Ice carvings are scattered throughout Rice Park during the Saint Paul Winter Carnival; photo by Wayne Moran
Super Bowl LII is right around the corner -- don't miss out on all of the spectacular Super Bowl festivities leading up to the Big Game!
Event highlights this week include:
Jan. 26-28, St. Peter
Winterfest
Jan. 25 - Feb. 10, St. Paul
Saint Paul Winter Carnival
Jan. 27, Brainerd
Brainerd Jaycees $150,000 Ice Fishing Extravaganza
Jan. 27, Bemidji
Beaver Freeze Ice Fishing Tournament & Bemidji Outdoor Sports Show
Jan. 27, Grand Rapids
Winter Adventure Family Day
Southern Minnesota
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, St. Peter
Winterfest
St. Peter's annual Winterfest celebration includes a wide array of festivities including an Opening Ceremony Party in Levee Park, medallion hunt, Levee Luminary Loppet, Rock-Paper-Scissors contest, Poker Walk, Minnesota Hotdish: A Love Story performance at the Treaty Site History Center, Hairy Legs contest, Polar Plunge at Hallett's Pond, and Napa Auto Parts Winter-Slam at Nicollet County Fairgrounds. Complete list of events. 507-934-3400
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
Feb. 3, Houston
Owl Prowl to Call In Wild Owls
Experience wild owls on their terms: outdoors after dark! Let the experts teach you how to call them in, and why calling shouldn't be done regularly in the same area. International Owl Center. 507-896-6957
Feb. 10, New Ulm
Fasching
Fasching ("fah-shing") is a German Mardi Gras with music, dancing, craft fair & vendor show, ethnic food and drink, children's event, and a hilarious "Parade of Costumes" in the evening. Enjoy performances by the legendary Concord Singers, as well as Brian Brueggen and the Minnesota Valley Dutchmen. New Ulm Conference Center/Best Western Plus. 507-359-2941
Minneapolis-St. Paul Area
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. 20 - Feb. 11 (Saturdays and Sundays), Minneapolis
Art Shanty Projects On-Ice Program
Art Shanty Projects' creative structures and unique performances are free on the frozen surface of Lake Harriet. The lake ice will serve as host and backdrop to a wide range of actions, interventions, happenings, stories, songs, games and more. 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. The spectacular Winter Carnival Orchid Show will be held at the Marjorie McNeely Conservatory at Como Park Zoo on Jan. 27 & 28. And don't miss the Snowblower Ballet on January 28. Most events are held in in downtown Saint Paul near Rice Park and Landmark Center, as well as 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 Feb. 4, 2018. Nicollet Mall. 612-930-2018
Jan. 26 - Feb. 4, Minneapolis
'Sota Pop
This interactive pop-up experience shows Minnesota’s full spectrum of fun through a gallery of shareable #OnlyinMN photo ops. Curated by Explore Minnesota and created by local artists, 'Sota Pop demonstrates that Minnesota is more than cold, it’s cool. This experience is not to be missed as one of the most Instagrammable spots of the Super Bowl LII festivities. Located in storefront windows of Renaissance Square building within steps of Nicollet Mall light rail station, near Super Bowl LIVE attractions. 651-556-8465
Jan. 26 - Feb. 4, Minneapolis/St. Paul
The Great Northern
Embrace winter at its wintry finest during this 10-day winter celebration across Minneapolis and Saint Paul. Visitors and locals alike will enjoy lots of spectator sports such as pond hockey, skijoring and fat-tire bike racing, as well as ice and snow sculpture competitions, and food-focused and art-centric events. This annual celebration brings together legacy festivals including the City of Lakes Loppet Ski Festival, the Saint Paul Winter Carnival, and the U.S. Pond Hockey Championships.
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
Jan. 31 - Feb. 5, Minneapolis
CRAVE Rooftop Ice Lounge & Ice Fishing Experience
CRAVE American Kitchen & Sushi Bar located in the heart of downtown Minneapolis is transforming its rooftop patio into the ultimate Minnesota Winter Experience during Big Game Week. Guests of the CRAVE Rooftop Ice Lounge & Ice Fishing Experience can sip a CRAVE Signature Hot Mulled Cider from the ice bar, take selfies in the ice throne, try their hand at ice fishing in a real ice house with instruction from a professional guide, and enjoy an authentic Minnesota "Shore Lunch" with fried walleye and potatoes. CRAVE. 612-332-1133
Feb. 1-3, Bloomington
Illuminate South Loop
Illuminate South Loop will feature brilliantly illuminated art installations and performances produced by artists. This outdoor evening experience will also include bonfires, warm drinks, and regional fare from Chef Paul Lynch of Urbana Craft Kitchen at the Hyatt Regency by Mall of America, capturing the interest of locals and visitors alike. Artistry at 8100 33rd Ave S. 952-563-8744
Upcoming Twin Cities' concerts and performances:
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 in St. Paul, Jan. 29
Imagine Dragons at The Armory in Minneapolis, Feb. 1
Feherty Live at the Historic State Theatre, Feb. 1-2
Kevin Hart at the Target Center in Minneapolis, Feb. 2
Pink at The Armory in Minneapolis, Feb. 2
Jennifer Lopez at The Armory in Minneapolis, Feb. 3
The Night Before with Dave Matthews Band at the Xcel Energy Center, Feb. 3
Superbowl LII Pre-Game Party at The Armory in Minneapolis, Feb. 4
Gwen Stefani at Club Nomadic in Minneapolis, Feb. 4
Scott Bradlee's 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 in Burnsville, 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
Celebrating David Bowie at the Pantages Theatre, Feb. 21
Robert Plant & the Sensational Space Shifters at the Historic Orpheum Theatre, Feb. 22
Steve Winwood at the Historic State Theatre, Feb. 23
G3 - Joe Satriani and guests at the Historic State Theatre, Feb. 24
Steve Aoki at The Armory in Minneapolis, Feb. 24
Rick Springfield at Mystic Lake Casino Hotel, Feb. 25
TobyMac at the Target Center in Minneapolis, Feb. 25
Tickets available through Eventful or Ticketmaster
Central Minnesota
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.
