Community Reporter

Vulcan Snow Park and the State Snow Sculpting Competition
2025-01-24 - 2025-02-02 | Minnesota State Fairgrounds
January 24–February 2. Minnesota State Fairgrounds. Free.
Organized by the St. Paul Winter Carnival Vulcans, the State Fairgrounds will be full of family fun activities, including a snow maze. The Minnesota State Snow Sculpting Competition kicks off on Friday, Jan. 24 and sculpting culminates with the awards announcement on Vulcan Fun Day – Sunday, Jan. 26. More info at wintercarnival.com.

The Great Northern Ice Bar
2025-01-24 16:00 - 2025-02-01 21:00 (America/Chicago) | Union Depot
January 24-February 1. Union Depot. Free with drinks available for purchase.
The Great Northern and Minnesota Ice are teaming up to bring you a 50-foot bespoke ice bar. Steady Pour will curate a menu with specialty drinks from Minneapolis and St. Paul mixologists, breweries and distilleries. Located right outside Union Depot in downtown St. Paul, the Great Northern Ice Bar is your go-to spot this winter for gathering, mingling and trying some seriously unique cocktails (plus great nonalcoholic options!). Grab your friends, bundle up, and come experience the magic of Minnesota’s drink scene! Learn more at thegreatnorthernfestival.com/2025/ice-bar.

2025 Winter Flower Show at the Como Conservatory
2025-01-25 08:00 - 2025-03-16 17:00 | Como Zoo Conservatory
Through March 16, 10:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. Free (suggested donation).
Como’s five seasonal flower shows are always free to visitors, thanks to generous contributions to Como Friends. Following recent construction at the Sunken Garden, there are new accessible ramps available for public use!
The Winter Flower Show is open daily from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. through March 16. More at comozooconservatory.org/como/sunken-garden-2.

Svíčková Dinner
2025-01-25 16:30 - 19:00 | C.S.P.S. Hall
January 25, doors open 4:30 p.m. C.S.P.S. Hall. $30.
Beef in cream sauce with bread dumplings, coffee, and dessert. Bar: beer, wine, soft drinks. $30 per person. Pre-paid reservations by Friday, January 17th online or by texting or calling 651-210-0401, or by mailing a check (by January 3rd) to: 383 Michigan Street at West 7th, St. Paul, MN 55102
Register and learn more at sokolmn.org/all-events.

The Root Beer Lady
2025-01-25 19:00 - 2025-02-23 21:30 | History Theatre
January 25-February 23. History Theatre. $59-$69.
The Root Beer Lady tells the story of the indomitable Dorothy Molter, the last legal non-indigenous resident of the Boundary Waters. The story reflects the beauty and hardships of Molter’s solitary yet satisfying life beginning in 1934. The play, funny and passionate, explores her independence, fortitude, and love of nature. Molter pushes back against the premise that her time in the North Woods made her the “Loneliest Woman in America,” as the  Saturday Evening Post  claimed in 1952. Back by popular demand, Dorothy’s story will delight all, young and old. Tickets and more at historytheatre.com/2024-2025/root-beer-lady.

Music Under Glass
2025-01-29 16:30 - 18:30 | Como Zoo Conservatory
Select Sundays and Wednesdays, January 12-February 12, 4:30-6:30, Como Zoo Conservatory. Free.
Music Under Glass offers a unique experience of wandering through the tropical gardens at dusk, providing a warm escape from the winter cold while enjoying live performances by local musicians. These free concerts take place in the Sunken Garden, where, due to fire code regulations, seating is not provided. However, the music is simulcast into other areas of the gardens where additional seating is available. While the zoo closes at 4:00 p.m., the Conservatory remains open for guests to enjoy the concert. Beer and wine are available for purchase to enhance the evening experience.
Upcoming dates:
January 29 – Jeff Ray with Mikkel Beckmen
February 2 – Switchgrass
February 5 – Sarah Morris + Matthew French
February 12 – Roots-rock singer-songwriter Mary Cutrufello
For more information, visit comozooconservatory.org/mug2025.

‘Til Death
2025-01-31 19:00 - 2025-02-15 21:30 | Art House North Theater
January 31-February 15. Art House North Theater. $20-$50.
Bucket Brigade’s ’Til Death and St. Paul— a match made in West 7th heaven! Bucket Brigade’s hit musical comedy, ’Til Death, in its 13th season at Art House North in St. Paul, uniquely celebrates lasting love by having real-life married couples play married couples onstage. Over the years, the same three couples have returned to the roles: ’Til Death co-creators and Bucket Brigade co-founders Jeremiah & Vanessa Gamble, Nathan & Stephanie Cousins who originated the roles of quirky newlyweds Leslie and Freddie, and Anna & Damian Leverett who return to the show for their 8th consecutive season. All three couples love performing side-by-side with their spouse, and have found that they’ve fallen in love with the charming West 7th Saint Paul neighborhood. Nine performances January 31st-February 15th. Tickets and more info at bucketbrigadetheater.com.

