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5 Winter Events in Minnesota You Won’t Want to Miss

Fireworks display

Minnesota might have one of the coldest winters in the country, but a puff jacket and a little positivity go a long way!

Some of Minnesota’s most popular annual events actually happen in the coldest months.

Minnesotans learn to not mind a little snow. There’s just something about getting outside and enjoying the snow that ignites a sense of community, no matter where you are in the state.

Here’s our guide to some of our favorite winter events!

The Great Northern Festival

Every winter Minneapolis and St. Paul hosts the biggest celebration of the outdoors and winter in the North Star State. Over the course of 10 days, there will be dozens of different winter-themed events happening in the Twin Cities for residents and visitors with all types of interests. For example, the Saint Paul Winter Carnival, U.S. Pond Hockey Championships, the Vulcan Victory Torchlight Parade and Luminary Loppet are just a few of the highlighted events happening this year.

Polarfest

Minnesotans love snow. The annual Polarfest, held every President’s Day weekend, aims to celebrate winter in Northern Minnesota in every possible. Attendees can ride fat tire mountain bikes through the snow on top of Detroit Lake, participate in the Poles ‘N Holes Ice Fishing Derby and slide down a 1,100 frozen tubing hill to compete in the Polarpalooza Tubing Races. There will also be an unofficially vintage snowmobile convention and the main event: the Annual Polar Fest Plunge.

Kites on Ice Festival

You will be amazed by what some people can do with a kite! At this event, hundreds gather to fly kites on the ice and enjoy some fresh air with family and friends. Kite building workshops, cornhole tournament, stunt and synchronized fliers will keep you entertained while you’re not flying. Food trucks, a beer garden, and a wine bar will help keep you warm!

Annual Winter Beer Dabbler

This is the beer festival for Minnesota’s most devout craft beer enthusiasts. Surprisingly, Minnesota’s largest outdoor beer festival is in February, where attendees brave temperatures that hover around 15 degrees to support the Minnesota beer community and get a taste of their favorite brews. Over 180 breweries and cideries are in attendance, along with 20 meat and cheese producers from across the state. If that wasn’t enough, a silent disco, live music and vendors make this event worth leaving home for.

Grumpy Old Men Festival

If nothing else, we’re betting that Minnesota is the only place on earth with a Grumpy Old Men Festival. What is it? It’s a multi-event festival made-up of the Annual Grumpy Plunge, Grumpy Ice Fishing Contest, and a costume contest that all benefit Great River Homes Inc. and the Rotary Club of Wabasha. You really need to see it to fully understand its allure.

Could you use some more fun things to do in the winter? The Twin Cities are calling! Click here to learn more about our approach to real estate!