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Event highlights this week include:
Feb. 9-11, Winona
Frozen River Film Festival: Creativity and Innovation & Winona Winter Carnival
Jan. 25 - Feb. 10, St. Paul
Saint Paul Winter Carnival
Feb. 9-11, St. Cloud
Sportsmen's Show
Feb. 8-19, Detroit Lakes
Polar Fest
Feb. 8-14, Grand Marais
Hygge Festival
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. 7-11, Winona
Frozen River Film Festival: Creativity and Innovation
The Frozen River Film Festival offers documentary films and programming that engage, educate and activate people to become involved in the world. Winona State University. 507-452-0735
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 un-spiked refreshments, and more! Armory Square. 507-645-5604
Feb. 9-10, Rochester
SocialICE 2018
SocialICE - Rochester Minnesota's Ice Bar - features 12 nine foot ice bars, entertainment, specialty drinks, ice sculptures and more! 507-216-9882
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. 16, Owatonna
Around the World: Food & Brewfest
"Around the World: Food and Brewfest" is a multicultural celebration of food, beer and coffee. Guests will take a trip around the culinary world and enjoy specialties from a variety of countries. In addition, begin the evening with a social hour and Homebrew Contest featuring brews by 7 brewers serving a special beer to be paired with the 7 entrees. Tickets all food, desert, entertainment, evening festivities, and admission to the History Center’s exhibits, World War I & Autos and Roads. Steele County Historical Society. 507-451-1420
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
Feb. 24, Wabasha
Grumpy Old Men Festival
Highlights of the 25th Annual Grumpy Old Men Festival include an ice fishing contest, annual Grumpy Plunge, Hot Dish Luncheon, Ragetti's Spaghetti Feed, Minnow Races, Ice Bar, Stretch Raffle and music throughout town. Come a day early for the Grumpy Old Men movie on Friday, Feb. 23. 651-565-4158
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. 23 - March 18, Minneapolis
The Wiz
Ease on down the road with Dorothy and her friends in this dazzling mixture of rock, gospel and soul music. Embark on this Oz-some adventure through a magic land where you will meet funky monkeys, winkies, Addeperle and Evilene. You don't need a wizard - just believe in yourself to find home and feel that brand-new day. Enjoyed by all ages. A Children’s Theatre Company and Penumbra Theatre Production. 612-874-0400
Jan. 25 - Feb. 10, St. Paul
Saint Paul Winter Carnival
The 132nd Saint Paul Winter Carnival, the "Coolest Celebration on Earth" since 1886. Just some of the highlights this Saturday, Feb. 10 include the Vulcan Victory Torchlight Parade, Historic Cave & Gangster tours, Enchanted Evening - A Valentine’s Dining Experience at Como Park Zoo and Conservatory, 2018 NWHL All-Star Weekend, Tow-Up Throw-Down Professional/Amateur Invitational, and Grammy Award-winning Terrance Simien and the Zydeco Experience at the Ordway. 651-223-7400
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
The 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
Feb. 15-17, Minneapolis
West Side Story
The Minnesota Orchestra performs Leonard Bernstein's electrifying score live while the remastered film West Side Story is shown in glorious high definition on the big screen. Orchestra Hall. 612-371-5656
Feb. 16 & 17, Chanhassen
Remembering Glen Campbell with Jeff Dayton
Jeff Dayton, Glen Campbell's guitarist and bandleader for 15 years, returns with an intimate evening of personal songs and stories behind Glen's astounding Hall of Fame career. This performance is both sentimental and upbeat. Chanhassen Dinner Theatre. 952-934-1525
Feb. 16-18, Minneapolis
Minneapolis Home + Remodeling Show
The Home + Remodeling Show is sure to inspire homeowners with specific home improvement projects in mind. With remodeling, interior design and home improvement presentations scattered throughout the show and more than 250 go-to resources and vendors, this show will help with all your home and remodeling needs. U.S. Bank Stadium. 952-933-3850
Feb. 16-18, Minneapolis
Minnesota Golf Show
Swing by the Venture Bank Minnesota Golf Show to check out the Midwest's most prestigious consumer golf show with dozens of golf industry exhibitors and the latest in golf equipment, gadgets, gifts, garb and getaways. 952-767-8034
Feb. 17, Fridley
Discovery Dinner: The Wildlife Rehabilitation Center of Minnesota
Enjoy a delicious catered meal in a beautiful setting while learning about the amazing work of the Wildlife Rehabilitation Center of Minnesota, one of the busiest wildlife hospitals in the nation. In 2017, they treated nearly 13,000 wild animals and helped educate vet students from all over the world. Springbrook Nature Center. 763-572-3588
