Sauna Camp at Lake Minnewashta
In Scandinavian countries, sauna culture is about building community, and that?s the goal of a new outdoor wellness space in Excelsior. Sauna Camp is using the Camp Fire Minnesota grounds to host it?s sauna and cold plunge activities. There are 10 Minnesota-made, cedar wood-fired saunas of different sizes sitting on the shores of Lake Minnewashta, meaning right outside of the steaming sauna is a freezing cold lake to submerge in. The camp is open Thursday to Sunday through the end of April.
In Scandinavian countries, sauna culture is about building community, and that?s the goal of a new outdoor wellness space in Excelsior. Sauna Camp is using the Camp Fire Minnesota grounds to host it?s sauna and cold plunge activities. There are 10 Minnesota-made, cedar wood-fired saunas of different sizes sitting on the shores of Lake Minnewashta, meaning right outside of the steaming sauna is a freezing cold lake to submerge in. The camp is open Thursday to Sunday through the end of April.
High Tech Kid Challenge comes to St. Paul
It?s a robot faceoff at Roy Wilkins Auditorium in St. Paul this weekend. The High Tech Kids Minnesota FIRST Tech Challenge and Lego League Challenge will take place on Feb. 17 and Feb.18. First up are the robotics teams comprised of 6th-12th graders who build a robot that will compete in a challenge. They utilize CAD design and 3D printing to develop their robot. On Sunday, 70 teams of FIRST Lego League Challenge teams will compete to advance to the World Championships. Those teams are made up of students between 4th and 8th grade. They program autonomous LEGO robots to navigate multiple missions on a game field.
It?s a robot faceoff at Roy Wilkins Auditorium in St. Paul this weekend. The High Tech Kids Minnesota FIRST Tech Challenge and Lego League Challenge will take place on Feb. 17 and Feb.18. First up are the robotics teams comprised of 6th-12th graders who build a robot that will compete in a challenge. They utilize CAD design and 3D printing to develop their robot. On Sunday, 70 teams of FIRST Lego League Challenge teams will compete to advance to the World Championships. Those teams are made up of students between 4th and 8th grade. They program autonomous LEGO robots to navigate multiple missions on a game field.
Twin Cities chef gets invite to Flavortown
After his recent appearance on the cooking competition show, Guy?s Grocery Games, Josh Thoma, owner and chef at Smack Shack, will be headed to South Beach in March for another event with Guy Fieri. At the same time, he?s prepping for a big week of food-centered holidays, from Galentine?s Day and Fat Tuesday to Valentine?s Day and the start of Lent. The restaurant has a lot of special menus planned to handle all the occasions. There are two Smack Shack locations in the Twin Cities, one in Bloomington and the other in the North Loop.
After his recent appearance on the cooking competition show, Guy?s Grocery Games, Josh Thoma, owner and chef at Smack Shack, will be headed to South Beach in March for another event with Guy Fieri. At the same time, he?s prepping for a big week of food-centered holidays, from Galentine?s Day and Fat Tuesday to Valentine?s Day and the start of Lent. The restaurant has a lot of special menus planned to handle all the occasions. There are two Smack Shack locations in the Twin Cities, one in Bloomington and the other in the North Loop.
Red Bull brings snow to St. Paul for boarding competition
Red Bull is bringing snowboarding to the grounds of the State Capitol. The Heavy Metal event is a street snowboarding event meaning riders will tackle a series of obstacles like riding the rails and hitting jumps. Organizers had to truck in snow from Buck Hill to build the course. The event will bring 30 of the best street snowboarders to St. Paul. Red Bull Heavy Metal begins at 2:30 p.m. on Saturday Feb. 10. The gates open at 2 p.m. There's an afterpart planned at McGovern's Pub. The event is free to attend.
Red Bull is bringing snowboarding to the grounds of the State Capitol. The Heavy Metal event is a street snowboarding event meaning riders will tackle a series of obstacles like riding the rails and hitting jumps. Organizers had to truck in snow from Buck Hill to build the course. The event will bring 30 of the best street snowboarders to St. Paul. Red Bull Heavy Metal begins at 2:30 p.m. on Saturday Feb. 10. The gates open at 2 p.m. There's an afterpart planned at McGovern's Pub. The event is free to attend.
