Local Events
Walker Free 1st Sat
From Walker Art Center:
Bring your loved ones to the Walker for a day of art and creativity. Admission is free on the first Saturday of every month from 10 am-5 pm. Explore current exhibitions, get creative with drop-in art activities for families from 10 am-3 pm, and check out a film in the Mediatheque.
Free 1st Saturday
1st Saturdays • 10 AM–3 PM
Walker Art Center (725 Vineland Pl)
Lowry Hill Board Meeting
All Lowry Hill residents 16 and older are invited to attend our monthly Board meetings. Please email us if you’d like to speak at the meeting!
Meet at Mia: Got Hygge?
From Minneapolis Institute of Art:
Connect, create, kick back! Meet at Mia is a series of free Thursday evening events for adults. Get to know us—and each other—with live music, art making, special programs, and unique food and drink (for purchase). No registration or secret handshake required.
The winter months are peak hygge (pronounced HUE-guh) season. This Scandinavian word encourages us to tap into the cozy side of life, so we’re bringing those chill vibes to Meet at Mia. Make colorful, geometric art with Tia Keobunpheng and bring some “ahhh” to your senses with hand-crafted simmer kits. Roam Mia’s galleries to find the perfect wintery landscapes and bask in the glimmer of Norwegian silver artworks.
Create geometric artwork with Tia Keobounpheng
Make spice kits with Laura Wennstrom to bring some hygge-friendly aroma home with you
Explore “Crowning the North: Silver Treasures from Bergen, Norway”
Tour Mia’s winter-inspired art collection
Meet at Mia: Got Hygge?
Thursday, Jan. 8 • 5 – 9 PM
Minneapolis Institute of Art (2400 3rd Ave S)
Luminary & Skating Party
From South Uptown Neighborhood Association:
Come over to Bryant Square park to experience a winter wonderland featuring hundreds of luminary lanterns around the skating rink and park. Stick around to skate or enjoy hot chocolate around two fire pits. This community event is co-sponsored by Bryant Square Park and the South Uptown Neighborhood Association.
Luminary Skating Party
Saturday, Jan. 10 • 5:30–7:30 PM
Bryant Square Park (3101 Bryant Ave S)
Walker Sensory Friendly Sunday
From Walker Art Center:
Sensory Friendly Sunday is a monthly event designed for kids, teens, and adults with sensory processing differences, autism, or developmental disabilities. The galleries will be closed to the general public, allowing visitors to enjoy the museum in a calm environment, with accommodations such as quiet spaces, fidgets, and sunglasses available. Experience a selection of current exhibitions, make art, or watch a short film. All friends and family members are welcome.
Sensory Friendly Sunday
Sunday, Jan. 11 • 8 – 10 AM
Walker Art Center (725 Vineland Pl)
Family Day: Around the World
Join the MIA for a day of art and folk crafting for the whole family!
2026 Art Shanties
From Meet Minneapolis:
We’re excited to be back on the ice this winter in South Minneapolis! We look forward to welcoming grown adults and kids of all ages to play / learn / grow / laugh / smile / sing / groove / gather with us in the Art Shanty village. More details to come this winter, including a performance schedule, village map, and information on visiting.
2026 Art Shanties
Saturday–Sunday, Jan. 17 – Feb. 8 • 10 AM – 4 PM
Lake Harriet
Lowry Hill Service Saturdays
Calling all walkers! This is a great way to promote neighborhood safety by using our collective eyes and ears on the street.
Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration
From Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board:
Annual tributes to Dr. King’s life and legacy take place at several park locations throughout the day, including an evening celebration at the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Recreation Center with speakers, live entertainment and the presentation of the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board’s Living the Dream award. Click here for details on events happening at other locations.
Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration
Monday, Jan. 19 • 6:30 – 8 PM
Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Park: 4055 Nicollet Ave S
St. Paul Winter Carnival
From Meet Minneapolis:
The Saint Paul Festival and Heritage Foundation’s 139th Saint Paul Winter Carnival will run for 10 days – all day on weekends and evenings during the week. The festival will attract 250,000+ people from Saint Paul and beyond to celebrate winter in Minnesota. Landmark Center, located in the heart of downtown Saint Paul, the Minnesota State Fairgrounds, and businesses throughout the city will be venues for event festivities, which include ice carving competitions, family-friendly artistic and educational activities, and much more!
