Event highlights this week include:
Jan. 17-18, Worthington
Winterfest
Jan. 18 - Feb. 9 (Saturdays and Sundays), Minneapolis
Art Shanty Projects 2020 On-Ice Program
Jan. 17 - Feb. 9 (Fridays through Sundays), Spicer
Spicer Winterfest
Jan. 17-19, Hackensack
Back to Hack Winter Festival
Jan. 18, Pine City
Winter Frolic
Southern Minnesota
Jan. 16-26, Rochester
A Year with Frog and Toad
This toe-tapping musical is for all ages. A hit on Broadway, A Year with Frog and Toad was nominated for three Tony Awards - including Best Musical. This whimsical show follows two great friends - the cheerful, popular Frog and the rather grumpy Toad, with a hummable score by Robert and Willie Reale. Absolute Theatre. 507-722-2731
Jan. 17-18, Worthington
Winterfest
Winterfest is full of fun winter activities including an Opening Ceremony, live music by Tommy Binford, the Crowning of the Snow Queen, Deep Freeze Dip, Chili Cook-off, Nobody Fights Alone Silent Auction & Bake Sale, Winterfest Social, Sunset Park Southwest Minnesota Ice Fishing Tournament, Winterfest 2-Mile Walk, Worthington GreatLIFE Drive, Chip & Putt Winter Edition, Frosty Riders of Nobles County, and a Benefit Concert for Autism with Tim Montana & Chris Hawkey. Many events held on Lake Okabena. 507- 372-2919
Jan. 17-26, Mankato
SnowKato Days
SnowKato Days is a 10-day winter festival packed with activities for all ages and interests. This new annual event is a call to action for those who are up for bold, crazy winter fun. Planned activities include a medallion hunt, promotional buttons for great deals, daily prizes, learn to curl, ski and ice skate, glow tubing, a snow sculpture contest, snowshoeing, sled bowling, hockey and more. Applebee's Neighborhood Grill & Bar. 507-385-6660
Jan. 18, Preston
Winter Fun Day & Bowls and Brews Chili Cook-Off
Historic Forestville is offering a day of winter fun. Build a snowman, play old-fashioned winter games and go on a horse-drawn sleigh ride. Warm up by the outdoor fire pit while roasting s'mores and sipping hot chocolate, and stop in the visitor center for unique gifts. While in Preston, head downtown to the Preston Servicemen's Club between 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. for a taste of local brews and chilis, as well as live music and fun activities. Free-will donations gladly accepted. 507-765-2785; 507-765-2153
Jan. 22-26, Owatonna
Bold & Cold Winter Festival
The 2nd Annual Bold & Cold Winter Festival is a week-long celebration with events and activities designed to highlight the Minnesota psyche of "cold noses and warm hearts." Enjoy a medallion hunt, adult snow volleyball tournament, family ice fishing contest, fat biking and demos, ice skating to music, snow sculpture contest, hockey tournament, Crazy Days bargains, sledding at West Hills and much more. Various locations in Owatonna. 507-451-7970
Jan. 25, Winona
A Tribute to Eric Church by Tim Sigler
Highway 61 Concert Series presents: Fans of country music and Eric Church - come enjoy a night of over 30 of Eric's biggest hits all in one night! Tim Sigler and his band perform over 200 shows per year - check out their first appearance in Winona. Featuring some of the some of the best musicians in the Twin Cities, this is a must see show! St. Cecila Theatre. 507-452-0735
Jan. 27 - Feb. 23, Waseca
Sleigh & Cutter Festival
Started in 1950, this festival continues to entertain young and old. Waseca's annual winter festival features the Sleigh & Cutter Parade on Saturday, Feb 8, with magnificent horses of every type imaginable parading down State Street. Only animal-powered units and riders are allowed. Other events to observe or participate in include the 12th Annual Curling Bonspiel, ice sculpting, Frosty the Snowman contest, medallion hunt, dance with music by the Red Dirt Road Band, Vintage Snowmobile Race on Clear Lake, snowmobile fun runs, fireworks over Clear Lake, intro to fat tire biking, and the 16th Annual Sleigh & Cutter Children's Dream Catcher. Many restaurants and clubs offer will also offer special meals and live entertainment. Downtown Waseca. 507-461-3727
