Explore Minnesota Weekly Events Update - Feb. 24, 2016
Red Bull Crashed Ice event at St. Paul Cathedral; photo by Matthew Prazak
Feb. 24-28, Winona
Frozen River Film Festival
Feb. 26 & 27, St. Paul
Red Bull Crashed Ice
Feb. 26-28, Nisswa
Gull Lake Frozen Fore
Feb. 27, Bemidji
Creative Spirit Fiber Festival
Feb. 27 & 28, Ely
Wolf Track Classic
[Southern] [Twin Cities] [Central] [ Northwest] [Northeast]
Southern Minnesota
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
Feb. 27, Austin
Foodie Throwdown
The 5th Annual Foodie Throwdown features specialties by local chefs competing for Best Main Dish and Best Dessert, along with live music, a live auction and cash bar. Attendees are asked to wear cocktail attire. The 1871 Hormel Historic Home. 507-433-4243, 507-437-4563
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
March 5, Albert Lea
Met Opera HD Live: Puccini’s Manon Lescaut & National Theatre Live: Behind the Beautiful Forevers
The Metropolitan Opera stage ignites at 11:55 a.m. in Austin when soprano Kristine Opolais and tenor Jonas Kaufmann join forces in Puccini’s obsessive love story. Then at 7 p.m., view India surging with global ambition while surrounded by makeshift slums full of people with plans of their own during Behind the Beautiful Forevers performed live in London. Marion Ross Performing Arts Center. 507-377-4371; 877-730-3144
March 11-13, Rochester
Rochester Home, Vacation & RV Show
If you're looking to start a home improvement project, wanting to take a memorable family vacation, or considering packing up the family and hitting the road in an RV then the 53rd Annual Home, Vacation & RV Show is the place for you! Olmsted Country Fairgrounds. 507-286-1010
March 12, Welch
Wings & Brew Fest 2016
Wings & Brew Fest is back for another exciting event with more than 120 craft brews to sample. Also enjoy chicken wings from area restaurants, and shop exhibitors featuring items that will help you create the ultimate wings and brews! Treasure Island Resort & Casino. 651-388-7151
Twin Cities Greater Metropolitan vicinity
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
Due to warm temperatures, the 2016 On-Ice Art Shanty Project will be moved to the White Bear Lake County Park with a wide range of activities, stories, songs, games and more in ice shanties. Explore of artist designed and built shanties, and enjoy performance events that free and open to the public. 612-567-6844
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. 26-28 & March 4-6, Minneapolis
Minneapolis Home & Garden Show
The Minneapolis Home & Garden Show features the newest products, tips, trends and tools from celebrities, experts and exhibitors with free daily workshops, seminars and speakers. Metro Transit will provide free transportation to the show on Feb. 27 & March 5. Minneapolis Convention Center. 612-335-6000
Feb. 27, Bloomington
Tech Fest 2016 -A Family Engineering & Technology Fair
Enjoy a day filled with dozens of live demonstrations, hands-on projects, family activities, and more with scientists and engineers. The Works Museum. 952-888-4262
Feb. 27, Minneapolis
Wishes & More Winter Ball - "A Gathering of Superheroes"
Join Superman, Batman and other protectors of good for a glamorous evening of superhero spotting! Guests are encouraged to dress the part in a favorite costume or attend in black-tie style for the Bruce Wayne Gala. Prepare for an evening of bidding, dining, dancing and programs. Marriott City Center in downtown Minneapolis. 763-502-1500
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
March 4-6, Plymouth
Winter Bluegrass Weekend
This three-day indoor music festival features roughly fifty groups performing bluegrass, old-time stringband, and related forms of acoustic music on several stages, as well as workshops, dances, instrument exhibitors, a swap meet, and jam sessions around the clock! Crowne Plaza Minneapolis West Hotel in Plymouth. 612-285-9133
March 5, Burnsville
SUBWAY Bedrace for Bridging
Watch as teams of four race down Buck Hill in costume atop queen-sized mattresses during the 18th annual SUBWAY Bedrace for Bridging. Hundreds of people race, while countless more cheer the teams on then stay for the awards ceremony and dance the night away to live music. Buck Hill Ski Area. 952-925-4848