Ice from canceled event re-purposed for St. Paul ice bars
A one-mile stretch of ice bars is coming to downtown St. Paul this weekend. The bars will be installed at 10 locations in the downtown and West Seventh neighborhoods. Minnesota Ice is currently carving the bars using ice from the canceled Minnesota Ice Festival. The original plan was to construct the largest ice maze in the world. The ice was delivered to TCO Stadium in December but then warm temperatures doomed the event before it started. It was called off and the ice was put into storage until now. The ice bars will be in place from Friday Feb. 9-11 and it all ties in to the Red Bull Heavy Metal event on Saturday on the steps of the Minnesota State Capitol Building. The ice bar locations include: Apostle Supper Club, Burger Moe?s, Herbie?s On The Park, Loon Cafe St. Paul, Meritage, Momento, Pillbox Tavern, Smorgie?s, Tom Reid?s Hockey City Pub and Wrestaurant at the Palace.
A one-mile stretch of ice bars is coming to downtown St. Paul this weekend. The bars will be installed at 10 locations in the downtown and West Seventh neighborhoods. Minnesota Ice is currently carving the bars using ice from the canceled Minnesota Ice Festival. The original plan was to construct the largest ice maze in the world. The ice was delivered to TCO Stadium in December but then warm temperatures doomed the event before it started. It was called off and the ice was put into storage until now. The ice bars will be in place from Friday Feb. 9-11 and it all ties in to the Red Bull Heavy Metal event on Saturday on the steps of the Minnesota State Capitol Building. The ice bar locations include: Apostle Supper Club, Burger Moe?s, Herbie?s On The Park, Loon Cafe St. Paul, Meritage, Momento, Pillbox Tavern, Smorgie?s, Tom Reid?s Hockey City Pub and Wrestaurant at the Palace.
Celebrate Lunar New Year at Midtown Global Market
The year of the dragon starts Feb. 10 and lasts until Jan. 28, 2025. To ring in the Lunar New Year, the Midtown Global Market in Minneapolis is hosting a free family event from noon to 3 p.m. on Saturday. It will open at noon with a performance by the CAAM Chinese Dance Theater. There will also be food demonstrations from Pham?s Rice Bowl owner, Trung Pham and activities for kids. The traditional lion dance will be performed by the Tay Phuong Lions at 2 p.m..
The year of the dragon starts Feb. 10 and lasts until Jan. 28, 2025. To ring in the Lunar New Year, the Midtown Global Market in Minneapolis is hosting a free family event from noon to 3 p.m. on Saturday. It will open at noon with a performance by the CAAM Chinese Dance Theater. There will also be food demonstrations from Pham?s Rice Bowl owner, Trung Pham and activities for kids. The traditional lion dance will be performed by the Tay Phuong Lions at 2 p.m..
MN dogs embrace the sport of Barn Hunt
Many dog breeds were created to hunt vermin and that?s the idea behind a sport that tests both a canine's nose and dexterity. Barn hunt is a combination of agility and scent work. Dogs and their handlers work as a team to locate rats that are safely held in aerated tubes and hidden in a maze of straw. A local business offers classes and a space to compete in time trials. For the Love of Dogs is in Mendota Heights. It is in the same facility as The Dog Tank, which offers dog diving. Barn hunt has titles and levels of increasing difficulty. The titles are recognized by the American Kennel Club. The business is located at 2415 Pilot Knob Road in Mendota Heights.
Many dog breeds were created to hunt vermin and that?s the idea behind a sport that tests both a canine's nose and dexterity. Barn hunt is a combination of agility and scent work. Dogs and their handlers work as a team to locate rats that are safely held in aerated tubes and hidden in a maze of straw. A local business offers classes and a space to compete in time trials. For the Love of Dogs is in Mendota Heights. It is in the same facility as The Dog Tank, which offers dog diving. Barn hunt has titles and levels of increasing difficulty. The titles are recognized by the American Kennel Club. The business is located at 2415 Pilot Knob Road in Mendota Heights.
