Winter fun on Lake Winona; photo by Colleen Schueler
Highlights this week include:
Feb. 10-12, Winona
Winona Winter Carnival
Feb. 9-12, Minneapolis
Minneapolis/St. Paul RV, Vacation & Camping Show
Feb. 10-12, St. Cloud
St. Cloud Sportsmen’s Show
Feb. 9-20, Detroit Lakes
Polar Fest
Feb. 9-15, Grand Marais
Hygge Festival
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. 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. 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
Feb. 18, Austin
Annual Foodie Throwdown
The 6th Annual Foodie Throwdown will honor George and Lillian Hormel as they would have celebrated 125 years of marriage at their beloved home. Area foodie enthusiasts will compete for your vote. Sample main dish and dessert selections, choose your favorite in each category, enjoy live music, and take part in live and silent auctions. Hormel Historic Home. 507-433-4243
Feb. 18 & 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. A golden eagle tour will be offered Feb. 18, and a bald eagle tour will be offered April 1. Get inspiration through the DNR EagleCam Live Stream showing nesting bald eagles -- at least two eggs have already been laid! National Eagle Center. 651-565-4989
Feb. 25, Wabasha
Grumpy Old Men Festival
The 24th Annual Grumpy Old Men Festival includes a wide array of events such as an ice fishing contest, ice bars, Stretch Raffle, Hot Dish Luncheon, bingo, minnow races, Texas Hold ’em Poker Tournament, 9th Annual Grumpy Plunge, Ragetti’s Spaghetti Feed, and live music at various venues. 651-565-4158
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. 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. 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
Feb 18, Bloomington
Winter Wine Fest
Sip & sample from over 30 winemakers while enjoying live music and samples of artisan foods in the grand ballroom. Save $5 per ticket by checking out with EXPLORE5 at www.mngrapes.com. Event organized by the Minnesota Grape Growers Association. Proceeds benefit education and advancement for the local wine industry.
Feb. 18, Prior Lake
Crystal Ball
During this free event, guests will have the opportunity to engage with psychics, palm readers and tarot card readers. Terri Traen from KQRS will host the event from 6 to 8 p.m. Live entertainment will include a roving magician and music from local band Nightlights. Mystic Lake Casino. 800-262-7799
Feb. 24, Minneapolis
Winterfest 2017
Winterfest is a true showcase of Minnesota craft beer, featuring nearly 100 Guild member breweries. Winterfest 2017 will debut at Target Field in Minneapolis. In addition to unlimited sampling of specialty and seasonal beers, patrons will enjoy upscale catered food, craft beer education and music. At the end of the night, the "Best of Fest" winners will be awarded the Great Snowshoe Award. 612-677-2246
Feb. 24-26, Prior Lake
The Price is Right Live! Hosted by Jerry Springer
Minnesota fans of television's longest-running and most popular game show can now see it come to life with host Jerry Springer. The Price is Right Live stage show is coming to the Mystic Showroom at 8 p.m. Friday, February 24, 4 and 8 p.m. Saturday, February 25 and 4 p.m. Sunday, February 26. Mystic Lake Casino. 800-262-7799
Feb. 24-26 & Mar. 3-5, Minneapolis
Minneapolis Home and Garden Show
The Minneapolis Home and Garden Show features innovative products, great deals, presentations, and practical advice from professionals. Show features include the Coastal Theme Home, feature gardens, Tiny Home Village, Horticultural Society activities for kids, and New Products Showcase. Minneapolis Convention Center. 952-933-3850
Upcoming Twin Cities' concerts and performances:
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 in Minneapolis, 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 in St. Paul, 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
Chris Rock: Total Blackout Tour at the Historic Orpheum Theatre in Minneapolis, March 10-12
Rain - The Beatles Experience at the Historic State Theatre, March 11
Panic at the Disco, Misterwives & Saint Motel at the Xcel Energy Center, March 12
Tickets available through Eventful or Ticketmaster.