St. Paul Winter Carnival
Thursday, Jan. 22 – Sunday, Feb. 1
Times & Locations Vary
2026 Art Shanties
From Meet Minneapolis:
We’re excited to be back on the ice this winter in South Minneapolis! We look forward to welcoming grown adults and kids of all ages to play / learn / grow / laugh / smile / sing / groove / gather with us in the Art Shanty village. More details to come this winter, including a performance schedule, village map, and information on visiting.
2026 Art Shanties
Saturday–Sunday, Jan. 17 – Feb. 8 • 10 AM – 4 PM
Lake Harriet
Lake Harriet Kite Festival
From Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board:
The Winter Kite Festival is a beautiful festival that fills the sky with colorful kites, offers winter activities for all, delicious local food trucks and free s’mores by the fire to warm up throughout the day.
Lake Harriet Kite Festival
Saturday, Jan. 24 • 12–4 PM
Lake Harriet
The Great Northern Festival
From Meet Minneapolis:
The Great Northern's annual winter festival invites people to change their perspective on the coldest months of the year. The five-day festival includes world premiere performances, food events, art, panels and speakers, films, regional craft, commissioned writing, storytelling, and outdoor activations - including the wildly popular Sauna Village.
The Great Northern Festival
Saturday–Sunday, Jan. 28–Feb. 1
Multiple Locations
Neighborhood Safety Meeting
The Kenwood, Lowry Hill, East Isles and Cedar-Isles-Dean Neighborhood Associations are holding a public safety gathering. The objective of the meeting is to hear updates from the City and MPD on improvements in safety in our neighborhoods and area. Speakers TBA.
Neighorhood Safety Meeting
Thursday, Jan. 29 • 6:30 PM check-in, 7 PM meeting
Lake of the Isles Lutheran Church (2020 W Lake of the Isles Pkwy)
Want to stay updated on Community Safety news and ways to get involved? Join the email list!
Loppet Winter Festival
From Meet Minneapolis:
The City of Lakes Loppet Winter Festival is a two-day festival that includes the Luminary Loppet, which is the most magical night of winter; a variety of point-to-point Cross-Country Ski, Fat-Tire Bike, Skijor, and Snowshoe events, both competitive races and recreational touring events through Theodore Wirth Park; and a number of unique events, such as the Captain Ken's Kubb Tournament – plus much more.
City of Lakes: Loppet Winter Festival
Saturday–Sunday, Jan. 31–Feb. 1
Multiple Locations
2026 Art Shanties
From Meet Minneapolis:
We’re excited to be back on the ice this winter in South Minneapolis! We look forward to welcoming grown adults and kids of all ages to play / learn / grow / laugh / smile / sing / groove / gather with us in the Art Shanty village. More details to come this winter, including a performance schedule, village map, and information on visiting.
2026 Art Shanties
Saturday–Sunday, Jan. 17 – Feb. 8 • 10 AM – 4 PM
Lake Harriet
Powderhorn Art Sled Rally
From Powderhorn Art Sled Rally:
The Art Sled Rally is put on by neighborhood artists and residents in coordination with Adventures in Cardboard, the incredible staff at Powderthorn Park, local community organizations and business sponsors who all want to enrich the spirit of community life in Powderhorn through free public events with a focus on artistic expression and out-of-the-ordinary spectacle.
Powderhorn Art Sled Rally
Saturday, Jan. 31 • 2–3 PM
Powderhorn Park (E 33rd St & 10th Ave S)
Lowry Hill Board Meeting
All Lowry Hill residents 16 and older are invited to attend our monthly Board meetings. Please email us if you’d like to speak at the meeting!
Walker Free 1st Sat
From Walker Art Center:
Bring your loved ones to the Walker for a day of art and creativity. Admission is free on the first Saturday of every month from 10 am-5 pm. Explore current exhibitions, get creative with drop-in art activities for families from 10 am-3 pm, and check out a film in the Mediatheque.
