Building sandcastles in a giant sandbox at the Minnesota Zoo's Tropical Beach Party; courtesy of the Minnesota Zoo
Event highlights this week include:
Feb. 22-23, Wabasha
Grumpy Old Men Festival
Feb. 22-24 & March 1-3, Minneapolis
Home + Garden Show
Feb. 22-24, Nisswa
Gull Lake Frozen Fore
Feb. 21-24, Walker
International Eelpout Festival
Feb. 23, Grand Rapids
Stomping on Winter Family Day
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! Many restaurants and clubs will offer special meals and entertainment. 507-461-3727
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
Feb. 22-24, Red Wing
Big Turn Music Fest
The Big Turn Music Fest is a 2 day citywide event building community through music. More than 133 local and regional bands will perform at 21 venues. Acts include Dessa, Charlie Parr, General B & The Wiz, The 4OnTheFloor, and Chastity Brown. Downtown Red Wing. 651-385-5934
Feb. 23, Mankato
Baby and Kids Expo
The 12th Annual Baby & Kids Expo is a fun event for the entire family! Children will enjoy the Kids Zone where they will play games and participate in activities for a chance to win prizes. Adults will learn about new services and products for families while visiting with over 50 exhibitors. Admission is free. Verizon Center Grand Hall. 507-389-3000
March 2, Chatfield
Pat Donohue and the Prairie All Stars
Pat Donohue is one of the most listened-to finger pickers in the world. As the guitarist for the "Guys All-Star Shoe Band" of Minnesota Public Radio's A Prairie Home Companion, Pat has shown off his savvy licks and distinctive original songs to millions of listeners each week for twenty years. Pat will be joined by former members of the "Guys All Star Shoe Band." Potter Auditorium. 507-884-7676
March 2, New Ulm
Bock Fest
Beckon warmer weather with a mug full of Bock beer, brats, live music and bonfires. Seven Bocks of Winter are hiding around the brewery and in Flandrau State Park, waiting for brave festers to venture out and capture them. Armed with completely useless clues and Bock beer, hunters will comb the park in search of these elusive bocks. Two human St. Bernards, with kegs of Bock beer strapped to their backs, are ready to be dispatched at a moment's notice of the first signs of thirst. After the event, head downtown to continue the celebration! Schell's Brewery Grounds. 507-354-5528
March 2-31 (Saturdays & Sundays), Wabasha
SOAR with the Eagles
The SOAR with the Eagles festival takes place each weekend during March with a variety of special programs, exhibits and events for learners of all ages to enjoy. This year’s lineup includes Flying Bird shows by Schlitz Audubon, Wings to SOAR and the World Bird Sanctuary, and presentations by the Midwest Peregrine Society, National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium, Pipestone National Monument, Quarry Hill Nature Center, U.S. Fish & Wildlife and Whitewater State Park. Plus, enjoy the center's many exhibits and eagle ambassadors. March is a great time to visit Wabasha as spring bald eagle migration is in full swing in the Upper Mississippi River Valley! National Eagle Center. 651-565-4989
March 8-9, New Ulm
New Ulm Trade Fair & Living History Event
This historically-themed trade show was originally started by an area shooting club and had an emphasis on antique firearms. In the years since, the event has expanded to include a variety of vendors selling everything frontier-related, from buck knives to fur skin clothing. Check out more than 70 vendors and 100 table displays! Turner Hall. 651-247-4733
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
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. 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
Feb. 21-22, Minneapolis
Elton John
Elton John's Farewell Yellow Brick Road Tour marks the end of this superstar's last-ever tour with 50 years of hits in a highly visual production. Target Center. 612-673-0900
Feb. 21-23, Chanhassen
Rumours & Dreams - The Music of Fleetwood Mac
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. 22-24 & March 1-3, Minneapolis
Home + Garden Show
