Red Bull Crashed Ice skaters with St. Paul Cathedral backdrop; photo by Matthew Prazak
Highlights this week include:
Jan. 27 - Feb. 12, St. Peter
Winterfest
Jan. 26 - Feb. 5, St. Paul
Saint Paul Winter Carnival
Feb. 3-5, Fergus Falls
Frostbite Festival
Feb. 3-4, Bemidji
Winterfest on Lake Bemidji
Feb. 2-12, Ely
Ely Winter Festival and Ely ArtWalk
Southern Minnesota
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 - 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
Jan. 28 - April 1, Wabasha
Bald Eagle and Golden Eagle Viewing Field Trips
Learn more about eagles in the Upper Mississippi River Valley and get great views of bald eagles and golden eagles in the wild on a guided tour with expert naturalists. Golden eagle tours will be offered Jan. 28, Feb. 4, and Feb. 18. A bald eagle tour will be offered April 1. Get inspiration through the DNR EagleCam Live Stream showing nesting bald eagles -- staff expect to see eggs very soon! National Eagle Center. 651-565-4989
Jan. 30 - Feb. 12, Austin
Paint the Town Pink
Highlights of the 2017 Paint the Town Pink celebration include the Matchbox Children's Theatre's performance of Cinderella and photo opp with cast, Big Band performance at Hormel Historic Home, Primrose Community Dinner, Paint the Rink Pink, ice fishing tournament, Snowmobile Pink Speed Run, Plunging for Pink, Hoot & Ole’s Bean Bag Tourney, demolition derby, and Business Expo. Venues throughout town. 507-460-0259, 507-460-0259
Feb. 4, Red Wing
Tom Papa
With more than 20 years as a stand-up comedian, Tom Papa is one of the top comedic voices in the country, with success in film, television and radio as well as on the live stage. His "pristinely-written material about marriage, raising kids and getting older" (Laugh Spin) is delivered with class and honesty. Sheldon Theatre. 651-388-8700
Feb. 10-12, Winona
Winona Winter Carnival
The Winona Winter Carnival features a collection of organizations and groups offering tons of winter fun including a Timberwolves Lynx Basketball Clinic, Cabin Fever Dash, Winona Farmers & Artisan Market, Saint Mary's University Cardinal Plunge, Snowshoe Snowdown, WAMB Snowbomb Fat Bike Race, 23rd Annual Winona National Bank Chili Cook Off, and MCA Art & Dance Workshops! The Goose Bump Jump, Winona's version of the popular Polar Plunge, will be held on Sunday, Feb. 12. 507-457-8258
Feb. 11, Spring Grove
Hygge Along the Norwegian Ridge Birding & Nature Trail
Hygge is a way to create warmth, connection and well-being. This family event includes snowshoeing and hiking, bonfires, and hot dogs and s’mores for roasting on the fire. Hot chocolate and snowshoes are provided as well. There is no cost, but a free will donation will be accepted. If the night is clear, you can view the full Snow Moon. 507-459-8433
Feb. 11, New Prague
Valentine Ball and Barrel Tasting
Celebrate love by stepping into the Next Chapter Winery's chandeliered barrel room to enjoy a candlelight dinner and dance. This romantic evening is perfect for wine-lovers, those wanting to learn more about wine, and anyone looking for a unique experience to share with someone special. Next Chapter Winery. 612-756-3012
Feb. 15-19, Winona
Frozen River Film Festival
The Frozen River Film Festival offers documentary films and programming to engage, educate and activate community to become involved in the world. In addition to more than 75 films, enjoy socials, speakers, Fat Tire Friday, an Island City Brewing Co. tour, KidZ Kino, Volunteer Fair, Digital Humanities storytelling, and more! Various venues throughout Winona. 507-452-0735
Feb. 16-18, Rochester
SocialICE 2017
SocialICE, Rochester Minnesota's Ice Bar, features 12 seven foot ice bars, each with special themes, specialty drinks, lighting effects, music, ice sculptures, beer, wine, and more! Each night, DJs will energize the crowd with a variety of hits and classics. Post photos from SocialICE for a chance to win up to $200. Peace Plaza. 507-216-9882
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 (reopening Jan. 27, weather permitting; please call ahead to confirm)
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. 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 - 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 - 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
Feb. 3-4, St. Paul
Red Bull Crashed Ice
The Red Bull Crashed Ice World Championship features two hundred of the toughest, fastest, ice cross downhill racers competing on a downhill course full of mind-and-body-bending jumps, turns and slides – all against the backdrop of the historic Cathedral of St. Paul and surrounded by over 115,000 cheering spectators. 952-767-3464
Feb. 3-4, St. Paul
World's Toughest Rodeo
The World's Toughest Rodeo showcases champion cowboys from around the United States competing in bareback riding, saddle bronc riding or bull riding -- champion cowgirls will be vying for the championship title in barrel racing. The top two in each event will return for a second time to go head-to-head to determine the night's champion. The popular "Party on the Dirt," featuring country band Parmalee, will take place following Saturday night's rodeo action. Xcel Energy Center. 651-726-8240
