February may be the shortest month, but it’s filled with great things to do. If you’re looking for events in the Twin Cities this February, be sure to check out this list of fun and exciting things to do. It’s home building and remodeling season which means the Parade of Homes is happening as well as the Home and Garden Show – so you can start your home planning now. Of course there are other great outdoor activities taking place this month, too.

Events in the Twin Cities this February

City of Lakes Loppet Festival
When: Through February 4^th, 2018
Where: Lake of the Isles
Minneapolis, MN

A cross-country ski festival for the whole family! Ski races for all ages and abilities, skijoring races, a kubb tournament, a snow sculpture competition, a youth ski carnival, sprint races, ice biking, and the quite popular Luminary Loppet, a beautiful night-time ski around Lake of the Isles, lit up with thousands of ice luminaries. Come out and enjoy winter with us!

Lake Elmo Lions Ice Fishing Contest
When: February 4^th, 2018
Where: Lake Jane
Lake Elmo, MN

The Lake Elmo Lions Club have been holding their annual ice fishing contest since 1957 when the ice is thick enough. It is held on Super Bowl Sunday, from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. on Lake Jane. You can still catch the game! Ice entry is at 9288 Lake Jane Trail North from 11:00 am Sunday.

Tickets are available for purchase at numerous Lake Elmo businesses prior to the contest for $4, with a $5 admission the day of the event.

A ticket will get individuals a hole to fish on the ice and a chance to win “a prize a minute”, as well as the grand prize drawing of $1,000 cash. Cash prizes will also be given for the three largest fish caught during contest hours. Check out & Like our Ice Fishing Contest Facebook Page

St. Paul Winter Carnival
When: Now through February 10^th, 2018
Where: Various St. Paul Locations
St. Paul, MN

Since 1886, the Saint Paul Winter Carnival has brought family-friendly events and community pride to Saint Paul and the Twin Cities metro area. Through city-wide special events, fun activities and more, the Saint Paul Festival and Heritage Foundation celebrates winter like only Minnesotans can!

The 2018 Saint Paul Winter Carnival is gearing up for another fantastic year with more than four dozen events and new attractions. Most events are FREE, open to the public, and will take place in downtown Saint Paul, near Rice Park and Landmark Center, as well as at the Minnesota State Fairgrounds. Join us January 25 – February 10, 2018 for a 17 day celebration of winter!

Minneapolis Home and Remodeling Show
When: February 16^th – 18^th, 2018
Where:  US Bank Stadium
900 S. 5^th Street
Minneapolis, MN

The Minneapolis Home + Remodeling Show will be held Friday, Feb. 16 through Sunday, Feb. 18 on the field of U.S. Bank Stadium (900 South 5th Street, Minneapolis).

The Home + Remodeling Show is sure to inspire homeowners with specific home improvement projects in mind. With remodeling, interior design and home improvement presentations scattered throughout the show and more than 250 go-to resources and vendors, this show will help with all your home and remodeling needs.

Chinese New Year Celebration
When: February 17^th and 18^th, 2018
Where: Mall of America
Rotunda, Sears Court
Mall of America
Bloomington, MN

Chinese New Year 2018 will soon be upon us! Together the Chinese and American audiences will celebrate the Chinese New Year “Year of the Dog” and share a Chinese cultural experience in an atmosphere of festive joy. The Chinese New Year Celebration will be composed of rich cultural presentation, brilliant artistic performances that will feature the Huaxing Arts Group of Minnesota and gorgeous Chinese New Year décor. We hope you can join us to celebrate the “Year of the Dog.”

Fire & Ice: A Winter Carnival Art Show
When: Now through February 18^th, 2018
Where: AZ Gallery
308 Prince Street
St. Paul, MN

Depicting the beauty of winter and the promise of spring through the themes of fire and ice, the show is organized by the St Paul Art Collective and hosted by the AZ Gallery in Saint Paul’s vibrant Lowertown community.  Works include paintings, mobiles, photography, collage, jewelry and sculpture.

Featuring over 100 works of art from local Minnesota based artists, the show runs January 11 through February 18.  There will be a special artists reception on Friday, January 26 from 5 to 9 pm.  Free refreshments and a chance to meet the artists, as well as John Kocon, the designer of this year’s Winter Carnival buttons.  He will answer your questions about the button designs and sign autographs.

Parade of Homes
When: February 24^th – March 25^th
Where: Various Twin Cities Locations

The Parade of Homes is a scattered site tour of new homes. Twice a year in the Twin Cities, builder members of the Builders Association of the Twin Cities (BATC) open hundreds of models, spec and pre-sold homes for people to tour. Details are included in a printed magazine Guidebook and online at ParadeofHomes.org.

Polar Plunge
When: February 25^th, 2018
Where: Arrowwood Resort and Conference Center
2100 Arrowwood Lane NW
Alexandria, MN

You’ve never jumped into frigid Minnesota waters in the middle of the winter? Well, we can help change that!

Each year, the Polar Plunge challenges thousands of brave jumpers at numerous locations around the state. It’s a great way for everyone—individuals, organizations and businesses—to get involved in supporting Special Olympics Minnesota. All funds raised go towards programming and events for more than 8,200 athletes statewide.

Think you have what it takes? The concept is simple: participants raise a minimum of $75 and take a dip into one of Minnesota’s frozen lakes. But the Plunges are so much more than that: They’re the kind of fun and thrilling events that you really have to experience to understand. Grab some friends, get pumped and register today!