The Omnitheater, site of Omnifest, running Jan. 4 - Feb. 28; photo courtesy of the Science Museum of Minnesota
Event highlights this week include:
Jan. 18-19, Worthington
Winterfest
Jan. 19-21, St. Paul
MLK Weekend + "The 1968 Exhibit" Closing Family Activities
Jan. 18 - Feb. 10, Spicer
Spicer Winterfest
Jan. 18-19, Hackensack
Back to Hack Winter Festival
Jan. 17-20, International Falls
Icebox Days
Southern Minnesota
Dec. 8 - March 9, Mankato
Why Treaties Matter
This exhibition will include 20 free standing banners with evocative text, historical and contemporary photographs and maps, and a 10-minute video titled, “A Day in the Life of the Minnesota Tribal Nations." The exhibit reveals how Dakota and Ojibwe treaties with the U.S. government affected the lands and lifeways of the Indigenous peoples of the place we now call Minnesota, and explains why these binding agreements between nations still matter today. It is meant to share important cultural information with all Minnesotans, that they may better understand the true circumstances surrounding Minnesota land, its use, and even the treatment of the Indigenous peoples today. Blue Earth County History Center. 507-345-5566
Jan. 18-19, Worthington
Winterfest
Celebrate winter with this fun event and enjoy live music, a Deep Freeze Dip, the Crowning of the Snow Queen, Red Hot chili cook-off, bake sale, Ice Fishing Derby, 2-mile Winterfest Walk, Ice Hole games, Drive, Chip & Put Winter Edition, Chris Hawkey's 3 Decades of Rock Show & Dance, silent auction, concessions and more. Lake Okabena, Sunset Park and venues throughout town. 507-372-2919
Jan. 18-27, Owatonna
Owatonna Bold & Cold
This 1st Annual Bold & Cold is a week-long winter celebration with events and activities that are designed to highlight the Minnesota psyche of “cold noses and warm hearts!" Enjoy S'more Family Fun activities, hot cocoa bar and s'mores, Cabin Fever Reliever with a Tater Tot Bar and live music, Candlelight Walk under a full moon, Crazy Days Sales, Thirsty Thursday Fun Run, sledding, Icicle Dive, Ice Bocce Ball, Rock on Ice with music, lights and skating, Come Fly with Me ethnic food and beverage event, Family Ice Fishing, snow sculpture contest, fat tire bike demonstrations and much more! Venues throughout Owatonna. 507-451-7970
Jan. 19, Faribault
Dark Side of the Moon & Other Floydian Tales with Johnny James and the Hall of Fames
This show sold out back-to-back performances at Chanhassen Dinner Theatre and features Jonny James and the Hall of Fames. Hear "Dark Side of the Moon" in its entirety as a classic Judy Garland movie plays in the background, as well as favorite selections from "The Wall" and "Wish You Were Here." Paradise Center for the Arts. 507-332-7372
Jan. 21, Austin
Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Film & Discussion
The episode “Rise!” from the PBS program "The African Americans: Many Rivers to Cross," hosted by Henry Louise Gates, Jr., will be shown at noon and 6 p.m. followed by a discussion. Free popcorn and hot cocoa will be provided. Admission is free. Historic Paramount Theatre. 507-434-0934
Jan. 26, Houston
Owl Prowl to Call in Wild Owls
Learn how to identify local owls by size, shape, silhouette and sound with the Owl Center's human and owl staff. Following the indoor portion of the program, participants will carpool to known owl territories to call for eastern screech, barred and great horned owls. International Owl Center. Reservations required. 507-896-6957
Feb. 1-10, St. Peter
Winterfest
Celebrate winter in St. Peter! Highlights include a medallion hunt, Polar Plunge for Special Olympics, geocaching and s'mores, and a variety of other activities. And on Saturday, Feb. 9, head to the Nicollet County Fairgrounds for the NAPA Auto Parts Winter-Slam and watch over 140 vehicles from 7 states compete in a demolition derby for over $12,000 in payouts. Venues throughout St. Peter. 507-934-3400
Minneapolis-St. Paul Area
Nov. 1 - Feb. 16, Excelsior
Lend Me a Tenor
This Tony Award-winning madcap screwball comedy, set in 1934, will keep you laughing all night long! Old Log Theatre. 952-474-5951
Dec. 8 - Jan. 27, Bloomington
Skate the Star
Mall of America is excited to announce a new experience for guests this holiday season! Skate the Star is a custom-built ice rink located at the North entrance of MOA®. Skating o the 12,000 square-foot ice rink is free if you bring your skates; skate rental is available for $5. Mall of America. 952-883-8800