Central Minnesota
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. 17-19, Nisswa
Nisswa Winter Jubilee
This unique 3-day experience includes magical ice sculptures, a mind-teasing medallion hunt, competitive wood-splitting, kids' mini jubilee, live music, Nisswa Fire Department Ice Fishing Derby, and more -- winter fun for the entire family! 218-963-2620
Feb. 18, Garrison
Ducks Unlimited Fishing Tournament
Join hundreds of anglers and onlookers on Lake Mille Lacs with over $100,000.00 worth of prizes and a warming tent with food and refreshments, fun and raffles. This is one of Ducks Unlimited's most popular events nationwide! Garrison Bay. 218-764-3447
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
Feb. 25, Isle
Perch Extravaganza
The annual Perch Extravaganza fishing contest includes lots of door prizes, Mad Hatter contest, bean bag toss tournament, T-shirt shooter, food & beverage booths, and free prizes for kids 12 and under while they last! Nitti’s Hunters Point Resort on Lake Mille Lacs, 8 miles north of Isle. 320-676-3811
Northwest Minnesota
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. 11, Akeley
Audrey's Purple Dream Fishing Tournament & Purple Plunge
In addition to the 12th annual ice fishing tournament, enjoy a polar plunge, raffles, awards ceremony, hot food & cold beverages on the ice, and live music indoors. Eleventh Crow Wing Lake. 218-368-3393
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
Feb. 18, Detroit Lake
Ultra Vintage Snowmobile Rally & Swap Meet
The 14th Annual Ultra Vintage Snowmobile Rally & Swap Meet features Johnson and Massey Ferguson sleds with a swap meet, radar runs, a fun run, and awards ceremony. Detroit Lakes city beach in front of Zorbaz. 218-847-9202
Feb. 23-26, Walker
International Eelpout Festival
For the past 30 years, crowds grow 10 times more than the population of Walker, MN as anglers and fun-lovers gather on Leech Lake for a festival named after one of the ugliest bottom-dwelling fish, the eelpout. In addition to a huge ice fishing contest, enjoy a mechanical bull riding tournament, eelpout curling, 4th Annual Kids Perch Jerk, helicopter rides, dog sled rides, 14th Annual Polar Pout Plunge, live music, fish fries, and awards ceremony. Most events at Walker Bay on Leech Lake. 218-547-1313
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. 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. 15-19, Duluth
Duluth Boat, Sports, Travel & RV Show
The 51st Annual Duluth Boat, Sports, Travel & RV Show features most makes of boats and RVs, as well as boating, fishing and camping equipment and accessories, and information on resorts, campgrounds, and fishing and hunting lodges. Attend daily seminars, get your mounts measured for free, visit the endangered species animal exhibit, and hear "Americas Got Talent" stars "Mountain Faith" perform. The Northland Outdoors Duluth Deer Classic will be held just an escalator ride away in the Lake Superior Ballroom. One ticket gains you admission to both of these great shows. Duluth Entertainment Convention Center. 952-431-9630
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
Feb. 17-20, Sandstone
Winter Family Weekend Over President’s Day Weekend
Make memories that last a lifetime and celebrate winter with your family in the north woods at this 3-night/4-day all-inclusive family retreat! Highlights include ice climbing, sleigh rides, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, archery, wildlife programs, cultural activities, kicksledding, arts & crafts, astronomy, campfires, an indoor climbing wall, high ropes course, and more! Audubon Center of the North Woods. 320-245-2648, 888-404-7743
Feb. 16-19, Grand Marais
Northern Fibers Retreat
What could be better than focusing on fibers in the heart of winter? This event celebrates all fiber arts, featuring seminars and class offerings from long-time North House instructors. The 2017, featured instructor is Nancy Bush, an expert in traditional knitting techniques and ethnic knitting patterns. North House Folk School. 218-387-9762
Feb. 24, Toivola
Winter Bog Exploration Field Trip
Join Head Naturalist Clinton on a search for species that may be familiar or that could be entirely new! Plan for a mix of hiking, snowshoeing, driving, and searching for new species for the Sax-Zim Bog Species List! Sax Zim Bog. 218-341-3350
Feb. 25-26, Ely
Wolf Track Classic
The 9th Annual Wolf Track Classic Sled Dog Race is an exciting and entertaining race known for its scenic north woods terrain and unrelenting hills that test the mettle of mushers and dogs. Winter sports enthusiasts from all over the U.S. and Canada come out to enjoy the races, pre-race dinner and social hour, Vet Check to meet the mushers and over 300 sled dogs, and the Awards Ceremony and Dinner. 218-365-6123
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