Free 1st Saturday
1st Saturdays • 10 AM–3 PM
Walker Art Center (725 Vineland Pl)
2026 Art Shanties
From Meet Minneapolis:
We’re excited to be back on the ice this winter in South Minneapolis! We look forward to welcoming grown adults and kids of all ages to play / learn / grow / laugh / smile / sing / groove / gather with us in the Art Shanty village. More details to come this winter, including a performance schedule, village map, and information on visiting.
2026 Art Shanties
Saturday–Sunday, Jan. 17 – Feb. 8 • 10 AM – 4 PM
Lake Harriet
Luminary Loppet
From Meet Minneapolis:
The candlelit Luminary Loppet is the Twin Cities’ most magical event of the season. Come out to Lake of the Isles and enjoy the Luminary Loppet where you can walk, snowshoe, or ski on the candlelit trail winding across the lake. Experience 1,200 luminaries lining the trail with unique ice features and much more – all in the heart of Uptown. Refreshments such as hot chocolate will be offered at tents across the lake. Food trucks, beer, and music are located at the Luminary Party.
Luminary Loppet
Saturday, Feb. 7 • 6–10 PM
Lake of the Isles
Walker Sensory Friendly Sunday
From Walker Art Center:
Sensory Friendly Sunday is a monthly event designed for kids, teens, and adults with sensory processing differences, autism, or developmental disabilities. The galleries will be closed to the general public, allowing visitors to enjoy the museum in a calm environment, with accommodations such as quiet spaces, fidgets, and sunglasses available. Experience a selection of current exhibitions, make art, or watch a short film. All friends and family members are welcome.
Sensory Friendly Sunday
Sunday, Feb. 8 • 8 – 10 AM
Walker Art Center (725 Vineland Pl)
Family Day: Reflections
Join the MIA for a day of art and folk crafting for the whole family!
Lowry Hill Service Saturdays
Calling all walkers! This is a great way to connect with neighbors in service of bettering Lowry Hill.
2026 Winter Beer Dabbler
From Meet Minneapolis:
The Midwest’s biggest and best winter beer festival will make its triumphant return to the Minnesota State Fairgrounds. We’re beyond excited to welcome you all back to the Mighty Midway to sample great beer from breweries all over the United States while enjoying music, food trucks, and other thrilling attractions.
2026 Winter Beer Dabbler
Saturday, Feb. 21 • 3–6:30 PM (early access 2 PM)
MN State Fairgrounds
Lowry Hill Board Meeting
All Lowry Hill residents 16 and older are invited to attend our monthly Board meetings. Please email us if you’d like to speak at the meeting!
Walker Free 1st Sat
From Walker Art Center:
Bring your loved ones to the Walker for a day of art and creativity. Admission is free on the first Saturday of every month from 10 am-5 pm. Explore current exhibitions, get creative with drop-in art activities for families from 10 am-3 pm, and check out a film in the Mediatheque.
Free 1st Saturday
1st Saturdays • 10 AM–3 PM
Walker Art Center (725 Vineland Pl)
Family Day: Dragons & Monsters
Join the MIA for a day of art and folk crafting for the whole family!
Lowry Hill Service Saturdays
Calling all walkers! This is a great way to connect with neighbors in service of bettering Lowry Hill.
Walker Free 1st Sat
From Walker Art Center:
Bring your loved ones to the Walker for a day of art and creativity. Admission is free on the first Saturday of every month from 10 am-5 pm. Explore current exhibitions, get creative with drop-in art activities for families from 10 am-3 pm, and check out a film in the Mediatheque.
Free 1st Saturday
1st Saturdays • 10 AM–3 PM
Walker Art Center (725 Vineland Pl)
Lowry Hill Board Meeting
All Lowry Hill residents 16 and older are invited to attend our monthly Board meetings. Please email us if you’d like to speak at the meeting!
Family Day: Kids in Bloom
Join the MIA for a day of art and folk crafting for the whole family!
Lowry Hill Service Saturdays
Calling all walkers! This is a great way to connect with neighbors in service of bettering Lowry Hill.
