|
Event highlights this week include:
Feb. 24, Wabasha
Grumpy Old Men Festival
Feb. 24, Golden Valley
Chaotic Playground-Youth Art Festival
Feb. 23-25, Nisswa
Gull Lake Frozen Fore
Feb. 22-25, Walker
International Eelpout Festival
Feb. 23-25, Ely
Wine, Women, and Wolves: Northwoods Winter
Southern Minnesota
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, Albert Lea
The Metropolitan Live in HD: La Boheme, Puccini
Enjoy a performance on La Boheme, Puccini through The Met Live in HD. La Bohème, the passionate, timeless, and indelible story of love among young artists in Paris, can stake its claim as the world’s most popular opera. At first glance, La Bohème is the definitive depiction of the joys and sorrows of love and loss; on closer inspection, it reveals the deep emotional significance hidden in the trivial things—a bonnet, an old overcoat, a chance meeting with a neighbor—that make up our everyday lives. Marion Ross Performing Arts Center. 507-377-4371
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
March 3, New Ulm
Bock Fest
Beckon warmer weather with a mug full of Bock, dancing and food. Seven Bocks of Winter are hiding around the brewery and in Flandrau State Park, waiting for brave festers to venture out and capture them. Armed with completely useless clues and Bock beer, hunters will comb the park in search of these elusive bocks. Two human St. Bernards, with kegs of Bock beer strapped to their backs, are ready to be dispatched at a moments notice of the first signs of thirst. This all-outdoor event is held on the grounds of Schell's Brewery and nearby Flandrau State Park. 507-354-5528
March 10, Rochester
Choral Arts with the Minneapolis Guitar Quartet
The Minneapolis Guitar Quartet will join the Choral Arts Ensemble to premier Pathways, a new work by Jeffrey Van commissioned in memory of Cynthia Larson. Each group will delight with a variety of pieces during solo sets and then combine again to present Music of Love and the Stars. Zumbro Lutheran Church. 7-252-8427
March 10-11, New Ulm
New Ulm Trade Fair & Living History Event
The 37th Annual New Ulm Trade Fair and Living History Event began as an historically-themed trade show. Over the years it has expanded greatly, and now includes more than 70 vendors selling everything frontier related, from buck knives to fur skin clothing. Turner Hall. 651-247-4733
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. 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) and favorite sandbox toy! Minnesota Zoo. 952-431-9200
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 the metropolitan area. Admission is free. Perpich Center for Arts Education. 763-279-4168
Feb. 24, Bloomington
Tech Fest
Get ready to dive into the world of technology and engineering at The Works Museum's annual Tech Fest family event. With dozens of hands-on activities led by real scientists, engineers, and educators, families can spend the day learning and exploring together. Whether it's taking apart old electronics, trying their hand at biomedical engineering or programming robots, your kids will leave inspired and excited about engineering! The Works Museum. 952-888-4262
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. 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
March 2-4, Plymouth
Winter Bluegrass Weekend
This three-day indoor music festival features the Minnesota Bluegrass & Old-Time Music Association Showcase of Bands, more than 40 groups performing bluegrass, old-time stringband, and related forms of acoustic music. There will also be a headline concert performance by Laurie Lewis on Saturday, as well as dances, workshops, instrument exhibitors, a swap meet, and jam sessions around the clock. Crowne Plaza Minneapolis West Hotel. 612-285-9133
March 2-4, Minnetonka
Video Games & Music CON 2018
Video Games & Music CON is a video games and music convention celebrating all things gaming. Join other fans and creators in a three-day festival of live video game music performances, tournaments, panels, workshops, local developer games, and more. This year's guests include: Jason Graves, composer for Tomb Raider, Until Dawn, Far Cry and more; Emily Reese, podcast host; Rich Vreeland (Disasterpeace), composer for Fez, Bit Trip Runner, and more; Arc Impulse - Band; Do a Barrel Roll Band, and more. Sheraton West Minneapolis. 651-504-2637
March 3, Minneapolis
Upper Midwest Scuba & Adventure Travel Show
The Upper Midwest Scuba & Adventure Show features exhibitors, speaker presentations, demonstrations and information on Lake Superior shipwrecks and other shipwrecks of the Great Lakes, and diving around the globe at exotic international locations. Double Tree by Hilton Bloomington-Minneapolis South. 612-567-3305
March 3-4, Minneapolis
Healthy Life Expo
Explore up to 200 exhibitors offering everything for health, balance and success in all areas of life. Also enjoy three stages of on-going speaker presentations and demonstrations, product sampling, hourly drawings, free health information, live entertainment, great shopping, and the U.S. Strongman Competition. Minneapolis Convention Center. 952-238-1700
