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Event highlights this week include:
Jan. 6, Lanesboro
Dinner on the Bluff- Beliz It!
Jan. 5 - March 1, St. Paul
Omnifest 2018
Jan. 6, Breezy Point
Ice Fest
Jan. 6-7, Park Rapids
Smoky Hills Art - Jewelry Making Get Away
Jan. 5-7, Sandstone
Sandstone Ice Festival
Southern Minnesota
Jan. 5-6, Rochester
The Wedding Extravaganza
The Wedding Extravaganza features more than 100 wedding product and services vendors, as well as fashion shows, fabulous prizes, live entertainment, and extraordinary exhibitor packages. Mayo Civic Center. 507-876-2187
Jan. 5-7, Red Wing
Sheldon Film Noir Fest
Enjoy a weekend filled with cynical heroes, rain-slicked streets, dark shadows and femmes fatales. All Access Weekend Passes are available! Sheldon Theatre. 651-388-8700
Jan. 6, Lanesboro
Dinner on the Bluff-You Beliz It!
Although balancing a tourist-dependent economy with environmental preservation can be challenging, the Central American country of Belize has been able to strike a balance by promoting ecotourism within its borders. Attend this hour-long presentation and discussion of how the country has progressed in the last 20 years to become a powerful resource for experiential learning for college students and other life-long learners. Also enjoy a 3-course meal -- guests are encouraged to bring their own adult beverage! Reservations required. Eagle Bluff Environmental Learning Center. 507-467-2437
Jan. 12, Welch
Criss Angel RAW - The Mindfreak Unplugged
Criss Angel - the biggest name in magic - is bringing his brand new, never-before-seen show Criss Angel RAW - The Mindfreak Unplugged to the Island Event Center stage. Treasure Island Resort & Casino. 800-222-7077
Jan. 13, Mankato
Mankato Craft Beer Expo
The 6th Annual Mankato Craft Beer Expo will showcase the offerings of craft breweries from Minnesota, as well as across the United States. Sample beers from over 40 craft breweries in a commemorative sampling glass, and enjoy educational seminars throughout the day. Verizon Wireless Center. 507-389-3000
Jan. 19-21, Fairmont
Southern Minnesota Pond Hockey Championship
Come watch and participate in competitive hockey for all ages. Also enjoy free outdoor skating on Jan. 19 on Sisseton Lake - skate rentals available. 507-235-8585
Minneapolis-St. Paul Area
Nov. 7 - Jan. 7, Minneapolis
Dr. Seuss's How the Grinch Stole Christmas
Whoville is experiencing a seemingly unstoppable crime wave. Who, oh who will save Christmas? The Children's Theatre Company's all-time audience favorite musical brings alive the songs, the story and the Seuss in mega-doses of spirited storytelling and fanciful rhymes. This beloved holiday tradition will grow anyone's heart three sizes! Children's Theatre Company. 612-874-0400
Nov. 25 - Jan. 14, Minneapolis
Blithe Spirit
It’s summertime in Kent, and Charles Condomine is working on his latest novel, The Unseen. As part of his research he and his wife Ruth host a séance with an eccentric medium known as Madame Arcati and invite their friends to play along. But the evening takes a supernatural turn when Arcati conjures Charles’ deceased first wife, who doesn’t have plans to leave. Lighthearted and endearing, this otherworldly classic is sure to tickle your goosebumps. Guthrie Theater's McGuire Proscenium Stage. 612-377-2224
Dec. 23 - Jan. 21, St. Paul
The 1968 Exhibit
The social forces that swirled through the turbulent 1960s crested in 1968. It was a turning point for a generation coming of age and a nation at war. This popular exhibit returns to Minnesota after touring the nation. Minnesota History Center. 651-259-3000
Jan. 5-6, St. Paul
Cinch World's Toughest Rodeo
Cinch World's Toughest Rodeo rides back into Saint Paul for two thrilling shows. The popular "Party on the Dirt," featuring Dylan Scott, will take place following Saturday night's rodeo action. Champion cowboys from around the U. S. will compete in bareback riding, saddle bronc riding or bull riding, while the women will be vying for the championship title in barrel racing. Xcel Energy Center. 651-726-8240
