Things to do the week of 1/20

Best picks for the Family

 Top Pick: The St Paul Winter Carnival

        The Winter Carnival's first weekend is this weekend and there are so many events that it's not worth even trying to list them all, another post, another time. Briefly this weekend includes a Glow night parade, Ice sculptures in Rice Park, Summit Brewery Ice Bar, Royal Coronation, a Winter run, King Boreas Grade Parade, Roller Skating, Snow plow competitions, an orchid show, and a Disk Festival just to name a few. Check it out and enjoy the most Minnesotan of events in our fair capital, more to come on that.

      PBS Kids Writers Contest Kickoff Event is this coming Sunday at the Mall of America at 1pm. Children can met WordGirl (whoever that is), dance to live music and write and illustrate stories. Keeps the little ones busy for awhile anyways, well you can always try!

Things to do for Adults

Top Pick: Beer Dabbler, Winter Carnival

        The St Paul Winter Carnival is now in full force and The Beer Dabbler will be held this weekend on the State fairgrounds. You get a wristband and a small sample glass and gain entry to booths from over 150 different breweries, that's a lot of beer. By standing in line you may fill you glass over and over again from a choice of brews at each booth (unlimited sampling). Make sure to dress warm and get a cab, it's a pretty crazy drunken bash! There will also be live music, food trucks and a giant snowball fight! Tickets start at $35 and are $10 for a designated driver. 

Best picks for the Active

Top Pick: Art Sled Rally

       Why make a piece of Art that simply goes on a wall? Wouldn't it be better served riding it down a hill? The Art Sled Rally is happening this Saturday at Powderhorn Park at 2pm. Entry is simple, let's walk you through it just in case you're intimidated; Build a sled and show up 30 minutes prior, go down the hill on it. Oh, and you'll need to wear a helmet so no one gets barely scraped and tries to sue. If you're completely helpless there will be a building workshop on Friday prior to 3pm- 8pm at the Powderhorn Park Community Center. At least come to see the creations go down the hill, little bit more of an incline and this might be a Red Bull sponsored event. 

Best picks of the Unusual

Top Pick; Saintly City Cat Club

      Enjoy cats? Or just some of the best primo-people watching to be had? The Saintly City Cat Club Show at Roy Wilkins Auditorium is bound to bring in people from all walks of life, and their cats. Over 200 different cats from 26 breeds will be on hand to determine the best cat of the year. And Sunday at the end of the competition a king and queen will be crowned by Saint Paul Carnival Royalty. Watch the cats show their best, or just sit there and not give a damn, either way it's the strangest pick of things to do this weekend. Admittance is only $4.

     A Paranormal Pajama Party will be going on Saturday at Mounds Theatre 7pm - 12am. There will be scary movies, games, a ghost hunting class and snacks. All proceeds will go to benefit the theatre. The event is 18+ and the price is $75 and includes the activities mentioned above plus food... you have to bring your own pajamas. 

      Vilification Tennis is going down at Bryant Lake Bowl. You might recognize the name from the Minnesota Renaissance Festival since the mid 80's. The show capitalizes on insult humor that many would find very shocking, don't expect political correctness here. Friday's show centers around everything 60's. Tickets are $15 or $12 in advance. 

      American Storm is making a trip to Mystic Lake. I've not delved into much detail myself on this but imagine Thunder Down Under but with more FREEDOM! I guess that's the idea anyways, tickets are 18+ for obvious reasons.

