Friday, February 2
Purple Reign
What: Celebrating Prince With the NPG
When: 7–9:30 p.m.
Where: Dakota Jazz Club & Restaurant, 1010 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis
At Minneapolis’ Dakota Jazz Club, purple rain will fall to remind the out-of-state droves that one of our biggest pop stars considered Minnesota perfect real estate. The New Power Generation commemorates Prince by performing some of his best known recordings, including “Get Off,” “Cream,” and “Diamonds and Pearls.” Dubbed as “Prince’s best band ever,” NPG will recreate Minneapolis Funk just as downtown gets extra funky. Learn more.
In Bloomington for the Bowl
What: Illuminate South Loop
When: 5–10 p.m.
Where: Bloomington Central Park, 8100 33rd Ave. S., Bloomington
A scoreboard tallies points earned by those playing a game on the grounds of Bloomington Central Park below. Minnesotans and Super Bowl visitors alike vote on whether it’s “duck, duck, goose,” or “duck, duck, gray duck.” Data pulled from MSP International Airport becomes a wild art project. Beginning today, this three-day outdoor event features interactive art installations designed by artists from the state and worldwide, just off the Blue Line. Learn more.
Saturday, February 3
Brrr…It’s Chili
What: 10th Annual Chili Cook-off
When: 1–5 p.m.
Where: Northern Clay Center, 2424 E. Franklin Ave., Minneapolis
The Northern Clay Center’s annual chili cook-off gets a Super Bowl-size upgrade this year, as former NFL star of the Washington Redskins Chris Cooley sits in to showcase handmade whiskey glasses made by local artisans while guest chefs Netti Colon and James Norton act as competition judges this year. Come taste (or even play your hand) with more than 25 different chilis, plus cornbread, brownies, and wheel-throwing demonstrations. Learn more.
Nicollet Mall Daredevil
What: Polaris UpsideDowntown
When: 10 a.m.–10 p.m.
Where: 11th St. and Nicollet Ave., Minneapolis
As part of the Super Bowl LIVE extravaganza that has Nicollet Mall bustling with food trucks and a big-name showcase of local musicians, “snow athletes” also arrive to demonstrate snowmobile stunts on and across the downtown streets. It all culminates with native Minnesotan and world-record holder for snowmobile distance jumping Levi LaValle, as he flies between two ramps 100 feet apart and provides flourish with his signature backflip. Learn more.
Sunday, February 4
Hollaback Girl
What: Performance by Gwen Stefani
When: Doors open at 9 p.m., show starts at 11 p.m.
Where: Mystic Lake Center, 2400 Mystic Lake Blvd. NW, Prior Lake
With the new year, Mystic Lake has a new venue in the hotel’s recently opened performance hall. Super Bowl headliners this weekend include the Chainsmokers, Kygo, Florida Georgia Line, and, this Sunday, mid-2000s pop princess Gwen Stefani. (Unfortunately, artist Ellie Goulding had to be removed from the weekend’s lineup.) Enjoy luxury accommodations while listening to your favorite mainstream artists—and singing along. It’ll be B-A-N-A-N-A-S. Learn more.
Maxing Out on Game Day
What: LII Watch Party at Restaurant Max
When: 5 p.m.
Where: Hotel Minneapolis, 215 South 4th St., Minneapolis
Let’s face it: Making plans for the Super Bowl was stressful this year. Are you watching at home? At your favorite bar? At a friend’s party? The swanky Restaurant Max in Hotel Minneapolis, half a mile from U.S. Bank Stadium, reserves its dining space on the big day for pregame food and beverage specials, plus bottle service after 7 p.m. Six large screens, a post-game winners circle, and VIP tables are available—with reservations highly encouraged. Learn more.
