Explore Minnesota Weekly Events Update - Feb. 17, 2016
International Eelpout Festival fun on the ice this weekend!
Highlights this week include:
Feb. 18-20, Rochester
SocialICE –Rochester Minnesota's Ice Bars
Feb. 19 & 20, Minneapolis
Twin Cities Women's Expo & Lake Home & Cabin Show
Feb. 19 & 20, Elk River
Shiver Elk River
Feb. 18-21, Walker
International Eelpout Festival
Feb. 19-21, Duluth
Polaris Vikings Winterfest
[Southern] [ Twin Cities] [Central] [Northwest] [Northeast]
Southern Minnesota
Feb. 18-20, Rochester
SocialICE –Rochester Minnesota's Ice Bars
The heart of downtown Rochester will be transformed into an outdoor ice bar experience with seven 12-foot uniquely designed and themed ice bars – each with a signature drink and lighting effects. Also enjoy music, the Walk of the Ice Sculpture Gardens, and fun socializing. Peace Plaza. 507-216-9882
Feb. 19, Owatonna
Around the World Food & Brewfest
This multicultural celebration offers guests a trip around the culinary world with specialties from El Salvador, Germany, Latvia, China, Russia, Haiti, Mexico and Italy. A social hour with beer samples, cash bar and soft rock from the 60s through 80s will also be offered. Steele County History Center. On Saturday, Feb. 20, the Little Theatre of Owatonna will present Harvey, a comedy about a 6-foot-tall imaginary rabbit. 507-451-1420; 507-451-0764
Feb. 20, Red Wing
THE PHAT PACK: Broadway at its Best
Named 2013's best all-around performers by Las Vegas Review Journal, THE PHAT PACK celebrates the best of Broadway with powerful vocals and astonishing rapport. Sheldon Theatre. 651-388-8700
Feb. 20, Lake City
Lake City Sportsmen's Club 48th Annual Ice Fishing Contest
In addition to the Lake City Sportsmen's Club 48th Annual Ice Fishing Contest, families will enjoy games, bingo, raffles, auctions, great food and refreshments. Lake City Sportsmen's Club on Lake Pepin. 651-564-1082
Feb. 24-28, Winona
Frozen River Film Festival
The Frozen River Film Festival offers documentary films and programming that engage, educate and encourage involvement in the world. Experience diverse points-of-view through numerous films, speakers, documentary workshops, live music and get-togethers. Winona State University. 507-452-0735
Feb. 27, Wabasha
Grumpy Old Men Festival
Highlights of the ever-popular Grumpy Old Men Festival include an ice fishing contest, a stretch raffle, ice bar and warm beer tent, Hot Dish luncheon, minnows races, Ragetti's Spaghetti Feed, live entertainment at various venues, Texas Hold 'em and cribbage tournaments, and the 9th Annual Grumpy Plunge! 651-565-4158
March 4-6, Houston
International Festival of Owls
Plan ahead for the 14th Annual International Festival of Owls featuring live owls and experts from across the globe. Highlights include live owl programs, owl prowls to call in wild owls, a birding and natural history bus trip, family activities, and a banquet featuring World Owl Hall of Fame awards and international speakers. Complete details. 507-896-6957
Twin Cities Greater Metropolitan vicinity
Dec. 26 - March 5, Eden Prairie
Ice Castles
Visitors will be amazed by this magical collision of ice caves, frozen waterfalls and glaciers formed into towering archways, caverns and tunnels. Miller Park. 888-407-4054
Jan. 8 - March 3, St. Paul
Omnifest 2016
Omnifest 2016 will bring five giant screen films to the Science Museum of Minnesota's Omnitheater 90-foot domed screen. Films include Jerusalem, Forces of Nature, Mysteries of the Great Lakes, and Humpback Whales. 651-221-9444
Feb. 6-28 (Saturdays & Sundays), White Bear Lake
Art Shanty Projects
The 2016 On-Ice Art Shanty Project will be held on White Bear Lake where the frozen surface acts as host and backdrop to a wide range of activities, stories, songs, games and more. Using ice shanties, artists elicit interactions with the public. 612-567-6844
