Spectacular ice carvings are scattered throughout Kellogg Park during the Saint Paul Winter Carnival; photo by Wayne Moran
Event highlights this week include:
Jan. 18-27, Owatonna
Owatonna Bold & Cold
Jan. 24 - Feb. 4, St. Paul
Saint Paul Winter Carnival
Jan. 26, Brainerd
Brainerd Jaycees $150,000 Ice Fishing Extravaganza
Jan. 26, Detroit Lakes
Lenerty/Thornby Duo
Jan. 25-30, Duluth
John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon
Southern Minnesota
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. 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
Jan. 26, Winona
Highway 61 Concert Series: Billy & Elton - The Hits
Internationally acclaimed pop pianist, vocalist and Kawai-endorsed touring artist Phil Thompson performs a night of Billy Joel and Elton John’s biggest hits. With a full 6 piece backing band, this show will bring the entire Billy & Elton songbook to life. Thompson has toured the globe at venues including the MGM Grand Macau in China, Mandalay Bay and Caesars Palace in Las Vegas, and dozens of high-profile sporting events including the US Open Tennis Tournament in NYC for 3 years in a row St. Cecila Theatre. 507-452-0735
Jan. 26 - Feb. 24, Waseca
Sleigh & Cutter Festival
The 69th Annual Sleigh & Cutter Festival is a fun escape from winter for all ages. Just some of the many activities include the Frosty the Snowman contest, medallion hunt, dinner and dance, coloring contest, Miss Waseca County Pageant, card games, children’s art project, snowmobile drag races, live entertainment, ice-tundra golf, ice curling, fat tire bike ride, cross-country skiing and more! The highlight of the festival, the Sleigh & Cutter parade, will be held Feb. 9 and consist of only animal-powered units and riders in sleighs, cutters, bobsleds, wagons and buggies. Many restaurants and clubs will offer special meals and entertainment. 507-461-3727
Jan. 28 - Feb. 2, Granite Falls
Ole and Lena Days
The 45th Annual Ole and Lena Days festival includes a medallion hunt, Norwegian crafts and ethnic foods, a lefse-making class, Scandinavian Fest & Ole Runs for Office at Prairie’s Edge Casino Resort Convention Center, a craft sale, Buck Euchre tournament, and Firemen's Dance and live music at Prairie’s Edge Casino. 320-564-4039
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
Feb. 9, Albert Lea
Big Freeze
The 10th Annual Big Freeze will be held at the heated "Edgewater Bay Pavilion.” Festivities include the Shinefest Pancake Breakfast, Chili Cook-off, Fat Tire Bike Demo, Blue Ice Plunge, Pictures with Elsa, disc golf tournament, dog sleds demos, ice fishing contest, pond hockey tournament, bake sale, Jenga at the Geneva Bar & Grill, and Movin' and Groovin' Fun with sledding, snow castle-building, snow color spray, face-painting, crafts and games. Fountain Lake and downtown Albert Lea venues. 507-373-2316
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. 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
Jan 25-27, Minneapolis
Twins Fest
TwinsFest, presented by Kwik Trip, will feature numerous new interactive activities and behind-the-scenes fan experiences that celebrate Twins baseball. A Brunch Package is available. Target Field. 612-659-3400
Jan. 31 - Feb. 2, Chanhassen
The Fabulous Armadillos Present Stadium Rock
The Fabulous Armadillos perform one of their favorite shows: Stadium Rock! This show features the music of rock icons whose audiences filled massive stadiums around the world such as The Who, AC/DC, Bon Jovi, Def Leppard, KISS, Journey, Styx, Night Ranger, REO Speedwagon, Kansas, Boston, Queen, Aerosmith, Heart and many more! You’ll be singing along with your lighter (cell phone!) in the air! Chanhassen Dinner Theatres. 952-934-1525
Jan. 31 - Feb. 3, Minneapolis
City of Lakes Loppet Ski Festival
The City of Lakes Loppet is a cross-country ski festival for the whole family! Enjoy ski races for all ages and abilities, skijoring races, a Kubb tournament, a snow sculpture competition, a youth ski carnival, sprint races, ice biking, and the popular Luminary Loppet, a beautiful night-time ski around Lake of the Isles lit by thousands of ice luminaries. The Trailhead at Theodore Wirth Regional Park. 612-604-5330
Jan. 31 - Feb. 3, Minneapolis
Metro Dealers RV Super Show
The Metro RV Dealers Association is a Twin Cities organization designed to help in the search for the perfect RV, camper or trailer. Eleven premier Minneapolis and St. Paul Area RV dealerships have joined forces with one goal: to ensure customers the easiest access to the widest selection and best prices on the purchase of an RV. There will also be special deals on accessories, along with giveaways and concessions. U.S. Bank Stadium. 612-777-8700
Feb. 2, Plymouth
Holes 4 Heroes Ice Fishing Tournament
The Holes 4 Heroes Ice Fishing Tournament honors our military, both active and veterans. The tournament is free for all military and their immediate families. The public is encouraged to also join in the fun. There will be great prizes, food, fun activities for the kids, and great fishing! Medicine Lake. 612-554-6304
Feb. 2, Minneapolis
11th Annual Chili Cook-off
What better way to warm a February day than to taste dozens of unique versions of homemade chili and vote for your favorite? The popular Cornbread Competition and Brownie Bake-off will also take place, along with opportunities to play with clay, and wheel-throwing demonstrations. Northern Clay Center. 612-339-8007
Upcoming Twin Cities' concerts and performances include:
