13-03-2025
Twin Cities weekend guide: St. Patrick's Day, pond skim, board game marathon
Monday is St. Patrick's Day, but you won't have to wait until next week to celebrate — plenty of Twin Cities venues are hosting events now.
Driving the news: Many breweries will have some kind of happening, like the return of InBound BrewCo's shamrock shake and Finnegan's four-day festival with Irish beer. Or get in the "spirit" at one of two Saturday bar crawls through downtown Minneapolis. Prices vary
For a different kind of St. Paddy's Day party, "shake your shamrock" by line dancing Friday night at Forgotten Star Brewing in Northeast; lessons will be 7 to 9pm before the dance floor opens. $11
The whole family can check out St. Louis Park's ShamROC ice bowling, featuring frozen green lanes, music, food and drinks. $50 per team of four
Plus: St. Paul's long-running St. Patrick's Day Parade, held day-of, will march from Rice Park to Mears Park in downtown beginning at noon. Free
More things to do...
🚤 The Northwest Sportshow takes over the Minneapolis Convention Center through Sunday, with hundreds of exhibitors selling boats, ATVs, RVs, and outdoor gear, plus fishing seminars. $12, kids under 13 free
🎨 Get a new tattoo at the Mni Sota Akitho Festival this weekend, an Indigenous cultural festival in St. Paul with a focus on the arts and music.
Twelve Indigenous tattoo artists from around the world are offering sessions throughout the festival alongside live music and a market with 45 vendors. $35, kids under 13 free
🎉 Celebrate the festival of colors Saturday afternoon at Midtown Global Market's Holi party, presented by the Hindu Society of Minnesota. Expect music, dancing and special treats by vendor Momo Dosa. Free
🎲 Twilight Imperium fans (and other board gamers) can spend up to 14 hours Saturday immersed at the Twin Cities Board Game Marathon in Northeast Minneapolis.
Veterans and newbies are welcome, and while you can bring games, hosts 2D Con also has games to borrow. $5 entry
🌊 The Härdsmälta Pond Skim and Festival returns! Skiers and boarders will attempt to "skim" across a melting pond Sunday afternoon at Hyland Hills Ski Area in Bloomington — and costumes are encouraged. Free admission (excluding lift ticket) with three non-perishable food donations
