑by‑8‑foot canvas featuring Ayomide, the heroine of his upcoming story “Ayo’s Afro Future.” The name comes from the Yoruba phrase meaning “my joy has arrived,” and the narrative follows her quest to reconnect with her African ancestry.
Celebrating Blackness in Real Time
LeFlore, who moved to Minneapolis in 2015 after growing up in Omaha, said he chose the State Fair as a platform to “celebrate Blackness” in all its present‑day forms. He hopes the mural offers a hopeful counter‑point to the recent tragedies that have affected the Twin Cities. While he works on the mural, LeFlore will be joined by fellow artists Philli Irvin and Destiny Noel Bilges, as well as the creative studio Discover Dope Creative.
The park will also display works created between 2021 and 2024 by artists such as Leslie Barlow, Jordan Hamilton, Hibaaq Ibrahim and Thomasina Topbear, giving visitors a broader view of contemporary Black art in Minnesota.
Family Activities Nearby
Just beyond Gate 7, fair‑goers can enjoy a jam session hosted by Sahan Journal featuring the reggae‑funk collective Brandyn Lee Tulloch and Poetic Roots. The event runs Friday, Aug. 28 through Sunday, Aug. 30 at 1265 Snelling Ave. N., Falcon Heights, with tickets starting at $17.
For those interested in cross‑cultural music, Mixed Blood Theatre will present “Across The Water,” pairing the Yiddish folk band Red Thread with Somali ensemble Ardaa. The two groups will perform separately and then join for an improvised set that explores the shared rhythms of their traditions. Shows are scheduled for Friday, Aug. 28 and Sunday, Aug. 30 at 7 p.m., with tickets at $15.
Somali Women’s Celebration
The Qalanjo Project will host its inaugural DumarFest on Saturday, Aug. 29 at Currie Park (500 S. 15th Ave., Minneapolis). The day‑long event focuses on Somali womanhood, offering morning wellness activities such as pilates and tea, followed by art workshops, henna, scrapbooking, floral design and games. Evening programming includes an open‑mic, live performances, film screenings and a buraanbur poetry session performed exclusively by women. Admission is free, but RSVP is required.
Vinyl Night for Music Lovers
Minneapolis music fans can head to Zoma House on Sunday, Aug. 30 for the second installment of Beat Excavation. Five DJs will dig into old‑school vinyl records, while filmmaker D.A. Bullock presents a showcase of the city’s funk and soul legacy that pre‑dated Prince’s rise. The event runs from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. at 1426 W. Lake St., and admission is free.
These varied offerings give Minnesota State Fair visitors a chance to engage with art, music and family‑focused programming that reflects the cultural richness of the Twin Cities. Whether you’re admiring a live mural, dancing to Somali beats, or exploring vinyl‑driven funk, the fair’s Joyful World Mural Park and surrounding events provide a welcoming space for all ages.
Original reporting: Sahan Journal — read the source article.