Minneapolis-St. Paul Area
Dec. 6 - Feb. 22, St. Paul
Destination Winter Saint Paul
Destination Winter Saint Paul is bringing a one-of-a-kind experience to Lowertown. All ages will enjoy the relocation of Wells Fargo WinterSkate from Landmark Plaza to the playing surface at CHS Field, as well as the return of the 40-foot Securian SuperSlide for the first time since Super Bowl LII. 651-644-6659; 651-202-2700
Dec. 27 - Jan. 18, White Bear Lake
The Mystery Cafe Presents "I'll be Homicidal for Christmas"
It's December 23rd, 1978. Albee Humphrey used to be household name, but these days his star is fading. He's got one last shot at his big comeback - with a network televised Christmas special. There will be celebrity guests, variety acts, and there's even rumor of a reunion with his former comedy partner - who he hasn't spoken to in 20 years. The Mystery Cafe dishes out a hilarious comedy caper by the Twin Cities' original comedy murder mystery dinner theater, where you and your table are invited to solve the crime, all while enjoying a delicious 3-course meal. Majestic Oaks Golf Club. 763-566-2583
Jan. 17-18, Chanhassen
Beautiful Vision - The Songs of Van Morrison
The many incarnations of Van Morrison from "Brown-Eyed Girl" and "Domino" to "Into The Mystic" and "Cleaning Windows" is celebrated and led by Twin Cities' soul and bluesman Mick Sterling and a band so strong that Van Morrison would surely choose it for his own. Chanhassen Dinner Theatre. 952-934-1525
Jan. 17 - (weather dependent), New Brighton
Minnesota Ice Castles
Ice Castles is an award-winning frozen attraction located in six cities across North America. The experience is built using hundreds of thousands of icicles hand-placed by professional ice artists. The castles include breathtaking LED-lit sculptures, frozen thrones, ice-carved tunnels, slides, fountains and more. Long Lake Regional Park.
Jan. 18, Burnsville
1964: The Tribute
Since the early 80s, 1964: The Tribute has been thrilling audiences all over the globe with what Rolling Stone Magazine has called the "Best Beatles Tribute on Earth." 1964: The Tribute takes audiences on a musical journey to an era in rock history that will live in all of our hearts forever. They are hailed by critics and fans alike as the most authentic and endearing Beatles tribute in the world. Choosing songs from the pre-Sgt. Pepper era, 1964 astonishingly recreates an early 60's live Beatles concert, with period instruments, clothing, hairstyles and onstage banter. Ames Center. 952-895-4685
Jan. 18 - Feb. 9 (Saturdays and Sundays), Minneapolis
Art Shanty Projects 2020 On-Ice Program
Art Shanty Projects began in 2004 as an experiment in turning a traditional ice fishing house into a less conventional art studio and retreat on a frozen lake. Over 15 years and three lakes, it has grown into a much-anticipated annual festival that most recently hosted 40,000 visitors on Bde Unma/Lake Harriet in 2018. This year, check out more than 20 unique shanties, as well as over 150 artists and performers. The icy lake is transformed into a vibrant village, full of fantastical structures, bustling with musicians and performers of all kinds. Bde Unma/Lake Harriet. 612-567-6844
Jan. 19, Bloomington
2020 Year of the Rat, Celebrating the Spring Festival
No need to travel the 7,000 + miles trip to China to experience an authentic, traditional Chinese celebration. View spectacular cultural displays and presentations during this 4 1/2-hour event, and bring home exotic Chinese merchandise, food and artifacts. Co-hosted by Minnesota International Chinese School. Oak Grove Middle School. 612-618-0067
Jan. 19, Minneapolis
Jawaahir Dance Company's 27th Annual Henna Party
Venture to the Middle East with a traditional Middle Eastern women's party, and delight in an afternoon of henna, dance, food and friendship. Jawaahir Dance Company starts your party off with a short, captivating performance, followed by the ritual of henna painting traditionally done at women's celebrations. Also enjoy refreshments, and mingle with friends and company members. Experience the hospitality of the Middle East. Jawaahir Dance Company. 612-872-6050
