With Lizz Instead
What: Lizz Winstead: Bang the Dumb Slowly
When: January 30, 31; 7:30 pm
Where: Turf Club, 1601 University Ave., St. Paul
After last year, when she delivered her New Year’s roast of 2020 to audience members in kayaks and around fire pits, Minneapolis-raised comedian and political satirist Lizz Winstead returns her annual “comedy purge” to its usual haunt, the Cedar Cultural Center. Read some insights from Winstead on joke curation and how we’ve changed culturally here, and check the website for tickets.
Ice, Ice Baby
What: New Year’s Eve on Ice
When: Friday, Dec. 31; 2:30-10 pm
Where: Guidant John Rose MN OVAL, 2661 Civic Center Drive, Roseville
Celebrate a cool New Year’s Eve by ice skating or playing pick-up hockey at Roseville’s gigantic ice arena. There’s face painting, a magician, a bounce house, and plenty of frozen activities for the family.
GB Leighton Live
What: New Year’s Eve with GB Leighton
When: Friday, Dec. 31; 8:30 pm
Where: DoubleTree by Hilton, 2540 Cleveland Ave., Roseville
Known for crowd-pleasing and electric live performances, Minnesota’s own Brian Leighton and his band will rock in the new year at this concert that also includes a snack buffet and Champagne toast.
Parr Party
What: Charlie Parr
When: Sunday, Jan. 2; 7:30 pm
Where: Turf Club, 1601 University Ave., St. Paul
A number of New Year’s weekend concerts and events at venues managed by First Avenue have been canceled or postponed because of surging COVID-19 cases, including The Suburbs at The Palace and First Avenue’s famous New Year’s Eve Danceteria. But Charlie Parr’s January residency at the Turf Club is still on for Sunday night and a great way to kick off the new year with some live music among friends.
Adverts on Point
What: 2021 British Arrows Awards
When: Thursday, Dec. 30 and Friday, Dec. 31 (in person); online throughout Sunday, Jan. 9
Where: Walker Art Center, 725 Vineland Place, Minneapolis (in person); streaming online
It’s the final two days to catch this perennial favorite in person—and the final few days to watch online before it closes Jan. 9. Now in its 35th year, the British Arrows Awards is a screening of the best of British advertisers from 2021, including works from directors Spike Jonze and Taika Waititi. Make this a holiday tradition by attending the Walker Cinema in person or stream as a household.
It’s Lit
What: GLOW Holiday Festival
When: Nightly Thursday, Dec. 30 through Saturday, Jan 1; 5-9 pm; timed entry
Where: Minnesota State Fairgrounds, 1265 Snelling Ave. N., St. Paul
Due to predicted below-zero temperatures this weekend, this event is closing on New Year’s Day, so it’s your last chance to get outside and explore more than 1 million lights on display at the State Fairgrounds. See the displays from above with a ride on the Sky Glider or power some lights yourself by pedaling on the Bright Bikes display. Food and drink are available for purchase.