Church Basement Ladies - Rise Up O' Men at Ames Center in Burnsville, Dec. 11 - Feb. 2
On Your Feet - Emilio and Gloria Estefan at the Historic Orpheum Theatre in Minneapolis, Jan. 22-27
Champions of Magic at the Historic State Theatre in Minneapolis, 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 in Prior Lake, 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
Valentine's Comedy Jam at the Historic Orpheum Theatre, Feb. 15
Kelly Clarkson: Meaning of Life Tour at the Xcel Energy Center, Feb. 16
A Bronx Tale at the Historic Orpheum Theatre, Feb. 19-24
Elton John at Target Center in Minneapolis, Feb. 21
Big Head Todd & the Monsters at the Palace Theatre in St. Paul, Feb. 22
Grand Funk Railroad at Mystic Lake Casino Hotel, Feb. 23
Buddy Guy & Mavis Staples at Mystic Lake Casino Hotel, Feb. 24
Tickets available through Hennepin Theatre Trust and Ticketmaster
Central Minnesota
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
Feb. 1-3, Fergus Falls
Frostbite Festival in Fergus Falls
Celebrate winter with fun, family-friendly activities throughout Fergus Falls. Participants will enjoy live music, dancing, karaoke, trivia night, ice skating, poker night, bingo, dart and broomball tournaments, the 40th Annual Sertoma free Ice Fishing Derby & Raffle on Pebble Lake, and lots of "Big Game" parties! 218-736-6951
Feb. 2, Crosby
Annual Ice Fishing Contest and Scorpion Homecoming
Join hundreds of anglers and snowmobile enthusiasts at the Cuyuna Lakes Chamber's 15th Annual Ice Fishing Contest and Scorpion Homecoming. The tournament boasts more than $1,000 in prizes for skilled and just-plain-lucky anglers with prizes awarded for fish of all sizes during the three-hour contest. Entry tickets are $10 for each hole and include a chance to win five raffle prizes. Scorpion Homecoming dusts off wonderful old machines and recalls a time when the Cuyuna Lakes was among the largest snowmobile producers in the world. Numerous snowmobiles will be on display and races are planned. Serpent Lake near Crosby’s Memorial Park. 218-546-8131
Feb. 8-9, Ottertail
Otter Trail Co-On Ice
The 2nd Annual OTC-On Ice features an extensive collection of events and activities for the whole family, as well as an impressive line-up of bands including Pert Near Sandstone, Tigirlily, The 4onthefloor, Cindy Jo & Dirt Road Dixie and Aaron Simmons.
Check out the video from last year's event. Otter Tail Lake. 612-210-5525
Northwest Minnesota
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
Feb. 2, East Grand Forks
North Country Fiddle & Dance Community Dance
Come dance to the music of Four Mile Portage from Duluth at the North Country Fiddle and Dance Community Dance. East Grand Forks Senior Center. 218-773-3850
Feb. 7-18, Detroit Lakes
Polar Fest
Polar Fest is 10 days packed with over 30 events to celebrate winter! Highlights include a Professional Ice Sculpture Competition, The Poles 'N Holes Fishing Derby, Polar Fest Plunge, Freeze Your Buns 5K, spectacular frozen fireworks at the beach, Ice Tee Golf Tourney, theatre performances, Polar Explorer Paul Schurke, skiing on Detroit Mountain, the Hotdish Challenge and Polaritaville Dance! Sites throughout Detroit Lakes. 218-847-9202
Northeast Minnesota
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
Jan. 30 - Feb. 2, Proctor
Black Woods Blizzard Snowmobile Tour
The annual Black Woods Blizzard Tour starts with a reception at the Black Woods Grill and Bar in Proctor on Wednesday evening, Jan. 30. After a night's stay at the local AmericInn and Best Western, riders depart Thursday morning for Lake Vermilion where they enjoy dinner and accommodations at Fortune Bay Resort & Casino. On Friday morning participants ride down the scenic North Shore to Two Harbors where Black Woods Grill & Bar hosts dinner. Riders spend the night and return to Proctor on Saturday, February 2. Buses transport riders for a welcome home Celebration Dinner hosted by Black Woods at Cirrus Aircraft.
Jan. 31 - Feb. 10, Duluth
Don't Dress For Dinner
Bernard is planning a romantic weekend at his charming French farmhouse with his side-dish, a Parisian model named Suzanne. First he must get his wife, Jacqueline, on a train to see her mother. And second, he has to pick up his best friend at the train station because when you’re dating a model you must show off! Bernard has even hired a Cordon Bleu cook to prepare a flawless dinner. Of course, even the best-laid plans can go awry which is what happens when Jacqueline decides to stay home. Watch as an evening of hilarious confusion ensues as each of the characters are forced to improvise at breakneck speed. NorShor Theatre (a landmark 1910 fully restored theatre. 218-733-7555
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
Feb. 7-17, 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 more than 400 pieces of art by established and emerging artists in downtown Ely merchants' store windows. Events for the whole family include crafts fair, sled dog rides, concerts, spaghetti dinner and other events celebrating winter. Other highlights are classes at the Ely Folk School, the Snow Carvers Jam, spaghetti feed, community dance, museum tours, arts market, fish fry, chili cook-off, concerts, and so much more! Sites throughout Ely. 218-365-7669
Check out other winter festivals at Winter Festivals are Full of Frozen Fun. And be sure to visit the Deals section of ExploreMinnesota.com to learn of the latest discounts and specials!
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