20-02-2025
Twin Cities weekend guide: Minnesota Ice Swim, Winter Beer Dabbler, Monster Jam
Was this week's cold not enough for you? Take a dip in the freezing Lake Johanna this Saturday at the Minnesota Ice Swim, a brutal competition starring some of the world's best "ice swimmers."
Driving the news: The inaugural event in Arden Hills showcases world-recognized swimmers competing in 25-, 50- and 100-meter swims in a two-lane, regulation-sized "pool" cut into the ice.
While amateur slots are full, there's a plunge pool open to anyone brave enough to take a dip — plus ice bowling, an ice maze and for those who want to stay out of the water, a sauna.
Note: As of Thursday afternoon, spectators can expect balmy temperatures in the upper 20s and low 30s, per the National Weather Service.
📍 Details: 1735 Lake Johanna Boulevard, Arden Hills. Saturday from 11am-5pm. Free!
In other entertainment news ...
🐎 " Extreme horse skijoring," where teams of horses pull skiers through challenging obstacle courses, returns to Canterbury Park this weekend.
Those who prefer smaller animals can also watch dog races, including a new division with Bernese mountain dogs and Australian shepherds. One-day admission is $17, kids 5 and under free
🍺 Minnesota's biggest (and coldest) drinking festival is back. The Winter Beer Dabbler takes over the Minnesota State Fairgrounds Saturday afternoon with hundreds of beers, ciders, seltzers and more from over 100 vendors. $55 advance general admission, $60 day-of
🛍️ Shop over 100 local and national vintage vendors at this weekend's Totally Rad Vintage Fest in Minneapolis. The touring market's goods will largely be from the '80s, '90s and Y2K eras. General admission is $8 in advance, $12 at the door
🔥 Rev your engines — Monster Jam returns to U.S. Bank Stadium this weekend for an "unexpected, unscripted and unforgettable" competition featuring 12,000-pound monster trucks. Tickets start at $29.25; kids under 2 free
🧠 Be smart: Torey, who brought her 3-year-old last year, highly recommends bringing earplugs. It's loud!
🍄 Prepare for spring foraging at The Medicine of Food this Sunday, hosted by the American Indian Center in Minneapolis.
Local foraging experts will share their extensive knowledge of plants and mushrooms and teach visitors how to identify spring foraging treasures, while Indigenous chef Vernon DeFoe will prepare a wild rice, wild ramps and morel mushrooms dish. (Samples will be available.) $60