Lowry Hill Board Meeting
All Lowry Hill residents 16 and older are invited to attend our monthly Board meetings. Please email us if you’d like to speak at the meeting!
Lowry Hill Service Saturdays
Calling all walkers! This is a great way to connect with neighbors in service of bettering Lowry Hill.
Lowry Hill Board Meeting
All Lowry Hill residents 16 and older are invited to attend our monthly Board meetings. Please email us if you’d like to speak at the meeting!
Lowry Hill Service Saturdays
Calling all walkers! This is a great way to connect with neighbors in service of bettering Lowry Hill.
Lowry Hill Service Saturdays
Calling all walkers! This is a great way to connect with neighbors in service of bettering Lowry Hill.
Lowry Hill Service Saturdays
Calling all walkers! This is a great way to connect with neighbors in service of bettering Lowry Hill.
Lowry Hill Service Saturdays
Calling all walkers! This is a great way to connect with neighbors in service of bettering Lowry Hill.
Lowry Hill Service Saturdays
Calling all walkers! This is a great way to connect with neighbors in service of bettering Lowry Hill.
Lowry Hill Service Saturdays
Calling all walkers! This is a great way to connect with neighbors in service of bettering Lowry Hill.
Lowry Hill Service Saturdays
Calling all walkers! This is a great way to connect with neighbors in service of bettering Lowry Hill.
Kenwood Safety Walk & Cleanup
Join your neighbors in Kenwood for a safety walk and cleanup!
Christmas Family Fun Day
Christmas Family Fun Day
Saturday, Dec. 20 • 10:30 AM – 3:30 PM
Midtown Global Market
Nicollet Island Last Chance Market
From Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board:
Looking for those last perfect holiday gifts? The Nicollet Island Last Chance Market is here to save the season! Join us inside the historic Nicollet Island Pavilion for a cozy, one-day indoor market featuring 50 incredible local vendors—makers, artists, and small businesses offering gifts for partners, pets, friends, neighbors, and everyone in between.
• 50 booths filled with handmade goods + local favorites
• Live music throughout the day
• Onsite gift wrapping so your finds can go straight to the party—or under the tree
• A festive, warm, and welcoming holiday atmosphere
• Free to attend + free parking
This is your chance to finish your holiday shopping in one beautiful place—while supporting local businesses and enjoying a little seasonal magic along the way.
Nicollet Island Winter Market
Saturday, Dec. 20 • 10 AM–4 PM
Nicollet Island Pavilion (40 Power St)
Lowry Hill Service Saturdays
Calling all walkers! This is a great way to connect with neighbors in service of bettering Lowry Hill.
ASI Winter Solstice
From the American Swedish Institute (ASI):
Mark the shortest day and longest night of the year at ASI with ASI’s popular Winter Solstice Celebration. Since pagan days, solstice has traditionally meant the “year as reborn,” with ancient (and modern) Scandinavians fusing it into the longer “Jul” or Yule season. ASI celebrates this powerful seasonal juncture with fun, festivity, and performance.
Winter Solstice
Friday, Dec. 19 • 5–9 PM
American Swedish Institute (2600 Park Ave)
Linden Hills Holiday Wine & Stroll
From Linden Hills Neighborhood Council:
Please consider making a blood donation at this upcoming blood drive. The need for blood is constant and only volunteer donors can fulfill that need for patients in our community. Nationwide, someone needs a unit of blood every 2 to 3 seconds and most of us will need blood in our lifetime. Thank you for supporting our partnership with the American Red Cross blood program!
Linden Hills Holiday Wine & Stroll
Thursday, Dec. 18 • 5 – 8 PM
Linden Hills
Family Day: Celebrate
Join the MIA for a day of art and folk crafting for the whole family!
Walker Sensory Friendly Sunday
From Walker Art Center:
Sensory Friendly Sunday is a monthly event designed for kids, teens, and adults with sensory processing differences, autism, or developmental disabilities. The galleries will be closed to the general public, allowing visitors to enjoy the museum in a calm environment, with accommodations such as quiet spaces, fidgets, and sunglasses available. Experience a selection of current exhibitions, make art, or watch a short film. All friends and family members are welcome.
