MODE: The World’s Photography Festival
September 18-20, 2026
Minneapolis, Minnesota USA
Our support team is ready to help answer any questions around any problem you might have, but give this a gander first and see if our oracles predicted what ails you.
MODE by Flickr (a.k.a MODE Festival or just MODE) is a three-day, multi-media, multi-venue photography festival in downtown Minneapolis. It combines elements of a traditional trade show with a high-energy festival. Each day there will be workshops, concerts, talks, demos, screenings, and meetups, all designed to leave photographers creatively recharged and more connected to their community.
MODE is produced by Flickr. Flickr has been a home for photographers for more than 20 years, and MODE is the real-world extension of that: sharing work, learning together, and growing your craft without chasing algorithms.
Date: Friday, September 18th - Sunday, September 20th
Time: Daily schedules will vary by venue and programming, and the full hours-by-day lineup will drop alongside the official schedule.
Location: Minneapolis, Minnesota (Downtown)
Photographers needed something real. In a world where algorithms shape what we see and how we connect, we wanted to build a space that’s human again—IRL, community-first, and made for the people who actually love the craft. MODE is our way of bringing photography out of the apps and into the streets.
MODE is both indoors and outdoors, depending on the event. Because it encompasses multiple venues, MODE will happen rain or shine.
MODE festival is an extension of the Flickr community - it’s for photography-lovers of every kind! Professionals, hobbyists, students, creators, filmmakers, photo fans or anyone who just wants to be around other image-makers for a weekend, are all welcome here.
• Photography essentials: camera body, lenses, batteries, memory cards, and a reasonably-sized camera bag or backpack.
• Laptop or tablet, backup drives, power bank, and charging cables.
• Reusable water bottle.
• Notepad and pen.
• Comfortable walking shoes, sunglasses, hat and clothing layers for appropriate weather.
Reasonably-sized camera/gear bags are allowed and will be inspected upon entry into festival areas of access. After inspection, each bag will be tagged. Tagged bags can use expedited reentry lanes. If a bag’s tag is missing, lost or broken, the bag will need to be rechecked and re-tagged.
Trained service animals are welcome throughout the festival grounds. Animals must remain under control and on leash or harness at all times. Emotional support or therapy animals are not considered service animals under the ADA.
Re-entry is allowed for the dates and times included with your pass, and with your MODE wristband.
Please contact our Support team at support@modefestival.com
The official hotel sponsor of MODE is the Marquette which is just steps away from the MODE Hub. We’ve also partnered with the best in the business to offer exclusive hotel accommodations for MODE attendees. Book here to secure your lodging.
Minneapolis is easy to reach by plane, car, or train—and once you’re downtown, MODE is designed to be walkable and venue-hoppable. We’ll share a full transportation guide closer to September 2026.
Programming begins Friday morning, September 18, so be sure to arrive early to check in. Please arrive with your wristband that was previously shipped to you (US-based orders only) for access to areas and events, depending on your ticket type. You would have previously received a notification that your wristband was shipped.
There’s no official dress code, but the festival takes place in multiple locations that require walking or wheeling. We recommend wearing attire that you feel comfortable in for that. We also suggest bringing sunglasses, hats and clothing layers for the changing Minneapolis weather.
Attendees must be 18+ for General Festival access. You must also be 18+ for access to the Peavey Plaza Food & Beverage Garden. Guests 21+ will receive a designated wristband.
We recommend buying ahead of time so you lock in your spot and get the smoothest entry experience. On-site pass availability will depend on capacity, so on-site passes are not guaranteed.
For US Residents, wristbands will be shipped approximately from August 1 until September 4th, 2026. Orders after September 4th or international guests, all wristbands will be available for on-site pickup at the MODE Festival Will Call.
International guests will be able to pick up their wristbands, starting September 18, 2026, on site at will-call.
If your wristband is lost or damaged, a replacement can be issued on-site for a fee.
Passes to MODE are non-refundable, but they are transferrable. Please contact our support team at support@modefestival.com to do so.
We welcome all individuals and are committed to providing access and inclusion. If you have a disability and require accommodations to participate in the festival, please contact accessibility@modefestival.com at least 2 weeks in advance.
The deadline to request accommodations is two weeks before the festival, on Friday, September 4th, 2026. Please contact accessibility@modefestival.com so we can work with you to meet your needs.
The full event schedule for MODE will be announced closer to the event. Highlights will be posted on the lineup page, and the full schedule will be available on the festival app.
We curated talent with great intention. We looked for creators and voices who represent the full range of photography today—across styles, communities, and career paths—and who bring real perspective, craft, and energy to the room.
We’re always open to partnering with brands that show up for photographers in a real way. Sponsorship opportunities range from hands-on demos and experiences to programming, creative lounges, and community activations. If you want in, reach out to sales@modefestival.com—let’s build something people actually remember.
More lineup features coming soon.
