Feeling cabin feverish? For anyone wanting (or needing) to get out, there’s plenty going on in the remaining weeks of winter — festivals, skiing, skating, and more. Here’s a list of some favorites.
Como Park & Conservatory | St. Paul
Music Under Glass Series - “Join us in the tropical gardens, and beat the “winter-blahs” as live, local musicians play blues, bluegrass and ballads. Beer and wine will be available to purchase.”
Sundays 4:30-6:30pm, Jan. 5 - March 1
Lake Harriet Kite Festival | Minneapolis
“Kites of all shapes, sizes, colors, and themes will fly over frozen Lake Harriet. Other fun family activities at the festival include ice fishing, snowshoeing, and a marshmallow roast.”
Sat. Jan 25, 12-4pm
The Great Northern Festival | Mpls + St. Paul
“10 days of outdoor winter events: one big celebration.”
15th Annual Pond Hockey Event (Jan. 23 - 26)
City of Lakes Loppet Winter Festival (Jan. 31 - Feb. 2)
St. Paul Winter Carnival (Jan. 23 - Feb. 2)
Luminary Loppet | Minneapolis
“Ski, walk, or snowshoe with friends, family, and neighbors on the lake’s groomed trails while being immersed in a serene landscape of glowing ice luminaries in the heart of Uptown.”
Sat. Feb. 1, 6-9:00pm
11th Annual Winter Beer Dabbler | St. Paul
180+ breweries and cideries, live music, silent disco, meat & cheese showcase and more
Feb 22, 2pm-6:30pm
State Fair Grounds
Trails by Candlelight | Dakota County Parks
“Enjoy each park by flickering candlelight. A variety of cross-country ski, snowshoe, hiking and walking trails, and distances, will be lit with hundreds of candles. Warm up with hot cocoa and crackling bonfires. Cocoa provided. Hot food available for purchase from food trucks.”
Thompson County Park - Friday, Jan. 24, 6-9 p.m.
Spring Lake Park Preserve - Friday, Feb. 7, 6-9 p.m.
Lebanon Hills Regional Park - Friday, Feb. 28, 6-9 p.m.
Valentine’s Arctic Market | Minneapolis
Sun. Feb 9, 12-5:00pm
“30 local makers selling jewelry, woodwork, home goods, apparel, and other giftables, there's something for even the most tricky to buy for valentines...visit with local artists and makers while sipping delicious farm-to-table beers and pick up a gift for your valentine, your galentine, your furry friend, or yourself!"
Location: Lakes & Legends Brewing Company | 1368 Lasalle Avenue, Minneapolis
Ongoing
Minnesota Landscape Arboretum
Plant Maker Studio, Saturdays & Sundays 12-4:00pm, drop in anytime
Free admission the month of January
Winter Skate at CHS Field | St. Paul
Free open skate Sun-Thurs 11am-5pm, Fri. & Sat. 11am-10pm
Skate rental available ($5)
Trivia Mafia Nights | Twin Cities
“high-quality trivia nights in bars, taprooms, distilleries, and private events every night of the week throughout the Midwest.”
Times & locations vary. Check Trivia Mafia’s website for details
US Bank Stadium Winter Warm Up | Minneapolis
“Inline Skating and Indoor Running…a series of twelve recreational fitness nights at U.S. Bank Stadium. These public events are open to all ages and will take place on the stadium’s main and upper concourses”
5-9:00pm, Various dates
Cross Country Skiing | Minnesota
MIA | Minneapolis
Programs for all ages at the Minneapolis Institute of Art (MIA)
Just Kids Exhibition - “This is an exhibition of photographs of and by children, teens, and young adults, organized in partnership with middle and high school students.” (Jan 4 - June 14)
Omni Theater - Science Museum of MN | St. Paul
Film: Super Power Dogs - “Follow six of the world’s boldest four-legged heroes (and their human companions) as they brave earthquakes and avalanches, protect endangered species like rhinos and elephants, and transform lives.”
Through March 5, various times
Winter Recreation at Wirth Park | Minneapolis
Cross-country skiing, snowboarding lessons, tubing, skijoring, and off-road cycling provided through MPRB’s partnership with Loppet Foundation
Keg & Case Market | St. Paul
Outdoor Skating Rink - BYOS (Bring Your Own Skates) + Indoor Food Hall & Market
Outdoor Ice Skating | Twin Cities
Link to dozens of spots across the metro and state - frozen lakes, ponds, rivers and rinks!
Heidi Swanson is a Realtor® based in St. Paul, Minnesota. She writes a blog to share information on variety of topics including buying and selling, market conditions, homeownership trends, local events and more. Reach her at heidi@lyndenrealty.com or 651-503-1540.