#United States #Minneapolis #Flickr #Vince Staples #MODE Festival

Flickr's MODE Festival: Where Photography Meets Music

Flickr, the renowned photography platform, is set to launch its inaugural MODE Festival from September 18 to 20, 2026, in the vibrant city of Minneapolis. This three-day event is more than just a festival; it's an immersive cultural celebration that marries photography with an exciting musical lineup featuring popular artists like Vince Staples, Tycho, and Cory Wong among others.

The MODE Festival aims to take photography beyond the screens and into the streets, creating a community-driven environment that fosters creativity and connection among artists and attendees. Ben MacAskill, President and COO of SmugMug Flickr, expressed the essence of this festival by saying, "Photography and music have always been at the forefront of culture. Bringing artists like Vince Staples, Tycho, and Cory Wong to the MODE stage reflects Flickr's commitment to creativity, craft, and community."

Musical Performances and Programming

Live performances will take place daily, with concerts scheduled at Loring Park and various venues across downtown Minneapolis. The eclectic musical lineup is designed to enhance the festival experience, encouraging attendees to engage with art in multiple forms. The festival is structured to seamlessly connect different activities—whether attending afternoon workshops, enjoying intimate music sets along Nicollet Mall, or partaking in community socials at Peavey Plaza before diving into evening performances, there are countless opportunities for exploration and interaction.

In addition to music, the festival features a diverse roster of photographers and visual storytellers including Matthew Rolston, Jonathan Mannion, and Steve Sweatpants. These experts will lead a variety of engaging experiences related to photography’s thematic pillars, such as Change, Next, Money, Motion, Culture, IRL, and Earth.

Standout Programming and Workshops

One of the highlights of the festival will be a keynote event titled "Double Exposure: A Conversation with Sandro Miller and Matthew Rolston." This unique discussion will offer insights into the influences and artistic journeys of these celebrated portrait photographers. Additionally, hands-on workshops covering topics from commercial production to adventure filmmaking will be available, led by acclaimed professionals like Art Streiber and Andy Best.

Another exciting facet of the festival is the citywide street photography challenge, spearheaded by YK. This initiative will transform Minneapolis into an interactive classroom, inspiring local photographers to explore and document their surroundings.

Jim Marshall Photography Exhibition, a showcase curated by Amelia Davis, will feature archival works from the legendary music photographer known for capturing iconic moments like Woodstock and Johnny Cash at Folsom Prison.

Moreover, workshops like those led by Josh Katz, co-founder of Skatefolio, will offer hands-on experiences at skateboarding setups, appealing to aspiring skate photographers.

Tickets and Participation

Passes for this unique experience are now available, starting at $500 for Flick Pro Interactive, with general admission priced at $410 and VIP passes at $900. More speakers and artists will continue to be announced as the festival date approaches, ensuring a dynamic lineup that reflects the pulse of contemporary photography and music culture.

Flickr’s MODE Festival represents a pivotal shift in how photography and music intersect, creating a platform that celebrates art in all its forms. As Jonathan Mannion aptly stated, "Ideas evolve differently, work gets better, and the energy is unmatched" when creatives gather in the same space. This ethos embodies what the MODE Festival is about—bringing artists, photographers, and enthusiasts together to inspire and innovate.

For more details, visit modefestival.com and stay updated on the latest announcements through social media channels such as Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube. Let's witness how Minneapolis turns into a canvas of artistic expression this September!