Jan. 23-26, Minneapolis
2020 Progressive Insturance Minneapolis Boat Show
The Progressive Minneapolis Boat Show features the upper Midwest’s best selection of new boats, along with hundreds of vendor booths showcasing the very latest in engines, marine electronics and accessories for every lifestyle, activity and budget. Compare makes and models, secure insurance and financing, and gear up with the latest accessories all under one roof! Minneapolis Convention Center. 612-332-8330
Jan. 23-26, Stillwater
Stillwater Winterfest
Winterfest is a community-wide celebration of all things winter, with activities such as the Opening Ceremony, Torchlight Parade, Parka Pub Crawl, Beer/Bags/Bingo, jousting, mini-golf, Stillwater's Got Talent Show, stein-holding contest, Hammerschlagen, Casserole Cook-off, live music events and more! Stillwater. 651-342-0176
Jan. 23 - Feb. 2, St. Paul
Saint Paul Winter Carnival
Attend the 134th Saint Paul Winter Carnival, the "Coolest Celebration on Earth" since 1886, and enjoy dozens of free events. Some of the highlights include Opening Ceremonies, 2020 Royal Coronation, Klondike Kate Cabaret, Vulcan Fun Day, Multi-Block Ice Carving & Snow Sculpting competitions, Winter Carnival Music Series, 2020 King Boreas Grand Day Parade, ice fishing competition, Winter Carnival Art Show, Hops & Hounds, Polar Plunges, Royal Promenade Fashion Show, Fancy Hotdish Competition, Vulcan Snow Park Giant Snow Slide, 2020 Saintly City Cat Show, Barstool Ski Races and more! Most events take place in downtown St. Paul, in and around Kellogg Mall Park and the Landmark Center, as well as at the Minnesota State Fairgrounds. 651-223-4700
Jan. 24-26, Minneapolis
Minneapolis Home + Remodeling Show
The Home + Remodeling Show is sure to inspire homeowners with specific home improvement projects in mind. With remodeling, interior design and home improvement presentations scattered throughout the show and more than 250 go-to resources and vendors, this show will help with all your home and remodeling needs. U.S. Bank Stadium. 952-933-3850
Central Minnesota
Jan. 11 - Feb. 29 (most Saturdays), Willmar
Sno-Skippers Snowmobile Races
S.N.O.W. FEST 7 is a celebration of snowmobiling wrapped around a snowmobile film festival. The day will begin with a vintage snowmobile show and film festival, followed by a silent auction, dealer demos and specials on new sleds, and door prizes. Muggs of Mille Lacs in downtown Wahkon. 612-805-4738
Jan. 17 - Feb. 9 (Fridays through Sundays), Spicer
Spicer Winterfest
Get the most fun out of winter during four weekends of action-packed activities such as ice fishing tournaments, 16th Annual Polar Bear Plunge, Frozen 5K run, Winterfest Kids' Carnival, horse and buggy rides, hockey, cross-country skiing and medallion hunting. And don't miss the craft sale and fireworks display! 320-796-8066
Jan. 18, St. Cloud
St. Cloud Craft Beer Tour
In the tradition of the Grand Tasting, each attendee will be given a commemorative sampling glass and have the opportunity to try unlimited samples of approximately 150 craft beers from breweries throughout Minnesota and the country. River's Edge Convention Center. 320-255-7272
Jan. 25, Brainerd
Brainerd Jaycees $150,000 Ice Fishing Extravaganza
Join 10,000 anglers from around the world vying for more than $150,000 in prizes by competing in the Brainerd Jaycees $150,000 Ice Fishing Extravaganza. Spectators also enjoy all of the fun, with a chance to win free swag, prize giveaways, and Youth on Ice Olympics — come a day early for the Friday Night Kick-off Party at Grand View Lodge Gull Lake Center featuring comedian C. Willi Myles! Hole In The Day Bay on Gull Lake. 218-824-9461
Jan. 26, Brainerd
Fun in the Sun
Join the Rural Renewable Energy Alliance and Lakes Area Habitat for Humanity for trivia, music, taco bar, beer and camaraderie during Fun in the Sun! All proceeds will go to RREAL's local solar for humanity work. Roundhouse Brewery. 218-454-2739
Jan. 31 - Feb. 1, Ottertail
Otter Tail Co - On Ice!
