Red Bull Crashed Ice skaters outside of the St. Paul Cathedral; photo by Matthew Prazak
Event highlights this week include:
Jan. 19-20, Worthington
Winterfest
Jan. 18-21, St. Paul
Sportsmen's Show
Jan. 20, St. Cloud
St. Cloud Craft Beer Tour
Jan. 20-21, Park Rapids
Park Rapids USXC Snowmobile Race
Jan. 19-28, International Falls
IceBox Days
Southern Minnesota
Jan. 19, Winona
Adonis Puentes and the Voice of Cuba Orchestra
Adonis Puentes and the Voice of Cuba Orchestra open up the marvelous world of Cuban music through rich vocals and tight, multilayered arrangements including guitar, piano, bass, trumpet, and percussion. The band's lively Son and Salsa melodies will transport you from a Minnesota winter to the dance halls of Havana! Page Theatre Performance Center. 507-457-1715
Jan. 19, Welch
Gabriel Iglesias: Fluffymania
Known as Fluffy to his millions of fans around the world, Gabriel Iglesias has made a name for himself as one of the most successful standup comedians in America. His high-octane show is a hilarious mixture of storytelling, parodies, characters and sound effects that you don't want to miss. Treasure Island Resorts & Casino. 800-222-7077
Jan. 19-20, Worthington
Winterfest
The entire family will enjoy two fun-filled days including a jam-packed Opening Ceremony with live music, the Crowning of the Snow Queen, Deep Freeze Dip turn-in, bake sale and chili cook-off. Other festivities include the Southwest Minnesota Fishing Tournament, 2-Mile Winterfest Walk, Deep Freeze Dip, Winterfest Social, GreatLIFE Drive, Chip & Put, open skate, silent auction and Pond Hockey Tournament. Lake Okabena. 800-279-2919
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
Jan. 25 - Feb. 11, Rochester
WinterFest XVI
WinterFest takes place annually with a wide variety of indoor and outdoor activities taking place throughout the city of Rochester. Just some of the many highlights include Wit, Wisdom & Wine, That '70s Party, the Great Cardboard Sled Race, Baconfest, candlelight ski, Polar Plunge Warm-up with a Silent Auction, Frozen Turkey Bowling, Ice Fishing Contest, Miniature Golf, Outdoor Volleyball Tournament & raffles, sleigh rides, Frozen Goose Run & Walk, free Family Day crafts, and Big Brass Band jazz performance. Come early for the Funk, Fried Chicken & Waffles Social on Jan. 20. 507-285-5272
Jan. 26-28, Owatonna
Owatonna Winter Weekend Out
Owatonna Parks and Recreation offers a wide array of fun winter activities during their annual Winter Weekend Out including sledding, a Polar Plunge, sledding, Battleship in the pool, Rock on Ice bonfire and skating to the music, movie, ice bocce ball, and family ice fishing with prizes. West Hills/Morehouse Park/Lake Kohlmier. 507-444-4321
Jan. 27, Pine Island
Pine Island Winter Fest
The annual Winter Fest celebration features fun indoor and outdoor seasonal activities including kids' ice fishing, winter survival and cross-country ski classes, luminary ski, snowshoeing, ice fishing, ice skating, snow golf, bonfires, and chili and soup feed. Also enjoy a Pink Floyd Tribute Show & Laser Light Show, all ages Bingo Party, storytelling, adult crafts & games, dance and big band show. 507-356-8233
Jan. 28 - Feb. 25, Waseca
Sleigh & Cutter Festival
Created in 1950, Waseca's annual winter festival gets bigger and better each year. Highlights include a Frosty medallion contest, Jesse James Gang, Elm Creek Cowboys and Cannon Old West Society reenactments, Tundra Golf, Curling Bonspiel, snowmobile ride & vintage snowmobile race, Kegs & Eggs, Frosty the Snowman contest, live music, dance, Grand Ole Opry Valentine Show and many other activities. The main attraction, the Sleigh & Cutter Parade, will take place at noon on Feb. 10. Complete schedule. 507-461-3727
Minneapolis-St. Paul Area
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 with the Vietnam War, protests, assassinations, peace signs, love-ins and psychedelic rock. From the darkest hours to the incredible highs, see the year come alive in this mind-blowing exhibit. This popular exhibit returns to Minnesota after touring the nation! Minnesota History Center. 651-259-3000
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. 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. 18-21, St. Paul
Sportsmen's Show
The 48th Annual Minnesota Sportsmen's Show brings you hundreds of resorts, lodges and campgrounds, special pricing on boats, campers and trailers, hunting and fishing seminars, lots of family fun activities -- whether you're planning a vacation, looking for a new boat or RV, or just want a fun day with the family, the Minnesota Sportsmen's Show has you covered. St. Paul RiverCentre. 651-265-4800