Dec. 29 - March 30 (most Saturdays), Minneapolis
The Dinner Detective Interactive Murder Mystery Show
The Dinner Detective is the largest, award-winning, interactive comedic murder mystery dinner show in the United States. These immensely popular murder mystery shows are set in the present day. Unlike other murder mystery dinner shows, The Dinner Detective, you and your guests will not find themselves staring at cheesy costumes, there will be no recited campy dialogue and certainly no hokey song and dance. Enjoy this unique, high-energy murder mystery dinner theater experience along with a full four course meal! Courtyard Marriott Minneapolis Downtown. 866-496-0535
Jan. 1 - Feb. 23, Chanhassen
Irving Berlin's Holiday Inn
Holiday Inn, the new Irving Berlin musical, tells the story of Jim, who leaves the bright lights of show business behind to settle down on his farmhouse in Connecticut. He quickly discovers life isn't the same without a bit of song and dance. Jim's luck takes a spectacular turn when he meets Linda, a spirited schoolteacher with talent to spare. Together they turn the farmhouse into a fabulous inn with dazzling performances to celebrate each holiday from Thanksgiving to the Fourth of July. But when Jim's best friend Ted tries to lure Linda away to be his new dance partner in Hollywood, will Jim be able to salvage his latest chance at love? Chanhassen Dinner Theatres. 952-934-1525
Jan. 4 - Feb. 28, St. Paul
Omnifest
The very popular annual Omnitheater film festival begins January 4 at the Science Museum of Minnesota's William L. McKnight-3M Omnitheater with five films running in rotation on its 90-foot domed screen. Included in this year's festival are Ring of Fire, Journey to Space, National Parks Adventure, The Greatest Places, and Tornado Alley. 651-221-9444
Jan. 12 - Feb. 28, Excelsior
Ice Castles
Ice Castles is the must-see 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. The Commons. 866-435-2850
Jan. 17-26 (Thursdays through Saturdays), Minneapolis
Naked Stages
The 2018 Pillsbury House Theatre Naked Stages fellows, A.P. Looze, Anat Shinar, and Chitra Vairavan, will each premiere an original performance. A creative opportunity unlike any other in Minnesota, Naked Stages is the culmination of a 7 month training fellowship that provides four emerging performance artists with the time, resources and mentorship they need to bring their distinctive visions to life on stage. Pillsbury House + Theatre. 612-825-0459
Jan. 19, Stillwater
Silhouette Imperial Stout Bottles & Release Party 2019
Celebrate the release of the award-winning Silhouette Barrel Aged Imperial Stout with a full day of bottle pick-up, food and fun winter activities. As day turns to night, attend the Snowball Formal -- come dressed in your most fancy-pants attire to get entered into free raffles for awesome prizes. Be sure to get your formal photo with your date before stepping into the winter wonderland filled with live music, unique barrel tastings, food, activities, dance contest, the crowning of the Snowball King and Queen (could be you!) and more great fun. Lift Bridge Brewery. 888-430-2337
Jan. 19, Minneapolis
Kristin Chenoweth with the Minnesota Orchestra
Emmy and Tony Award-winning actress and singer Kristin Chenoweth brings her sparkling wit, nonstop charm and incredible vocals back to Minneapolis for an encore of her phenomenal 2017 performance. Minnesota Orchestra. 612-371-5656
Jan. 19, St. Paul
Capitol Art & Artists Tour
See the grand murals, sculptures and lavish decorations at the Capitol, and learn about the elaborate conservation work recently performed to bring the art back to its original appearance. Hear stories about the artists, learn about the muralist movement in America, and see how the art, architecture, and overall decorative plan harmonize to make the Capitol one of the premier public buildings in the United States. Various rooms will also be open to tour, and two tours will be offered. Minnesota State Capitol. 651-296-2881
Jan. 19-21, St. Paul
MLK Weekend + "The 1968 Exhibit" Closing Family Activities
Celebrate the life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and reflect on the legacy of 1968 with art activities, service projects and performances throughout the weekend. Plus, stop in to see The 1968 Exhibit before it closes. Minnesota History Center. 651-259-3000
Jan. 20, Oakdale
Lunar Eclipse Snowshoe Adventure