Minneapolis brewery hosts beach bash after cancelling bonspiel
A Northeast Minneapolis brewery had to ditch plans for a weekend curling tournament and instead is leaning in to the spring-like weather. Socialable Cider Werks is putting on a Winter Warm Up party. It will include a two-day bags tournament, live music, food trucks, smoosh racing, slushies and sauna sessions.
A Northeast Minneapolis brewery had to ditch plans for a weekend curling tournament and instead is leaning in to the spring-like weather. Socialable Cider Werks is putting on a Winter Warm Up party. It will include a two-day bags tournament, live music, food trucks, smoosh racing, slushies and sauna sessions.
RVs fill halls of Minneapolis Convention Center
Camping had a big boost in interest during the pandemic and it?s still quite popular as families look to vacation on a budget. And for those who plan to do a lot of camping, a campsite on wheels might be in your future. This weekend the Ultimate RV Show filled the convention center with 350 RV?s in all sizes and price ranges. It?s free to attend the show. It runs through Sunday, Feb. 4. It?s open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Feb. 2-3 and from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on the Feb. 4.
Camping had a big boost in interest during the pandemic and it?s still quite popular as families look to vacation on a budget. And for those who plan to do a lot of camping, a campsite on wheels might be in your future. This weekend the Ultimate RV Show filled the convention center with 350 RV?s in all sizes and price ranges. It?s free to attend the show. It runs through Sunday, Feb. 4. It?s open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Feb. 2-3 and from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on the Feb. 4.
The Market at Malcolm Yards gets 2 new restaurants
Revival Smoked Meats and Mr. Paul?s Po? Boys and Jams are now open at the Market at Malcom Yards in Minneapolis? Prospect Park neighborhood. This is the second location for Mr. Paul?s. They will be serving up New Orleans cuisine offering a variety of Po? Boy sandwiches, gumbo, boudin balls, slushies, and mini dough-nets, a combo of donuts and beignets. This is Revival?s fourth location. At the Market they will be serving classic southern-style brisket, smoked ribs, slow-smoked pork shoulder along with smoked wings, smoked jerk chicken sandwich and a burnt-end burrito. The Market at Malcom Yards opened in 2021. It?s inside of the restored Harris Machinery Building located at 501 30th Ave. SE in Minneapolis.
Revival Smoked Meats and Mr. Paul?s Po? Boys and Jams are now open at the Market at Malcom Yards in Minneapolis? Prospect Park neighborhood. This is the second location for Mr. Paul?s. They will be serving up New Orleans cuisine offering a variety of Po? Boy sandwiches, gumbo, boudin balls, slushies, and mini dough-nets, a combo of donuts and beignets. This is Revival?s fourth location. At the Market they will be serving classic southern-style brisket, smoked ribs, slow-smoked pork shoulder along with smoked wings, smoked jerk chicken sandwich and a burnt-end burrito. The Market at Malcom Yards opened in 2021. It?s inside of the restored Harris Machinery Building located at 501 30th Ave. SE in Minneapolis.
Taylor Swift-inspired Valentine?s event at Four Seasons
Are you ready for it? The Swiftie Valentine?s event at the Four Seasons Minneapolis will include a candlelight show and dinner. It?s planned for Saturday, Feb. 10 at 7:30 p.m. The room will be decked out with pink cherry blossom trees and purple lighting. In the center of the ballroom will be a string quartet playing only Taylor Swift music while ballerinas elegantly dance around the room. There are multiple options for food including a charcuterie and a two-, three- or four-course dinner from the Four Seasons kitchen. The event is produced by Champagne Ivy Events.
Are you ready for it? The Swiftie Valentine?s event at the Four Seasons Minneapolis will include a candlelight show and dinner. It?s planned for Saturday, Feb. 10 at 7:30 p.m. The room will be decked out with pink cherry blossom trees and purple lighting. In the center of the ballroom will be a string quartet playing only Taylor Swift music while ballerinas elegantly dance around the room. There are multiple options for food including a charcuterie and a two-, three- or four-course dinner from the Four Seasons kitchen. The event is produced by Champagne Ivy Events.
