Best Bets: Jan. 6-12

Things to do in Minnesota this week: the Minnesota Ice Festival, a behind-the-scenes brewery tour, mocktails, and more

Family Theater

What: Leonardo! A Wonderful Show About a Terrible Monster
When: Performances Jan. 8-March 9
Where: Children’s Theatre Co., 2400 Third Ave. S., Minneapolis

Children’s Theatre Co.’s newest production kicks off Jan. 8. “Leonardo! A Wonderful Show About a Terrible Monster,” follows Leonardo’s search for the most scaredy-cat kid in the world and his quest to become a real scary monster. Brought to life by hundreds of puppets, this 45-minute show is best suited for younger audiences.

Photo by Dexter Ellis, Courtesy of Children's Theatre Co.

Painting Party

What: Sip and Paint: January 2025
When: Jan. 8, 6-9 p.m.
Where: El Burrito Mercado, 175 Cesar Chavez St., St. Paul

Get your craft on at El Burrito Mercado’s Sip and Paint event. This month’s theme is ’90s Hip-Hop and Old School, with a DJ spinning throwback jams. Tickets include painting supplies and two drinks, but come early for happy hour to eat before the event.

Behind the Brews

What: Schell’s Brewery “Into the Depths” Tour
When: Jan. 9, 4:30-6 p.m.
Where: August Schell Brewing Co., 1860 Schell’s Road, New Ulm

Get a behind-the-scenes look at Minnesota’s first craft brewery on this exclusive guided tour. Visit sites that can’t be seen on public tours, like new and historic brew houses, production areas, bottling/canning/kegging areas, Schell’s beer caves, and the original taproom. Tours are limited to 25 people, so grab your tickets now.

Photo by Jon Carter, Courtesy of New Ulm Area Chamber of Commerce

Mocktail Mixology

What: A Mindful Mixer With Lucille’s
When: Jan. 9, 6-8 p.m.
Where: lululemon Mall of America, 116 W. Market, Bloomington

Celebrate Dry January with an evening of movement, mindfulness, and NA mixology at lululemon Mall of America. After an energizing movement session, mixologist Alyssa Heim will demonstrate how to expertly craft delicious, alcohol-free cocktails. Then, sip your mocktail creation while participating in a guided connection activity with other attendees.

Ice Ice Baby

What: The Minnesota Ice Festival
When: Jan. 10 through Feb. 16
Where: TCO Stadium, 2645 Vikings Circle, Eagan

Embrace the beauty of winter at the Minnesota Ice Festival, where you can explore the world’s largest ice maze, hit the skating rink, ride down the ice slide, and enjoy refreshments at the ice bar and food trucks on site. The festival kicks off Friday, Jan. 10.

Courtesy of the Minnesota Ice Festival

Local Tunes

What: Ber at First Avenue
When: Jan. 11, 7:30 p.m.
Where: 701 N 1st Ave, Minneapolis

The Minnesota-based indie-pop artist is taking the First Avenue stage this week for her first headline show at the iconic venue. To learn more about Ber, read our recent Q&A with the artist.