Jan. 5-6, Shakopee
Pirtek Snocross National
The Pirtek Snocross National presented by Jimmy John's brings the top extreme snowmobile riders from across the country at Canterbury Park for two days of high-flying stunts and exhilarating racing. This event is part of AMSOIL Championship Snocross, the No. 1 snowmobile race series in the world! Canterbury Park. 952-445-6870
Jan. 5 - Feb. 28, Stillwater
Ice Castles
Ice Castles is a 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. At specific times, meet with the Enchanted Frozen Sisters and attend Fire Performances. Dates are weather-dependent -- please call ahead for specific days and times. Lowell Park in downtown Stillwater. 888-407-4054
Jan. 5 - March 1, St. Paul
Omnifest 2018
This popular giant screen tradition continues with the 2018 Omnitheater film festival at the Science Museum of Minnesota's William L. McKnight-3M Omnitheater. Included in this year's festival is Jane Goodall's Wild Chimpanzees, a Science Museum of Minnesota original production, along with Journey Into Amazing Caves, Wolves, The Magic of Flight, and Rocky Mountain Express. 651-221-9444
Jan. 7, St. Paul
Minnesota Boychoir Concert
This annual winter concert at the Landmark Center features over 100 extremely talented singers ages 7-18. It's so popular, there are two shows! Seats fill quickly, so guests should arrive early. Historic Landmark Center. 651-292-3225, 651-292-3063
Jan. 11-14, Minneapolis
Progressive Insurance Minneapolis Boat Show
Check out the upper Midwest’s best selection of new boats and 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. 12-28, Anoka
Superior Donuts
Superior Donuts takes places in the historic Uptown neighborhood of Chicago, where Arthur Przybyszewski runs a donut shop that has been in his family for sixty years. Franco Wicks, a young African-American man, and Arthur's only employee, wants to modernize the shop while Arthur is more content to spend the day reminiscing about his Polish immigrant father. Lyric Arts Main Street Stage. 763-422-1838
Jan. 13, St. Paul
Big Head Todd and the Monsters
Don't miss this extremely popular act that has entertained us for more than 30 years! Palace Theatre. 651-502-2259
Jan. 13, St. Paul
MLK Saturday - A Day of Exploration, Music, Exhibits & Fun for Families
Take inspiration from the life of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and explore "The 1968 Exhibit" during this exhibit opening celebration. Create screen-printed activist posters; join in a spoken word activity; be of service by packing personal hygiene kits for the Dorothy Day Center; and enjoy performances by students at the Walker West Music Academy, a learning community rooted in the African American experience. Minnesota History Center. 651-259-3000
Jan. 14, Minneapolis
Hope & Healing Cabaret
Join in celebrating Dr. King's life and legacy through theatrical and musical performances. Light refreshments and a cash bar will be available. Mill City Museum. 612-341-7555
Upcoming Twin Cities' concerts and performances:
Lana Del Rey at the Target Center in Minneapolis, Jan. 5
World's Toughest Rodeo at the Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul, Jan. 5
Paw Patrol Live -- The Great Adventure at the Historic State Theatre in Minneapolis, Jan. 10
Criss Angel Raw - The Mindfreak Unplugged at Treasure Island Resort & Casino in Welch, Jan. 12
G. Love & Special Sauce at Mystic Lake Casino Hotel in Prior Lake, Jan. 12
PAW Patrol Live - The Great Pirate Adventure at the Historic State Theatre, Jan. 12-14
Minnesota Roller Girls at Roy Wilkins Auditorium at St. Paul RiverCentre, Jan. 13
The Killers at the Xcel Energy Center, Jan. 17
Breathe Carolina at the Skyway Theatre in Minneapolis, Jan. 19
Scotty McCreery at Mystic Lake Casino Hotel, Jan. 25
1964 - The Tribute at the Ames Center in Burnsville, Jan. 20
Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood at the Historic State Theatre, Jan. 27
Defending the Caveman at Ames Center in Burnsville, Jan. 27
Feherty Live at the Historic State Theatre, Feb. 1-2
Gwen Stefani at Club Nomadic in Minneapolis, Feb. 4
Postmodern Jukebox at the Historic State Theatre, Feb. 5
Tickets available through Eventful or Ticketmaster
Central Minnesota
Jan. 5-7, Willmar
New Year Bonspiel
Join the fun and participate in the 12th Annual New Year Bonspiel with 8-End Games, Guaranteed 3 Games, and Bracket Pay-Outs. Blue Line Arena. 320-403-3398
Jan. 6, Breezy Point
Ice Fest
The 23rd Annual Ice Fest features 12 teams in a Pond Hockey Tournament, as well as bonfires on the beach, free horse drawn hay rides, snow golf on Breezy Bay, ice slide, dog sled rides, great food and drink specials, and live entertainment at Dockside Lounge. Pelican Lake in front of Breezy Point Resort. 218-562-7811
Jan. 6, Brainerd
Davina And The Vagabonds
Davina Sowers and the Vagabonds have created a stir on the national blues scene with their high-energy live shows, sharp-dressed professionalism, and Sowers’ commanding stage presence. With influences ranging from Fats Domino and the Preservation Hall Jazz Band to Aretha Franklin and Tom Waits, the band is converting audiences one show at a time, from Vancouver to Miami and across Europe. Central Lakes College Chalberg Theater. 218-855-8199
Jan. 12-21, Waite Park
The Nine Who Dared: Courage at Little Rock
In this uniquely interactive drama, audiences become citizens of 1957 Little Rock, Arkansas, to participate in a town hall meeting about one of the defining moments of the Civil Rights Movement. This thought-provoking theatre experience is based on the strength of character of the "Little Rock Nine." Helgeson Learning Lab Theatre. 320-258-2787
Jan. 13, Willmar
Gaelynn Lea Concert
Enjoy the sounds of classically trained violinist and songwriter Gaelynn Lea at The Barn Theatre in downtown Willmar! 320-235-9500
Jan. 20-28, Spicer
Spicer Winterfest
Enjoy two weekends of fun with ice fishing tournaments, fireworks, craft sales, Frozen 5K Fun Run, Winterfest Kids' Carnival, horse and buggy rides, hockey tournament, cross country skiing, medallion hunting, and the 14th annual Polar Plunge! 320-796-8066
Northwest Minnesota
Nov. 15 - Jan. 28, Bemidji
Fur Trade in Minnesota
Hundreds of years ago, Minnesota played a key role in the fur trade, which stretched across five continents. This traveling exhibit, rich with activities and objects, shows how plentiful fur bearers brought together native people, explorers and international trade. Visitors to the exhibit can lift a 45-pound Voyageur’s pack, learn how the fur trade shaped Ojibwe art and discover how beaver pelts could be transformed into sleek, stately hats that were all the rage among wealthy Europeans. Beltrami County Historical Society. 218-444-3376
Jan. 6, Walker
Yoga + Craft Beer + 2018 Intention Setting
Join certified yoga instructors Joella Miller of JEM Yoga & Massage, and local instructor Bryana Cook of Northern Namaste Yoga. This fun and inviting event includes two yoga classes, and a meditation and journaling exercise. Portage Brewery. 218-547-1313
Jan. 6-7, Park Rapids
Smoky Hills Art - Jewelry Making Get Away
This retreat is designed for those who love beads and stones. You will be using natural rocks, minerals and gemstones for wire wrapping and bead stringing your own beautiful jewelry. Smoky Hills Art Studio. 218-732-7625
Jan. 11-12, Detroit Lakes
Detroit Lakes Ice Harvest
The 2018 Ice Harvest begins at 11 a.m. on Jan. 11 when the first block of ice will be cut during the Cutting Ceremony. Harvesting will continue through Jan. 12. These blocks of ice will be used to construct a 24-foot tall Ice Palace. The Ice Palace will be Feb. 8, when there will be an Opening Party and Grand Lighting of the Ice Palace. Learn more about ice harvesting and associated Polar Fest festivities. 218-847-9202
Jan. 11-14, Hackensack
Back to Hack Winter Festival
