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Event highlights this week include:
Jan. 26 - Feb. 24, Waseca
Sleigh & Cutter Festival
Feb. 7-10, Minneapolis
Minneapolis/St. Paul RV, Vacation and Camping Show
Feb. 8-9, Ottertail
Otter Trail Co-On Ice
Feb. 7-18, Detroit Lakes
Polar Fest
Feb. 8-14, Grand Marais
Hygge Festival
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, 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. Other festivities offered the weekend of Feb. 8-10 include the Sleigh & Cutter Dinner and Dance, a performance by the Cannon Old West Society and Elm Creek Cowboys, and the annual Curling Bonspiel. Many restaurants and clubs will offer special meals and entertainment. 507-461-3727
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. 6-9, Winona
Frozen River Film Festival: Resilience
For over a decade, the Frozen River Film Festival has brought films from around the world to share with thousands of attendees. Featuring over 80 films from more than 40 countries annually including Oscar nominated and Sundance selection films, the Frozen River Film Festival is one of a handful of documentary film festivals in the US. Check out the amazing line-up of films at Winona State University! In addition to the Film Festival, you'll find many other fun activities happening around town, including kite building and flying over Lake Winona. 507-452-0735; 507-452-2278
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. 10, Mankato
Styx in Concert!
Styx draws from over four decades of barn-burning chart hits, joyous singalongs and hard-driving deep cuts. The band continues to evolve and produce amazing hits -- welcome to the Grand Evolution! Verizon Center Grand Hall. 507-389-3000
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
Feb. 16, Mankato
The New Standards
The Mankato Symphony joins The New Standards for a very special Valentine's concert. Started in 2005, The New Standards (TNS) has grown into a globe-spanning adventure that has charmed and delighted an ever-multiplying legion of faithful fans. TNS plays familiar pop music from every era in a stripped-down acoustic setting, making room for solos and new arrangements with the freedom of jazz, yet never fully abandoning the modest soul of pop and rock. A limited number of patrons will be able to reserve table seating on the floor near the musicians for a unique, up-close musical experience. The concert will also offer staffed cocktail bars and a dance floor for an unforgettable evening - a perfect date for lovebirds and music lovers. Verizon Center Grand Hall. 507-625-8880
Feb. 22-23, Wabasha
Grumpy Old Men Festival
The annual Grumpy Old Men Festival will feature the Grumpy Costume Contest, Grumpy Old Men movie, live music, minnow races, ice fishing contest, Hot Dish luncheon, ice bar, poker & cribbage tournaments, bingo, Ragetti's Spaghetti Feed and the Annual Grumpy Plunge into the Mississippi River! Venues throughout Wabasha. 651-565-4158
Minneapolis-St. Paul Area
Nov. 4 - April 14, Minneapolis
Egypt's Sunken Cities
More than 1200 years ago, two ancient cities were lost to natural disasters and the rising tides of the Mediterranean Sea. Two decades ago, underwater archaeologist Franck Goddio and his team discovered those cities, revealing monumental statues, religious images carved in stone, exquisite jewelry, and delicate ceramics-and a greater understanding of life during the age of the pharaohs. Don't miss this epic story of their discovery. Minneapolis Institute of Art. 612-870-3000
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
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. 29 - March 10, Minneapolis
The Biggest Little House in the Forest
Bernice the Butterfly's home is just perfect - even when a menagerie of other creatures moves in one by one. Complete with a pillow fight, bubble bath and dance party, Bernice and her friends discover that when you open your heart, there's always room for more! Best enjoyed by Preschoolers. Children's Theatre Company. 612-874-0400
Feb. 1 - March 3, Chaska
Flower Show at the Arb
This year's flower show is your passport to spring! Displays showcase nine countries, aiming to tell their stories through breathtaking blooms. The exhibit also features a large glass garden house and 26 pieces by sculptor Nick Legeros. Don't miss this year's show! Minnesota Landscape Arboretum. 952-443-1400
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
Feb. 14-17, St. Paul
Shen Yun
Take an enlightening journey through 5,000 years! Shen Yun’s unique artistic vision expands theatrical experience into a multi-dimensional, inspiring journey through one of humanity’s greatest treasures — the five millennia of traditional Chinese culture. Ordway Center for the Performing Arts. 651-224-4222
Feb. 15, Minneapolis
Indigo Girls with the Minnesota Orchestra
Grammy Award-winning folk pop duo Indigo Girls take the stage with the Minnesota Orchestra for a breathtaking fusion of song and rhapsodic symphonic sound. Orchestra Hall. 612-371-5656
Feb. 15-16, Chanhassen
The Music of Barbra Streisand
Patty Peterson, one of the most beloved and iconic vocalists in the Twin Cities is living her gift by presenting the songs of one of her own idols in her highly esteemed show, "Memories - The Music of Barbra Streisand." Chanhassen Dinner Theatres. 952-934-1525
Feb. 16 - March 10, Apple Valley
Tropical Beach Party
Escape the cold and get a taste of the tropics at one of the Zoo's most popular events. Bring your pail or favorite sand toy and play in Minnesota's two biggest indoor sandboxes. Take in a full day of family fun exploring an indoor rainforest teeming with wildlife, along with special activities each weekend. Minnesota Zoo. 952-431-9200