Feb. 18-21, St. Paul
Minnesota Home and Patio Show
The 37th Annual Minnesota Home and Patio Show will feature hundreds of exhibits showcasing thousands of innovative new products and services for your home. Enjoy the many speaker presentations, as well as the warmth of spring in the Outdoor Living and Garden Area. St. Paul RiverCentre. 763-755-8111
Feb. 19 & 20, Minneapolis
Twin Cities Women's Expo
The 6th Annual Twin Cities Women's Expo features self-improvement sessions, empowering speakers, and premium exhibitors presenting products and services related to fashion, fitness and relaxation -- a great weekend out with your girlfriends, sisters, mothers and grandmothers! And from Feb. 19-21, check out the Lake Home & Cabin Show with a wide array of products and ideas to make life at your vacation home all more memorable. Minneapolis Convention Center. 612-335-6000
Feb. 19 & 20, Chanhassen
Running On Empty - A Tribute to Jackson Browne
Jackson Browne is the consummate singer/songwriter with more than a dozen hit singles and 14 critically-acclaimed albums. This should be a night to remember. Chanhassen Dinner Theatre. 952-934-1525
Feb. 21, Minneapolis
The Peking Acrobats
Don't miss the Peking Acrobats, accompanied by a live Chinese orchestra, as they fly through the air with the greatest of ease. See why the New York Post calls the Peking Acrobats “amazing and stunning, and breathtaking and wow!” Orchestra Hall. 612-371-5656
Feb. 24-28, Minneapolis
Disney on Ice presents Let's Celebrate
Disney On Ice brings more than 50 Disney characters to life when Let's Celebrate hits the ice! Target Center. 612-673-1300
Feb. 26 & 27, St. Paul
Winterfest 2016
The Minnesota Craft Brewers Guild's 15th Annual Winterfest will be the biggest showcase yet for Minnesota craft beer with more than 80 guild member breweries and brewpubs featured. In addition to unlimited sampling of specialty and seasonal beers, patrons can enjoy upscale catered food, craft beer education, live music, and the announcement of “Best of Fest” winners. Union Depot. 612-677-2247
Feb. 26 & 27, St. Paul
Red Bull Crashed Ice
Witness the high-speed action of skaters competing in four-man heats in a race to the bottom of a long ice track filled with obstacles. Native Minnesotan Cameron Naasz (2nd overall), has pushed the boundaries of the sport and almost clinched the title in 2014 and 2015 -- expect another year of fierce competition! Cathedral of Saint Paul. Complete details.
Feb. 27-28, Hastings
Masters of the Sky
Learn how owls hunt at night, why the barn owl is sometimes called the ghost owl, and how falcons attain such astounding speeds. Be amazed by the barn owl’s silent flight, the beauty of the Australian wedge-tailed eagle, and the maneuverability of the Harris’ hawk as it glides over the audience. Also meet seven of the World Bird Sanctuary’s traveling avian ambassadors. Carpenter St. Croix Nature Center. 651-437-4359
Upcoming Twin Cities' concerts and performances include:
Gypsy (Broadway Re-Imagined) at the Pantages Theatre in Minneapolis, Feb. 13- March 13
Shen Yun at the Historic Orpheum Theatre in Minneapolis, Feb. 19-21
Bruce Springsteen & E Street Band - The River Tour at the Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul, Feb. 29
If/Then (Touring) at the Historic Orpheum Theatre in Minneapolis, March 8-13
R5 at the Historic State Theatre, March 11
Cloud Cult at the Historic State Theatre, March 12
Fall Out Boy -Wintour is Coming at the Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul, March 13
Jeff Foxworthy & Larry the Cable Guy at the Historic Orpheum Theatre, March 19
The Mavericks at the Historic State Theatre, March 19
Zakir Hussain at the Pantages Theatre, March 19
Jose Gonzalez with Ymusic at the Pantages Theatre, March 20
