Things to do in Minnesota: 7 things to do this weekend (Jan. 31-Feb. 2)
MINNEAPOLIS (FOX 9) - Watch world-class street snowboarders, catch the USA Curling National Championships or attend a variety of winter festivals happening in Minnesota this weekend.
Red Bull Heavy Metal
- Minnesota State Capitol Building, St. Paul
- Saturday, Feb. 1
- Free
World-class street snowboarders are gearing up to compete in a one-day event featuring the "most progressive rail riding in the world," according to event organizers. The competition will showcase three distinct zones, each highlighting a unique aspect of street snowboarding.
The event is free to attend and takes place on Saturday, Feb. 1, from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. More information on the Red Bull Heavy Metal event can be found online here.
USA Curling National Championships
- Duluth Entertainment Convention Center Arena
- Jan. 27–Feb. 2
- Ticketed event
The 2025 men's and women's national curling championships are taking place in Duluth from Monday, Jan. 27, through Sunday, Feb. 2. It's the first time the championship has been hosted in Minnesota since 2008. Eight teams from both the men's and women's will earn berths in the event, with the winners representing the United States at the 2025 World Men's Championship in Canada, and the 2025 World Women's Championship in Korea. The champions will also have the opportunity for a spot in the Olympic Team Trials later in 2025, according to the website.
Tickets are required for the event. You can find more information online here.
Fire and Ice Winter Festival
- Plymouth Creek Playfield Park, Plymouth
- Saturday, Feb. 1
- Free
The Fire and Ice Winter Festival is back in Plymouth this weekend. The event offers a wide variety of activities including, ice skating, sledding, snowshoeing, cross country skiing, games, food, fireworks and more!
The festival takes place on Saturday, Feb. 1, from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m., with the fireworks' finale starting at 6:30 p.m. Organizers say this year's event will look a little different as the festival will take place in the park instead of on a frozen lake. In recent years, the festival has been canceled due to poor ice conditions. More information can be found online here.
St. Paul Winter Carnival events
- Various locations in St. Paul
- Jan. 23–Feb. 2
- Some events are free, others require a ticket
There's a variety of events happening as part of the St. Paul Winter Carnival this weekend. Here are some of the events happening this weekend. (Note the locations for the events are in St. Paul unless otherwise noted)
Events happening on Friday:
- Klondike Kate Arctic Sizzle from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at The Camp Bar (ticketed event)
- Clinch World's Toughest Rodeo at Xcel Energy Center (ticketed event Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m.)
- Winter Carnival's Day of Good from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Winter Carnival Raffle Drawing starting at 8 p.m. at Joe & Stan's
Events happening on Saturday:
- Winter Carnival Food Festival from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. at the Landmark Plaza
- Doggie Depot from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Union Depot
- Berners in the Park from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Rice Park
- Around the World in a Day from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Landmark Center North Gallery
- BEAR'ly Open Golf on Ice from 11: 30 a.m. to 4 p.m. in White Bear Lake
- South Wind Fiesta Social from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Historic Concord Exchange (ticketed event)
- Mayor's Cup hockey game from noon to 1:30 p.m. at Tria Rink
- The Four Winds Quest escape room from noon to 8 p.m. (ticketed event)
- Vulcan Victory Torchlight Parade and fireworks show from 5:15 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Rice Park
- The Vulcan Victory Dance from 7:30 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. (ticketed event)
The Ice Park at Rice Park and the Vulcan Snow Park at the Minnesota State Fairgrounds are the only two events on Sunday, Feb. 2. You can find a full list of St. Paul Winter Carnival events online here.
Loppet Winter Festival
- Theodore Wirth Park, Minneapolis
- February 1-2
- Event registration fees required
The City of Lakes Loppet Winter Festival returns this weekend for two days of outdoor fun at Theodore Wirth Park in Minneapolis. This popular winter event includes a mix of competitive races and recreational recreation activities, including cross-country skiing, fat biking, skijoring, snowshoeing, a Kubb Tournament and more.
The festivities span two weekends, with the Luminary Loppet set for Saturday, Feb. 8. You can find more information online here.
Snowblast
- Huset Park, Columbia Heights
- Saturday, Feb. 1
- Free
The City of Columbia Heights is hosting its fifth annual Snowblast event, featuring ice skating, sledding, hay rides, hockey, snow soccer, snowshoeing, live music, food, and more. You can also participate in the ever-so-fun name a snowplow contest!
The event will take place on Saturday, Feb. 1, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. The police department will also be collecting new or gently used winter clothing items for those in need. Visit the city's website for more information.
February Festival
- Lake Ann Park, Chanhassen
- Saturday, Feb. 1
- Free
The City of Chanhassen is hosting its 32nd annual February Festival featuring an ice-fishing contest, horse-drawn sleigh rides, ice skating, snow yoga, a medallion hunt and more!
The family-friendly winter festival takes place on Saturday from noon to 3 p.m. on Lake Ann. While the event is free to attend, there is a $10 fee to participate in the ice fishing contest.