Highlights this week include:
Jan. 20-21, Worthington
Winterfest
Jan. 19-22, Minneapolis
2017 Progressive Insurance Minneapolis Boat Show
Jan. 21-29, Spicer
Spicer Winterfest
Jan. 21-22, Park Rapids
Park Rapids 106 USXC Snowmobile Races
Jan. 19-23, International Falls
IceBox Days
Southern Minnesota
Jan. 20-21, Worthington
Winterfest
On Friday, Jan. 20, celebrate winter with the Crowning of the Snow Queen, Deep Freeze Dip Turn-In, Chili Cook-off, People’s Choice voting, and Winterfest Social. On Saturday, Jan. 21, enjoy a breathtaking performance by Shapiro & Smith Dance Company at the Memorial Auditorium, as well as a fishing tournament, Pond Hockey tournament, and 2-Mile Winterfest Walk. Most events held at Lake Okabena or the Worthington Event Center. 800-279-2919
Jan. 21, Winona
The Second City
Chicago's legendary sketch and improv comedy theater returns to the Page Theatre at Saint Mary's University with "The Best of The Second City." This must-see show features the best sketches and songs from The Second City’s 55-year history made famous by superstars like Tina Fey, Stephen Colbert, Steve Carell, Gilda Radner, Bill Murray and more– as well as their trademark improvisation. While in Winona, check out
Confluence: Geography, History, and Culture at the Intersection of the Mississippi and the Minnesota Rivers and Minnesota Illustrated: The Prints of Adam Turman at the Minnesota Marine Art Museum. 507-457-1715; 507-474-6626
Jan. 22, Rochester
Townsend Flea Market
Shop this fabulous market for antiques, collectibles, toys, coins and more! Mayo Civic Center. 507-269-1473
Jan. 26 - Feb. 12, Rochester
WinterFest XV
WinterFest is held each year to promote wintertime activities for all ages. Highlights include the Deuces Wild Dueling Pianos, youth ice fishing contest, Blizzard Ride, Blizzard Bash, polar plunge, book sale, community expo, BaconFest, sleigh rides, Pioneer Life of Olmsted County, Hearts & Diamonds Spectacular, Murder Mystery, Beat the Winter Blues Bash, and RBC Gospel Concert! 507-285-5272
Jan. 27-28, Red Wing
Ghost Hunter Special Event
Join paranormal investigator and author Adrian Lee and his team for a spooky night! Here is your chance to investigate a haunted hotel and receive exclusive participation in an overnight ghost hunt. St. James Hotel. 651-388-2846
Jan. 27 - Feb. 12, St. Peter
Winterfest
The annual Winterfest celebration includes multiple events such as a medallion hunt, Winterfest Opening Ceremony Party with a mini medallion hunt, polar plunge, snowshoeing at Traverse des Sioux, Poker Walk, Atomic Egg Drop, Hairy Legs contest, chili feed, and Winterslam Demo Derby. 507-934-3400
Minneapolis-St. Paul Area
Nov. 12 - April 9 (Thursdays-Sundays), Chaska
Bruce Munro: Winter Light at the Arboretum
The Minnesota Landscape Arboretum will glow after dark this winter when it hosts the stunning evening exhibition Bruce Munro: Winter Light at the Arboretum. The exhibition features five unique installations outdoors, one suspended light triad sculpture indoors, plus a series of immersive, sensory audio-visual animations. Munro’s solo shows have attracted more than a million visitors since the first exhibition in 2012.