Minnesota State Snow Sculpting Competition winners
Despite the lack of natural snow, the Minnesota State Snow Sculpting Competition went on as planned over the weekend. There were 18 teams of three, whittling down 8 foot blocks of snow using only hand tools. The sculptures are on display at the Minnesota State Fairgrounds through Feb. 4, but given the warm weather, they may not last that long. As of Monday morning, Jan. 29, one sculpture had already toppled.
Despite the lack of natural snow, the Minnesota State Snow Sculpting Competition went on as planned over the weekend. There were 18 teams of three, whittling down 8 foot blocks of snow using only hand tools. The sculptures are on display at the Minnesota State Fairgrounds through Feb. 4, but given the warm weather, they may not last that long. As of Monday morning, Jan. 29, one sculpture had already toppled.
Boat Show at Minneapolis Convention Center
The Minneapolis Boat Show is back for its 51st year. There are just under 600 boats packed into the Convention Center displaying everything from the innovative technology on new boats to classic and vintage boats. The show runs from Jan. 18-21. Tickets must be purchased in advance online.
The Minneapolis Boat Show is back for its 51st year. There are just under 600 boats packed into the Convention Center displaying everything from the innovative technology on new boats to classic and vintage boats. The show runs from Jan. 18-21. Tickets must be purchased in advance online.
Take the cold plunge at new wellness space; Embrace North
The hottest wellness trend of 2024 is ice cold. Cold plunging has been used in physical therapy and in the locker rooms of college and professional athletes for quite some time, but now there?s a permanent space in Northeast Minneapolis to try it. Embrace North is in the Marcy-Holmes neighborhood. It offers cold immersion tubs and saunas. The typical cycle is to begin with the sauna for 10-20 minutes followed by a 1-5 minute ice bath and do two or more rounds of that. The space is open seven days a week at 811 9th Street SE.
The hottest wellness trend of 2024 is ice cold. Cold plunging has been used in physical therapy and in the locker rooms of college and professional athletes for quite some time, but now there?s a permanent space in Northeast Minneapolis to try it. Embrace North is in the Marcy-Holmes neighborhood. It offers cold immersion tubs and saunas. The typical cycle is to begin with the sauna for 10-20 minutes followed by a 1-5 minute ice bath and do two or more rounds of that. The space is open seven days a week at 811 9th Street SE.
Move over pickleball, padel has arrived in the Twin Cities
Pickleball might be all the rage, but there?s another racquet sport that?s quietly gaining popularity in the United States. It?s called padel and it originated in Mexico. The Heights Racquet and Social Club just opened the first padel court in Mendota Heights. It?s described as a mixture of squash and tennis. The court is made of astroturf and sand and it?s smaller than a tennis court. It?s played as doubles on an enclosed court and the glass walls are in-play. The Heights will be installing two more padel courts. It also has four squash courts, pickleball courts, gym equipment, locker rooms, showers and saunas. The Heights is located just north of Interstate 494, off of Pilot Knob Road at 1415 Mendota Heights Road.
Pickleball might be all the rage, but there?s another racquet sport that?s quietly gaining popularity in the United States. It?s called padel and it originated in Mexico. The Heights Racquet and Social Club just opened the first padel court in Mendota Heights. It?s described as a mixture of squash and tennis. The court is made of astroturf and sand and it?s smaller than a tennis court. It?s played as doubles on an enclosed court and the glass walls are in-play. The Heights will be installing two more padel courts. It also has four squash courts, pickleball courts, gym equipment, locker rooms, showers and saunas. The Heights is located just north of Interstate 494, off of Pilot Knob Road at 1415 Mendota Heights Road.
Snocross race brings high-flying action to Canterbury Park
The best snocross riders in the world will be at Canterbury Park this weekend for the Pirtek Snocross National in Shakopee. More than 300 riders will be competing in 45 races scheduled over the next two days. Races begin at 11:15 a.m. on Jan. 12-13 and continue through each day with opening ceremonies at 6 p.m. There is plenty of indoor space to watch the races plus food vendors and kids activities. General admission ticketing begins at $20 for Friday and $25 Saturday. Parking is free.