Come a day early and attend the dueling piano show by Dues Wild Dueling Pianos: Dave & Ted at GrandView Lodge Gull Lake Center on Friday evening, Jan. 26. 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
Feb. 3-4, Ottertail
Otter Tail Co - On Ice
Otter Tail Co - On Ice is a celebration of being Minnesotan with a Polar Plunge, 18 Hole Ice Golf Tournament, live music performances under the Big Tent including a concert by the Johnny Holm Band, Bean Bags & Bloody Marys, sleigh rides, snowmobile trail ride, vintage snowmobile show & ride, tail gate party, and The Biggest Party on Ice for the Biggest Game of the Year! Food vendors will be on the ice as well! Come a day early for the Pre-Party Festivities will be held at Thumper Pond Resort on Feb. 2. Otter Tail Lake. 612-210-5525
Feb. 9-11, St. Cloud
Sportsmen's Show
The 30th Annual Sportsmen's Show delivers everything you could want in a sport show including the very best in resorts, lodges and camps, boat show pricing on the newest fishing boats and accessories, RV show pricing on the best campers and trailers, great hunting and fishing seminars, and so much more. River's Edge Convention Center. 320-255-7272
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. 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
Feb. 3, Park Rapids
American Legion Community Ice Fishing Contest & Party
The annual Park Rapids American Legion Community Ice Fishing Contest will take place on Fish Hook Lake followed by an Awards Presentation and Fisherman's Ball with music by Billy D & the Crystals. Park Rapids American Legion. 218-732-3360
Feb. 8-19, Detroit Lakes
Polar Fest
Polar Fest is packed with events and highlights to celebrate winter including an Ice Palace, Polar Fest Plunge, the Poles 'N Holes Fishing Derby, Polar Explorer Ann Bancroft, a Great Polar Race, an expanded Polarpalooza Tubing Night, Daddy's Little Sweetheart Dance, Minnesota Hotdish Challenge, Freeze your Buns Run, Winter Shanty Beer Tasting, Aquavit Social, youth ice fishing, live music and so much more! Little Detroit Lake. 218-847-9202
Northeast Minnesota
Jan. 27, Grand Rapids
Winter Adventure Family Day
Make the most of winter at the Forest History Center and head 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. That evening, head to the Reif Center for Broadway Boys, a collection of the hottest male voices currently working on New York stages. 218-327-4482, 218-327-5780
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/Two Harbors/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 Two Harbors to the Canadian border and back to Two Harbors. 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
Feb. 3, Palo/Aurora
Laskiainen Finnish Sliding Festival
Fun-seekers converge on Palo's Loon Lake Community Center (near Aurora) for a weekend of Finnish sliding, as well as great Finnish food, games and crafts. Also enjoy strolling musicians, demonstrations, bakery goods, sleigh & carriage rides, door prizes and music by the Eelpout Stringers. Loon Lake Community Center. 218-749-8161, 218-229-2813
Feb. 7-24, Mora
Mamma Mia!
The regional premier of the Broadway blockbuster opens at Duluth's Historic Art Deco Theatre with the songs of ABBA and a colorful cast of characters gathering on a Greek island for a wedding. The young bride, Sophie, has invited three men from her mother’s past, hoping to figure out which one is her father in time for him to walk her down the aisle in this upbeat and uplifting musical. NorShor Theatre. 218-733-7555
Feb. 10-11, Mora
Mora Vasaloppet
Experience the Vasaloppet, renowned for its hometown hospitality, volunteer spirit and races that challenge the expert racer and touring novice alike. 2018 is a very special year as Vasaloppet USA is the host of the International Vasaloppet Skiing Cultural Exchange, which will bring skiers, citizens and race officials from Vasaloppet races in Sweden, Japan and China. Skiers can choose from a number of races, followed by a skiers' lunch and refreshments with an adult in the Celebration Tent. On Sunday, activities continue with the Miniloppet Children’s Race, Skijoring, the Fat Bike Race, and Spark Races. 320-679-2629
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