Jan. 6 - March 14, Stillwater
Ice Castles
Ice castles is the must-see winter wonderland where fairy tales are brought to life with twinkling lights, magnificent archways and towers, ice-carved tunnels, fountains and slides ready to be explored. By day this frozen castle glimmers with glacial blues and after dark the ice formations create a magical glow. In addition, enjoy Fire Performances on Fridays and Saturdays, and pictures with the Enchanted Ice Princesses on Saturdays and Sundays. Learn more about these and other special events. Lowell Park. 651-351-1717
Jan. 19-22, Minneapolis
2017 Progressive Insurance Minneapolis Boat Show
This is the upper Midwest’s best selection of new boats, along with hundreds of booths showcasing the very latest in engines, electronics, fishing gear and accessories. Find your dream boat and everything that goes with it! Minneapolis Convention Center. 612-332-8330
Jan. 20, Hastings
Burns' Night Scotch Tasting
Celebrate the life of Scottish poet laureate, Robbie Burns, with the sound of bagpipes, the music of the house band, information on the history of the distilleries, and special foods paired with five scotch tastings. Reservations required. LeDuc Historic Estate. 651-438-8480
Jan. 21, Minneapolis
Carnival! - Winter Dance Party with Ethnic Dance Theatre
This family-friendly folk dance party will help you shake off the winter doldrums. Learn simple fo9lk dances, then enjoy live music, ethnic food, silent auction, and cash bar. Ethnic Dance Theatre. 651-341-5312
Jan. 21-23, Minneapolis
Okwui Okpokwasili
Known for her intensely powerful performances, Bessie Award–winning Okwui Okpokwasili mixes ritualistic and hallucinogenic movement, song, video, and text, creating a dystopian narrative in which characters slip through the fissures of time to wander in a bush of ghosts. Walker Art Center. 612-375-7600
Jan. 26 - Feb. 5, St. Paul
Saint Paul Winter Carnival
The 131st Saint Paul Winter Carnival, the "Coolest Celebration on Earth," offers a wide array of fun activities including the Royal Coronation, Grande Day Parade, Outdoor Beer Dabbler, Winter Carnival Medallion Hunt, Kids' Day, Snow Park at Fair, Klondike Kate Cabaret, Saintly City Cat Show, Moon Glow Pedestrian Parade, King Boreas Grande Day Parade, and the Torchlight Parade! Events are held throughout the city, with many centered in downtown Saint Paul in the Landmark Center and Rice Park. Complete list of events. 651-223-7400
Jan. 27-29, Anoka
Winterfest
Join Anoka in celebrating this wonderful season with outdoor and indoor activities including a Wine & Beer Tasting, live music, 9-hole deluxe Mini Putt Golf Course, bonfire & s'mores, ski equipment demo, "yard" games, and brunch. Most events at Green Haven Golf Course & Event Center. 763-576-2725
Jan. 27 - Feb. 5, St. Paul/Minneapolis
The Great Northern
Celebrate the best of the season at events throughout Minneapolis and St. Paul. In addition to the 131-year-old St. Paul Winter Carnival, enjoy the U.S. Pond Hockey Championships on Lake Nokomis, the City of Lakes Loppet Ski Festival on Lake Calhoun, and a variety of heritage and culinary events. Complete details.
Jan. 28, Hastings
Baking Course
The LeDuc family always had an interest in baking. Learn more about the LeDuc family and historic baking techniques in this hands-on activity! LeDuc Historic Estate. 651-438-8480
Jan. 28-29, St. Paul
Winter Jazz Festival
The Winter Jazz Festival features some of the best local and nationally-known jazz musicians for two days in downtown Saint Paul. Presented by Hiway Federal Credit Union. The St. Paul Hotel. 651-292-9292
Jan. 28 - Feb. 11 (Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays), Minneapolis
Wintertide, a Biennial Juried Art Exhibition
Wintertide is a biennial juried exhibition produced by Northeast Minneapolis Arts Association to highlight NEMAA member artists’ high level of professional artistic capability. Celebrate the bounty of outstanding artwork that NEMAA artists have to offer - a bright light in Northeast during the coldest time of the year. See Exhibiting Artists. Public Functionary. 612-788-1679
Upcoming Twin Cities' concerts and performances:
Jerry Seinfeld at the Historic Orpheum Theatre in Minneapolis, Jan. 19
The Lumineers at the Target Center in Minneapolis, Jan. 19