Sensory Friendly Sunday
Sunday, Dec. 14 • 8 – 10 AM
Walker Art Center (725 Vineland Pl)
Black Forest Christmas Market
From Black Forest Inn:
Join Black Forest Inn during the second weekend of December for a cozy Christmas Market in the banquet space. They'll have vendors selling assorted handmade and collected items, all sure to delight. You'll find affordable treasures for everyone on your list!
Black Forest Inn Christmas Market
Saturday, Dec. 13 • 12–7 PM
Sunday, Dec. 14 • 12–5 PM
Black Forest Inn: 1 East 26th St
RedHot Art Market
From Chicago Ave Fire Arts Center:
Join us at the Chicago Avenue Fire Arts Center (CAFAC),3749 Chicago Avenue, for a day filled with creativity, community, and craft.
We are so excited to present you with our 10th Annual RedHot Art Market, a celebration of talented makers and incredible art! From 11 AM to 5 PM (with an exclusive Fuelers’ Preview Hour from 10–11 AM), both buildings will be transformed into a vibrant marketplace featuring the work of 40 phenomenal local artists and makers.
Expect a stunning array of handcrafted treasures: from molten metalwork and delicate ceramics to imaginative prints, jewelry, textiles, and more. Each piece is a story, a spark, a perfect find for your gift-giving season (or your own collection).
And to top it off, 30% of all sales go directly to CAFAC’s Scholarship Fund, helping fuel the next generation of fire arts and community creators.
Come for the art. Stay for the fire. Leave inspired.
10th Annual RedHot Art Market
Saturday, Dec. 13 • 11 AM–5 PM
Chicago Ave Fire Arts Center: 3749 Chicago Ave
Nicollet Island Winter Market
From Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board:
Tap into the season at the Nicollet Island Winter Market—two festive days of holiday shopping, handmade goods, and winter magic, all indoors at Nicollet Island Pavilion!
Experience:
Unique, handcrafted gifts from local artisans
One-of-a-kind art, crafts, and packaged treats
Cozy shopping in a heated, historic venue
A perfect stop for holiday gifts and seasonal inspiration
Admission is free and family-friendly! Vendor registration opens August 1. Interested in vending? Learn more at minneapolisparks.org/activities-events/park-markets/
Nicollet Island Winter Market
Saturday, Dec. 13 • 10 AM–4 PM
Sunday, Dec. 14 • 10 AM–4 PM
Nicollet Island Pavilion (40 Power St)
Gingerbread House Making
From Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board:
Decorate your own house with frosting and a variety of candy. Bring your creativity, your sweet tooth, and holiday cheer for this annual family tradition.
Gingerbread House Making
Friday, Dec. 12 • 6–7:30 PM
Bryant Square Park Rec Center: 3101 Bryant Ave S
Pop Up Dance Party
From Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board:
You read the title correct. Bryant Square is so excited to host a "POP UP DANCE PARTY" event series in 2025! We provide the DJ and the space; all you need to bring is your energy and your best (or worst) dance moves. All ages are welcome!
Pop Up Dance Party
2nd Wed. monthly • 6:30–8 PM
Bryant Square Park Rec Center (3101 Bryant Ave S)
Queer Book Club
From Hennepin Co. Library:
Join our discussion of new and interesting books written by queer authors or on queer topics – LGBTQIA+ centered program. Bring along your book recommendations for future meetings. Hosted by Lynn from East Lake Library and Sara from Ridgedale Library, this book club will meet the second Tuesday of each month.
The link to the live online discussion will be emailed to registrants in advance (within 48 hours of the event).
Sept. 9 Canto Contigo by Jonny Garza Villa
Oct. 14 Someone You Can Build a Nest In by John Wiswell
Nov. 11 No meeting - The library will be closed for Veteran’s Day
Nov. 12 Pretty by KB (Brookins)
Dec. 9 To Shape a Dragon’s Breath by Moniquill Blackgoose
eBooks or downloadable audiobooks are available through www.hclib.org. Physical copies are available to check out at East Lake and Ridgedale libraries.
Queer Book Club
2nd Tuesdays monthly • 6:30–7:30 PM
Online