Carnival Kickoff
What: Saint Paul Winter Carnival
When: Jan. 23-Feb. 2
Where: St. Paul
The oldest winter festival in the United States is back for its 139th year. Enjoy traditions like ice carving and snow sculpting, the Grande Day and Vulcan Victory Torchlight parades, a jigsaw puzzle competition, and more.

Courtesy of the Saint Paul Winter Carnival
Frosty Festival
What: The Great Northern Launch Party
When: Jan. 23, 6 p.m.
Where: The Market at Malcolm Yards, 501 30th Ave. SE, Minneapolis
Kick off The Great Northern with a Minnesotan celebration at The Market at Malcolm Yards. The free event will feature food and drink from the food hall’s vendors, live music from The Current’s DJs, and a screening of Prince’s iconic “Sign O’ The Times” concert film. Plus, you can book a ticket for a special Launch Party sauna session at 5:30 or 7 p.m.
Short Films on the Big Screen
What: TCFF 2025 MN Shorts Showcase
When: Jan. 23, 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Where: Marcus West End Cinema, 1625 West End Blvd., St. Louis Park
Join Twin Cities Film Fest in celebrating Minnesota’s filmmakers at this annual showcase of short films across a variety of genres. Tickets include access to screenings, networking in the Marcus Lounge, and post-screening Q&As.
Happy Birthday, The Current
What: The Current’s 20th Anniversary Celebration
When: Jan. 24 and 25, 7:30 p.m.
Where: First Avenue, 701 First Ave. N., Minneapolis
The Current is hosting two First Avenue birthday bashes to celebrate its 20th anniversary. On Friday, Frank Black, she’s green, and DJ Jake Rudh will take the stage; On Saturday, you’ll see Beach Bunny, Bad Bad Hats, and MAKR AN ERIS.
Echoes of Life
What: Opening Reception for Echoes of Life: Paintings from the Collection
When: Jan. 24, 6-8 p.m.
Where: The Cafesjian Art Trust Museum, 4600 Churchill St., Shoreview
Get your art on with an opening reception party to celebrate this museum’s new exhibition, “Echoes of Life: Paintings from the Collection,” which captures the everyday rhythms of life. Tickets for the party are available here. You can also sign up for free reservations for the exhibition, running Jan. 24 through Sept. 6.

Courtesy of the Cafesjian Art Trust Museum
Winter Wildlife
What: Winterfest
When: Jan. 25, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Where: Minnesota Zoo, 13000 Zoo Blvd, Apple Valley
Embrace the beauty of winter at the Minnesota Zoo’s Winterfest. Enjoy drinks from a one-of-a-kind sculpted ice bar, roast marshmallows for s’mores, traverse the Northern Trail to meet the Zoo’s cold-loving animals, and more.

Courtesy of Minnesota Zoo
Year of the Snake
What: Lunar New Year Celebration
When: Jan. 25, noon-2 p.m.
Where: Midtown Global Market, 920 E. Lake St., Minneapolis
Celebrate the 2025 Lunar New Year with this free, family-friendly event at Midtown Global Market. The Market’s Central Court will feature traditional dances and music, plus crafts for kids. Stop by Pham’s Rice Bowl for a chance to win a $50 gift certificate with food purchase.