Feb. 4-5, Minneapolis
Healthy Life Expo
The Minneapolis Healthy Life Expo is the largest health, wellness, and fitness show in the upper Midwest! Whether you're an experienced fitness enthusiast or just beginning your health and wellness journey, the Healthy Life Expo is your one place to find the products, services, and information that you’re looking for. Minneapolis Convention Center. 952-238-1700
Feb. 4-26 (Saturdays & Sundays), White Bear Lake
Art Shanty Projects On-Ice Program
Art Shanty Projects' creative structures and unique performances are held on frozen White Bear Lake -- performances, stories, and games are free! 612-567-6844
Feb. 8-12, North Branch
Winter Fest
Winter Fest offers a wide array of fun activities to celebrate winter, including the 2nd Annual Winter Fest Chili Cook-off, Winter Fest Wine, Beer & Spirits Tasting, ice sculpting demos, vintage snowmobile expo and ride, family puzzle contest, omelet breakfast, and a medallion hunt! Central Park. 651-674-4077
Feb. 9-12, Minneapolis
Minneapolis/St. Paul RV, Vacation & Camping Show
The 49th Annual Minneapolis/St. Paul RV, Vacation and Camping Show, the largest consumer show in the five-state area, features hundreds of 2017 class A, B and C motorhomes, travel trailers, fifth-wheels, tent trailers and park models, as well as seminars, information on campgrounds, and the latest in camping accessories. Minneapolis Convention Center. 612-335-6000; 800-848-6247
Feb. 16-19, St. Paul
Minnesota Home & Patio Show
If you're looking for fresh new ideas for inside or outside your home, the 38th Annual Minnesota Home & Patio Show is the place to be. Check out hundreds of exhibits offer thousands of new and tried-and-true home products and services, meet with contractors, building suppliers, architects, landscaping firms and interior designers, and enjoy numerous gardening and home repair seminars. St. Paul RiverCentre. 763-755-8111
Feb. 17-19, Minneapolis
The Venture Bank Minnesota Golf Show
Check out the Midwest's most prestigious consumer golf show with dozens of golf industry exhibitors presenting the latest in golf equipment, gadgets, gifts, garb and getaways. Minneapolis Convention Center. 952-767-8034
Upcoming Twin Cities' concerts and performances:
Dawes at the Historic State Theatre in Minneapolis, Feb. 3
World's Toughest Rodeo at the Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul, Feb. 3-4
Defending the Caveman at the Ames Theatre in Burnsville, Feb. 4
Ladysmith Black Mambazo at the Historic State Theatre, 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
Jim Jefferies: The Unusual Punishment Tour at the Historic Orpheum Theatre in Minneapolis, Feb. 24
The Price Is Right Live - Stage Show at Mystic Lake Casino Hotel in Prior Lake, Feb. 24-26
Lyle Lovett and John Hiatt at the Historic State Theatre, Feb. 25
WWE Smackdown at the Xcel Energy Center, Feb. 28
The King and I (Touring) at the Historic Orpheum Theatre in Minneapolis, Feb. 28 - March 5
Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood - Live! at the Historic State Theatre, March 4
Tickets available through Eventful or Ticketmaster.
Central Minnesota
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
Feb. 3-5, Fergus Falls
Frostbite Festival
Celebrate winter with fun, family-friendly activities throughout Fergus Falls. Highlights include Snowflake Factory Family Fun, live music at numerous venues, Frozen Scavenger Hunt, dart & broomball tournaments, family crafts, indoor winter farmers market, Snoball Dance, Youth Super Bowl Party, children's activities, karaoke, skating, FrostBike ride, 38th Annual Sertoma Ice Fishing Derby & Raffle, and much more! 218-736-6951
Feb. 4, Onamia
Storybook Time & Kid Shoulder Bag Crafts
Enjoy storytime exploring American Indian tales early in the afternoon, along with light snacks. Then take part in Kid Shoulder Bag Crafts and learn how to decorate an Ojibwe-style shoulder bag to take home. This activity provides a hands-on introduction to the arts and culture of the Ojibwe, a woodland people of the Great Lakes region. Mille Lacs Indian Museum and Trading Post. 320-532-3632
Feb. 10-12, St. Cloud
St. Cloud Sportsmen’s Show
The 29th Annual St. Cloud Sportsmen’s Show brings you the very best in resorts, lodges and camps from the Midwest. Check out the special deals on boat, RVs, and related gear, as well as great hunting and fishing seminars. St. Cloud River's Edge Convention Center. 320-255-7272
Feb. 11, Glenwood
Winterama
This fun-filled day on Lake Minnewaska features the Waterama Polar Plunge, chili cook-off, games, snowmobile fun run (weather permitting), live music, the Swetti Yetti Obstacle Course & Fun Run, fireworks, and more! 320-634-3636
Feb. 11, Elk River
Shiver Elk River
Head to Lake Orono Park for the Shiver Plunge, 5K & 10K run/walk, live music, bean bag tournament, medallion hunt, games, and great food and beverages. 763-441-3110
Feb. 11 & 18, Zimmerman
Winter Moonlight Ski/Hike & Snowshoe/Hike