Upcoming Twin Cities' concerts and performances include:
Bring Me the Horizon at the Armory in Minneapolis, Feb. 6
The Price is Right Live! at Mystic Lake Casino Hotel in Prior Lake, Feb. 7-11
Eric Church at the Target Center in Minneapolis, Feb. 8-9
Paw Patrol Live - The Great Pirate Adventure at the Historic State Theatre in Minneapolis, Feb. 8-10
Rock of Ages at the Historic Orpheum Theatre in Minneapolis, Feb. 8-10
Excision featuring The Paradox 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
Lil Duval - 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
Disney's DCappella at the Historic State Theatre, March 6
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (Touring) at the Historic Orpheum Theatre, March 6-17
Jim Gaffigan at the Historic State Theatre, March 7-9
Cheap Trick at Mystic Lake Casino Hotel, March 8
The Revivalists at the Palace Theatre in St. Paul, March 9
Shinedown at Target Center, March 11
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. On Sunday, Feb. 10, enjoy Winter Fun Day at Prairie Woods Environmental Learning Center in Spicer with fun outdoor activities for everyone in the family including as cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and kicksledding. Indoor highlights include warming up by the fire, delicious chili, live music, and more than 30 exhibits on winter sports, hobbies and pastimes. Also enjoy numerous Glacial Ridge Winery Winterfest events. Downtown Spicer. 320-796-8066; 320-354-5894
Feb. 7-9, 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. Besides amazing music acts, enjoy a Pre-Party at Willy T's with games and giveaways, snowmobile trail ride, vintage snowmobile show, dog sledding demos, ice fishing and great food and refreshments served on the lake. Set-up your ice house on the lake for a weekend of fun on Otter Tail Lake! Check out the video from last year's event. 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. 15-17, Nisswa
Nisswa Winter Jubilee
Enjoy a unique winter experience with the Nisswa Fire Department's Ice Fishing Derby, Winter Jubilee parade, Smoosh Racing, live music at the Legion, Karaoke, bean bag tournament, meat raffle, bar bingo and special discounts throughout town with the Winter Jubilee button. 218-963-2620
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
Feb. 22-24, Nisswa
Gull Lake Frozen Fore
The Gull Lake Frozen Fore Winter Weekend is jam-packed with fun festivities including the Frozen Flop plunge under a heated tent, a huge Tent Party with an ice bar, food and live music, pancake feed, Frozen Fore Snow Golf at 7 establishments around Gull Lake, Digital Scavenger Hunt, another Tent Party, and a Sunday Food Fest! Check out the Frozen Four video from last year. Gull Lake. 218-963-2620
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. 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, Polar Pile-up Winter Demo Derby, 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, Cass Lake
Cass Lake/Palace Casino Hotel Winter Ice Fishing Challenge
The Ice Fishing Challenge includes cash or merchandise prizes awarded to those with the top 40 fish! Tickets will be sold on the ice the day of the event. An Awards Ceremony will be held that night at Palace Casino Hotel with a dinner and social for participants. Cass Lake 218-987-2299; 800-442-3910
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
Feb. 21-24, Walker
International Eelpout Festival
For over 30 years, thousands of people gather on Minnesota's third-largest lake, Leech Lake, for a festival named after one of the ugliest bottom-dwelling fish, the eelpout! International Eelpout Festival was named one of the top “15 Weird Midwestern Festivals You Never knew Existed” by the lifestyle blog BLT, and frankly, the residents are proud! Anglers and on-lookers alike will enjoy the Pre-Pout Party, sled dog rides, Big Top Ice Tent with VIP Lounge, Shot Luge, 7th Annual Beer Pong Tournament, live music, and of course, the famous Eelpout Fishing Contest. Walker Bay. 218-547-1313
Northeast Minnesota
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. 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
Feb. 15-16, Ely
Wolves after Dark
Have you ever wondered what wolves do after nightfall? Here’s your opportunity to participate in a “Citizen Science” project and document important behavioral data critical to understanding wolf dynamics. Participants actually camp out in the Center’s auditorium in full view of the wolf viewing windows. The next morning, after a relaxing continental breakfast, analyze the evening’s observations and interpret the behavior. Bring your sense of adventure, and a sleeping bag and pillow for this unique overnight at the Center! International Wolf Center. 218-365-4695
Feb. 16, Duluth
14th Annual Short Shorts Film Festival
The 14th Annual Short Shorts Film Festival is Northern Minnesota's only Short Film Festival. This Film Festival is open to professional and amateur filmmakers from all over the world, and in all genres. A panel of judges will select the top 15 finalists, and a live audience will pick the top three cash prize winners. The Underground Theatre. 218-733-7555
Feb. 22-24, Ely
Wolves and Women's Weekend: Northwoods Winter
Enjoy a fun, relaxing weekend learning about wolves and the northwoods while enjoying the company of women who have the same hectic routine as you! Your weekend will include dog sledding, radio telemetry, and trekking through the snowy northwoods! Participants will also enjoy some wine and cheese during the Northern Tier High Adventure Canoe Base Gathering. International Wolf Center. 218-365-4695
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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