Hockey Day Minnesota 2014

This deserves a post all it's own. So this weekend it's Hockey Day Minnesota and what does that all entail? A heck of a lot of things going on my friends. Here's a breakdown;

US Pond Hockey Championships

       Not far from the Minneapolis International Airport and the Mall of America on Lake Nokomis the US Pond Hockey Tournament will be held this weekend. Thursday night the activities will open with Youth Night from 6 pm until 8:30pm and the warming tent will close around 9 pm. The big play begins Friday and runs through Sunday, the finals for the championships. The open play level is some of the most competitive pond hockey in the country and some teams feature former NHL and College Division 1 players. There will also be a family skating rink open to the public, Famous Dave's food, a beer garden and not to mention some of the best pond hockey you can witness. Dress warmly, the tent is just the place to warm up, not to stay in!

from the 2011  US Pond Hockey Tournament

The Hockey Games

       Of course the day wouldn't be complete without the hockey games going on around the state. See the below schedule. Now I'd definitely be pushing you to go personally and watch some of these, but maybe you're too cold from Lake Nokomis and need to warm up a bit but at the very least for out to a local sports bar and catch some of the action. If you're really going to be a hermit you can watch all 16 hours of action at home as for the first time ever, the entire day will be televised nationally on Fox Sports North beginning at 9:00 am. 

Handke Pit Games

        The Handke Pit games in Elk River look especially interesting. The historic pit was created by glaciers and the pond became a natural surface for playing the game. In the 1920's the pond was drained after too many kids fell through the ice and since it's been used both for football and for ice skating. In the 1930's the warming house was erected, built entirely of stone. The games played here this weekend will have quite a historic backdrop. The VIP tickets are sold out but there are still tickets for regular seating for $25 in advance and $30 day of and you can buy them here. Bundle up warm, this is outside hockey after all.

The Hockey Day Minnesota 2014 schedule is as follows:

10:00 a.m. -- Rochester Lourdes vs. Cloquet/Esko/Carlton (boys) at Handke Pit, Elk River

1:30 p.m. -- Elk River vs. Stillwater (boys) at Handke Pit, Elk River

5:00 p.m. -- Minnesota Golden Gophers vs. Ohio State at Mariucci Arena

8:00 p.m. -- Minnesota Wild vs. Dallas Stars at Xcel Energy Center (FSNorth/PLUS only)

11:00 p.m. -- Elk River vs. Anoka (girls) at Handke Pit, Elk River (delayed broadcast) live the game is at 4:00 p.m.

    Special note: All games at Handke Pit are outdoors.

Hockey City Classic

     I didn't include The Hockey City Classic originally as it's not technically on Hockey Day, but my Mother-in-Law is right- it's Minnesotan! The Lady Gophers are taking on Minnesota State at 4:30 and then the Men's are taking on Ohio State outdoors at 8pm at TCF Bank Stadium. TCF Bank so that means outdoors and the warming house onsite will be open from 2-8 pm outside Mariucci where food and drink (non-alcoholic) will be on sale and the Women's game on TV's. 

Things to do the week of 1/13

     We are so boring lately, both in midst of studying. So unfortunately most of the events for a little bit longer here will be not personally enjoyed by us until the exams are over. So here's a list of things for you to check out if you weren't lucky enough to score Jerry Seinfeld tickets for the MLK holiday weekend.

Top Things for Families

Top Pick: Arctic Fever 2014

       There's a whole host of events going on this weekend in South Minnetonka. Arctic Fever 2014 starts off on Friday with a snow sculpture garden, free ice skating, music and free pizza. Saturday is even more packed with different events held throughout the day in Excelsior, Shorewood and Tonka Bay. On Sunday there will be a dance and a princess tea. Get out and enjoy the snow with your family in the West metro.

       Winter Fete in Bloomington starts this weekend and runs through next. Saturday will start the event with Hockey day events at Westwood and Running Parks. There will also be a bike race and demonstration on Lyndale and the Bloomington Ice Garden will open. Lots of community events to keep your kiddos busy during the time off from school.

     Stillwater Ice Cream Social will be run this Saturday from 12 - 4 pm. There will be FREE ice cream and coffee to celebrate the winter. There will also be ice skating if you remember to bring your own skates. A bonfire and live music will round out the evening. Chili can also be purchased for a nominal fee. 

