In Focus: Northwoods Arts Council Prepares for 28th Annual Art & Book Festival

For almost three decades, Hackensack has served as the home of one of the largest gatherings for Minnesota artists and authors, the Northwoods Arts Council’s Art & Book Festival, which will once again be held in the city this weekend.

“This is actually the longest running art and literature event in all of Minnesota,” said Mrs. Minnesota International, Kirin Christianson. “We will have 65 artists, 35 Minnesota authors, and it is a lot of fun for the whole family.”

“We go to over 10 art festivals a year looking for quality art and bring the greatest artists we can find to Hackensack,” said Northwoods Arts Council Artists Coordinator Lynn VanAllen.

Each year, the public can look forward to a variety of events during the festival itself, such as live music, activities for children and, of course, getting to speak with local artists.

“We’ve got lots of things that are very close by. You can you can peruse things at your own pace,” explained Christianson, “There’s a whole community center filled with artists and crafts and community events.”

“And we make it a really exciting day with great music, great food, craft beer, things for children to do, and really involve the nonprofits in the community,” added VanAllen.

2023 marks the 28th year of the Art & Book Festival, and since its founding, the event has also showcased what Hackensack has to offer.

“Things are happening in Hackensack,” said VanAllen. “This is a great place to live, a great place to do business, and there’s so many things that are happening that it’s really a magical day in the community and I would encourage everybody to come up and enjoy it.”

The 28th annual Art & Book Festival is set to take place Saturday, August 12 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in Hackensack. More information on participating authors and artists can be found on the Northwoods Arts Council’s website.