1/23/2025 -- Weekend Events Preview

TWIN CITIES WEEKEND PREVIEW — KEEPING YOU BUSY ✔

Today is January 23rd.

Here is what’s happening in the Twin Cities this weekend.

In Partnership With Ely Outfitting Company 🤝

Your Next Unforgettable Memory Awaits You In The Boundary Waters 🛶

“Our experience with Ely Outfitting Company was absolutely fantastic. From my first phone call for some basic info, to several detailed trip routes to choose from, to our in-person orientation and our end of trip debrief, the staff were incredibly knowledgeable, professional, super friendly and helpful. We are already thinking about a return trip next fall. Can't thank you all enough.” - Scott and Fay

➡ Boundary Waters permits go on sale January 29th. See Ely Outfitting Company for free custom route options and Boundary Waters trip planning

20th Annual Pond Hockey Championships 🏒

After balmy temperatures cut last year’s event short, the US Pond Hockey Championships have returned to Lake Nokomis for the 20th iteration of the event. In 2007, ESPN named the pond hockey championships as one of the 101 things sports fans must experience before they die.

• Dates: January 22-26, 2025 (Wednesday to Sunday)

• Location: Lake Nokomis, Minneapolis

• Participants: 280 teams across six divisions, with approximately 2,700 athletes. Organizers say that former NHL and college stars will be among those playing in the tournament

• Prize: The prestigious Golden Shovel trophy

Check out the full schedule of events here.

In the know: check out this Instagram post to learn where pond hockey came from.

St. Paul Winter Carnival ❄

The 139th Saint Paul Winter Carnival is set to take place from January 23 to February 2. The festival is expected to attract over 50,000 visitors and generate a $2-3 million economic impact for Saint Paul and Minnesota.

Main Attractions

Ice Park: Rice Park will be transformed into an Ice Park, featuring beautiful ice sculptures created by talented carvers.

Snow Park: Located at the Minnesota State Fairgrounds, Snow Park will showcase impressive snow sculptures. Visitors can watch sculptors at work during the opening weekend (January 24-26).

Parades: The King Boreas Grande Day Parade will take place on Grand Avenue on January 25.

Special Events

• Royal Coronation: The festival kicks off with the crowning of King Boreas and Queen Aurora, along with their royal court, on January 24.

• Saintly City Cat Show: A championship and household pet cat show will be held on January 25-26 at the Saint Paul RiverCente.

• Winter Carnival Orchid Show: Como Park Zoo & Conservatory will host the 50th Anniversary Winter Carnival Orchid Show from January 25.

• Fire & Ice Winter Walk & Run: A winter-themed run/walk event at the Minnesota State Fairgrounds on January 26.

View the full event calendar here.

Cutest Puppy Contest 🐶

I mean, who doesn’t love an event solely dedicated to looking at cute puppies? Head out to Back Channel Brewing in Spring Park on Satruday to get your puppy fix.

Key Info:

• Where: Back Channel Brewing

• When: January 25

• Cost: Enter your pup in the contest for $25. Spectating is free.

• Food and Drink: Back Channel Brewing will have food trucks on site and plenty of beer

Check out last year’s winners.

Live Music 🎙

❯ Lakes Area Music Festival “The Canon, Renewed | The Women’s Club of Minneapolis | 1/24 | $30 | More Info

❯ Kelsea Ballerini on Tour | Target Center | 1/24 | $44+ | More Info

❯ The Current’s 20th Anniversary Celebration | First Avenue | 1/24,25 | $51 | More Info

❯ Woodzen | Metronome Brewery | 1/25 | $15 | More Info

❯ Ice Block Winter Concert Series with Dead By 50, Fragged Out, and Jake Schultz | Day Block Brewery | 1/25 | $15 | More Info

❯ Saint Paul Civic Orchestra: Planes, Trains and Automobiles | The Landmark Center | 1/26 | Free |  More Info

❯ Rubblebucket | Amsterdam Bar and Hall | 1/26 | $25+ | More Info

❯ Kerry King | The Fillmore Minneapolis | 1/26 | $40 | More Info

Sports 🏒

🏀 MN Timberwolves v. Denver Nuggets | Target Center | 01/25 | $15+| More Info

🏒 MN Gopher Women’s Hockey v. Bemidji State Beavers | Ridder Arena and Shakopee | 01/24,25 | $8+ | More Info

🏀 MN Gopher Mens Basketball v. Oregon | 01/25 | $25+ | More Info

🏒 MN Wild v. Calgary Flames | Xcel Center | 01/25 | $109+ | More Info

🏒 MN Frost v. Boston Fleet | Xcel Center | 01/26 | $33+ | More Info

Picks For The Family 👪

❯ Lake Harriet Kite Festival: A colorful winter spectacle with kites of all shapes and sizes flying over frozen Lake Harriet. | Lake Harriet Bandshell | 1/25 | Free | More Info

❯ Minnesota Winterfest at the Minnesota Zoo: A special event featuring winter-themed activities, animal encounters, and seasonal treats. | Minnesota Zoo | 1/25 | $25 | More Info

❯ Lunar New Year at Midtown Global Market: A festive celebration welcoming the Year of the Snake with traditional performances, music, and activities.| Midtown Global Market |1/25 | Free | More Info

Miscellaneous…Something for Everyone

❯ The Great Northern Festival: A 10-day celebration of winter featuring outdoor activities, art installations, and climate-focused events across Minneapolis and St. Paul. | Minneapolis and St. Paul | 1/24,25,26 | $Varies by event | More Info

❯ Parade (Broadway Touring): A Tony Award-winning musical revival telling the powerful story of Leo and Lucille Frank in early 20th century Georgia | Orpheum Theater | 1/24,25,26 | $47+ | More Info

❯ Sal Valcano “Everything’s Fine Tour”: A stand-up comedy performance by the Impractical Jokers star | State Theater | 1/24 | $49+ |  More Info

❯ All-Inclusive “Brews” Cruise: An immersive brewery experience offering unlimited food, drinks, and entertainment at Insight Brewing | Insight Brewing | 1/25 | $100 | More Info

❯ THE DOSE: A Psychedelic Comedy Experience: A mind-bending comedy show featuring top comedians in a surreal, immersive setting | Sisyphus Brewing |1/24,25 | $22 | More Info

❯ Taylor Swift Day: A day-long celebration for Swifties featuring Taylor Swift-themed activities, music, and trivia | Inbound Brewery | 1/25 | Free | More Info

Planning Ahead! Events coming up the next few weeks 📆

Here are some notable events to keep your eye on and add to your calendar.

❯ Boundary Waters permits go on sale | 1/29 | More Info

❯ Minneapolis Home and Garden Show | 1/31 | More Info

❯ First Ave Best New Bands of 2024 | 1/31 | More Info

❯ Art Battle Minnesota | 2/15 | More Info