Back to Hack celebrates winter with a wide array of activities including Frostbite Your Fanny 5K Race, Paul Bunyan Family Fishing Contest, Penguin Plunge, sled dog rides, snow sculpting contest, community bonfire, horse racing, live music, chili feed, silent auction, Sleigh of Spirits Raffle and fireworks display. Join in the fun of winter! 218-675-6135
Jan. 20-21, Park Rapids
Park Rapids USXC Snowmobile Race
The Heartland 106 snowmobile races run through forests and past lakes with 21 classes of races. USXC Racing is the largest cross-country snowmobile racing organization in North America. Onsite registration at C'mon Inn on Friday, Jan. 20! 218-234-6444
Northeast Minnesota
Nov. 18 - Jan. 7, Duluth
A Glensheen Christmas
A Glensheen Christmas Classic Tour is your chance to explore the mansion decked out for the holidays with more than 25 Christmas trees and hundreds of feet of garland. Start your experience in the Carriage House before making your way to the mansion where the tallest of Glensheen’s Christmas trees proudly towers beyond the first floor. Challenge yourself to find all the hidden elves while Christmas music envelops the living room. In the kitchen, sample a Christmas cookie recreated from Clara’s very own recipe. Finish your tour by exploring the grounds of Glensheen. Glensheen Mansion. 218-726-8910
Jan. 5-7, Sandstone
Sandstone Ice Festival
In its 13th year, this vibrant festival celebrates the best of winter adventure sports from ice climbing to skinny skiing, winter camping and shoe shoeing. It is a gathering of kindred spirits who share a love for all things cold. The Sandstone Ice Festival reaches winter lovers from around the Midwest and Canada. Don't miss the gear demonstrations, winter camping clinics, climbers Meet & Greet, the Great Swap & Swing, guest speakers, door prizes, and so much more! 651-302-1774
Jan. 6, Grand Marais
Gunflint Mail Run Sled Dog Race
The Gunflint Mail Run Sled Dog Race is a continuous race consisting of two legs of equal distance, separated by a mandatory layover for the 12-dog teams. There are two classes: a 12-dog race, 110-mile race and an 8-dog, 70-mile race. Experience this spectacular race. 218-387-3572
Jan. 6, Lutsen
Norpine Fat Bike Classic
The Norpine Fat Bike Classic is part of the largest fat bike racing series in the United States, the 45NRTH Great Lakes Fat Bike Series, a showcase of the best fat bike races in the Great Lakes region. The course will run predominately along the Norpine cross country ski trails. Lutsen Resort. 218-216-7005
Jan. 11-20, Duluth
Calendar Girls
Calendar Girls is the hilarious and touching true story of middle-aged friends Chris and Annie who, upon the sudden loss of Annie's husband, resolve to raise money to buy a new sofa for the family room at the local Yorkshire hospital. Their racy plan to raise the money involves them and fellow Women's Institute members tastefully posing nude for an annual calendar. The successful sales and media storm that follows puts Chris and Annie's friendship to the test, while also proving "the flowers of Yorkshire are like the women of Yorkshire: the last phase of life is always the most glorious." Duluth Playhouse. 218-733-7555
Jan. 13-14, Ely
Wolf Family Rendezvous
Spend quality time together learning about the north woods home of the wolf through hikes, crafts, games and observing our ambassador wolves. A full weekend of family fun! Registration ends Dec. 30. International Wolf Center. 218-365-4695
Jan. 19-28, International Falls
IceBox Days
This wacky winter festival known as Icebox Days is an annual celebration of International Falls's status as the "Icebox of the Nation!" Just some of the highlights included frozen turkey bowling, “smoosh” races, moonlight skiing in Voyageurs National Park, the infamous Freeze Yer Gizzard Blizzard Run, beer pong contest, wing eating contest, toilet seat toss, family movie night, yoga for runners, and much more! 218-283-9400
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