       The Lake Harriet Winter Kite Festival will be held this Saturday from 12 pm - 4pm at the Lake Harriet Bandshell in Minneapolis. Kites of all sizes, colors, shapes and themes will be flown over the ice. Also there will be ice fishing, horse-drawn wagon rides, snowshoeing, music and a marshmallow roast. The admission to the event is free and it'll get the kids out and enjoying this balmy 20-30 degree weather we'll be having.

     Urban Expedition: Spain is this Sunday at the Landmark Center in St. Paul. The Landmark Center annually hosts different events throughout the year showcasing different cultures from around the world. The event will feature authentic music, dance, crafts, live animals and traditions that originate from each country showcased. This particular weekend will showcase Spain and will feature Sendero Flamenco and the Minneapolis Guitar Quartet. The program runs 1 to 3 pm and is free and open to the public. Children will receive a "passport" and a stamp for each showcase they visit.

    ZoOlympics is this weekend at Como Zoo. The event will be a kid-friendly, animal-themed version of the Olympic Games. Kids will be able to test their skills at animal-themed Olympic activity stations throughout the zoo. There will also be Zookeeper talks, small animal education stations, and hands on activities and crafts. The event will start on Saturday and runs through Sunday from 10 am through 4 pm and is free.

    

    3M Visiting Wizards Day will be this Saturday at The Works Museum in Bloomington. Activities and demonstrations will be put on the visiting 3M "Wizards". Kids will also get to make their own Super Slurper Polymer to take home and there will be 30-minute shows throughout the day. The event runs from 1 pm to 4 pm and all activities are included in the $8 admission price (free if you're a member).

    The International Motorcycle Show opens this Thursday at the Minneapolis Convention Center. The neweset bikes and accessories will be on exhibit, also there will be a custom bike competition, demo rides and more. Racer, Scott Russell will be doing a Q&A each day during the convention. Admission runs from $6 to $30 depending on your age and how many day passes you want and the convention runs through Sunday.

Picks for Adults

Top Pick: Silhouette Release Party

        The Second Annual Liftbridge Brewery Silhouette Release party is this Saturday. Silhouette, an imperial stout will be released and the party will run from 3 pm until 10 pm. You can purchase up to 4 bottles of the bourbon barrel aged drink and there will also be live music, food and of course, beer. You might want to think about a cab though as it's 10% alcohol by volume and 75 IBU. 

    Painting Class/ Beer Tasting with Surly Brewing Company will be at the Paint Pub in Maple Grove on Saturday. You know one of those classes everyone and their mom goes to where you all paint the same thing, think you're an artist and then go home and put it up on your wall like a kid on fridge. The cost of the class is $45 and will run from 7 pm - 9:15 pm.

 Picks on the Arts

    The Sixth Annual Monster Drawing Rally will be held at the Grain Belt Brewery Bottling House on Saturday from 6 until 10 pm. Over 80+ artists will be on hand throughout the night drawing monsters and if you see something you like you can buy it for $35. There will also be a cash bar and one of the best food trucks in the state, Potter's Pasties & Pies will be on site. All proceeds go to benefit Midway Contemporary Art 2014 programming. There will be drawing rounds at 6. 7 and 8 pm. 

 Picks on the Unusual Side

       Beauties Behaving Badly opens this weekend at the Gamut Gallery in Minneapolis. Artist, Kate Renee takes some classic characters and turns them on their heads. Want to see Sleeping Beauty as a raging alcoholic? Or Cookie Monster with a serious addiction? These princesses and fairy tales have some more modern, realistic endings that are not exactly happy. Believe it or not the artist received a grant to make these images, enjoy them through February 22nd. There will be an opening reception on Saturday from 7 until 11 pm and the price of admission, free!

Things to do the week of 1/6/2013

    Sorry for the delay; I've been spending some quality family time over the holidays and have been staying away from the computer. 

Things to do for the Family

    The First Winter Market of the New Year is this weekend, Saturday from 10 am until 1 pm at the Mill City Farmers Market. There will be tons of locally produced arts, crafts, vegetables, fruits, meats, cheeses and more. Also, live music and food trucks on site, BOOYA!