The best snocross riders in the world will be at Canterbury Park this weekend for the Pirtek Snocross National in Shakopee. More than 300 riders will be competing in 45 races scheduled over the next two days. Races begin at 11:15 a.m. on Jan. 12-13 and continue through each day with opening ceremonies at 6 p.m. There is plenty of indoor space to watch the races plus food vendors and kids activities. General admission ticketing begins at $20 for Friday and $25 Saturday. Parking is free.
Pups making a splash at The Dog Tank
The weather outside might be frightful, but inside it?s perfect for a plunge. The Dog Tank in Mendota Heights is hosting a doggy polar plunge Jan. 12-14. This is a NADD (North American Diving Dogs) event meaning some of the dogs can earn a title. The Dog Tank is located at 2415 Pilot Knob Road and is open for public viewing. It?s a great way to learn about the sport of dock diving.
The weather outside might be frightful, but inside it?s perfect for a plunge. The Dog Tank in Mendota Heights is hosting a doggy polar plunge Jan. 12-14. This is a NADD (North American Diving Dogs) event meaning some of the dogs can earn a title. The Dog Tank is located at 2415 Pilot Knob Road and is open for public viewing. It?s a great way to learn about the sport of dock diving.
New brunch spot opens in Uptown
The Breakfast Club has arrived in Uptown. It’s open seven days a week at 1300 Lagoon Ave. This is the first Breakfast Club in the Twin Cities. There are three locations in Iowa. The space is lively and colorful with TV screens playing a mix of music videos from the '80s and '90s and Cocomelon (because you eat your breakfast while watching cartoons). The brunch menu is expansive and even offers starters like breakfast corn dogs and a crepe flight. You can follow along on Instagaram @TheBreakfastClubMPLS
The Breakfast Club has arrived in Uptown. It’s open seven days a week at 1300 Lagoon Ave. This is the first Breakfast Club in the Twin Cities. There are three locations in Iowa. The space is lively and colorful with TV screens playing a mix of music videos from the '80s and '90s and Cocomelon (because you eat your breakfast while watching cartoons). The brunch menu is expansive and even offers starters like breakfast corn dogs and a crepe flight. You can follow along on Instagaram @TheBreakfastClubMPLS
Soul Bowl creator opens coffee caf? in the Mill District
The founder?s of Soul Bowl are adding two new restaurants to their repertoire. They?ve taken over the former Smith and Porter space. First, they opened C.R.E.A.M. Caf?, which is an acronym for Coffee Rules Everything Around Me. The caf? serves craft coffee and coffee flights, tea and breakfast all day plus lunch options. They?re open Sunday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 428 S. 2nd St. in the Mill District of Minneapolis. In March, they?ll open a restaurant next door to C.R.E.A.M Caf? called Klassics Kitchen + Cocktail.
The founder?s of Soul Bowl are adding two new restaurants to their repertoire. They?ve taken over the former Smith and Porter space. First, they opened C.R.E.A.M. Caf?, which is an acronym for Coffee Rules Everything Around Me. The caf? serves craft coffee and coffee flights, tea and breakfast all day plus lunch options. They?re open Sunday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 428 S. 2nd St. in the Mill District of Minneapolis. In March, they?ll open a restaurant next door to C.R.E.A.M Caf? called Klassics Kitchen + Cocktail.
New art exhibit explores visual trickery in Shoreview
Local philanthropist and art collector, Gerard Cafesjian, amassed thousands of pieces of fine art over his lifetime. He had a particular interest in art that explored optical illusions. Those works are on display in the ‘Fooling the Eye’ exhibit at the Cafesjian Art Trust in Shoreview. The show will run through May 4. The museum is open Thursday through Saturday. There are three tours daily. It’s free to visit but reservations must be made ahead of time on the museums website or by calling 612-359-8991. The museum is located at 4600 Churchill St. in Shoreview.
Local philanthropist and art collector, Gerard Cafesjian, amassed thousands of pieces of fine art over his lifetime. He had a particular interest in art that explored optical illusions. Those works are on display in the ‘Fooling the Eye’ exhibit at the Cafesjian Art Trust in Shoreview. The show will run through May 4. The museum is open Thursday through Saturday. There are three tours daily. It’s free to visit but reservations must be made ahead of time on the museums website or by calling 612-359-8991. The museum is located at 4600 Churchill St. in Shoreview.