Feb. 17-18, Bloomington
Chinese New Year Celebration
Celebrate the Chinese New Year's “Year of the Dog” and share a Chinese cultural experience in an atmosphere of festive joy. The Chinese New Year Celebration will feature rich cultural presentations, brilliant artistic performances and gorgeous Chinese New Year décor. Rotunda and Sear's Court at Mall of America. 952-883-8643
Upcoming Twin Cities' concerts and performances:
The Price is Right Live at Mystic Lake Casino Hotel in Prior Lake, 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 in Minneapolis, Feb. 21
Robert Plant & the Sensational Space Shifters at the Historic Orpheum Theatre, Feb. 22
Steve Winwood at the Historic State Theatre in Minneapolis, 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
School of Rock - The Musical at the Historic Orpheum Theatre, March 6-11
G-Eazy - The Beautiful Damned Tour at Roy Wilkins Auditorium at St. Paul RiverCentre, March 8
Tickets available through Eventful or Ticketmaster
Central Minnesota
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. 10, Litchfield
Wintercade's Veteran Appreciation Ice Fishing Contest
The 8th Annual Wintercade Veteran Appreciation Ice Fishing Contest is hosted by the Litchfield VFW & American Legion with thousands of dollars in prizes. West side of Lake Ripley. 320-593-9064, 320-593-9074
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
Feb. 17-18, Nisswa
Nisswa Winter Jubilee
This unique 2-day experience takes place throughout the city of Nisswa with a parade, live music, Nisswa Fire Department's Ice Fishing Derby, Hammerschlagen, medallion hunt, face painting, bingo and more. 218-963-2620
Feb. 24, Isle
Perch Extravaganza
The 2018 Johnson's Portside Perch Extravaganza is a popular fishing contest with tons of prizes. Other highlights include a Mad Hatter Contest for the craziest hat, bean bag toss, door prizes, free prizes for kids under 12 while they last, a T-Shirt Shooter, food and beverage booths, and more. Nitti's Hunter's Point Resort. 320-676-3811
Northwest Minnesota
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. 10, Crookston
Ice Buster Daze Radar Run and Fishing Derby
Festivities during the 15th Annual Ice Buster Daze includes numerous radar runs with trophies for top speeds, a Bikini Radar Run, Ice Fishing Derby with prizes for the 15 largest fish, breakfast, dinner and awards ceremony at the Eagles Club. 218-281-4320
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
Feb. 17, Detroit Lakes
ULTRA Vintage Snowmobile Rally & Swap Meet
The 15th Annual ULTRA Vintage Rally & Swap Meet features a ride on Detroit Lake, swap meet and radar runs. The ride starts at noon, and is approximately 13 miles. Detroit Lakes City Beach near Zorbaz. 218-847-9202
Feb. 22-25, Walker
International Eelpout Festival
For the past 39 years, crowds greater than 10 times the population of Walker gather on Minnesota's third largest lake for a festival named for one of the ugliest bottom-dwelling fish, the eelpout. Enjoy Opening Ceremonies at Chase on the Lake, the Pre-Pout Party in Chase Tent, Eelpout Fish Fry, Eelpout Curling, 5th Annual Beer Pong Tournament, Eelpout Rugby, and Official Weigh-in with great prizes. And don't miss the 1st Annual Leech Lake Frostfest also held on Leech Lake on Feb. 10 with craft beer, snow golf, live music, homebrew competition, raffle prizes, bonfires, outdoor beer garden, hot chocolate building bar, giant jenga, bean bag toss, human bowling, giant checkers, sled dog rides, great food and games for the kids. Leech Lake's Walker Bay and Chase on the Lake. 218-547-1313
Northeast Minnesota
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. 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
Feb. 16-19, Sandstone
Winter Family 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! This exciting family program offers age-specific and all-family program options to choose from including snow activities, skiing, snowshoeing, nature presentations, ice and indoor wall climbing, sleigh rides, archery, wildlife programs, cultural activities, kicksledding, arts & crafts, astronomy, Snow Ball, and Talent Show! Audubon Center of the North Woods. 320-245-2648
Feb. 23-25, Ely
Wine, Women, and Wolves: Northwoods Winter
Reward yourself with a fun, relaxing weekend learning about wolves and the northwoods while enjoying the company of women who have the same hectic routine as you. Enjoy some wine and cheese, dog sledding, radio telemetry, and trekking through the snowy northwoods while at Northern Tier National High Adventure Base located east of the International Wolf Center. Registration deadline is Feb. 9. And while in Ely, check out the 10th Annual Wolf Track Classic held Feb. 24-25 starting and ending in Ely. 218-365-4695, 218-365-6123
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