    The Winter Trails Day is this weekend, Saturday from 11 am until 4 pm at Fort Snelling State Park. REI representatives will be on site to show you how to try snowshoeing, go geochaching, cross country skiing, learn about skijoring and dogsledding. Equipment will be provided and a sweepstakes to win a pair of snowshoes, a large bonfire and hot cocoa. The event is free but you'll need a State Park vehicle permit which involves a $5 day permit or a $25 annual permit. Good excuse to go run around in the snow with your family.

Things to do for Adults

     Hops for Hunger II will be held at the Solar Arts Building on Saturday, January 11th from 5 pm - 8 pm. Drink unlimited samples from over 16 local breweries in an effort to raise money for supply local food-shelves. Drink and help charity, pretty easy on the mind. Breweries involved include Excelsior, Finnegans, Harriet Brewing, Indeed, Lucid, 612, Barley John's, Boom Island, Flat Earth, Pour Decisions, Bad Weather, Badger Hill, Burning Bros, Sociable Cider Werks, ENKI and Northgate. Food will be provided by Stanley's Food Truck! Tickets are $40 and can be purchased here.

Activities for Foodies

     Lesfe cooking class will be held at Ingebretsen's Scandinavian on Thursday. You're not a true Minnesotan if you don't know how to make Lefse, so in order to validate your citizenship you might want to get on this. The class costs $35 and is still open.

Activities for the Active

Top Pick: Minnesota Sportsmen's Boat, Camping & Vacation Show

    The 44th annual convention featuring boats, newest gear of hunting, fishing & camping is coming to the RiverCentre starting this Thursday. The Minnesota Sportsmen's boat, camping & vacation show runs Thursday through Sunday. For the kiddos, there will be animals, live bucks, fish, wolves, cougars, foxes and other wild animals which also shows the adults how cute the animals can be with their guts still on the inside. Ron Schara will be on hand to host the "Kids Fishing School" on Saturday and Sunday. Tickets are $9 for adults, $2.50 for children 6-12, and kids 5 & under are free.

       

     Riding Slushy: Protected Bike Lane at the Winter Market is this Saturday at the Mill City Farmers Market Center. There will be a pop-up protected bike lane which a group ride will follow to the Freewheel Midtown Bike Center and back. So come and bike outside... with a group of people... if that's your thing.

    Healthy Life Expo runs this weekend at the Minneapolis Convention Center. Up to 200 exhibitors will display the latest services, products and information regarding health and wellness. There will be free demos, seminars, door busters, and giveaways. Admission is $6 or free if you bring a food donation, extra points if you bring a super unhealthy donation. 

Things to do for the Arts

     Patrick's Cabaret presents "Winter Games" is this Saturday from 7:30 pm until 9:30 pm in Minneapolis. The Cabaret is open call to various artists featuring performance art, storytelling, music, poetry and comedy. Also the level of experience will vary, so buyer beware. Tickets are $8 in advance or $10 at the door.    

Unusual Activities for the week

Top Pick: Tattoo Arts Convention

    This weekend the Minneapolis Tattoo Arts Convention opens at the Hyatt Regency Minneapolis. The convention will feature world famous tattoo artists, burlesque dancers, sideshow performers, and various contests for the tattoo'd. Tickets run $20 a day and $40 for the entire weekend, children, if for some reason you want to bring them to this show are free under age 12. The show opens Friday at 2 pm and runs through Sunday. 

   Party in the Rec Room opens this Friday at Bryant Lake Bowl at 7:00 pm. Improv related show that doesn't have much a definition on the website, but improv right? Also margaritas! Tickets are $15 or$18 at the door. 

   Bippy's Burlesque-O-Rama also opens this Friday at Bryant Lake Bowl at 10:00 pm. Fun, experimentation, and controlled chaos is how this event is described. Burlesque on a more comedic, lighter side.