Gather with others to watch the total lunar eclipse (aka the Blood Moon) while snowshoeing on a luminary-lit trail. Later, enjoy a roaring bonfire, hot cocoa and s'mores while watching the moon slowly disappear and turn red. Fee includes snowshoes, but you can also bring your own. Oakdale Discovery Center. 651-280-7299
Jan. 24-27, Minneapolis
2019 Progressive Insurance Minneapolis Boat Show
With the upper Midwest’s best selection of new boats and hundreds of booths showcasing the very latest in engines, electronics, fishing gear and accessories, there’s no better place to get a head start on a summer full of fun! Find your dream boat and everything that goes with it at the Minneapolis Convention Center. 612-332-8330
Jan. 24 - Feb. 4, St. Paul
Saint Paul Winter Carnival
Don't miss the 133rd Saint Paul Winter Carnival, the "Coolest Celebration on Earth!" Dozens of free events, both traditional favorites and new attractions, will entertain participants of all ages. Highlights include the Winter Carnival Music Series, King Boreas Grand Day Parade, Vulcan Victory Torchlight Parade, ice palaces, Family Day, Kids' Day, Saintly City Cat Show, Pioneer Press Treasure Hunt, and so much more at venues throughout St. Paul. Many other fun activities and outdoor winter events will be held Jan. 24 through Feb. 3 during The Great Northern in Minneapolis and St. Paul. 651-223-4700; 952-925-4848
Jan. 25-26, Chanhassen
The Last Waltz
Collective Unconscious, the band that set the bar in magnificent album shows, brings to life one of the greatest rock concerts of all time, "The Last Waltz." The audience will enjoy hits including "Up on Cripple Creek," "The Shape I'm In," "Who Do You Love" and "The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down." Before it was a three-disc album, The Last Waltz was a 1976 farewell concert by The Band, filmed by director Martin Scorsese and made into a documentary by the same name. Chanhassen Dinner Theatres. 952-934-1525
Jan. 25-26, Minneapolis
Rock What You Got presented by Twin Cities Women's Expo
Rock What You Got is a one-of-a-kind marketplace for women. Highlights include live music, speakers and seminars, fitness classes, live cooking stage, home improvement demonstrations, and special guests Chastity Brown, Food Network host Amy Thielen, broadcast legend Diana Pierce and more. Earle Brown Heritage Center. 612-351-8181
Jan. 25-27, Minneapolis
Minneapolis Home + Remodeling Show
The Home + Remodeling Show is sure to inspire homeowners eager to begin their home improvement projects. With remodeling, interior design and home improvement presentations scattered throughout the show, along with more than 250 go-to resources and vendors, this show will help with all of your home and remodeling needs. U.S. Bank Stadium. 952-933-3850
Upcoming Twin Cities' concerts and performances include:
Church Basement Ladies - Rise Up O' Men at Ames Center in Burnsville, Dec. 11 - Feb. 2
Brett Young at Treasure Island Resort & Casino in Welch, Jan. 18
1964 at Ames Center in Burnsville, Jan. 19
Dwight Yoakam at Mystic Lake Casino Hotel in Prior Lake, Jan. 19
Hasan Minah at the Historic Orpheum Theatre in Minneapolis, Jan. 19
The Fab Four Beatles Tribute at the Historic State Theatre in Minneapolis, Jan. 19
The Highwaymen Live at Ames Center, Jan. 20
On Your Feet - Emilio and Gloria Estefan at the Historic Orpheum Theatre, Jan. 22-27
Champions of Magic at the Historic State Theatre, Jan. 24-27
World's Toughest Rodeo at the Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul, Jan. 25-26
Neil Young at the Pantages Theatre in Minneapolis, Jan. 26
Neil Young at the Historic Orpheum Theatre, Jan. 28
Neil Young at the Historic State Theatre, Jan. 29
Neil Young at the Northrup in Minneapolis, Jan. 31
Dillon Francis X Alison Wonderland at the Armory in Minneapolis, Feb. 1
Disturbed & Three Days Grace at the Target Center in Minneapolis, Feb. 1
Tesla at Mystic Lake Casino Hotel, Feb. 1
Jesse McCartney at the Historic State Theatre, Feb. 2
Vic Ferrari: Symphony On The Rocks at Ames Center, Feb. 2
Dancing with the Stars: Live! at the Historic State Theatre, Feb. 5
Interpol at the Palace Theatre in St. Paul, Feb. 5
Xuan Yey Thuong at Mystic Lake Casino Hotel, Feb. 5
Bring Me the Horizon at the Armory, Feb. 6
The Price is Right Live! at Mystic Lake Casino Hotel, Feb. 7-11
Eric Church at the Target Center, Feb. 8-9
Paw Patrol Live - The Great Pirate Adventure at the Historic State Theatre, Feb. 8-10
Rock of Ages at the Historic Orpheum Theatre, Feb. 8-10
Excision at the Armory, Feb. 9
