Gateway Trail by candlelight; photo courtesy of the MN DNR
Event highlights this week include:
Feb. 16-18, Rochester
The Rochester RV & Camping Show
Feb. 16-18, Minneapolis
Minneapolis Home + Remodeling Show & Minnesota Golf Show
Feb. 17-18, Nisswa
Nisswa Winter Jubilee
Feb. 8-19, Detroit Lakes
Polar Fest
Feb. 16-19, Sandstone
Winter Family Weekend
Southern Minnesota
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. 16-18, Rochester
The Rochester RV & Camping Show
The Rochester RV and Camping show is the largest consumer show of its kind in southern Minnesota and is exclusively recreational-focused. Consumers are able to shop a huge selection of class A, B and C motor-homes, fifth wheels, travel trailers, park models and tent trailers from the leading dealers in the region. Consumers are able to view an array of campgrounds, towing vehicles and the latest in RV and camping accessories, all in one location. Mayo Civic Center. 507-252-1238
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
Feb. 24, Wabasha
Golden Eagle Viewing Field Trip
Golden eagles use the blufflands of the Upper Mississippi River Valley as wintering territory. Learn more about golden eagles and see them in the wild on a guided tour led by expert naturalists. National Eagle Center. 651-565-4989
March 2-4, Houston
International Festival of Owls
Immerse yourself in owls at the only annual, full-weekend, all-owl festival in North America. Highlights include live owl programs, owl prowls to call in wild owls, a birding and natural history bus trip, and a banquet featuring the presentation of the World Owl Hall of Fame awards and international speakers. Families can build an owl nest box, dissect an owl pellet, make a variety of owl crafts, and have a hoot eating owl-themed food. International Owl Center. 507-896-6957
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. 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
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
Feb. 17 - March 11, Apple Valley
Tropical Beach Party
Bring the whole family for a winter getaway at the Zoo and enjoy sand, palm trees, exotic animals and more. BYOP (Bring your own pail) or favorite sandbox toy! Minnesota Zoo. 952-431-9200
Feb. 24-25, Hastings
Masters of the Sky
The World Bird Sanctuary staff from St. Louis, Missouri, will present a captivating program about birds of prey. Visitors will learn about raptors from around the world. Experience live hawks, eagles, owls, falcons and vultures up close and in free-flight. The presenters will introduce methods to help protect raptors and their habitats. Please call ahead if you plan to attend. Carpenter Nature Center. 651-437-4359
Feb. 24, Golden Valley
Chaotic Playground-Youth Art Festival
Be part of the chaos and experience dance, theater, media arts, literary arts, music, visual arts, film, poetry, performance, photography and more through workshops and presentations offered by dozens of arts partners and organizations from throughout the Twin Cities vicinity! This event is free! Perpich Center for Arts Education. 763-279-4168
Feb. 25, St. Paul
All About Bluebirds
Bluebirds are one of Minnesota's most admired song birds, yet many people have never seen one. Learn about the life history of bluebirds and how you can help restore their populations. Meet at the Thomas C. Savage Visitor Center. No registration required. Fort Snelling State Park. 612-725-2724
Upcoming Twin Cities' concerts and performances:
The Humans at the Historic Orpheum Theatre in Minneapolis, Feb. 13-18
The Commodores at Mystic Lake Casino Hotel in Prior Lake, 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, 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
Pink at the Xcel Energy Center, March 12
k.d. lang - Ingenue Redux Tour at the Historic State Theatre, March 14
Cry Cry Cry at the Pantages Theatre, March 16
Sara Evans - All the Love Tour at Mystic Lake Casino Hotel, March 16
Trae Crowder Comedy Tour at the Pantages Theatre, March 17
Earth, Wind & Fire at Treasure Island Resort & Casino in Welch, March 18
Tickets available through Eventful or Ticketmaster
Central Minnesota
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, Alexandria
Fishing For the Cure Ice Fishing Tournament
The 12th Annual Fishing For the Cure Ice Fishing Tournament takes place on Smith Lake in Alexandria. Children 12 & under will receive a free ice fishing pole and reel just for participating. Cash prizes are awarded for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place fish determined by weight in five categories: walleye, northern, crappie, sunfish and perch. All proceeds go to the American Cancer Society Relay For Life. 320-808-1932
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. 23-25, Nisswa
Gull Lake Frozen Fore
The Gull Lake Frozen Fore Winter Weekend begins with the annual Frozen Flop in the middle of Hole-in-the-Day Bay, and under a heated tent. Next is the heated Tent Party with an ice bar, great food and live music. Highlights on Saturday include a pancake feed, snow golf at seven establishments around Gull Lake, and another tent party with live music. On Sunday, enjoy a Food Fest and cook-off featuring a variety of local restaurants showcasing their best dishes. Gull Lake. 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
March 2, Little Falls
Nicholas David
Nicholas David is a vibrant, dynamic and multi-talented singer/songwriter from St. Paul, MN. For more than a decade, Nicholas has composed alternative soul music that connects with people worldwide on a deeply human level. The Voice introduced America to his soulful music, and David finished in the top three. Great River Arts. 320-632-0960
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. 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
Feb. 22-25, Thief River Falls
Godspell
Don't miss Stephen Schwartz's classic musical re-telling of The Gospels in modern context. With this production, you'll experience theater-in-the-round. Appropriate for all audiences .Tickets are available at the door. Thief River Falls United Methodist Church. 218-681-3810
March 3, Bemidji
Northland Fat Bike Rally
The 4th Annual Northland Fat Bike Rally takes place at Lake Bemidji State Park. The race is free, and features 10K and 28K routes. Anyone with 3.8-inch tires and a helmet can ride the course! 218-308-2300
Northeast Minnesota
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. 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, kick-sledding, 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. 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
Feb. 24, Grand Rapids
Stomping on Winter Family Day
Enjoy winter with indoor and outdoor games, sledding, ice skating, snowshoeing, sleigh rides, tours of the logging camp and more. Forest History Center. 218-327-4482
March 4, Grand Marais
Trout Derby
The annual Trout Derby Picnic and Fishing Contest includes an ice fishing contest with prizes, as well as raffles and a cook out with fish burgers, hot dogs, brats and burgers. Registration starts at 9 a.m., and all anglers must be signed in before fishing. Gunflint Lake boat access. 218-387-9392
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