Sherburne National Wildlife Refuge invites all ages to take part in free exhilarating winter recreation events. Enjoy a Moonlight Ski/Hike event with a bonfire on Saturday, Feb. 11, from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. -- please bring your own skis. On Saturday, Feb. 18, a Snowshoe/Hike event will be offered from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Snowshoeing is easy to learn and fun for all ages. Adult and child snowshoes provided. Both events will be held at the Refuge’s Oak Savanna Learning Center located just south of Sherburne County Road 9. 763/389-3323
Feb. 18, Isle
Vintage Snowmobile Ride & Show & Stoplight Party
Check out vintage snowmobiles with games, prizes and a silent auction. Or, bring your sled and join the snowmobile parade at 12:30 pm from the Clubhouse to a campfire for hot dogs. All sleds welcome. That night, head to Toucan's at The Wharf to honor Valentine's Day and help someone make a love connection! If you're single, wear green. If you're taken, wear red. And if it's complicated, wear yellow! 320-676-8112; 320-676-3641
Northwest Minnesota
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
Feb. 4, Park Rapids
American Legion Ice Fishing Contest 2017
Begin the day with breakfast, then head out onto Fish Hook Lake for the ice fishing contest. An awards presentation and American Legion Fisherman's Ball will follow. 218-732-5238
Feb. 4, Park Rapids
Itasca's Lantern Lit Snowshoe and Ski Event & Itasca's Music Under the Pines: Jim and Molly Bauer
Visit Itasca State Park and ski or snowshoe by the light of the moon and kerosene lanterns along the Many Lakes Trail. Classic ski, skate ski or snowshoe at your own pace along the lantern lit route during this drop-in program. For added fun, bring along your s'mores fixings or hot dogs for cooking at the campfire. After your ski or snowshoe, warm up by the fireplace inside the Jacob V. Brower Visitor Center and listen to music from guest musicians, Jim and Molly Bauer, part of the Itasca's Music Under the Pines series. Snowshoes are limited, and available on a first come, first served basis. Itasca State Park. 218-699-7251
Feb. 9-20, Detroit Lakes
Polar Fest
Polar Fest is packed with events to celebrate winter including the Polar Fest Plunge, Polar Fest Detroit Lakes, Freeze your Buns Run, Winter Shanty Beer Tasting, SNOway Up & SNOway Round Fat Tire Bike Races, snowshoe and ski lessons, Poles 'n Holes Contest with Pre- and Post-Prize Parties, Jaycees Human Foosball, Frozen Fireworks, Polaritaville Dance, theater performances, helicopter rides, Winter Wine Dinner Event, and so much more! 218-847-9202
Feb. 11, Crookston
Ice Buster Daze Fishing Derby & Radar Run
Alleviate the winter doldrums with Ice Buster Daze! Start the day off with an Eagles' Breakfast, then take part in the ice fishing contest or the radar runs on the Red Lake River. That evening, enjoy a stuffed pork chop dinner and raffle drawings at the Eagles' Club. Central Park. 218-281-4320, 218-281-6665
Feb. 18, Waskish
Big Bog State Recreation Area Snowshoe Adventure
Snowshoe a mile along the Old Caribou Camp Trail under the snow-covered evergreens, look for tracks, and listen for the birds that overwinter in the Big Bog. Return to the picnic shelter for a fire and hot chocolate. A limited number of snowshoes will be available for this event. 218-647-8592
Northeast Minnesota
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
Feb. 4, Grand Rapids
North Woods Photography Day
Spend the day with regional photographers and learn how to create great winter photographs and videos. The day will include a number of different workshops and is designed for beginning and advanced photographers. Forest History Center. 218-327-4482
Feb. 9-15, Grand Marais
Hygge Festival
Grand Marais is launching its first annual Hygge Week! Visitors will enjoy all the splendors of a classic northwoods winter vacation with dogsledding, snowmobiling, stargazing, fireside gatherings, and cross-country skiing, along with a variety of other unique events such as a full moon reading, cabin concert, and art show openings. 218-387-2524
Feb. 11, Pine City
Queen Charlotte's Birthday Ball
Enjoy an evening of early 19th century entertainment with a lively country dance. Country dancing was a favorite diversion for the genteel classes in the early 1800s. Dance steps will be taught and called at the ball. Complimentary refreshments will be available. Period or semiformal attire is requested. Doors open at 6:30 pm; dancing begins at 7 pm. North West Company Fur Post. 320-629-6356
Feb. 17-19, Meadowlands
Sax-Zim Bog Birding Festival
Meet birders from around the country and the world during the 10th Annual Sax Zim Bog Winter Birding Festival. This fascinating event includes speakers, guided birding tours, nature walks, photography walks, great meals, and a chance to see up to 240 species of birds including the great gray owl and boreal chickadee. The Meadowlands Community Center at the Sax Zim Bog. 218-749-8161
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