U.S. Bank Stadium at night; photo courtesy of Sam Holt (@samholt38)
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:
Feb. 3, Albert Lea
Big Freeze Tailgate Party
Jan. 26 - Feb. 4, Minneapolis
Super Bowl LIVE presented by Verizon, The Great Northern & Super Bowl Experience Driven By Genesis
Feb. 3-4, Ottertail
Otter Tail Co - On Ice
Feb. 3, Park Rapids
American Legion Community Ice Fishing Contest & Party
Feb. 1-11, Ely
Ely Winter Festival and Ely ArtWalk
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. 507-285-5272
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. 3, Albert Lea
Big Freeze Tailgate Party
The 8th Annual Big Freeze Tailgate Party will be held at Edgewater Park Pavilion on Fountain Lake from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., followed by fun in downtown Albert Lea 3pm until midnight. At Edgewater Park, enjoy a medallion hunt, Blue Ice Plunge, fat tire bike demo, chili cook-off, Movin' & Groovin' Fun, Shinefest tractor ride, disk golf tournament, pictures with Elsa from Frozen, winter kite flying, snowshoeing and horse drawn sleigh rides. In downtown Albert Lea, check out the Bags Tournament, Minnesota "Hotdish" Cook-off, vintage snowmobile show, Just for Kix Show, "The Only" live, fireworks display, crafts, Lime Tree Circus, refreshments, baked goods and popcorn. 507-373-2316
Feb. 9-10, Northfield
Yeti Fest
Attend Yeti Fest 2018 and celebrate winter with snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, fat tire bike rides, Yeti Look-a-like Contest, Long Johns Fashion Show, snowman building contest, warm spiked and unspiked refreshments and more! Armory Square. 507-645-5604
Feb. 9-11, Winona
Winona Winter Carnival
The Winona Winter Carnival's inaugural weekend will feature a Cabin Fever Dash, Farmer's Market Soup & Silent Auction, Frozen Dance & Art Adventure, Snow Bomb Fat Bike Race, chili cook-off, Kites Over Lake Winona, puzzle competition and more. 507-457-8258
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
Feb. 17, Red Wing
Girlfriend's Day Out at Sargent's Nursery & Gary Allan
Bring your girlfriends to Sargent’s Nursery and stroll through a vintage junk market and vendor marketplace with art, jewelry, fashion, massage, books, home decor and food & wine. That evening, head to Treasure Island Resort & Casino for a concert by Gary Allan. 651-388-3487; 800-222-7077
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. 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, family activities, ice and snow carvings, ice bar, appearances from the Royal Family and Vulcan Krewe and much more. Most events are held in downtown Saint Paul at Rice Park and the Landmark Center, as well as at nearby Harriet Island and the Minnesota State Fairgrounds. 651-223-7400
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, presented by Explore Minnesota
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. Don't miss one of the most Instagrammable spots of Super Bowl LII festivities. Renaissance Square building within steps of the Nicollet Mall light rail station, near other 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 - 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
Feb. 7-11, North Branch
Winter Fest
This community festival celebrates the season with a vintage snowmobile ride and expo, ice sculptures, movies with free popcorn, family puzzle contest, ice sculpting demonstrations with free hot chocolate, wine, beer & spirits tasting, omelet breakfast and medallion hunt. 651-674-4077
Feb. 8-10, Chanhassen
The Fabulous Armadillos Present Love Songs
The Fabulous Armadillos deliver an all-new tribute to love through country, rock, and pop love songs, enhanced by the 'Dillo's sense of humor. From “Maybe, I’m Amazed” to “Love Stinks” it all comes from the heart! Chanhassen Dinner Theatre. 952-934-1525
Feb. 9-10, Anoka
Winterfest
The Anoka Winterfest brings you indoor and outdoor family fun winter activities and events. On Friday evening, enjoy sledding, skating, music by KidsDance DJ, hot chocolate and s'mores by the bonfire and more at George Enloe Park. And on Saturday, head to Green Haven Golf Course & Event Center for dog sledding, ski equipment demo, four arts and crafts stations, deluxe mini-golf, a movie, various indoor & outdoor games, face painting, selfie stations, s'mores & hot chocolate, prize drawings and more. 763-576-2725
Feb. 9-11, Prior Lake
The Price is Right Live
he Price Is Right Live™ is the hit interactive stage show that gives eligible individuals the chance to “Come On Down” and play classic games from television’s longest running and most popular game show. Contestants can win cash, appliances, vacations and possibly even a new car by playing favorites like Plinko™, Cliffhangers™, The Big Wheel™ and the fabulous Showcase! Mystic Showroom at Mystic Lake Casino Hotel. 952-496-6563
Feb. 11, Minneapolis
Surly Masher
Bikes and beers galore! The Surly Masher will feature a beer tent, music, door prizes, group rides, food trucks, a “big ticket” prize auction, and test rides of the latest Surly Bikes on a demo course on Surly Brewing’s Festival Field. Free admission. Family friendly and dog friendly. Parking is limited. Surly Brewing Company. 763-999-4040
Upcoming Twin Cities' concerts and performances:
Imagine Dragons at The Armory in Minneapolis, Feb. 1
The Chainsmokers at Mystic Lake Casino Hotel in Prior Lake, Feb. 1
Feherty Live at the Historic State Theatre in Minneapolis, Feb. 1-2
