It’s almost here! The Super Bowl is happening in Minneapolis very soon!
There are SO many things happening in the Twin Cities area – both in the heart of Minneapolis and St. Paul, and throughout the entire metro area and beyond.
The official Super Bowl LIVE events in Minneapolis start January 26th but if you don’t want to head into all the busyness, there is plenty to do away from all the action.
Here’s a list I’ve compiled of events throughout the metro area starting January 26th and after:
Minneapolis
Super Bowl LIVE Presented by Verizon – January 26th – February 4th
Super Bowl LIVE presented by Verizon is the ultimate celebration of the Super Bowl.
It will open daily starting on Friday, January 26 at 4:00pm through gameday on Sunday, February 4. The event is FREE and open to the public and has something for everyone! There will be food, fun, and more.
The intention of the festival is to get visitors to spend time outdoors and enjoy the quintessential Minnesota experience (so bundle up!).
Plus there are 10 days of FREE concerts! The kids will want to be there the first night when the Verizon Up Stage at Ice Mountain will formally open with Tony Award winning icon Idina Menzel performing the song “Let It Go,” from the Disney movie Frozen.
NEW event details were just released on January 19th on the website.
Also – read about the many food options!
Built Ford Tough Sleigh Ride – January 26th – February 4th
Well these are unique! At the Built Ford Tough Sleigh Ride, sleighs pulled by Ford Trucks, the Official Truck of the NFL and Super Bowl LII, will give fans complimentary sleigh rides through downtown Minneapolis. You can register for the free sleigh rides at the sleigh stops on 8th Street (at Marquette), and 12th street (at 2nd Avenue).
‘Sota Pop – January 26th – February 4th
Near the Super Bow LIVE action, check out this interactive pop-up gallery of shareable #OnlyinMN photo ops. Curated by Explore Minnesota and created by local artists, The ‘Sota Pop demonstrates that Minnesota is more than cold, it’s cool. This experience is expected to be one of the most Instagrammable spots of the Super Bowl LII festivities. Located nearby Super Bowl LIVE attractions within steps of the Nicollet Mall light rail station.
Dates and times:
January 26, 2018 – February 1, 2018
4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
February 2, 2018 – February 3, 2018
12:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
February 4, 2018
12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Super Hats & Mittens Interactive Event – Saturday, January 27th, 9-1
Free family event sponsored by Thrivent Financial! Complimentary food, beverages, and parking until 7 p.m. with pre-registration and validation. On-site family activity like making hats and mittens from fleece, live sheep petting zoo, balloon hats and a social photo booth. Musical entertainment provided by Bunny Clogs (featuring Adam Levy from the Honeydogs). Readings and book signing by Nancy Carlson, the MN author/illustrator commissioned by Thrivent to create a new children’s book on generosity called Warmer with Hats and Mittens. AND MORE… (Note – you must register to attend!)
Super Bowl Experience Driven by Genesis – Saturday, January 27 – Saturday, February 03
It’s the NFL’s interactive theme park! Experience the NFL in Virtual Reality and much more here including:
- Free Autographs from NFL Players
- The Vince Lombardi Trophy will be there for photo opps
- NFL Flag Clinics
- Play 60 Zone for the smallest NFL fans
- The NFL Shop, the largest spot for exclusive NFL Merchandise
Tickets are $35 for adults, $25 for kids 12 and under, which you can get from Ticketmaster.
St. Paul
St. Paul Winter Carnival – January 25th – February 10th
The St. Paul Winter Carnival is a HUGE event every year in Minnesota and this year has over four dozen events plus new attractions. Most events are FREE, too! Events include Ice Palaces, Vulcan Snow Park, Parades, the Pioneer Press Treasure Hunt, and even a Cat Show!
Kids Day at the Landmark Center – January 27th, 2-5pm
Hosted by Saint Paul YMCA (and part of the St. Paul Winter Carnival festivities), Kids’ Day is filled with fun and interactive activities for kids of all ages! Blow frozen bubbles in Rice Park, watch the Grand Day Parade, participate in the Puzzle Contest and enjoy live kid-friendly entertainment in Landmark Center.
AROUND THE TWIN CITIES!
Don’t want to be in the middle of all the Minneapolis/St. Paul action but looking for family fun? Try these places and events around the metro area!
Touchdown for Toddler Tuesdays – Tuesday, January 30th, 10:00am – Noon
West Market Square, Mall of America
A football-themed morning with themed crafts, activities + treats! There will be a special character meet + greet from 10 a.m. – Noon. Free.
Ice Castles – ongoing into February, but closed February 4th
Read my review of this year’s experience in Stillwater! Plus save $2 per ticket with my discount code.TCFRUGAL18.
