Weekend Best Bets: Feb. 3-5

Your weekend to-do list in the Twin Cities

Friday, February 3

Cold as Ice

What: Red Bull Crashed Ice
When: 5­–9 p.m.
Where: Cathedral of Saint Paul, 239 Selby Ave., St. Paul
An international competition in downhill ice cross skating returns to St. Paul, featuring plucky athletes hurtling down 500 meters of sheer ice for sport—a difficult winter pastime to recommend. World Champion and Minnesotan Cameron Naasz will attempt to defend his title, so come cheer him on. Learn more

Beer & Waffles

What: Loppet Beer Garden & Food Trucks
When: 5–9 p.m.
Where: Loppet Village, 3033 Excelsior Blvd., Minneapolis
”‹Loppet or leave it, there’s a lot to take in this weekend around Lake Calhoun—including speed skating, a marathon, or, if those options don’t sound like a weekend to you, a Surly Brewing beer garden and a food truck festival that includes Nordic Waffles. Learn more


Saturday, February 4

Been Known to Dabble

What: Winter Beer Dabbler
When: 2:30–6:30 p.m.
Where: Minnesota State Fairgrounds, 1265 Snelling Ave. N., St. Paul
The holidays are over, but winter is decidedly not, so why stop celebrating? Especially this Saturday, as the Winter Carnival in St. Paul puts on its huge 8th annual beer dabbler. Get your taste of craft beers, with more than 150 breweries to choose from, and stay for the live music and gourmet food. Learn more

Who’s a Good Girl?

What: Doggie Depot
When: 10 a.m.–1 p.m.
Where: Union Depot, 214 Fourth St. E., St. Paul
Probably the only place this year where you can do yoga with your dog and then watch a couple pooches get crowned king and queen half an hour before a canines-only fashion show. Bring your dog, or, if you’re looking to adopt, come with a few breeds in mind and take a look at the rescues. Learn more


Sunday, February 5

A Winter Tradition

What: Wells Fargo WinterSkate
When: 11 a.m.–9 p.m.
Where: Landmark Plaza, 5th St. & Washington St., St. Paul
It’s your last chance to skate just outside the historic Landmark Center for free, so come take in the heart of St. Paul, the European architecture, and explore the city with friends and family—and finally check ice skating off that list of winter activities this year. Learn more

Mesmerized by Mitosis

What: Cellula by Z Puppets Rosenschnoz
When: 2 p.m.
Where: In the Heart of the Beast Puppet and Mask Theatre, 1500 E. Lake St., Minneapolis
Catch the last show, described as “a bedtime story as told by biologists” and featuring glow-in-the-dark puppetry that narrates the cell science taking place inside all of us all the time. A cappella performances and an award-winning crew make this show (playing all this weekend) one hard-to-pass Sunday excursion. Learn more