Monster Energy Supercross at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Feb. 9
Rock From the Heart featuring Night Ranger at the Pantages Theatre, Feb. 9
Trevor Noah at the Xcel Energy Center, Feb. 9
Potted Potter at the Pantages Theater in Minneapolis, Feb. 12 - March 3
Tickets available through Hennepin Theatre Trust and Ticketmaster
Central Minnesota
Jan. 18-19, Pequot Lakes
Antique Snowmobile Rendezvous
The 26th Annual Antique Snowmobile Rendezvous will begin Friday with a trail ride and campfire. Saturday's activities include the Antique and Vintage Snowmobile Show with awards for the oldest operational machine, best original antique, best restored antique Cutter Class/Peer's Choice Award, Rat Sled (must run), best original/restored vintage machine (1969 or newer) and best costume. Also enjoy demonstrations, another trail ride, social hour, meal and program. Trailside Park and American Legion. 218-568-8911
Jan. 18-20, Perham
MN Monster Buck Classic
The MN Monster Buck Classic features top names in the fishing and hunting industry. Check out numerous booths filled will hunting and fishing gear, along with guides and outfitters. Other highlights include Steve Porter's Trophy Whitetails, a statewide antler scoring competition, hunting dog competition, and various hunting and fishing seminars. Perham Area Community Center. 218-346-7222
Jan. 18 - Feb. 10, Spicer
Spicer Winterfest
Celebrate Winterfest 2019 and enjoy four weekends of action-packed fun with ice fishing tournaments, fireworks, craft sale, Frozen 5K Run, Winterfest Kids' Carnival, horse and buggy rides, hockey tournament, cross country skiing, a medallion hunt, and the 15th Annual Polar Plunge. Also enjoy numerous Glacial Ridge Winery Winterfest events. Downtown Spicer. 320-796-8066
Jan. 24-25, 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 his band Church of Cash back to the stage. Church of Cash is known for being the premier tribute band to Johnny Cash with the sole intent of honoring 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. 26, Brainerd
Brainerd Jaycees $150,000 Ice Fishing Extravaganza
The 29th Annual Brainerd Jaycees $150,000 Ice Fishing Extravaganza is the largest charitable ice fishing contest on earth! Join 10,000 anglers vying for more than $150,000 in prizes with eight ways to win. Kick-off the event at GrandView Lodge Gull Lake Center on Friday, Jan. 25 with award-winning illusionist and comic magician, Jared Sherlock. Hole In The Day Bay on Gull Lake. 218-824-9461
Jan. 31 - Feb. 2, Crosslake
16th Annual WinterFest Celebration
Bundle up the family and bring them to Crosslake for the 16th Annual WinterFest Celebration! On Thursday, Jan. 31, start hunting for the WinterFest Medallion. Other highlights offered during the course of the weekend include the Cabin Fever Carnival, Celebrate Winterfest, live music, fireworks display, bonfires and s'mores, horse-drawn sleigh rides, craft & vendor show, variety of children's games and activities, helicopter rides, shopping, food and drink specials, and much more. Sites and venues throughout Crosslake. 218-692-4027
Northwest Minnesota
Jan. 18, Mahnomen
Christopher Cross
No one can resist singing along when the iconic hit song of the 80s, “Sailing,” comes on the radio. Christopher Cross is a five-time Grammy Award winning singer/songwriter who continues to inspire audiences with his silky voice and romantic lyrics as he performs timeless classics and incredible new music. You better “Ride Like the Wind” and get your tickets quickly because the “Best That You Can Do” is fall in love all over again. Shooting Star Casino. 800-453-7827
Jan. 18-19, Hackensack
Back to Hack Winter Festival
Back to Hack celebrates the winter season with activities such as the Frostbite Your Fanny 5K Race, Paul Bunyan Family Fishing contest, Penguin Plunge, snow sculpting contest, community bonfire, horse racing, silent auction, chili feed, fish fry, live music and dancing, Sleigh of Spirits raffle and fireworks display. Venues throughout Hackensack. 218-675-6135
Jan. 19, Walker
Chippewa National Forest 2019 Winter Trails Day
Celebrate 2019 with sledding, skiing and snowshoeing at the Shingobee Hills Recreation Area. The chalet will be open for hot cocoa and a warm fire in the fireplace. Chippewa National Forest's Shingobee Hills Recreation Area. 218-335-8658
Jan. 20 - March 4, Crookston
We Are Water MN Traveling Exhibit