Kevin Hart at the Target Center in Minneapolis, Feb. 2
Kygo at Mystic Lake Casino Hotel, 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 in St. Paul, Feb. 3
Superbowl LII Pre-Game Party at The Armory in Minneapolis, Feb. 4
Gwen Stefani at Mystic Lake Casino Hotel, 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
Disney on Ice: Frozen at the Target Center in Minneapolis, Feb. 28 - March 4
Jazba 2018: A Bollywood-Fusion Dance Competition at the Historic Orpheum Theatre, March 3
Tickets available through Eventful or Ticketmaster
Central Minnesota
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. 2-4, Fergus Falls
Frostbite Festival in Fergus Falls
Celebrate winter with fun, family-friendly activities throughout Fergus Falls. Enjoy indoor and outdoor ice skating, hiking, comedy acts, live music, free Sertoma Ice Fishing Derby, Super Bowl parties, the Mother of All Trivia Contests, a scavenger hunt, art activities and much more. 218-736-6951
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 Maries, 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 at Thumper Pond Resort on Feb. 2. Otter Tail Lake. 612-210-5525
Feb. 9-10, Little Falls
Brothers Tone and the Big Groove's Love Shack - Valentine's Show
The 4th Annual Valentine's Dance Party brings you a night of classic rock hits by Brothers Tone and the Big Groove including music by Blood Sweat and Tears, Michael Jackson, Blake Shelton, Tom Petty, Spiral Staircase, The Doobie Brothers, and Deep Purple, just to name a few. The show comes complete with an LED Light Show. Doors open at 6:30 with cash bar and seating. This show has sold out the previous three years so get your tickets early! Great River Arts Center. 320-632-0960
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
Feb. 16, Alexandria
United Way Beer & Wine Gala
The 9th Annual United Way of Douglas & Pope Counties Beer & Wine Tasting event offers guests a chance to taste-test a variety of wines, spirits and Minnesota-themed beers and appetizers. There will also be raffles and games with a chance to win amazing prizes. Arrowwood Resort & Conference Center. 320-834-7800
Northwest Minnesota
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 on beautiful Girl Lake near Patrick's, so food, beverages 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. 3, Lake Park
Midnite Riders Classic Old Timer's Snowmoblie Run
This fun run is geared for snowmobiles 25 years old and older, with awards in various classes. The ride is a 40-mile loop with 8 stops at local businesses and raffle prize drawings at each stop. The starting and finishing points are at the Lake Park Liquor Store. 218-238-5532
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
Feb. 10, Remer
Festival of the Falling Snowflakes
The annual Festival of the Falling Snowflakes includes dog sled races, chili cook-off, children's games, dance and more! Downtown Remer along the Soo Line. The festival is held in conjunction with the 30th Annual Mid-Minnesota 150 Sled Dog Race which ends in Remer on Feb. 10. 218-566-1680
Feb. 16, Mahnomen
Night Ranger
It's time to get "motoring" for one of the 80s most acclaimed bands. Their multi-platinum tracks include unforgettable anthems like "Sister Christian," "Don't Tell Me You Love Me," and "When You Close Your Eyes." In addition to songs that have impacted pop culture, listen to the electrifying songs from their new album "Don't Let Up." Shooting Star Casino. 800-453-7827
Northeast Minnesota
Feb. 1-4, Duluth
Cold Front February
Celebrate winter at Duluth's Cold Front February. At Canal Park, enjoy a huge snow hill, curling, ice track, runs, fire pits and more. In downtown Duluth, take in more than 40 attractions, events, demonstrations, live music, art classes, tours and specials. While in Duluth, Feb. 2-4, check out the 2018 Duluth Ice & Mixed Fest at Casket Quarry featuring beginner and intermediate climber clinics, and presentations by master climbers. 218-722-4011
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, Duluth
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. 8-14, 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, cross-country skiing, Scandinavian-themed menus, full moon reading, cabin concert, art show openings, and lodging specials. 218-387-2524
Feb. 10, Sandstone
Dinner at the Lake
Attend a wonderful banquet dinner in a beautiful lakeside dining hall, followed by an interesting presentation by Eric Faust of the Duluth Coffee Company. Eric will speak about the origins of his company, the growth that they have experienced over the past 5 years, his travels to coffee-producing countries, and the impacts of the coffee industry on birds and ecological preservation. Make it a getaway and stay overnight. Lodging rooms are available at a discounted rate. Audubon Center of the North Woods. 320-245-2648
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
Feb. 14-18, Grand Marais
Northern Fibers Retreat
Wool and woodstoves, friends and fibers: it all weaves into a cozy tapestry during the Northern Fiber Retreat. This five-day event celebrates all fiber arts with seminars and class offerings from long-time North House instructors, as well as new guest artisans. Choose from more than two dozen course options including spinning, knitting, felting, sewing, beading and more. North House Folk School. 218-387-9762
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