Jan. 19, Apple Valley
Adults Night Out
Head to the Minnesota Zoo for their ages 18+ evening event and experience a kid-free version of the Zoo while listening to keeper talks and exploring Discovery Bay and the Tropics Trail. Also enjoy live music, trivia contests, and the new wine bar -- must be 21+ to enjoy cocktails. Minnesota Zoo. 952-431-9200
Jan. 19-20, Minneapolis
Ben Folds
This performance adds the Orchestra's talent to Ben Folds' vocals and piano for an evening of quirky melodies, impromptu creation, and an epic love-fest between audience and musicians. Orchestra Hall. 612-371-5656
Jan. 19-20, St. Paul
Red Bull Crashed Ice
Check out 200 of the toughest, fastest ice cross downhill racers as they go head-to-head through a downhill course full of mind-and-body-bending jumps, turns and slides - all against the backdrop of the historic Cathedral of Saint Paul with over 115,000 spectators cheering them on! On Jan. 20, don't miss the Red Bull Crashed Ice Afterparty at the Palace Theatre with Paper Diamond, Shredders, and Mike 2600. 952-767-3464; 651-502-2259
Jan. 20 - Feb. 11 (Saturdays and Sundays), Minneapolis
Art Shanty Projects On-Ice Program
Art Shanty Projects' creative structures and unique performances for free on the frozen surface of Lake Harriet. Past shanty artists have elicited public interactions around such varied activities and inspirations as stress-relieving practices in a geodesic dome, curling competitions, lively debate forums and soap-box proclamations, kinesthetic pedal-powered polar bear puppet rides, a life-sized music box, a giant zoetrope, and an imaginative elevator ride. Artist-audience interactions are encouraged! Lake Harriet. 612-567-6844
Jan. 25 - Feb. 10, St. Paul
Saint Paul Winter Carnival
The 132nd Saint Paul Winter Carnival, the "Coolest Celebration on Earth" since 1886, will feature 3 parades, live entertainment, vendor booths, outdoor beer festival, medallion hunt, free and low-cost family activities, ice and snow carvings, ice bar, and appearances from the Royal Family and Vulcan Krewe. And don't miss the Snowblower Ballet on January 28th! Most events are free, open to the public, and will take place in downtown Saint Paul near Rice Park and Landmark Center, as well as at Harriet Island and the Minnesota State Fairgrounds. 651-223-7400
Jan. 26, Stillwater
Crime & Pun-ishment: A 1920's Murder Mystery Experience
This night of fun and mystery takes a turn for the worse at Mafia Don Lou Zar’s juice joint when someone is put on ice! The crowd is chock full of potential suspects and your help is needed to share clues, gather information and solve the crime. Reservations include a three-course meal from the Lake Elmo Inn, with cash bar available. Dress for this night of murderous mayhem, wearing flapper dresses, zoot suits, feather boas and headbands, pinstriped suits and fedoras. Washington County Historic Courthouse . 651-275-7075
Jan. 26 - Feb. 4, Minneapolis
Super Bowl LIVE presented by Verizon
Super Bowl LIVE presented by Verizon will take place along Nicollet Mall in downtown Minneapolis. This epic 10-day fan festival is free and open to the public with free live concerts, celebrations, parties, national broadcast activations, food and fun leading up to Super Bowl LII on February 4, 2018. Nicollet Mall. 612-930-2018
Jan. 27, Shakopee
High Seas Pub Crawl
Hosts of the High Seas Pub Crawl will be your guide on this swashbuckling adventure through downtown Shakopee, visiting four bars in one afternoon with live entertainment, free drinks and special party favors. This event is hosted by Lily and Willy, the Pirate King and Queen of the Minnesota Renaissance Festival. 952-445-7361
Jan. 27-28, St. Paul
CAAM Chinese Dance Theater presents: "Our Dance, Our Dreams"
CAAM Chinese Dance Theater presents the world premiere, "Our Dance, Our Dreams" to celebrate its 25th anniversary. The highlight of every Chinese New Year, this year's production examines the lush, beautiful world of Chinese dance through a young child's eyes. Nearly 160 performers ages 3 to 70 will take to the stage to perform old favorites and newly choreographed masterpieces under the direction of our award-winning choreographer and theater designers. The O'Shaughnessy Auditorium. 651-690-6700
Jan. 27 - Feb. 3, Minneapolis
Super Bowl Experience Driven By Genesis