The 2019 Minneapolis Home + Garden Show will inspire homeowners with new ideas and practical advice from more than 1,000 experts, as well as hundreds of exhibits featuring innovative products and services. This show boasts great deals and shopping experiences all related to home, gardening, remodeling and home decor. Minneapolis Convention Center. 952-933-3850
Feb. 23, St. Paul
The Winter Beer Dabbler
For ten years, hardy Midwesterners have left behind the warmth of their homes to join in the Winter Beer Dabbler, the biggest outdoor beer festival in Minnesota! With unlimited samples of the nation's best craft beer, great live music, fun activities and an indoor meat and cheese showcase from Lunds & Byerlys, the Winter Beer Dabbler is a popular winter gathering. Don't miss the chance to taste-test more than 600 beers and ciders from over 180 breweries and cideries! Minnesota State Fairgrounds. 651-528-8752
Feb. 23-24, Hastings
Masters of the Sky
The World Bird Sanctuary staff from St. Louis, Missouri, will present a captivating program about birds of prey. Visitors will learn about raptors from around the world. Experience live hawks, eagles, owls, falcons and vultures up close and in free-flight. The presenters will introduce methods to help protect raptors and their habitats. Please call ahead if you plan to attend. Carpenter Nature Center. 651-437-4359
Upcoming Twin Cities' concerts and performances include:
Potted Potter at the Pantages Theater in Minneapolis, Feb. 12 - March 3
A Bronx Tale at the Historic Orpheum Theatre in Minneapolis, 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 in Prior Lake, 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 in Minneapolis, 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
Mariah Carey at the Historic State Theatre, March 13
Live on Tour: An Intimate Conversation with Michelle Obama at the Xcel Energy Center, March 13
Kip Moore at the Historic State Theatre, March 14
The Monkees at Mystic Lake Casino Hotel, March 14
Blake Shelton at the Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul, March 15
Ali Wong at the Historic State Theatre, March 16
I Love the 90s & Downtown Julie Brown with Vanilla Ice & Coolio at Treasure Island Resort & Casino, March 16
The Little River Band with Ambrosia & Peter Beckett's Player at Treasure Island Resort & Casino, March 16
Michael Buble at the Xcel Energy Center, March 18
PJ Masks Save the Day at the Historic State Theatre, March 19
James Bay at the Historic State Theatre, March 20
Bad Company at Treasure Island Resort & Casino, March 23
Patti LaBelle at Mystic Lake Casino Hotel, March 24
Tyler Perry at the Historic Orpheum Theatre, March 26-27
Tickets are available through Hennepin Theatre Trust and Ticketmaster
Central Minnesota
Feb. 21-24, St. Cloud
Camp and Travel Expo
The 2019 Camp and Travel Expo is guaranteed to provide everything you need to get excited about the camping season. This year's show is gearing up to be bigger and better than ever with more RVs, more vendors and some of the best seminars and workshops in the industry - all free! Rivers Edge Convention Center. 320-255-7272
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
Feb. 23, Isle
Perch Extravaganza
The annual Portside Perch Extravaganza Fishing Contest includes lake access and a chance to win tons of prizes! Other highlights include the Mad Hatter Contest, bean bag toss tournament, and food and beverage booths. Drawings start at 3 p.m. Two grand prize winners will get an Ice Castle Wheelhouse! Nitti's Hunters Point Resort on Lake Mille Lacs. 320-676-3811
March 1-2, Willmar
Market Under Glass
Market Under Glass will be held inside the warmth of the greenhouse at Stacy's Nursery. It will be filled with vintage finds, unique antiques, architectural salvage, repurposed-upcycled and artisan goods by more than 20 hand-picked artisans. Each market is a benefit, giving the proceeds to a local nonprofit or MN-based organization dedicated to making the world a better place to live. Stacy's Nursery. 320-220-7357
March 2, Little Falls
Jason Schommer: Just Jason... and Friends!
