Fun and Festivities throughout February

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The bold north is full of fun, outdoor activities all winter long! February is a great time to explore marvelous festivals, participate in ice - sport activities, and venture inside for some warm markets and refreshments. Whether you're looking closer to the Twin Cities or a smaller suburb outside, there's something for every Minnesotan in this February event filled blog!

Minneapolis

City of Lakes Loppet Ski Festival

Where: City of Lakes Loppet      When:  January 31st - February 3rd    Cost:  Free

Looking for your chance to participate in a ski race? Or perhaps you would more enjoy cheering on the brisk excitement? Well grab your hats and mittens to prepare yourself for days of events throughout the City of Lakes Loppet Ski Festival. This opportunity will bring together cross - country skiers from all over the state for a variety of delightful competitions. From shorter skate ski sprints to a classic 42 kilometer marathon, you'll be able to take your pick on what you would like to participate in. If you're just a beginner there will be ski clinics offered for you as well. Whether you're the beginner or a well rounded skier, this is a great chance for you to meet fellow ski friends!

 

11th Annual Chili Cook - Off

Where: Northern Clay Center      When:  February 2nd    Cost:  $5

Stay toasty warm the first Saturday of the month by enjoying a variety of Chili recipes at the Northern Clay Center's Chili Cook-off! Come with hungry intentions as you can taste as much chili as you please, as well as devour treats from the cornbread competition and the brownie bake-off. To make this tasty event even better, you'll also be able to create your own chili bowl from throwing it on the pottery wheel! Demonstrations will be offered throughout the day to entertain and educate visitors. Shop local artists, visit the sales gallery, or just enjoy some delicious food at this thrilling cook-off! 

 

Winter Art Fair

Where: Minnesota Landscape Arboretum (Chaska)      When:  Feb 16th - 17th    Cost:  Free

Fuel your creativity this winter by attending the two day Art Fair provided at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum. Unique nature-inspired pieces from mediums of painting, photography, jewelry, ceramics, and more will be for sale. Come by either Saturday or Sunday from 10:00 am until 4:00 pm to find your next unique purchase or to simply browse what local artists have to offer. This event is for the whole family, art patrons, and the overall community!

 

Saint Paul 

Saint Paul Winter Carnival

Where: Downtown, near Rice Park and Landmark Center     When:  January 24th - February 3rd    Cost:  Free

While Minnesota is a cold place to be, we always know how to make the most of it! Since 1886, the Saint Paul community has been celebrating an unique Winter Carnival full of family fun and Minnesota pride. For entertainment you'll find a live music series performed in the Kellogg Mall Park, ice palaces to explore, lovely parades, and a puzzle contest. Children activities will include a Kids' Day and a Family Day, providing friendly events and entertainment, as well as a Vulcan Snow Park. For the true Minnesotans, come hungry to the sensational hot dish competition and the impressive ice bar features. 

 

Winter on the Hill

Where: James J. Hill House     When:  February 2nd - 3rd   Cost:  $6 - 10

With the St. Paul Winter Carnival bringing all kinds of enjoyable activities to the area throughout February, make sure to visit the special event at the James J. Hill mansion. The Hill home will be offering unique guided tours throughout the first weekend of February, focusing on the Hill family's engagement during the historic St. Paul Winter Carnival. Individuals will discover how this charming family and other community members spent this great Minnesota season. Besides the tour, visitors can find family-fun by putting together old-fashioned jigsaw puzzles and various games within the household. 

 

Shen Yun

Where: Ordway Music Theater      When:  February 14th - 16th    Cost:  $88 - $188

Delightful artistic expression mixed with ancient stories, brings you to the Shen Yun this February at the Ordway. This inspiring production describes a journey of 5,000 years, reaching back to the far past of classic Chinese dance. Specifically, you'll experience a creative connection between heaven and earth. This incredible performance is known to leave audiences exhilarated and extremely encouraged. Grab your tickets early because this 20-country tour is known to have sold-out performances and standing ovations. 