Upcoming Twin Cities' concerts and performances include:
Gypsy (Broadway Re-Imagined) at the Pantages Theatre in Minneapolis, Feb. 13- March 13
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 in Minneapolis, 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
Sebastian Maniscalco at the Pantages Theatre, April 15
Kathleen Madigan at the Pantages Theatre, April 16
Welcome to Night Vale at the Historic State Theatre, April 16
Brantley Gilbert at the Target Center, April 23
Bethel Music Worship Night at the Historic Orpheum Theatre, April 24
For more on these and other performances, contact Eventful or Ticketmaster
Central Minnesota
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. Also enjoy gear demonstrations and snow kiting lessons! Across from the "Y Club" on Lake Mille Lacs. 320-692-4330; 952-594-5395
March 5, Hutchinson
A Night For The Arts Kentucky Derby-Themed Gala
This all-out Churchill Downs celebration includes derby jockeys and miniature horses welcoming you to the festival, refreshing mint juleps, racing, roses, voting for your favorite attendees to reign as Kentucky Derby Royalty, Kentucky cuisine dinner, art pallet wine and spirit raffle, dancing, and live music by “Feeding Leroy.” Kentucky Derby costumes strongly encouraged. Crow River Country Club. 320-587-7278
March 12, St. Joseph
Alicia Olatuja
Alicia Olatuja is an on-the-rise jazz phenomena who blends elements of jazz, gospel and pop, into a unique and soulful musical style. Alicia Olatjua burst onto the national scene with her jaw-dropping performance at President Obama's second inauguration. Gorecki Family Theater at College of Saint Benedict. 320-363-5777
Northwest Minnesota
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, Bemidji
Creative Spirit Fiber Festival
The 3rd Annual Creative Spirit Fiber Festival is a day-long festival sponsored by the Watermark Art Center with a diverse vendor market filled with fiber art materials to feed your creative spirit, classes by experienced instructors, hands-on demos, door prizes, and more! Complete list of classes and vendors. Calvary Lutheran Church. 218-444-7570
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
March 5 & 6, Bemidji
Games Galore: "Fight the Frost"
Fight the Frost includes more than 35 kid-friendly games and obstacle courses including Bison Bounce ’n Slide, Laser Tag, Giant Slide, Wrecking Ball and Joust. This indoor carnival also features a handful of attractions for smaller children such as Little Builders, Western Playland, and others. Shake off some of those winter blues in a warm, controlled-climate! The Sanford Center. 218-441-4030
March 12, Moorhead
Celtic Festival
The 13th Annual Celtic Festival is a celebration of the rich culture of the seven Celtic nations of Brittany, Cornwall, Isle of Man, Galicia, Ireland, Scotland and Wales. Enjoy lyrical Celtic music, watch dancers' impressive footwork, and enjoy stage entertainment, presentations about folk traditions, activities booths and Celtic foods. Hjemkomst Center. 701-499-6060
Northeast Minnesota
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, Duluth
Short Shorts Film Festival
The 11th Annual Short Shorts Film Festival features films five minutes or less by amateur and professional filmmakers across the nation, and the audience gets to pick the winners! Enjoy a complimentary reception while audience votes are tallied. The Underground. 218-733-7555
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 5, Crane Lake
Crane Lake Challenge Radar Run
Snowmobile racing at its best! Witness amazing speeds on a 1,000 feet of shaved ice. Bring your machines and see how fast they can go. Trophies in all classes, with food and drink specials. Voyagaire Lodge & Houseboats. 218- 993-2266; 800-882-6287
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
March 10-20, Duluth
FAME The Musical
With an award-winning pop rock score, and explosive song and dance, FAME is the story of the final class of New York City's celebrated High School for the Performing Arts. All of the struggles, fears, and triumphs are depicted with razor-sharp focus as the young artists navigate the worlds of music, drama, and dance...all while reaching for the stars. The Duluth Playhouse. 218-733-7555
