Chicago photographers, content creators, and visual storytellers have a new reason to plan a fall getaway. MODE: The World’s Photography Festival is coming to downtown Minneapolis September 18–20, Just under a 2-hour flight from Chicago. The event will feature photography, live music, workshops, and creative experiences across the city. Produced by Flickr, the three-day festival is designed for anyone who loves photography, whether you’re a seasoned pro, an aspiring creator, or simply someone who never goes anywhere without a camera. Here’s everything to know before making the trip from Chicago!
Why photographers & creatives will want to go
MODE goes in depth with photography. Throughout the weekend, attendees can join hands-on workshops, masterclasses, guided photo walks, portfolio reviews, and photography talks led by industry experts.
The lineup includes acclaimed photographers like Chris Burkard, Keith Ladzinski, and Sandro Miller, giving attendees the chance to learn directly from some of the biggest names in the industry. You can also test the latest camera gear from major brands, pick up new creative techniques, and connect with fellow photographers and creators.
There’s a major music lineup, too, with headliners Vince Staples and Tycho
The photography programming isn’t the only reason to make the trip. MODE is also bringing live music to downtown Minneapolis, with performances all weekend. Vince Staples, Tycho, Cory Wong, Washed Out, Infinity Song, Karl Denson’s Tiny Universe, and BALTHVS are among the artists taking the stage.
Friday brings Vince Staples and Infinity Song, Saturday features Tycho and Washed Out, and Sunday closes things out with Cory Wong joined by Karl Denson’s Tiny Universe.
What’s happening throughout the weekend
The festival spreads its programming across multiple downtown Minneapolis venues, making it easy to turn your MODE visit into a full weekend getaway.
Friday: AI and photography, food photography, a sports photography activation at Target Field, Vince Staples, and MODE After Dark.
Saturday: Live music photography, skateboard photography, Bird Photography 101, a Lumen Printing Workshop, Tycho, Washed Out, and MODE After Dark.
Sunday: Business and commercial photography, the Golden Era of NYC Photography, filming in extreme environments, a cyanotype printing workshop, and performances from Cory Wong and Karl Denson’s Tiny Universe.
Don’t miss MODE After Dark
The festival continues after hours with MODE After Dark, presented by Renegade. The late-night event takes over The Alley Project Friday and Saturday from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m., with live music, visuals, and a custom skate park. A separate After Dark Pass is required in addition to a festival ticket. Grab your passes now!
Event details
When: September 18–20, 2026
Where: Multiple venues across downtown Minneapolis
3-Day passes: $240 GA, $380 VIP
Single-day passes: $99 GA, $150 VIP. VIP includes one year of Flickr Pro, while GA includes 50% off Flickr Pro.
For Chicago creatives looking for a weekend trip that combines photography, music, and plenty of opportunities to get inspired, MODE offers pretty amazing reasons to head north this fall.