Get Inside the Game at Super Bowl Experience Driven by Genesis, the NFL's interactive theme park. Highlights include NFL game experiences through virtual reality technology, free autographs from NFL players, photos with the Vince Lombardi Trophy, football skill training from the pros at NFL Clinics, 40-yard dash runs against NFL players on the giant LED screen, a Play 60 Zone for the smallest NFL fans, and shopping fun at the NFL Shop. Minneapolis Convention Center. 612-335-6000
Upcoming Twin Cities' concerts and performances:
The Killers at the Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul, Jan. 17
Breathe Carolina at the Skyway Theatre in Minneapolis, Jan. 19
1964 - The Tribute at the Ames Center in Burnsville, Jan. 20
2 Cellos at the Target Center in Minneapolis, Jan. 25
Scotty McCreery at Mystic Lake Casino Hotel in Prior Lake, Jan. 25
Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood at the Historic State Theatre in Minneapolis, Jan. 27
Defending the Caveman at Ames Center in Burnsville, Jan. 27
Superbowl Opening Night Ceremonies at the Xcel Energy Center, Jan. 29
Feherty Live at the Historic State Theatre, Feb. 1-2
Kevin Hart at the Target Center in Minneapolis, Feb. 2
The Night Before with Dave Matthews Band at the Xcel Energy Center, Feb. 3
Gwen Stefani at Club Nomadic in Minneapolis, Feb. 4
Postmodern Jukebox at the Historic State Theatre, Feb. 5
The Price is Right Live at Mystic Lake Casino Hotel, Feb. 9-11
The Book of Moron at the Ames Center, Feb. 10
The Humans at the Historic Orpheum Theatre in Minneapolis, Feb. 13-18
The Commodores at Mystic Lake Casino Hotel, Feb. 16
Gary Allan at Treasure Island Resort & Casino in Welch, Feb. 17-18
Tickets available through Eventful or Ticketmaster
Central Minnesota
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. 20, St. Cloud
St. Cloud Craft Beer Tour
Each attendee will be given a commemorative sampling glass and have the opportunity to try unlimited samples of approximately 150 craft beers from all over the country. A variety of pre- and post-parties will also be held. River's Edge Convention Center. 320-255-7272
Jan. 20, Menahga
Menahga Family Fishing Derby
The Family Fishing Derby offers prizes for two categories of fishing with 10 places in each category. The entry fee is also raffle ticket. Portable shelters are allowed to be pulled out by hand. The Menahga VFW will host a fish fry that evening. Spirit Lake. 218-564-4909
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
Jan. 25-26, Little Falls
Church of Cash - A Johnny Cash Tribute
Returning after two sold-out shows last season, Great River Arts warmly welcomes Jay Kalk and Church of Cash back for two highly anticipated performances. Church of Cash is known for being the premier tribute band to Johnny Cash to honor his legacy. With over 130 Cash songs in their repertoire, this is a show you will not want to miss! Great River Arts. 320-632-0960
Jan. 27, Brainerd
Brainerd Jaycees $150,000 Ice Fishing Extravaganza
In the Land of 10,000 Lakes, only one fishing contest is quite like this event, with roughly 10,000 anglers from around the world competing for more than $150,000 in cash and prizes. Hole In The Day Bay on Gull Lake. 218-824-9461
Jan. 27, Little Falls
Sprout Growers & Makers Marketplace
The Sprout Growers & Makers Marketplace is an indoor, year-round market that combines the region's local food and original art with residents and tourists. In addition to quality produce and handmade goods, enjoy cooking demonstrations and the music of The Song of My People. 320-412-3081
Feb. 1-3, Crosslake
WinterFest
The 15th Annual WinterFest celebration includes lots of good old-fashioned family fun such as car racing on ice, bocce ball tournament, helicopter rides, radar runs, Italian Olympics, children's games, sledding, ice skating, horse-drawn sleigh rides, outdoor games, s'mores, a fantastic fireworks display, food and drink specials all over town, and the 15th Annual SoupFest. Later, dance the night away with live music and D.J. entertainment at several Crosslake establishments. Venues throughout Crosslake. 800-450-2838
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. 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
Jan. 26, Crookston
Villa St. Vincent - The Summit Fashion Flash
Check out this runway fashion show, Attire to Inspire, preceded by a social hour with hors d'oeuvres and cash bar. Local businesses will be displaying and selling their fashionable, chic merchandise and creative designs. Crookston National Guard Armory. 218-281-3424
Jan. 27, Bemidji
Beaver Freeze Ice Fishing Tournament & Bemidji Outdoor Sports Show
The 2nd Annual Beaver Freeze Ice Fishing Tournament brings the public together with Bemidji State University students in an ice fishing competition with a chance to win several prizes! Check in will be at the Boathouse in Diamond Point Park. And while in Bemidji, check out the Bemidji Outdoor Sports Show held Jan. 26-28 at the Sanford Center. 218-755-4135, 218-441-4000
