A Day of Creativity & Community
See you next year on May 22, 2027
Mainstreet Day
SAVE THE DATE
Saturday, May 22, 2027
from 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
FREE ENTRY
Vendor Applications open for next year on December 1, 2026
ABOUT THE FAIR
“The official green light to festival season in the Twin Cities.”
- Greg 'Hutch' Hutchinson, Minnesota Live
Mainstreet Day Arts & Craft Fair, now hosted by Hopkins Education Foundation (HEF), is a free one-day festival held annually on the Saturday before Memorial Day in downtown Hopkins. Mainstreet will be closed between 7th and 14th streets.
This growing event welcomes more than 200 vendors offering a variety of homemade crafts, woodworking, art, clothing, garden décor, and more. There's also free entertainment, games for the kids, and some of the best food trucks around.
JCI Hopkins started Mainstreet Day Arts & Craft Fair 38 years ago and passed on care of the festival to the Hopkins Education Foundation in 2025 (Thank you, JCI)! Hopkins Education Foundation plans to continue the fair's legacy by adding a few more family activities and representation from Hopkins Public Schools to the Royal Family Fun Zone at the fair.
The Hopkins Education Foundation partners with the Hopkins Public Schools community to fund educational projects and experiences for our students. Since 1995, HEF has awarded $4 million in funds to support Hopkins Public Schools students, teachers, and staff in their endeavors.
More Information
Royal Family Fun Zone
With Hopkins Education Foundation as your hosts, Mainstreet Day’s kids area gets a boost from Hopkins Public Schools. With activities from our schools, PTOs, Community Education, Early Childhood, student groups, and sports teams, kids will have plenty to do in the Royal Family Fun Zone!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: When and where is Mainstreet Day?
A: Mainstreet Day takes place on the Saturday before Memorial Day in downtown Hopkins on Mainstreet between 7th and 14th Avenues. The street is closed to traffic and hosts over 200 vendors, including food trucks, games, and live entertainment.
Q: When is the deadline to secure a booth at Mainstreet Day?
A: Early bird applications for Mainstreet Day booths will open as usual on December 1, 2025, with pricing as before. Applications are now closed.
Q: Is the event free?
A: Yes, attendees do not pay an entrance fee, but anything purchased from a booth or food truck will have a cost. There are plenty of free activities for kids, as well as free music.
Q: What’s new in 2026?
A: This year, with Hopkins Education Foundation as host, you can expect more representation from Hopkins Public Schools organization and more kids’ activities, especially in the Royal Family Fun Zone.
Q: Where do I park my vehicle during the day?
A: Parking is available in City surface lots and the parking ramp, as well as on side streets beyond the barricades (past the first alley). The day gets busy, please carpool with friends as you can.
Q: Can I bring my pet?
A: Yes! Friendly pets on leashes are welcome, as long as you clean up after them.
Q: Spring in Minnesota can be unpredictable. What if it rains?
A: Mainstreet Day is held rain or shine, so plan accordingly. While we hope it doesn’t rain, we have had many successful years in the rain, as all of our vendors are under tents. Bring an umbrella and still come out to enjoy the day. If the weather becomes hazardous, we will cancel to keep everyone safe.
Q: When I need a break during the day, where can I find a restroom?
A: Portable bathrooms will be placed at the intersections of 8th, 9th, 10th, 11th, and 12th Avenues on the northside of Mainstreet. Accessible units will be available on 9th and 11th Avenues.
Q: I need an ATM, is there one close by?
A: There’s a US Bank on 9th Ave just north of Mainstreet and a Wells Fargo on 10th Ave one block south of Mainstreet. While cash is appreciated, most of our vendors also accept cards.
Q: What is the Hopkins Education Foundation?
A: Hopkins Education Foundation (HEF) is a nonprofit funded by those who want the best for Hopkins Public Schools. We partner with the district to provide grants that directly fund educational opportunities proposed by our teachers and students. By nurturing curiosity, diversity of thinking, and love of learning within our schools, we create better outcomes for our community. HEF supports the district through annual Special Projects, spring and fall Spark Grants to teachers and staff, and student club Awesome Fund grants. Since 1995, the Hopkins Education Foundation has partnered with the Hopkins Public Schools community and awarded $3.9 million districtwide to enrich all students with new learning experiences and resources. HEF is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. HEF took on Mainstreet Days from JCI Hopkins, which founded the event in 1987.
Thank you, JCI Hopkins, for 38 years leading Mainstreet Day Arts & Craft Fair (from 1987-2025)