Red Bull Heavy Metal
2025-02-01 | Minnesota State Capitol
February 1, Minnesota State Capitol. Free.
Red Bull Heavy Metal is a single-day snowboarding contest featuring the most progressive rail riding in the world. Some of the world’s best riders will return to St. Paul, Minnesota for a legendary showcase of the grit, creativity and raw energy that defines street snowboarding. The contest will feature three differentiated competition zones, each highlighting different aspects of street snowboarding. Riders will tackle custom-designed rails, gaps, and creative features that will challenge even the most experienced snowboarders. Red Bull Heavy Metal is free and open to the public to spectate.
Learn more at redbull.com/us-en/events/red-bull-heavy-metal-saint-paul.

Doggie Depot
2025-02-01 10:00 - 15:00 | Union Depot
February 1, 10 a.m.–3 p.m. Union Depot. Free.
Union Depot is going to the dogs! Start the day with a doga session (dog yoga) taught by Studio 9-to-5 at 9AM. The main event kicks off on Saturday, February 1 at 10 AM. Shop local pet vendors in the Waiting Room and celebrate the grand crowning ceremony of the 2025 St. Paul Winter Carnival Canine King & Queen with the St. Paul Winter Carnival Royal Family. Follow Union Depot on social media for highlights of local vendors, rescues, dog products and adoptable pups. Learn more at uniondepot.org/doggiedepot.

Mayor’s Cup Hockey Game
2025-02-01 11:00 - 14:00 | TRIA Rink
February 1, 11:00 a.m. TRIA Rink. Free.
Mayor Carter and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey will serve as honorary captains of their respective city’s team. Honorary coaches will be Minnesota natives and World Junior Hockey alumni Neal Broten and Jordan Leopold.
The Mayor’s Cup will be held at TRIA Rink, 400 Wabasha Street North, beginning at 11 a.m. The event will feature on-ice challenges, live interviews with World Junior alumni and in-game commentary. It is part of a series of pre-tournament exhibition games across the state, culminating in the international championship later this year. Learn more wintercarnival.com/event/mayors-cup.

Vulcan Victory Torchlight Parade
2025-02-01 17:00 - 21:00 | Downtown St. Paul
February 1. 5:30 p.m. Downtown St. Paul. Free.
Vulcanus Rex and his Krewe will bring the heat and light up the streets of downtown St. Paul at the Vulcan Victory Torchlight Parade. This evening parade starts at 5:30 p.m. beginning at Smith on West 7th and then makes its way to Rice Park. Afterwards, follow the 2025 Krewe to the library steps for the ever-dramatic Overthrow of Boreas on the steps of the Saint Paul Library culminating in a fireworks show. More info at wintercarnival.com.

Dragobete
2025-02-02 13:00 - 15:00 | Landmark Center
Sundays in February, 1:00-3:00 p.m. Landmark Center. Free.
Among other celebrations, February is the month of Lupercalia, the holiday of purification in the Roman tradition, where St. Valentine has its origins. Visit us every Sunday 1-3 pm in February to learn about Dragobete, the Romanian version of Valentine’s Day. More info at hora-mn.org/2024/12/12/dragobete.

Music Under Glass
2025-02-02 16:30 - 18:30, 2025-02-05 16:30 - 18:30, 2025-02-12 16:30 - 18:30 | Como Zoo Conservatory
Select Sundays and Wednesdays through February 12, 4:30-6:30, Como Zoo Conservatory. Free.
Music Under Glass offers a unique experience of wandering through the tropical gardens at dusk, providing a warm escape from the winter cold while enjoying live performances by local musicians. These free concerts take place in the Sunken Garden, where, due to fire code regulations, seating is not provided. However, the music is simulcast into other areas of the gardens where additional seating is available. While the zoo closes at 4:00 p.m., the Conservatory remains open for guests to enjoy the concert. Beer and wine are available for purchase to enhance the evening experience.
Upcoming dates:
February 2 – Switchgrass
February 5 – Sarah Morris + Matthew French
February 12 – Roots-rock singer-songwriter Mary Cutrufello
For more information, visit comozooconservatory.org/mug2025.

