Look, I get it. It’s mid-January. The wind is whipping off the Mississippi like a wet towel, and the sky has been that specific shade of "fluorescent office light" for three days straight. Most people see the forecast and decide their primary activity for the weekend is going to be staring at a streaming service until their eyes glaze over.
But honestly? You’re missing the best part of living in the North.
The city doesn't actually stop; it just changes its clothes. This weekend, January 17-18, 2026, is basically the "pre-game" for the massive Great Northern festival, and there is a specific, weird energy in the air. If you aren't out on a frozen lake at least once, did you even survive a Minnesota winter?
Things to do in Minneapolis this weekend: The Ice is Actually the Venue
If you’ve never been to the Art Shanty Projects, you’re in for a treat this Saturday. It’s exactly what it sounds like, but also way more chaotic and creative.
Imagine a village of tiny, artist-designed shacks dragged out onto the ice of Lake Harriet. One might be a giant karaoke booth. Another might be a place where you can write letters to your future self. It’s free, it’s colorful, and it’s arguably the most "Minneapolis" thing you can do. The 2026 season officially kicks off this weekend (Jan 17), and the vibe is always better when the ice is fresh.
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The Art Sled Rally
While you're in the neighborhood, head over to Powderhorn Park. Usually, this is where the Art Sled Rally happens around this time. It’s essentially the Red Bull Soapbox Race, but on snow, and with 100% more cardboard and duct tape. People build these absurdly intricate sleds—think giant dragons or floating pizzas—and then pray they don't disintegrate halfway down the hill. It’s pure, unadulterated joy.
Nordic Vibes and Neon Lights
If you'd rather keep your toes at a consistent 70 degrees, you've still got options. The Minnesota Orchestra is deep into its Nordic Soundscapes festival right now.
On Saturday night (Jan 17), Thomas Søndergård is conducting Sibelius. It’s not just a concert; they’ve turned Orchestra Hall into this cozy, hygge-heavy sanctuary. Think glögg (the Swedish mulled wine that basically fuels the Twin Cities in January) and a bunch of Scandinavian nostalgia. It’s the perfect way to feel cultured without having to actually speak Swedish.
Stayin' Alive... Literally
Need something a bit more high-energy? The Pantages Theatre is hosting Stayin’ Alive, a Bee Gees tribute, on Saturday night. There is something hilariously defiant about singing "Night Fever" while it's 10 degrees outside.
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The Museum Crawl
Sometimes you just need to walk around a big, quiet building.
The Minneapolis Institute of Art (Mia) has a few things worth hitting before the February rush. They have public tours running Saturday at 1:00 pm, which is a solid "I need to get out of the house" move.
But for something more specific, check out the American Swedish Institute. Their "Tomte Tales: Legends of Winter" exhibit is still running. It’s basically a deep dive into the folklore of the tomte (the little gnomes that either protect your farm or ruin your life depending on how you treat them). The Turnblad Mansion is worth the admission price alone just to see the woodwork, but the winter legends add a nice layer of seasonal spookiness.
The Food Scene: New Openings and Old Standards
You have to eat. And since it's 2026, the Twin Cities food scene is currently obsessed with "Indigenous BBQ" and "High-end Hawaiian."
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If you're looking for something new, keep an eye on the North Loop. Ono Hawaiian Plates has been moving into a standalone spot, and the word on the street is they’re hitting their stride this month.
Where to grab a drink
- The Dakota: Always a safe bet. The Belfast Cowboys are playing Saturday night. They’re a nine-piece Van Morrison tribute band that has been a staple here for decades.
- Meteor Bar: If you want a cocktail that isn't pretentious but tastes like it should be.
- Young Joni: Still one of the hardest reservations to get, but if you go late on a Sunday, you can usually snag a spot at the back bar for a "Lady Zaza" pizza.
Why this weekend matters
Most people wait for the "Big Festivals" like the St. Paul Winter Carnival or the Great Northern (which starts Jan 28). That’s a mistake. This weekend is the sweet spot. The crowds haven't descended yet, the parking isn't a total nightmare (well, for Minneapolis), and the snow is still relatively clean.
Honestly, just get some wool socks. Get the good ones—Darn Tough or Smartwool. You'll thank me when you're standing on Lake Harriet watching a puppet show in a shanty.
Your Saturday/Sunday Action Plan
Don't overthink it. Winter paralysis is real, so just pick one from each "bucket" and go.
- Outdoor: Hit Lake Harriet for the Art Shanty Projects between 10 am and 4 pm. Wear layers. Seriously.
- Indoor: Catch the Minnesota Orchestra on Saturday night if you want to feel sophisticated, or Chris Thile at the Pantages on Sunday if you want some world-class mandolin playing.
- Food: Try the new ŠHOTÁ Indigenous BBQ if you’re near the Co-op Creamery building. It’s Sean Sherman’s (The Sioux Chef) latest project and it is phenomenal.
- Late Night: Grab a drink at The Dakota. The Belfast Cowboys are essentially a local rite of passage.
Go to the Meet Minneapolis visitor center on Nicollet if you want to grab a "Best of Winter" passport. They’ve got stamps and coupons for a bunch of local spots that run through February. It’s a cheap way to gamify your weekend.