Eric Church at the Target Center, Jan. 20
X Ambassadors at Treasure Island Resort & Casino in Welch, Jan. 20
1964: The Tribute at the Ames Theatre in Burnsville, Jan. 21
Red Hot Chili Peppers at the Target Center, Jan. 21
Collective Soul at Treasure Island Resort & Casino, Jan. 27
Brian Regan at the Historic Orpheum Theatre in Minneapolis, Jan. 28
Sesame Street Live - Elmo Makes Music at the Historic State Theatre in Minneapolis, Jan. 28-29
Dawes at the Historic State Theatre in Minneapolis, Feb. 3
World's Toughest Rodeo at the Xcel Energy Center, Feb. 3-4
Defending the Caveman at the Ames Theatre in Burnsville, Feb. 4
Ladysmith Black Mambazo at the Historic State Theatre in Minneapolis, Feb. 4
Mamma Mia! at the Historic Orpheum Theatre in Minneapolis, Feb. 7-12
Gladys Knight at Mystic Lake Casino Hotel in Prior Lake, Feb. 11
Monster Jam at the U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Feb. 11
Ratt Ft. Pearcy, Demartini, Croucier & Cavazo the Great White at Treasure Island Resort & Casino in Welch, Feb. 11
Valentine's Day Comedy Show at the Historic State Theatre, Feb. 11
The Naked Magicians at the Pantages Theatre in Minneapolis, Feb. 12
Martina McBride "Love Unleashed Tour" at the Historic State Theatre, Feb. 16
Tribute to Gospel Music Tour at the Historic Orpheum Theatre in Minneapolis, Feb. 16
Game of Thrones Live Concert Experience at the Xcel Energy Center, Feb. 17
Shen Yun at the Historic Orpheum Theatre in Minneapolis, Feb. 17-19
Monster Energy AMA Supercross at the Xcel Energy Center, Feb. 18
Game of Thrones Live Concert Experience at the Xcel Energy Center, Feb. 20
Tickets available through Eventful or Ticketmaster.
Central Minnesota
Jan. 20-29 (Fridays, Saturdays & Sundays), Alexandria
Youth Musical: James and the Giant Peach
When James is sent by his conniving aunts to chop down their old fruit tree, he discovers a magic potion that grows a tremendous peach, rolls into the ocean and launches a journey of enormous proportions. James befriends a collection of singing insects that ride the giant piece of fruit across the ocean, facing hunger, sharks and plenty of disagreements along the way. Alexandria Area Arts Association Theatre. 320-762-8300
Jan. 21, Collegeville
Manual Cinema: Ada/Ava
In a mesmerizing hybrid of cinema and live stage show, Manual Cinema uses the medium of shadow puppetry to create poignant and surreal stories. Set within a New England gothic landscape, Ada/Ava uses the fantastic and the supernatural to explore mourning and melancholy, as well as notions of self and identity. Stephen B. Humphrey Theater at St. John's University. 320-363-5777
Jan. 21-29, Spicer
Spicer Winterfest
The 2017 Spicer WinterFest features a breathtaking ice structure and slide, ice fishing tournaments, craft sale, 13th Annual Polar Plunge, Frozen 5K Run, WinterFest Kids' Carnival, and horse and buggy rides. On Jan. 21, also enjoy a lighting ceremony with fireworks to celebrate the opening of Spicer’s 2017 WinterFest! Saulsbury Beach. 320-796-8066
Jan. 28, Brainerd
Brainerd Jaycees $150,000 Ice Fishing Extravaganza
Join 10,000 anglers on Gull Lake as they compete for more than $150,000 in prizes during the annual Brainerd Jaycees $150,000 Ice Fishing Extravaganza. Arrive a day early for the popular Friday night Kick-Off Party at Grandview Lodge featuring a social hour, plated dinner, and music by the Deuces Wild Dueling Pianos. 218-824-9461
Feb. 3-4, Crosslake
WinterFest
Bundle up the kids and have some fun on a good old-fashioned winter fun with sledding on a huge snow mountain, pond skating, a scavenger hunt, children's games, s'mores, ice car racing, helicopter rides, radar runs, Italian Olympics, fantastic fireworks display, and live music and DJ entertainment at several Crosslake venues. 218-692-4027, 800-450-2838
Northwest Minnesota
Jan. 14-22, Fargo/Moorhead
USA Curling Junior National Championships
See the nation's best curlers under the age of 21 vie for their chance at representing the United States at the World Junior Championships in Sweden! FM Curling Club. 701-232-0341
Jan. 21, Detroit Lakes
Chris Koza
Minneapolis based indie/pop singer Chris Koza returns to the stage for a hip and emotionally stirring performance. Historic Holmes Theatre. 218-844-4221
Jan. 21-22, Park Rapids