Osborn Plaza Improvements - Open House #2
2025-02-03 16:00 - 18:00 | 370 Osborn Building
February 3, 4:00-6:00 p.m. Osborn370 Building.
The City of St. Paul Parks and Recreation Department is seeking feedback on a preferred concept for Osborn Plaza (376 Wabasha St. N, Ward 2, District 17).
A second open house will be held on Monday February 3rd from 4:00-6:00 p.m. in the Osborn370 Building lobby (370 Wabasha Street N). Please join us to review and to provide feedback on the preferred concept. The preferred concept will be uploaded to the project website after the open house for a 2 week comment period. For questions or translation assistance, please contact Brett Hussong at brett.hussong@ci.stpaul.mn.us or 651-266-6420. More info at stpaul.gov/departments/parks-and-recreation/design-construction/current-projects/osborn-plaza-improvements.

Justus Ramsey House and Hamms Redevelopment Project: What’s Happening?
2025-02-03 18:30 - 20:00 | Waldmann Brewing
February 3, 6:30-8 p.m. Waldmann Brewing Buffalo Room. Free.
Featured speakers: Karen Sieber, professional historian and significant contributor to the Justus Ramsey House project at the Minnesota Transportation Museum. Karen will update us on the latest news about the house. Councilmember Cheniqua Johnson (Ward 7) will offer an update on the Hamms Redevelopment Project on the East Side. Learn more at heritagepreservation7.wordpress.com/updates.

The Heart of Saint Paul: Portraits of Imaginary Women, 1930s–1980s
2025-02-06 - 2025-02-09 | Succotash
February 6-9. Succotash. Free.
St. Paul mixed media artist Maria Larson Manske will be showing a collection of new limited edition prints February 6–9, 2025 at Succotash, 1589 Selby Avenue in St. Paul. The series depicts imaginary women who lived and worked in various city neighborhoods roughly during the last half of the 20th century. It features mostly working women who contributed to the lifeblood of St. Paul within society’s gendered expectations of that time. The art is printed on linen cotton canvas and mounted on painted wood panels, showing a cast of characters influenced by Larson Manske’s stories of relatives and friends, historical photos of St. Paul, and her lived experience growing up in the ‘60s and ‘70s in Mounds Park on the East Side. Show dates and hours: February 6 – Show Opening, 5:00-8:00 p.m., February 7 – 12:00-5:00 p.m., February 8 – 11:00 a.m-5:00 p.m., February 9 – 12:00-3:00 p.m. Learn more at marialarsondesign.com.

Coffee Chat: Women's Fashion through the Ages
2025-02-06 10:30 - 11:30 | Fort Snelling
February 6, 10:30 – 11:30 a.m. Historic Fort Snelling. Free with Admission.
Join us for a complimentary cup of coffee at this informal presentation and discussion, part of our “Coffee Chats” series covering many aspects of Fort history. Through its history as a military post, women have always been present in various capacities. As women’s roles changed, so did their styles of dress. We will look at examples of women’s clothing from the 1820s through the 1940s, including original and reproduction garments. Through the lens of fashion, we’ll talk about what major events and cultural shifts influenced change and shaped what women wear today. More information at mnhs.org/events/2974.

Snowshoe Adventure Program
2025-02-06 13:00 - 15:00, 2025-02-20 13:00 - 15:00 | Tamarack Nature Center
February 6 & 20, 1:00-3:00 p.m. Tamarack Nature Center. $15. For ages 55+.
Join a naturalist for a winter snow adventure. We will head out on snowshoes (or hike) and enjoy the simple beauty of winter at Tamarack. At the conclusion of our hike we will gather for cocoa and connections. Learn more and register: ramseycounty.us/content/snowshoe-adventure-program.

St. Paul Conservatory of Music Faculty Concert Series
2025-02-06 18:30 - 20:30 | Minnesota History Center
February 6, 6:30 p.m. Minnesota History Center. Free.
Enjoy an evening of free music and history at the Minnesota History Center with a performance by the St. Joseph’s School of Music–St. Paul Conservatory of Music. Take in a charming presentation by the student group the Farfalle Quartet. Then be wowed when composer, musician and instructor Scott Keever shares his unique and impressive style of guitar music. This hour-long concert begins at 6:30 pm. Come early to enjoy exhibits like Girlhood (It’s complicated), Reframing Our Stories, and more. Free Thursday Nights start at 4 p.m. Learn more at mnhs.org/events/3194.

