Free Winter Fun in the Cities
2024 Art Shanty Projects (CANCELED)
Sat–Sun, Jan. 20 – Feb. 11, 10 AM – 4 PM
Lake Harriet (4135 W Lake Harriet Pkwy)
Since 2004, artists have been building shanties and creating interactive experiences for winter adventurers, sharing joy through the extreme winter sport of artmaking.
St. Paul Winter Carnival
Thursday, Jan. 25 – Feb. 3
The 138th St. Paul Winter Carnival will attract 100,000+ people to celebrate winter in Minnesota. Various locations will host festivities, which include ice carving competitions, family-friendly artistic and educational activities, and much more!
Meet at Mia: Open Studios
Thursday, Jan. 25 • 5:30 – 8:30 PM
Minneapolis Inst. of Art (2400 3rd Ave S)
Drop into open studios and create your own art inspired by something in Mia’s collection, a special exhibition, or just the changing seasons! No art experience necessary; all materials provided.
Fire & Ice Family Skate Night
Friday, Jan. 26 • 5:30 – 7:30 PM
Linden Hills Park (3100 W 43rd S)
Grab your mittens and hat for this outdoor neighborhood celebration. Enjoy a night with your family and friends skating or keep warm with hot chocolate and bonfire. No registration required, just come on down!
Lake Harriet Kite Festival
Saturday, Jan. 27, 12 – 4 PM
Lake Harriet (4135 W Lake Harriet Pkwy)
A beautiful event that fills the sky with colorful kites, offers winter activities, delicious local food and free s’mores by the fire to warm up.
Powderhorn Art Sled Rally
Saturday, Jan. 27, 2 – 3 PM
Powderhorn Park (E 33rd St & 10 Ave S)
Residents create sleds with artistic flair, dress in costume, then plunge down the sled hill to the cheers of watchers. Put on by artists and residents with collaborating many orgs, whose aim is to enrich community spirit through free events focusing on artistic expression and out-of-the-ordinary spectacle.
Luminary & Skating Party (CANCELED)
Saturday, Jan. 27 • 5–7 PM
Bryant Sq. Park (3101 Bryant Ave S)
Bryant Square will once again sparkle with hundreds of luminary lanterns in a winter wonderland of snow, ice and lights. Bring your skates to experience the magic of skating under the stars and surrounded by luminaries.
Free First Saturday: Festival of Snow
Saturday, Feb. 3 • 10 AM–3 PM
Walker Art Center (725 Vineland Pl)
Celebrate the season of snow with wintry outdoor activities and cozy indoor fun. Inspired by the 1970 artist-initiated “First Festival of Snow," this iteration will feature outdoor snow sculptures riffing on iconic artworks and wintry fun for all.
Family Days at Mia
Sunday, Feb. 11 • 10 AM – 5 PM
Minneapolis Art Inst. (2400 3rd Ave S)
Join free monthly events for families, kids, and the young at heart. Second Sunday monthly, Mia is filled with hands-on art activities, storytelling, artist demos, gallery hunts, self-guided tours and more — all inspired by Mia’s incredible collection.