We Are Water MN explores the connections between the humanities and water through an exhibit, public events and educator resources. Visitors reflect on local stories and the meaning and experiences of water in Minnesota with space to add their own stories. By creating relationships around water, we are creating networks that can promote positive social norms, and share a vision for and participate in water stewardship. U of M Crookston's Kiehle Building. 218-281-6510
Jan. 26, Detroit Lakes
Lenerty/Thornby Duo
Pat Lenerty and Dan Thornby combine powerful vocal deliveries, and their harmonies and jamming acoustic guitars leave crowds exhilarated. Long Bridge Bar, Grill and Marina. 218-847-1949
Feb. 2, Park Rapids
American Legion Community Ice Fishing Contest
In addition to this popular ice fishing contest, the annual Park Rapids American Legion Community Ice Fishing Contest includes a pancake breakfast, lunch, awards presentation, Fisherman's Ball and music by White Knuckle Willie! Fish Hook Lake & American Legion Post 212. 218-732-3360
Northeast Minnesota
Jan. 17-20, International Falls
Icebox Days
Enjoy a wacky winter festival in the "Icebox of the Nation." Icebox Days is packed full of fun and zany games for all, including frozen turkey bowling, “smoosh” races, moonlight skiing in Voyageurs National Park, the infamous “Gizzard” runs and much more. Events through the years have been covered by CBS, NBC and ABC networks. Icebox Days has also been featured on The Travel Channel, The Weather Channel, MSNBC, Lifetime and dozens of national and international publications. A few years ago, Emmy Award-winning television journalist JuJu Chang visited with her son and producer, resulting in an International Falls feature on the ABC program "Nightline.” 218-283-9400
Jan. 19, Grand Rapids
The Highwaymen Live
Perhaps the greatest country music super group in history, the Highwaymen traveled the world performing their music to millions of fans. Highwaymen Live is a 90-minute country music tribute show, full of upbeat, honky-tonk hits like "Ring of Fire," "Dukes of Hazard," and "On the Road Again." Audiences will watch in amazement as each song, one hit after another, is sung just as if they it were the original group of Nelson, Cash and Jennings. Reif Performing Arts Center. 218-327-5780
Jan. 19, Pine City
Winter Frolic
Shake off the winter blues at the fur post. Learn about winter travel during the fur trade and join in activities such as throwing a curling stone, playing a round of Ojibwe snow snake, and snowshoeing along two miles of trails. Guests can also relax indoors while watching the outdoor festivities with a cup of cocoa at a blazing fire in the visitor center. Snake River Fur Post. 320-629-6356
Jan. 25-30, Duluth
John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon
Established in 1980, the John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon is the longest sled dog race in the lower 48 states. Every year, world-class mushers compete in the nearly 400 mile event. The Beargrease is a qualifier for the famed Iditarod race in Alaska. The 2019 Beargrease Race Series will begin on January 27, with associated events beginning on January 25. Spectator favorites include mini sled dog races at Canal Park Brewing Co, the Cutest Puppy Contest at Fitgers, a social, dinner and silent auction at Lake Superior College, and Meet the Mushers at Billy's in Duluth! On Friday, Jan. 25, don't miss BrewSheen by Beargrease for an epic Pre-Race Party at the Glensheen Mansion. 218-722-7631; 218-726-8910
Jan. 26, Grand Rapids
Winter Adventure Family Day
Make the most of winter by heading outdoors to snowshoe, cross-country ski, ride bullet sleds down a groomed hill and launch snowballs with a giant slingshot! Throughout the day, guests will also enjoy music, a vintage ski exhibit, carnival games, wildlife presentations featuring live animals, and sleigh rides to see the logging camp in the winter. Forest History Center. 218-327-4482
Feb. 2, Grand Marais
Cook County Snowmobile Club Fun Run
The Annual Fun Run has become an annual event for many snowmobilers, but those traveling by car or even by plane are also welcome! Be sure to register at Hungry Jack Lodge between 9 a.m. and noon to collect your first card and obtain a map. After the Fun Run, enjoy raffles, prize drawings and prize money for high and low card hands, as well as a lively dance band at The Landing. 218-387-9392
Be sure to visit the Deals section of ExploreMinnesota.com to learn of the latest discounts and specials!
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