Back by popular demand, comedian Jason Schommer hits the stage once again with an evening of hysterical stand-up comedy and stories. Joining Jason for this night of non-stop laughs is the one-and-only Prudence from Bowlus as she leads an outrageous comedy spoof of "The Little Mermaid" set in Morrison County. Other friends round out the performance. Great River Arts. 320-632-0960
March 9, Little Falls
Habitat Day
The 19th Annual Crane Meadows National Wildlife Refuge Habitat Day will feature wildlife displays and activities, the MN TIP trailer, and a chance to build a wood duck box or bluebird house. This event is free and fun for all ages. Food will be available for a small fee. Sedge Meadow Classroom at Crane Meadows National Wildlife Refuge. 320-632-1575
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. 21-22, Bemidji
Creative Spirit Festival
The Creative Spirit Festival explores a variety of fiber arts, including basketry, cavandoli, knitting, needle felting, quilting, rug hooking, spinning, tatting and more! There are hands-on demonstrations, educational classes, trunk shows, door prizes and a vendor market. Calvary Lutheran Church. 218-759-2310
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
March 2, Longville
Chili Cook-Off & Winter Fireworks
Cabin fever got you down? Then celebrate winter’s waning days with a chili cook-off at the Docksider and vote for your favorite dish. After that, make the short trip over to Girl Lake for a winter fireworks display at dusk. Dinner specials will be offered at Patrick’s on Girl Lake. Downtown Longville. 218-363-2630
March 2, Bemidji
Northland Fat Bike Rally
The 4th Annual Northland Fat Bike Rally includes 10K and 28K fat tire bike race options and it's free! The rally is not just for experienced fat bikers. Anyone with 3.8-inch tires and a helmet can ride the course. Those unfamiliar with this new winter sport can check out various fat bikes, talk with fat bike experts and take a short spin in the snow on one of the bikes. Lake Bemidji State Park. 218-308-2300, 218-751-2453
March 8, Mahnomen
38 Special
After more than four decades together, 38 Special continues to bring their signature style of Southern Rock to over 100 cities a year. Their hit songs include "Hold On Loosely," "Rockin Into the Night" and "Caught Up in You." Their many Gold and Platinum album awards stand as testament to the endurance of a legendary powerhouse. Shooting Star Casino. 800-313-7469
Northeast Minnesota
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
Feb. 22 - March 16, Duluth
21+ Flashlight Tours
Flashlight Tours are back, with a twist. Participants will need to be 21 or older since this is not a tour for kids. As part of the admission fee, guests will receive a branded Glensheen Flashlight Tour pint glass with a sippy cup cover. Inside the mansion, all the lights have been turned off. Each group is accompanied by two guides who will illuminate pieces throughout the lower level, and first and second floors, allowing this rare collection to be viewed in a new way. Glensheen Mansion. 218-726-8910
Feb. 23, Grand Rapids
Stomping on Winter Family Day
Stomp on winter with a day filled with family-friendly indoor and outdoor games, sledding, ice skating, snowshoeing, sleigh rides, wildlife presentations with live animals, tours of the logging camp and more. Forest History Center. 218-327-4482
Feb. 23-24, Ely
Wolf Track Classic Sled Dog Race
The 11th Annual Wolf Track Classic Sled Dog Race features two mid-distance races, a 50-mile 8 dog race and a 30-mile 6 dog race. On Saturday, Feb. 23, join the mushers at the Pre-race Banquet/ Musher Dinner. Then on Sunday, Feb. 24th, the 8 dog teams will take off from the Ely Softball Complex at 9 a.m. sharp. Once all of the 8 dog teams are on the trail, the 6 dog teams will leave. Stick around for the excitement when the teams return and cross the finish line at the Softball Complex later that day. The Awards Ceremony will take place after the race at the Grand Ely Lodge. 218-365-6123
Feb. 28 - March 10, Duluth
Disney's Newsies
Set in turn-of-the-century New York City, Newsies is the rousing tale of Jack Kelly, a charismatic newsboy, and leader of a band of teenaged "newsies." When titans of publishing raise distribution prices at the newsboys' expense, Jack rallies newsies from across the city to strike against the unfair conditions and fight for what's right! Newsies is packed with non-stop thrills and a timeless message, perfect for the whole family. Duluth Playhouse. 218-733-7555, 218-733-7577
March 1-9, Duluth
Outside Mullingar
From the author of Doubt and Moonstruck comes a romantic comedy set in rural Ireland. Anthony and Rosemary are lovelorn farmers who haven't got a clue when it comes to love. These hopeless singletons will need to overcome a bitter land feud, familial rivalries and their own romantic fears to find happiness. Full of dark humor and poetic prose, John Patrick Shanley's tenderhearted portrait reminds us it's never too late to take a chance on love. According to New York Daily News, "Outside Mullingar is a valentine to the wonder and weirdness of love." Zeitgeist Arts Building. 218-336-1417
March 2, Grand Marais
Trout Derby Picnic & Fishing Contest
The annual Trout Derby Picnic & Fishing Contest will be held on West Bearskin Lake. Registration starts at 9 a.m. Also enjoy a cook-out with fish burgers, hot dogs, brats and burgers with all the extras included. Raffles and great prizes will be awarded that afternoon. Anglers will need a trout stamp with their fishing license. West Bearskin Lake on the Gunflint Trail. 218-388-2265
March 10, Grand Marais
Dog Days of Winter
Dog Days of Winter is a more than a dog sledding contest. In addition to 4-dog, 6-dog and 8-dog races on ice, there will be skijoring (skiers pulled by dogs) races, freestyle races open to skate and classic skiing, and s'mores, hot dogs, cocoa and maple snow cones by a bonfire. Trail Center Lodge on the Gunflint Trail. 218-388-2241
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!
|