Bartz Snow Sculptures – Daily until February 22nd
New Brighton
Meet Diggs the Snow Lobster! Three brothers create a snow sculpture every year in front of their house and raise funds for a nonprofit. Admission is free and their address is 2777 16th Street NW, New Brighton, MN 55112.
Macy’s End Zone – February 1 – 4, 9:00am – 11:00pm
Macy’s, Mall of America
Macy’s at the Mall of America is turning into the ultimate pre-game destination! Catch their all-star lineup of exciting events including special promotions and giveaways, opportunities meet to some of football’s biggest stars and exciting pre-game festivities.
Touchdown at Ridgedale – February 2-4
Ridgedale Center, Minnetonka
Ridgedale Center is the place to be the weekend of February 2nd – 4th as random shoppers will be selected for fanfare and giveaways!
Here’s the scoop:
- Touchdown at Ridgedale to surprise and delight Ridgedale shoppers on Super Bowl weekend.
- Secret spotters will randomly surprise shoppers with fanfare (including touchdown dances, confetti, music, and horns) and gifts from various Ridgedale retailers and restaurants.
- Approximately 100 giveaways each day will include football merchandise, valuable gift cards and other gifts, totaling over $5,000.
- Plus, shoppers can stop in Fan HQ and the new 6,000 square-foot play area to receive special gifts for their children, while supplies last.
Dates and times:
· Friday, February 2nd, 1 pm to 7 pm
· Saturday, February 3rd, 11 am to 7 pm
· Sunday, February 4th, 11 am to 4 pm
Saturday, February 3rd
Twin Cities Road Crew Football Event – Saturday, February 3rd, 10:00am – Noon
Rosedale Center, Roseville
To help you get ready for the big game, the Twin Cities Road Crew will be at Rosedale Center on Saturday, February 3rd from 10 a.m. – Noon. There will be football crafts, football games, and football prizes for everyone in attendance! Show off your skills by participating in trivia or show off your creativity at the craft station. There will be music, games, and prizes the entire time, with non-stop fun for the whole family! FREE.
Frosty Fun Festival – Saturday, February 3rd, 10:00am – 2:00pm
Dodge Nature Center, St. Paul
This festival features favorite winter activities, like sledding and snowshoeing, as well as wacky games like ice bowling and ice mini-golf. Enjoy hot drinks and food around the bonfire. Early Bird Deal: $4 per person or $16 per family if you pre-register on their website before noon on February 2nd. (Free for ages 2 and under.)
Mid Winter Fest – Saturday, February 3rd, 10:00am – 2:00pm
Apple Valley (more info to come)
Don’t miss this opportunity to celebrate winter with many activities and events. Crafts, games, entertainment and much more. Watch for more details as it gets closer!
Wonders of Winter – Saturday, February 3rd, 11:00am – 3:00pm
Central Park of Maple Grove
On Saturday, February 3rd head to Central Park from 11am-3pm to enjoy outdoor activities! Enjoy snowshoeing, kicksledding, wagon rides, s’mores and more!
Super Bold Family Fest – Saturday, February 3rd, 2:00 – 5:00pm
The Shops at West End, St. Louis Park.
Music, games, dancing and prizes. We will have craft area, photos area, giveaways snacks and beverages all MN and Super Bowl themed!
Fire & Ice – Saturday, February 3rd, 3:00 – 7:00pm
Parkers Lake Park, Plymouth
Enjoy some winter fun at Parkers Lake Park at 15201 County Road 6 in Plymouth! This is a free family event with food trucks (bring cash!), an interactive DJ, fireworks, and a cardboard sled contest!
Weather permitting, activities include:
– Recycling bin races
– Hayrides
– Pony and sled-dog rides
– Miniature golf on the ice
– Snow bowling
– Box hockey
– Recreational skating
– Youth ice fishing contest
(sponsored by the Rotary Club of Plymouth)
– Snowshoeing
– Cross-country skiing
Night Trains – Saturday, February 3rd, 6:00 – 9:00pm
Twin City Model Railroad Museum, St. Paul.
Every Saturday night through February 24th from 6:00 – 9:00pm, see museum layouts in a magical way. The lights are turned down, the buildings and street lights glow warmly, setting the scene for specially lighted models of vintage passenger trains. The make believe town of Matlin is buried in a blizzard, and throughout the Museum the layouts are adorned with miniature Christmas lights and decorations.
Cost is $15 for individuals with a discount for families or groups of 4 or more. Children 4 and under are free.
Sunday, February 4th
Super Bowl All-Stars Party! – Sunday, February 4th, 5:00 – 8:00pm
The Wishing Tree Play Cafe in White Bear Lake.
A kid-friendly Super Bowl party! Kiddos enjoy play while parents can watch the game on the big screen. Cafe and coffee bar will be open. General play admission.
Do you know of any other events to add to this list? Add them in the comments or email me at twincitiesfrugalmom @ gmail.com!