Upcoming Twin Cities' concerts and performances:
Celebrating David Bowie at the Pantages Theatre in Minneapolis, Feb. 21
Robert Plant & the Sensational Space Shifters at the Historic Orpheum Theatre in Minneapolis, 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 in Prior Lake, 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 in St. Paul, 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
Dan Savage - Savage Lovecast Tour at the Pantages Theatre, March 23
Lorde: Melodrama World Tour at the Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul, March 23
Neil deGrasse Tyson at the Historic State Theatre, March 23
The Illusionists - Live From Broadway at the Historic Orpheum Theatre in Minneapolis, March 23-25
Puddles Pity Party at the Pantages Theatre, March 24
Franco Escamilla at the Historic State Theatre, March 25
Kansas at Mystic Lake Casino Hotel, March 25
Tickets available through Eventful or Ticketmaster
Central Minnesota
Feb. 22-25, New London
"Love Letters" play by A.R. Gurney
This play is comprised of a series of letters exchanged over a lifetime between two people who grew up together, went their separate ways, but continued to share confidences. With the reading of the letters, we see how much they really meant, and gave to, each other over the years - physically apart, but spiritually as close as only true lovers can be. The Little Theatre of New London. 320-354-2559
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
March 2, Fergus Falls
The Good Lovelies
Audiences have been falling in love with the Good Lovelies for the past ten years. Winners of the 2010 Juno Award for Roots Album of the Year, and nominees for the same award in 2012, as well as 4-time winners at the Canadian Folk Music Awards, the Good Lovelies having been making waves across the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Europe and Australia. A Center for the Arts. 218-736-5453
March 10-11, Onamia
Applique Beading 2-Day Workshop
Learn techniques of applique beading and make an applique beaded coin purse to take home. A light lunch and refreshments will be provided both days. Children under age 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Registration is required three days prior to the workshop. Discount hotel rooms are available at Grand Casino Mille Lacs on Saturday night for all workshop participants. Mille Lacs Indian Museum and Trading Post. 320-532-3632
Northwest Minnesota
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. Leech Lake's Walker Bay. 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
March 3, Longville
Winter Chili Cook-off & Fireworks Display
Festivities start early at the Docksider with a chili cook-off where you can cast your vote. Afterwards, make the short trip over to Girl Lake for a winter fireworks display and enjoy dinner specials at Patrick’s on Girl Lake. 218-363-2630
March 10, Ulen
Kordal Kombat
Kordal Kombat is a young a cappella barbershop quartet based out of central Minnesota. In 2013, they won both the Land O' Lakes Novice Quartet championship and the festival's District Quartet championship-making history for doing so in the same year. The guys of Kordal Kombat will deliver a fun, high-energy performance, with a variety of great music and lots of laughs for all ages. This award-winning group has opened for a Top Hat favorite, a cappella group Tonic Sol Fa, and performs styles from doo-wop to Motown to traditional and modern barbershop repertoire. These young men are an unstoppable wave of musical energy. Ulen-Hitterdal School. 218-596-8853
Northeast Minnesota
Feb. 23, Lutsen
Beer Lovers' Dinner
Enjoy a delicious multi-course dinner paired with craft beers under the guidance of Hoops Brewing out of Duluth. Lutsen Resort. 218-663-7212
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
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 3, Crane Lake
Crane Lake Challenge
This is snowmobile racing at its best! Bring your snowmobile and see how fast it can go, or join hundreds of spectators witnessing speeds of up to 178.2 miles per hour on the 1,000 foot shaved ice course. Also enjoy lots of food and drink specials. Crane Lake. 218-993-2901
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 ? 11 a.m., and all anglers must be signed in before fishing. Gunflint Lake boat access. 218-387-9392
March 9-11, Ely
Save the Bees Weekend!
This event-filled weekend is dedicated to bees and what they do for us and our environment. Highlights include the documentary film "Vanishing Bees," and classes and events on Honey Mead Making, Beeswax For Your Skin, Langstroth Hives, Honey Tasting Around the World, Making Milk Jug Pollinators, Mason Jar Bee Hive Creation, Integrated Pest Management, Beekepers' Tasks and Responsibilities, and how to Harvest Honey. Ely Folk School. 218-235-0138
Subscribe here to receive any or all of Explore Minnesota Tourism's reports by email.
Be sure to visit the Deals section of ExploreMinnesota.com to learn of the latest discounts and specials!
|