 

The Winter Beer Dabbler

Where: Minnesota State Fairgrounds      When:  February 23rd, 3:00 - 6:30 PM    Cost:  $50

Minnesotans have been coming together for the past ten years to enjoy the best drinks the local, regional, and national breweries have to offer! Join the celebration at the Minnesota State Fairgrounds where you'll have over 180 breweries and cider options to choose from. Meat and cheese platters will also be offered in the heated coliseum, with live music entertaining the entire space. Grab your tickets to the event now!

 

Minnetonka

Ice Castles

Where: 135 Lake Street (Excelsior)      When:  January 12th - February 28th    Cost:  $10 - $16

While Europe is filled with ancient and charming castles, the Great North has it's own spin to the magical setting During the winter seasons you can enter into a winter wonderland by visiting the incredibly sculpted Ice Castles in Excelsior.  Explore frozen tunnels, amazing glacier archways, and arctic water falls throughout your visit. This is a great opportunity to explore some Minnesota magic and make the most of your winter imagination!

 

Big Island and Back

Where: Excelsior Beach, Lake Minnetonka     When:  February 9th, 10:00 am - 10:00 pm    Cost:  $15 - $40

Looking for a way to support a great organization while also participating in your favorite winter sports? The Excelsior Brewing Company is thrilled to announce that they will be hosting the Big Island & Back Winter Event for the 7th year in a row. All registration funds will be donated to the Freshwater Society and the ICA Food shelf. Throughout the day, participants will be able to take their pick from competing in the Ski Kite race, a Nordic & Snowshoe race, or the new addition - a Fat Bike race! Once the days activities are completed, the after-party will feature various prizes, delicious food from Joey Nova's Pizza, and of course some much deserved brews!

  

Eden Prairie

Winter Blast

Where: Staring Lake Park      When:  February 15th, 4:30 - 7:30 pm    Cost:  Free

Grab your sleds and your skates for some outdoor fun! This is a great way to embrace the north, while engaging with the community. The family-fun event will include outdoor games, sledding activities, skating opportunities, and snowshoeing on the trails. For even more fun, individuals can participate in some creative arts and crafts provided by the Eden Prairie City. If you need a break from all of the active fun, join friends by the bonfire while enjoying various refreshments!

 

Indoor Farmers Market

Where: Bachman's, Eden Prairie      When:  February 16th, 9:00 am - 1:30 pm    Cost:  Free

During the winter months, it's easy to miss aspects of summer such as farmers markets. Come get your fix at Bachman's greenhouse and shop to warm up with fresh and local produce, delicious treats, and hand-made crafts. Whether you're just wanting to browse or need to restock your fridge - you'll have a great time!

 

Wayzata

Wayzata Chilly Open

Where: Staring Lake Park      When:  February 8th - 9th   Cost:  Free

Mark your calendars and grab your winter wear for a remarkable celebration in Wayzata! The Chilly open is an exciting event full of cinema & skates, snowkiting, and a snowga golf tournament. When needing a break from all of the active fun, you can devour delicious chili bowls at the Chili Cook-off event! 6Smith will also be offering a breakfast buffet and an ice bar on Saturday morning. To close the weekend, join the community on the ice of Lake Minnetonka for dog sled rides! Almost of the events are free, with the exception of the chili cook-off and live music. You can grab your tickets for that online prior to February 9th. This is surely a Minnesota festival you don't want to miss!

 

Ham Lake

Snowball

Where: Ham Lake Park      When:  Saturday, February 9th, 10:00 am - 3:00 pm    Cost:  Free

Looking for a day filled with outdoor family fun? Join the community of Ham Lake at the annual Snowball! Throughout the day you'll find snowmobile races, a broomball tournament, an ice fishing contest, and a medallion hunt. For those looking for something a bit more relaxing, you'll find a business expo and a craft fair. There's something for the entire family here!

 

February is a fantastic time to explore all of the winter fun that the Twin Cities has to offer. 

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