Highland Park Community Blood Drive
2025-02-07 10:00 - 14:30 | Highland Park Community Center
February 7, 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Highland Park Community Center.
Every two seconds, someone needs blood. Register to donate blood at our upcoming blood drive at the Highland Park Community Center on Friday, February 7, 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.Learn more and make an appointment at mbcherohub.club/donor/schedules/drive_schedule/74956.

North Star Voices: Diversity and the Outdoors
2025-02-08 14:00 - 15:30 | Minnesota History Center
February 8, 2–3:30 p.m. Minnesota History Center. Free.
Duluth-based author, photographer and advocate, Dudley Edmondson discusses the changing face of conservation and outdoor recreation. Edmunston will share powerful stories from Black and Brown scientists and activists whose lived experiences and groundbreaking work offer new perspectives on addressing the world’s most pressing environmental and social challenges. This is a free event, with an in person option at the Minnesota History Center and a virtual option via Zoom. Registration is recommended. Learn more and register at mnhs.org/events/3107.

Citizens of a Stolen Land: A Conversation of Ho-Chunk History & Survivance
2025-02-15 11:00 - 12:00 | Minnesota History Center
February 15, 11:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. Minnesota History Center. $15.
Join historian Stephen Kantrowitz and Josie Lee, Director of the Ho-Chunk Nation Museum & Cultural Center, for a conversation on Ho-Chunk history, land and contemporary life. Together, they will speak about Kantrowitz’s new book Citizens of a Stolen Land: A Ho-Chunk History of Nineteenth-Century United States and Lee’s work in promoting, sheltering, and preserving past, present and future Ho-Chunk ways of life. Learn more and register at mnhs.org/events/2865.

Twin Cities Record Show
2025-02-15 12:00 - 16:00 | Summit Brewing
February 15, 12:00-4:00 p.m. Summit Brewing Ratskeller. Free Admission.
The Twin Cities Record Show will take place on Saturday, February 15, 2025, from noon-4 PM, at Summit Brewing Company, located at 910 Montreal Court in St. Paul in the Ratskeller. The show will offer record albums, 45 RPM records, CDs and music memorabilia for sale, with free admission.
The show will feature 10-plus tables full of record albums, 45 RPM records, CDs and music memorabilia, with the opportunity to add more vendors as demand increases.
For more information about the Twin Cities Record Show, contact Tim Schloe at 651-373-0065 or twincitiesrecordshow@gmail.com. More information is also available at www.twincitiesrecordshow.com.

Sundays at Landmark: Mosaic Festival: Dance and Music of World Cultures
2025-02-16 11:00 - 15:00 | Landmark Center
February 16, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Landmark Center. $4/$6 (Cash or Check Only)
Experience the music, dance, language, foods, costume, and arts & craft traditions of countries from all over the world, brought to you by Ethnic Dance Theatre and Landmark Center. Mosaic Festival is supported by a Cultural STAR grant through the city of St. Paul. Learn more at landmarkcenter.org/sundays-at-landmark.

Presidents’ Day Family Winter Party
2025-02-17 12:00 - 14:00 | Highland Park Community Center
February 17, noon-2:00 p.m. Highland Park Community Center. Free.
Sledding party at the Highland Park Community Center on Monday, February 17 from noon to 2 p.m. Cookies and hot cocoa provided. Brought to you by St. Paul Parks and Recreation and Highland District Council. No registration required for this free event. If there’s no snow, we’ll have fun activities inside the rec center.

Community Conversation with Rebecca Noecker - Public Works
2025-02-20 09:00 - 10:00 | Online
February 20, 9-10 a.m. Microsoft Teams.
This month’s Community Conversations features St. Paul Public Works discussing snow plowing, copper wire theft and more. Learn more at stpaul.gov/department/city-council/ward-2.

Red Stained: The Life of Hilda Simms
2025-02-20 18:30 - 20:00 | Minnesota History Center
February 20, 6:30–8 p.m. Minnesota History Center. Free.
Jokeda “JoJo” Bell shares the truly unique story of Black actress and activist Hilda Simms. Red Stained: The Life of Hilda Simms, the first full biography of her life and career, weaves primary research with a narrative style to tell the true story of Hilda Simms in the context of a nation gripped in the Cold War and a burgeoning civil rights movement. It is an examination of Simms’s rise to fame, her drive to be a respected dramatic actress, and her efforts to create equal opportunities for people of color on stage, on the screen, and behind the camera. This is a free event at the Minnesota History Center; registration is recommended. Learn more and register at mnhs.org/events/2870.