Jan. 27, Park Rapids
Itasca's Presenters, Music Under the Pines and Lantern Lit Snowshoe & Ski Event
Enjoy a fun-filled day at Itasca State Park. In the afternoon, attend "My Endless Childhood" An Evening with a Storyteller when Steve Maanum will perform a read a collection of stories from the perspective of a boy and a confused, middle-aged man. Later that evening, take a Lantern Lit snowshoe or ski by the light of the moon and kerosene lanterns (limited snowshoes will be available). Following the outdoor event, head inside for an evening of acoustic folk and alt-country music by Lori Goulet Reich next to the fireplace during Itasca's Music Under the Pines. Jacob V. Brower Visitor Center at Itasca State Park. 218-699-7251
Feb. 3, Longville
Ice Bocce Tournament
Check out this hot competition on a cold winter day! Ice bocce is a fun combination of bowling, bocce ball and shuffleboard. Lanes are plowed right on the ice of beautiful Girl Lake near Patrick's, so food, beverage and warmth are right nearby! Prizes for 1st, 2nd, 3rd & 4th places, plus best team costume and best team name! 218-363-2630
Northeast Minnesota
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. 19-28, International Falls
IceBox Days
The 38th Annual Icebox Days winter festival, a wacky winter festival, celebrates International Falls' status as the "Icebox of the Nation!" Just some of the highlights include frozen turkey bowling, 'smoosh' races, moonlight skiing and Night Light Hike through Voyageurs National Park, the infamous Freeze Yer Gizzard Blizzard Race, beer pong contest, wing eating contest, toilet seat toss, family movie night, yoga for runners, and much more! 218-283-9400
Jan. 20, Pine City
Winter Frolic
Shake off the winter blues by heading outdoors at the fur post. Learn about winter travel during the fur trade and join in activities like throwing a curling stone, playing a round of Ojibwe snow snake, or snowshoeing along two miles of trails. North West Company Fur Post. 320-629-6356
Jan. 27, Grand Rapids
Winter Adventure Family Day
Make the most of winter by heading outdoors to snowshoe, cross-country ski, ride bullet sleds down a groomed hill, and launch snowballs with a giant slingshot. Throughout the day, guests can enjoy music, a vintage ski exhibit, carnival games, and wildlife presentations featuring live animals. Guests can also take sleigh rides to see the logging camp under winter conditions. Forest History Center. 218-327-4482
Jan. 27, Chisholm
Family Discovery Day: Wild Weather
Weather can make us linger outside, run for cover, or stare in amazement at the sky. It's all around us every day. Carol Christenson, an experienced meteorologist from the National Weather Service, will share her knowledge and enthusiasm about weather, forecasting and disaster preparedness. Take a look at why flooding happens with a hands-on table top flood model, discover why some clouds look puffy and others flat or wispy, make a favorite weather collage, and more. Minnesota Discovery Center. 218-254-7959
Jan. 28-31, Duluth/Grand Portage
John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon
The John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon is the longest race this side of Canada. We are looking forward to hosting 60+ world class mushers at this year’s race and over 500 volunteers from around the country. Attend one of the best displays of dog athleticism in America! The Beargrease is a qualifier for the famed Iditarod race in Alaska, running nearly 400 miles from Duluth to the Canadian border and back to Duluth. Come early and attend the first ever BEER-Grease on Jan. 26 at the Glensheen, with culinary creations, specialty beer by Canal Park Brewing, and bonfires. 218-722-7631, 888-454-GLEN
Feb. 1-11, Ely
Ely Winter Festival and Ely ArtWalk
This 10-day celebration highlights the unique culture, art, history and traditions of the BWCAW area. The main attractions are the International Snow Sculpting Symposium and the Ely ArtWalk. The Ely ArtWalk exhibits artwork created by established and emerging artists in the store windows of downtown Ely. Other family-friendly events include the Great Nordic Beard Fest, Native American stories, Mike Lynch & The Stars, fish fry, artist meet-and-greet, snowshoe tours, a crafts fair, sled dog rides, classes, concerts, spaghetti dinner and more. Venues throughout Ely. 218-365-7669
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