OTC- On ICE! will kick-off the event Friday evening with performances by Whiskey Business and 32 Below. The White Iron Band, Corey Medina & Brothers, Patrick Murphy & Tigirlily will take the stage on Saturday. Also on Saturday, don't miss all of the antics at the Polar Plunge 2020. Dog sled rides will be offered at Thumper Pond Resort for a fee. Otter Tail Lake. 612-210-5525
Northwest Minnesota
Jan. 17, Mahnomen
John Anderson
To put it simply, John Anderson is one of the greatest country music singers to ever step up to the microphone, possessing one of the most instantly recognizable vocal instruments. Enjoy his biggest hits including “Seminole Wind,” “Straight Tequila Night,” “When It Comes To You,” “Money in the Bank,” and No.1 Billboard Country hit “Swingin’.” Shooting Star Casino. 800-313-7469
Jan. 17-19, Hackensack
Back to Hack Winter Festival
Back to Hack celebrates winter with activities including Frostbite Your Fanny 5K Race, Paul Bunyan Family Fishing Contest, Penguin Plunge, snow sculpting contest, community bonfire and fireworks. Returning this year will be horse racing, a silent auction and the Sleigh of Spirits Raffle. Come join in the winter fun! Downtown Hackensack. 218-675-6135
Jan. 18-19, Park Rapids
USXC Snowmobile Race - Park Rapids Heartland 200
USXC is a snowmobile cross-country racing circuit that travels through many locations and terrains across the Midwest. This is the only woods race in the 6 to 8 event circuit. The goal of USXC is to continue the tradition of racer-friendly events at many classic cross-country venues, giving drivers, crews and fans the best possible experience. Behind the Salvage Depot on Hwy 34 east of Park Rapids. 218-732-4111
Jan. 25, Walker
Ronnie Milsap In Concert
Country Music Hall of Fame Member and legendary country music singer and pianist will perform live at Northern Lights Casino. 844-554-2646
Jan. 25, Bemidji
Snow Science Experiments
Just how much water is there in snow? Ever heard of hot ice? Ever seen it snow in a jar? Explore a variety of fun, hands-on snow science experiments at Lake Bemidji State Park. 218-308-2328
Jan. 31 - Feb. 9, Bemidji
Boeing, Boeing
It's the 60's and Bernard, a bachelor, has a flat in Paris where he is engaged to three stewardesses. Up until now, he has been able to keep his secret without them knowing. However, his happy and "perfect" set-up is about to come crashing down as a new, faster Boeing jet throws off his precise planning and all three stewardesses arrive in town at the same time. The Historic Chief Theatre. 218-755-8942
Northeast Minnesota
Jan. 10-26, Duluth
Disney's Frozen JR
For the first time in forever, the Disney Broadway musical nominated for three Tony Awards graces the Family Theatre stage. Tucked away in the kingdom of Arendelle live Princesses Anna and Elsa. Anna is a fearless, spirited dreamer, and Elsa, while timid, harnesses magic in her fingertips capable of creating worlds of ice and snow. When an icy outburst causes a never-ending winter and Elsa makes a quick retreat, Anna sets out to find her. Along the way, she meets ice salesman Kristoff, his reindeer sidekick Sven, and a loveable snowman named Olaf. Playhouse Family Theatre at the Duluth Depot. 218-733-7555
Jan. 17, Grand Rapids
Transit Authority
Since performing their very first shows together in the early spring of 2004, Transit Authority has become known throughout the U.S. as the premier tribute band to the iconic group Chicago. Based out of St. Paul, Minnesota, this eight member ensemble creates an accurate musical salute to the greatest horn-driven rock band to ever hit the stage. Reif Center. 218-327-5780
Jan. 18, Pine City
Winter Frolic
Shake off the winter blues by heading outdoors at the fur post. Learn about winter travel during the fur trade and join in activities like throwing a curling stone, playing a round of Ojibwe snow snake, or snowshoeing along two miles of trails. Guests can also relax indoors, enjoy a cup of cocoa before a blazing fire and learn a historic game or two. North West Company Fur Post. 320-629-6356
Jan. 18, Duluth
Short Shorts Film Festival
The 15th Annual Short Shorts Film Festival is a celebration of short files and welcomes all local, national and international filmmakers. The viewing audience votes for which short film walks away as the evening's big winner. The Underground Theatre. 218-733-7555
Jan. 24-30, 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 from Two Harbors to the Canadian border and back to Two Harbors. Saturday, Jan. 25, is packed with events such as Vet Checks, Opening Ceremonies Dinner and Silent Auction. The race begins Sunday, Jan. 26 and runs through Jan. 29. The Beargrease is a qualifier for the famed Iditarod race in Alaska. 218-722-7631
Jan. 25, Grand Rapids
Winter Adventure Family Day
Make the most of winter by heading outdoors to snowshoe, ride bullet sleds, take a horse-drawn sleigh ride and launch snowballs with a giant slingshot. Plus, enjoy indoor wildlife presentations with live animals, music, games and more. Forest History Center. 218-327-4482
Jan. 31 - Feb. 2, Duluth
Duluth Ice & Mixed Fest
Join the Duluth Climbers Coalition for their annual winter rendezvous, the Duluth Ice & Mixed Fest! Hone your skills and dull your tips on Casket Quarry’s legendary ice and mixed lines, and enjoy the amenities of Outside magazine’s number one ranked outdoor city! Quarry Park. 218-722-4011
Be sure to visit the Explore Minnesota Events Page to learn of other festivals and events!
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