Harlem Globetrotters at the Target Center in Minneapolis, March 25
Scottly McCreery at Mystic Lake Casino Hotel in Prior Lake, March 25
Riverdance at the Historic State Theate, March 25-27
Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat at the Historic Orpheum Theatre, March 29-April 3
Chicago and Earth, Wind & Fire - Heart and Soul Tour 2.0 at the Xcel Energy Center, April 2
Kirk Franklin at the Historic State Theatre, April 2
Marvel Universe Live! at the Target Center, April 7-10
Foreigner at Mystic Lake Casino Hotel, April 9
Ira Glass at the Historic State Theatre, April 9
Hillsong Worship Outcry Tour at the Xcel Energy Center, April 12
For more on these and other performances, contact Eventful or Ticketmaster
Central Minnesota
Feb. 11-21, Willmar
The Addams Family Musical
The Addams Family, a new original musical, will be performed Thursdays through Sundays at the Barn Theatre. See what happens when Wednesday Addams, the ultimate princess of darkness, falls in love with a sweet, smart and "normal" young man. 320-235-9500
Feb. 18-21, St. Cloud
Pleasureland Camp & Travel Expo
Check out more than 100 campers, RVs and trailers. Campgrounds from around the state will also be on-hand to share the perks of visiting their sites. Admission is free. River's Edge Convention Center. 320-255-7272
Feb. 19 & 20, Elk River
Shiver Elk River
This community celebration to ward off "cabin fever" includes the Shiver Plunge, Shiver Run 5K Fun Run/Walk, dog sled demos and rides, ice fishing clinic, Make Your Own S'mores, tug of war, live music, family snowmobile ride and outdoor hockey tournaments. On Friday night, head to the Rockwoods Banquet Center for music by the Plott Hounds during Shiver Bash. Lake Orono. 763-441-3110
Feb. 27, St. Joseph
Axel Strauss & the CSB/SJU Orchestra
Award-winning violinist Axel Strauss brings his artistry to the Escher Stage, playing alongside the full CSB/SJU Orchestra. Hailed for his technical mastery, flexibility and ability to play with emotion and depth, Axel Strauss is the first German to win the prestigious Naumburg Violin Award. College of St. Benedict. 320-363-5777
Feb. 26-28, Nisswa
Gull Lake Frozen Fore
The 11th annual Gull Lake Frozen Fore is a fun-filled weekend of golf on ice, snowmobiling, treasure hunting, live music performances, and great food during the Food Fest. Various sites on Gull Lake. 218-963-2620
Feb. 27, Isle
Perch Extravaganza
In addition to the popular Perch Extravaganza fishing tournament, enjoy a Wheel House Park Party, food & beverage booths, bean bag tournaments, and the hilarious Mad Hatter Contest. Nitti’s Hunters Point Resort. 320-676-3811
March 4-6, Garrison
Snow Kite Crossing
The annual Mille Lacs Snow Kite Crossing attracts top male and female snow-kiting athletes from around the world to compete in the nation’s most challenging snow kite event. Across from the "Y Club" on Lake Mille Lacs. 320-692-4330; 952-594-5395
Northwest Minnesota
Feb. 18-21, Walker
International Eelpout Festival
For the past 30 years, crowds greater than 10 times the population of Walker gather on Leech Lake for a festival named after one of the ugliest bottom-dwelling fish, the eelpout. Other festivities include opening ceremonies, the Coors Keg Castle, flag ceremony & torch lighting, DJ dance party & karaoke contest, Pre-Pout Party, live music at various venues, a beverage and food tent featuring eelpout nuggets in "goose antler batter," and eelpout curling! Leech Lake's Walker Bay. 218-547-1313
Feb. 19-21, Hackensack
Becoming an Outdoors Woman Winter Workshop
This woman's outdoor skills workshop offers classes on snowshoeing, snowshoe biathlon, wild ricing, wood burning, bee keeping, orienteering, cross-country skiing, making a turkey call, and trapping. Included in the fee are Friday night-Sunday afternoon lodging, meals and snacks, three outdoor skill classes, two evening programs and campfires, class equipment and instruction. Deep Portage Learning Center. 218-203-4347
