Overview: Moving beyond the algorithm

Flickr’s upcoming citywide photography festival aims to foster real-world creative community across Minneapolis through trade shows, keynotes, and live music.

Credit: Mason McCall

Flickr has officially announced MODE by Flickr (a.k.a. MODE Festival), a three-day, multi-venue festival set to transform downtown Minneapolis into an interactive hub for visual creators.

The event highlights a traditional trade show with live music and interactive arts. The initiative aims to move photography away from algorithm-driven digital feeds and back into physical, community-focused spaces.

Event dates and locations

The festival will run from Friday, Sept. 18 through Sunday, Sept. 20.

  • Loring Park: Main stage for evening live music headliners.
  • Nicollet Mall (The Hub): Public daytime hub featuring gear demos and open activations.
  • The Marquette Hotel: Educational classes, keynotes, and masterclasses.
  • The Alley Project: Host location for late-night “MODE After Dark” programming.

Programming and lineup

Each day features keynotes, hands-on workshops, cyanotype printing sessions, photowalks, and gear demos. Daily programming kicks off at 10 a.m., with music performances at Loring Park continuing into the evening.

For festival updates, venue schedules, and ticket options, visit the official website at modefestival.com.

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