Meet the Saint Paul Winter Carnival Vulcans on Saturday, Feb. 2 during the Vulcan Victory Torchlight Parade and Vulcan Victory Dance!
Event highlights this week include:
Jan. 28 - Feb. 2, Granite Falls
Ole and Lena Days
Jan. 31 - Feb. 3, Minneapolis
City of Lakes Loppet Ski Festival
Jan. 31 - Feb. 2, Crosslake
16th Annual WinterFest Celebration
Feb. 2, Park Rapids
American Legion Community Ice Fishing Contest
Feb. 2, Grand Marais
Cook County Snowmobile Club Fun Run
Southern Minnesota
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. 2, Madison Lake
Mad Bobber Ice Fishing Contest
This ice fishing contest on Duck Lake features pre-drilled Mad Zone areas for use by ticketed contestants. Anglers may fish from wheel house, portable shelter or out in the open anywhere on the lake. The Mad Bobber headquarters is at North Shore Park where there will be plenty of food and drink, a meat raffle, live entertainment, and 25 fishing prizes and 25 door prizes awarded. Duck Lake Park. 507-243-3216
Feb. 7-9, Rochester
SocialICE 2019
SocialICE, Rochester Minnesota's Ice Bar, transforms the heart of downtown Rochester into an outdoor ice bar experience. At SocialICE, you'll experience seven 12-foot uniquely designed and themed ice bars, each with signature drinks and lighting effects. Other highlights include nightly DJ entertainment, ice sculptures, a wide selection of beer and wine and more. Families will enjoy the SocialICE Fam Jam with family-friendly activities, outdoor s'mores bar, giant igloo and scavenger hunt. Admission is free to both events. Peace Plaza. 507-216-9882
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
Feb. 16, Lake City
Lake City Sportsman's Club Ice Fishing Contest
Attend the 51st Annual Lake City Sportsman's Club Ice Fishing Contest on Lake Pepin! In addition to the fishing contest, there will be a free kids' fishing contest, indoor and outdoor games, ice auger contest, large raffles, lots of prizes, live and silent auctions, and great food! The fishing site will be just offshore from the clubhouse. Lake City Sportsman's Club. 651-764-5754
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 - Feb. 18, 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. 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. 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
Feb. 7-10, Minneapolis
Minneapolis/St. Paul RV, Vacation and Camping Show
Celebrate 50 years of the great outdoors featuring the largest display of new makes and models of RVs -- special factory rebates, financing and on the spot loan approval makes this show a cannot miss for the serious RV enthusiasts! Also enjoy seminars and entertainment for the entire family! Minneapolis Convention Center. 612-335-6000
Feb. 8, Hastings
Owl Prowl at Carpenter Nature Center
Many of the Midwest’s 12 owl species are vocalizing more often to attract mates. Enjoy a guided night hike to look and listen for these owls. If there is enough snow cover, snowshoes will be provided or you may bring your own. Please call ahead if you plan to attend. Carpenter Nature Center MN Campus. 651-437-4359
Feb. 9, Ham Lake
Ham Lake Snowbowl
The Ham Lake Snowbowl showcases a variety of fun winter activities in Minnesota including a broomball tournament, snow sculpting, ice fishing contest, fat tire bike race and adult and youth snowmobile races. In addition, children can meet the Snow Queen and Snow Princess, and all will enjoy the craft fair, vendor expo, contests and lots of food and beverages. Ham Lake Park. 763-434-3011
Feb. 9, Buffalo
Kites on Ice Kite Festival
A sight to behold, the Kites on Ice Kite Festival features kites of all shapes, sizes and colors fill the sky above Buffalo Lake. Be sure to also check out the stunt kites flying synchronized to music, kite building workshop for kids, cornhole and broomball tournaments, food trucks, beer garden, hot chocolate and treat vendors. Be sure to bring your camera! Buffalo Lake. 763-682-4902
Feb. 9-10, Minneapolis
Healthy Life Expo
With more than 200 exhibitors, explore nearly everything related to health, balance and success in all areas of life. Also enjoy 3 stages of on-going speaker presentations and demonstrations, the U.S. Strongman Competition, hourly prize drawings, Booth Bingo, product samples and free health information. Minneapolis Convention Center Ballroom. 952-238-1700
Upcoming Twin Cities' concerts and performances include:
Church Basement Ladies - Rise Up O' Men at Ames Center in Burnsville, Dec. 11 - Feb. 2
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 in Minneapolis, 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 in Minneapolis, 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 in Minneapolis, Feb. 9
Trevor Noah at the Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul, 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
Josh Turner at Mystic Lake Casino Hotel, March 1
The Jacksons & The Commodores at Treasure Island Resort & Casino in Welch, March 1
Lauren Daigle at the Historic Orpheum Theatre, March 2
The Band Perry at Treasure Island Resort & Casino, March 2
Live From Here with Chris Thile at the Historic State Theatre, March 2
Demetri Martin at the Historic State Theatre, March 3
KISS: End of the Road World Tour at the Target Center, March 4
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. 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
Feb. 9, Glenwood
Winterama
Don't miss this fun-filled day on Lake Minnewaska! Participants can take part in the Waterama Polar Plunge, sled dog rides, chili cook-off, Swetti Yetti Obstacle Course, Fun Run, fishing tournament, shop specials, children's games and Bobber Raffle -- be sure to stick around for the fireworks display and pool party at GrandStay Hotel! Lake Minnewaska. 320-634-3636
Feb. 16, Garrison
Ducks Unlimited Fishing for Ducks Ice Fishing Contest
The Garrison Chapter of Ducks Unlimited will host their 15th Annual Fishing for Ducks ice fishing contest with 100 total prizes, as well as great food and drink, a warming tent with on-ice raffles, and a silent auction featuring Ducks Unlimited merchandise. Garrison Bay on Lake Mille Lacs. 218-678-2116
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
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
Feb. 9, Ulen
Stevie Ray's Improv
Stevie Ray's Comedy Troupe is in the business of making people laugh, and they have created a show that makes talking about the end of life less stressful. Ray says, "The show doesn’t make fun of death; it pokes fun at how silly it is that we avoid talking about the one inevitable part of life." The show will leave you in stitches and will take the fear out of having "the talk" with your family. Ulen-Hitterdal Public School. 218-596-8853
Feb. 15-16, Bemidji
MN Finlandia XC Ski Marathon
The 37th Annual Finlandia Ski Marathon is one of America's premier cross-country skiing events. As part of the Minnesota Skinnyski Series, this event has been voted "Best Course" and "Best Overall Event" by skiers of the series. The Finlandia is truly an international event, drawing citizens and elite skiers from around the world. Buena Vista Ski Area. 218-243-2231
Northeast Minnesota
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
Feb. 8-14, Grand Marais
Hygge Festival
The 3rd Annual Hygge Festival is centered on the Danish concept of “hygge” (pronounced hoo-gah) which refers to the ritual of embracing life’s simple pleasures. Hygge Festival visitors can enjoy all the splendors of a classic northwoods winter vacation with dogsledding, snowmobiling, stargazing, fireside gatherings and cross-country skiing. Other highlights include Scandinavian-themed menu items, Hygge Mukluk Ball, a full moon reading, cabin concert, various live music acts, storytime, art show openings, Northern Fibers Retreat and lodging specials. 218-387-2524
Feb. 9, Grand Rapids
Frozen Fairways Golf Classic
This 1st Annual Frozen Fairways Golf Classic is an ice-golf tournament offering a ton of fun on ice. Bring yourself or a team and of course your clubs -- your clubs can be hockey sticks, tennis rackets, toilet plungers or similar items, as long as they aren't golf clubs! There will also be prizes, a silent auction, chili cook-off, beer garden and healthy living experiences. Forest Lake & Blandin Beach. 218-326-9607
Feb. 13-17, Duluth
Duluth Boat, Sports, Travel & RV Show & Northland Outdoors Deer Classic
Check out the largest selection of boats, pontoons, RV's, docks, fishing and hunting equipment and more at the 53rd Annual Duluth Sport Show. Other attractions include booths filled with fishing and hunting resorts, daily seminars, celebrity speakers, the Extreme Raptor Show, Predator & Prey exhibit, and fishing in the Rainbow Trout Pond. Duluth Entertainment Convention Center. 952-431-9630
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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