Park Rapids 106 USXC Snowmobile Races
Watch fast-paced action when snowmobilers race through the forests, lakes and winter wonderland of the Park Rapids Lakes Area. Races in 21 classes will be offered, including Junior, Pro, Vintage and Classic IFS. 218-234-6444
Jan. 27-28, Fargo/Moorhead
Frostival
Embrace the cool of winter with a wide array of outdoor events held throughout the cities of Fargo and Moorhead. Highlights include great food and refreshments, live music, games, and activities such as snow golf, cardboard sled races, snow dig for prizes, arts & crafts, snowman toss, cross country skiing, ice skating, Kids' Boot Camp, and other family friendly events. Friday's Opening Kick-off will feature live music, food vendors, beer gardens, fire pits, s'mores, carriage rides, and more! Complete schedule. Base Camp, the main hangout during Frostival, is at the Broadway Theatre Garage in downtown Fargo. 701-282-3653
Jan. 28, Bemidji
Advanced Digital Photography Workshop: Winter Wonderland
Winter poses special challenges for outdoor photography! Professional photographer Janet Nelson will share her skills and suggestions for capturing impressive images of our beautiful winter wonderland in this advanced class, then take the class outdoors to try different techniques. Lake Bemidji State Park. 218-308-2300
Feb. 3-4, Bemidji
Winterfest on Lake Bemidji
Winterfest on Lake Bemidji celebrates winter with curling, the Ace on the Lake Hardwater Classic, pond hockey, the BRRRmidji Plunge, YPN Cornhole Tournament, frozen turkey bowling, 5K and 10K Polar Challenge, live music in a warming tent, and more! 218-444-3541
Northeast Minnesota
Jan. 19-23, International Falls
IceBox Days
This wacky winter festival, held annually in the "Icebox of the Nation," has been featured on ABC's "Nightline!" Highlights include frozen turkey bowling, Redneck Trivia, Toilet Seat Toss, smoosh races, Wellness Expo, Blind Joe concert, Donkey Basketball, moonlight snowshoe hike in Voyageurs National Park, the infamous “Freeze Yer Gizzard” runs, and much more! 218-283-9400
Jan. 21, Pine City
Winter Frolic
Shake off the winter blues and learn about winter travel and games during the fur trade. Enjoy activities such throwing a curling stone, playing a round of Ojibwe snow snake, or snowshoeing along two miles of trails. Guests can also relax indoors, enjoy a cup of cocoa before a blazing fire and watch the outdoors festivities from the visitor center. Northwest Company Fur Post. 320-629-6356
Jan. 27-28, Duluth
Flashlight Tour at Glensheen
Under flashlight, details come alive in a way not seen during the day. Make your way through four floors of the mansion, including the previously closed third floor, and see Glensheen in a whole new light. Pending weather, a bonfire will be offered for guests to enjoy before or after their flashlight tour. Historic Glensheen Mansion. 218-726-8910
Jan. 29 - Feb. 1, Duluth
John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon
Established in 1980, the John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon is the longest sled dog race in the lower 48 states, running from Duluth to the Canadian border and back to Duluth. Every year, world-class mushers compete in the nearly 400 mile event. The Beargrease is a qualifier for the famed Iditarod race in Alaska. Spectators will also enjoy Opening Ceremonies, treats and cuteness during the Cub Run, the Cutest Puppy Contest, a photo exhibit, and a chance to Meet the Mushers! 218-722-7631
Feb. 2-12, Ely
Ely Winter Festival and Ely ArtWalk
This 10-day celebration highlights the unique culture, art, history and traditions of the area with the International Snow Sculpting Symposium, Ely ArtWalk, craft fairs, sled dog rides, concerts, spaghetti dinner, and other events celebrating winter. 218-365-7669
Feb. 2-18, Duluth
Green Day's American Idiot
Winner of two Tony Awards and based on Green Day's Grammy Award-winning multi-platinum album, American Idiot is an energy-fueled rock opera that features little dialogue, relying on the lyrics of Green Day to execute the story line. With strong social messages and high octane energy, this show promises to take American musical theater where it hasn't gone before. The Duluth Playhouse. 218-733-7555, 218-733-7577
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