Festival season usually evokes long humid days in grassy fields, but Minnesotans have found reason to gather and relish the outdoors even in the depths of mid-winter. We’ve assembled 11 winter events that celebrate ice, interactive art, resiliency, beer, and more.

Ice Castles

Mid-January - March (weather permitting) in New Brighton

If you’ve always wanted to inch through a narrow tube of ice, it’s time to visit the crawling tunnels within this ice mansion. Cascading icicles and professionally-carved sculptures line the path that winds through the complex. On the other side other wonders await, including an ice slide, an ice bar complete with wintry cocktails, and a specialty brownie food truck. 

3 - 6:30 p.m. (open at 2 p.m. for early access ticket holders) 1500 Old Highway 8, New Brighton, $15-$22

World Snow Sculpting Championship

January 18 - 22 in Stillwater

You have the unique opportunity to attend the Inaugural World Snow Sculpting Championship on the shores of the St. Croix River. Five days of festivities center around the art of snow carving but also include a block party, DJs, fire performers, and more. The Current’s Luke Taylor provides a more-detailed dive into the championship.

10 a.m. - 5 p.m., Lowell Park, Free

Art Shanty Projects

January 21 - February 12 on Bdé Umáŋ / Lake Harriet

A lively village of small huts, roving performers and interactive art experiences beckon visitors to Bdé Umáŋ (Lake Harriet) for another year of playful and provocative programming. The fest will unfold on the lake shore due to this year’s massive snowfall making unsafe ice conditions. Feel all the feelings as you Boogie at the Boom Box while performers dressed in elaborate climate catastrophe costumes stroll past. Find a full preview here as part of The Current’s 89 Days of Winter series.

Weekends, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., Bdé Umáŋ / Lake Harriet, Free; donation suggested.

St. Paul Winter Carnival 

January 26 – February 5 across St. Paul 

This carnival has the staple winter activities you’d expect along with plenty of non-traditional options including the following: an Orchid Show at Como Conservatory, a Vocal Interpretations competition, the coronation (and later in the week, the overthrow) of King Boreas. Find the full legend behind the 137-year-old mid-winter festival here.

Locations across St. Paul, most events free

Winter Kite Festival 

January 28 on Bdé Umáŋ / Lake Harriet

Put your eyes on the skies to watch vibrant Winter Kites made by local artists and everyday folks sail across. Sharing the ice with the Art Shanty village for a Saturday, the festival is free, as are the fireside s’mores.

12 - 4 p.m., 4135 W Lake Harriet Parkway, Minneapolis, Free

Art Sled Rally 

January 28 at Powderhorn Park

Gingerbread houses, cats, and zambonis all fly down the slopes together at the Art Sled spectacular. Bring your own creation to race or cheer on the madness from the sidelines as a spectator. 

2 p.m., 3400 15th Ave. S, Minneapolis, Free

IceBox Days

January 26-29 in International Falls

International Falls has gained national press for the winter festivities hosted in the “icebox of the nation.” Frozen turkey bowling and locally invented smoosh racing are a few of the singular games to play at this annual celebration of resiliency. 

301 2nd Ave., International Falls, Minn., Free

Ely Winter Festival

February 2-12 in Ely

What started as a humble celebration at the end of a long-distance ski race has gradually evolved into one of Northern Minnesota’s largest winter parties. A torch ceremony kicks off 10 days of activities which include: a morning beaver hat-building workshop, an ArtWalk installation in downtown Ely to spotlight local creatives, and a candlelit ski tour. New this year is the inaugural End Of The Road Film Festival to wrap up the festival.

Throughout Ely, General festival is free; class prices vary.

Midwinter Family Fun at Belwin Conservancy

February 3 in Afton

Immerse yourself in the muffled quiet of Belwin Conversatory’s snow covered prairies, woodlands and wetlands for a guided evening of stargazing. Explore the impressive education center before joining members of the Minnesota Astronomical Society to learn about the cosmos. Like any good winter event, s’mores will be provided. 

5 - 7 p.m., 1553 Stagecoach Trail S., Afton, Free

Luminary Loppet

February 18 on Lake of the Isles

Lake of the Isles undergoes a magical, lantern-lit transformation for one night every year to host the Luminary Loppet. Travel along a path lined with 1,200 luminaries and ice sculptures by foot, snowshoe, or ski. Participants and observers alike can take in the ambiance while enjoying live music, beverages, and a selection of local food trucks.

6 - 10 p.m. Lake of the Isles, Minneapolis. $20-$40.

Winter Beer Dabbler

February 25 at Minnesota State Fairgrounds

Will your beer freeze before you can drink it? That question is just part of the thrill of braving the cold for the Annual Beer Dabbler. 130-plus breweries, cideries, and seltzer crafters fill the State Fairgrounds for an afternoon of live music and sipping cold ones. An array of local food trucks and non-alcoholic options are also on-site.

3 - 6:30 p.m. (open at 2 p.m. for early access ticket holders) 1265 Snelling Ave. N., Falcon Heights. $55-$75 ($20 for designated driver tickets)

This feature is part of The Current’s 89 Days series, helping you enjoy the best of the season with weekly guides to events, entertainment, and recreation in the Twin Cities.