Feb. 20, Park Rapids
Owl Hooting Snowshoe Hike
Join us for a late afternoon snowshoe hike along the North Country Trail past Sibilant, Iron Corners and Josephine Lakes. February is the time of year that owls begin to call as they establish nesting territories. This is an ideal area to potentially see and hear barred owls. A limited number of first-come-first-serve snowshoes are available at the Jacob V. Brower Visitor Center. Itasca State Park. 218-732-4111
Feb. 26, Mahnomen
The Band Perry
The Band Perry is a trio of ultra-talented siblings. Their music is sincere and moving like a sweet poem from a pure young heart. Shooting Star Casino. 800-453-7827
Feb. 27, Cass Lake
Cass Lake Winter Fishing Challenge
The Cass Lake Winter Challenge fishing tournament also includes a free hot dinner, raffle drawings and door prizes at the Palace Casino & Hotel. 218-335-2422
March 5, Longville
Chili Cook-Off & Winter Fireworks Display
Take part in a Chili Cook-off and taste-test the area's favorite chili recipes, then help decide on the winner! Afterwards, enjoy a beautiful winter fireworks display over Girl Lake. 218-363-2630; 218-363-2565
Northeast Minnesota
Feb. 19-21, Duluth
Polaris Vikings Winterfest
The first ever Polaris-Vikings Winterfest will feature family-friendly activities with current Vikings players, alumni and Minnesota Vikings Cheerleaders. Festivities include the Family Fun Zone, Polaris Exhibition, Polar Plunge event, warming house activities, pancake breakfast, and $30,000 Prize Party! Complete details. While in Duluth, take part in the Polar Bear Plunge or check out the Duluth Boat, Sports, Travel & RV Show! 218-722-4011; 800-438-5884
Feb. 20, Grand Rapids
Stomping on Winter Family Day
Enjoy winter with indoor and outdoor games, sledding, ice skating, snowshoeing, sleigh rides, tours of the logging camp, and more! Forest History Center. 218-327-4482
Feb. 20, Grand Marais
Cook County Hungry Jack 2016 Snowmobile Drag Race
Check out or participate in snowmobile drag races then enjoy awards presentations, a vintage snowmobile show, live music by the Circuit Breakers from Duluth, and food and drink specials. Sign up starts at 11 a.m. with races at noon -- area snowmobile trails are in excellent shape! Hungry Jack Lodge. 218-387-9392
Feb. 27, Sandstone
Dinner at the Lake
After a wonderful dinner in a beautiful lakeside dining hall, enjoy a presentation by nature photographer Richard Hamilton Smith whose award-winning photographs have been featured in Audubon, Time, Sports Illustrated, Outside, National Geographic, Smithsonian, Orion, Harpers, Outdoor Photographer and other publications. Audubon Center of the North Woods. 320-245-2648
Feb. 27 & 28, Ely
Wolf Track Classic
The 8th Annual Wolf Track Classic is a premier mid-distance sled dog race spanning 65 miles through northern Minnesota's State Trail system. Participants include 6o mushers and 400 sled dogs from Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, North Dakota and Canada. Meet the dogs and their mushers during the Vet Checks at Vermilion Community College, and enjoy the Steger Mukluk WolfTrack Classic Lasagna Dinner on Saturday. On Sunday, join the mushers for an Awards Ceremony at the Boathouse Restaurant & Brewpub. Complete details. 218-365-4974; 218-365-6123
March 6, Grand Marais
Trout Derby Picnic and Fishing Contest
Take part in the annual morning trout fishing contest followed by a BBQ Picnic and prize drawings. Gunflint Lake boat access. Come a day early for the Wild Berry Jam at Voyageur Brewing Company on March 5 and hear some great neo-folk, bluegrass, rock-a-billy, and blues (with a few Sea Shanties thrown in for good measure!). 218-387-9392; 218-387-3163
