Weekend Best Bets: Feb. 4-6

Things to do this weekend around the Twin Cities: sled dogs, a winter barbecue, and more
A past competing sled dog team at the Klondike Dog Derby
A past competing sled dog team at the Klondike Dog Derby

Courtesy of Josh Hway/Dynamic Photowerks

I Scream, You Scream

What: SCREAM it off SCREEN Live Gong Show
When: Friday, Feb. 4; 8 p.m.
Where: The Parkway Theater, 4814 Chicago Ave., Minneapolis

The winner of this short film competition lies in the hands, and voices, of the audience. By yelling “gong” or “let it play” at the screen, audience members have the power to decide which of the 15 amateur filmmakers will take home a cash prize, and which will get “gonged.”

Hike with a Pro

What: Winter Hiking 101 with Ambreen Tariq
When: Saturday, Feb. 5; virtual talk 11 a.m.-12 p.m., in-person walk 2 p.m.-3 p.m.
Where: North Mississippi Regional Park;  5116 N. Mississippi Dr., Minneapolis

Ambreen Tariq, outdoorswoman, author, and founder of @BrownPeopleCamping, will talk winter hiking and share how her experiences as a Muslim, South-Asian American immigrant have shaped her love for the outdoors. Later, Tariq will lead a walk along the Mississippi River where you can put your winter hiking skills to the test. 

Fixer Upper Fun

What: Minneapolis Home + Remodeling Show
When: Friday, Feb. 4 through Sunday, Feb. 6; Friday and Saturday 10 a.m.-8 p.m., Sunday 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Where: U.S. Bank Stadium, 401 Chicago Ave., Minneapolis

Whether you’re looking for specific products or want some inspiration for your next remodel, this all-encompassing home marketplace has got you covered. There will be over 300 booths to explore, as well as guest speakers, sweepstakes, and more.

Winter at the Walker

What: Free First Saturday at the Walker Art Center
When: Saturday, Feb, 5; 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
Where: Walker Art Center, 725 Vineland Pl., Minneapolis

The Walker Art Center offers free gallery admission on the first Saturday of every month. Stop by this month’s event for a mix of fun indoor and outdoor activities, like sledding, snowshoeing, artmaking, a short film screening, and more.

Brrr-becue

What: Charlie’s on Prior Winter Beer & BBQ Fest
When: Saturday, Feb. 5; 1 p.m.-4 p.m.
Where: Charlie’s on Prior, 3950 Green Heights Tr. SW., Prior Lake

Beer, barbecue, and cigars don’t have to be reserved for warm weather. This festival will offer a taste of summertime atop the frozen lake with local craft beer, live music, barbecue samples, and a cigar tent.

Hustlin’ Huskies

What: Klondike Dog Derby
When: Saturday, Feb. 5; opening ceremony begins at 9:30 a.m.
Where: Downtown Excelsior 

Excelsior’s history of sled dog racing dates back to the 1930s, and the tradition was revived with the inaugural Klondike Dog Derby in 2020. This year, the downtown Excelsior area will host 30 sled dog teams of huskies and mushers for the race around lower Lake Minnetonka.