Community Reporter

Dragobete
2025-02-02 13:00 - 15:00 (America/Chicago) | 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.

Highland Park Trivia Night
2025-02-20 18:30 - 20:30 | Highland National Golf Course
February 20, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Highland National Golf Course. $50.
Join us in the clubhouse at Highland National Golf Course on Thursday, February 20 for a fun-filled evening of brain-teasing questions and friendly competition. Test your knowledge on a variety of topics while supporting Highland District Council. Tickets are $50 per team. Prizes awarded to the top teams. Proceeds from ticket sales will support upcoming events and community efforts in Highland Park. N/A drinks, local beer, a full bar and snacks will be available for purchase. Learn more and register your team at eventbrite.com/e/highland-park-trivia-night-registration-1139430440119.

Winter Walk & Talk
2025-02-22 09:00 - 11:00 | Pleasant Place Park
Feb 22, 9:00-11:00 a.m. Pleasant Place Park. Free.
Kick off with a community walk (just under 1 mile), then gather over coffee and a free breakfast at Day by Day Cafe to discuss ways we can make our neighborhood a better place to live, bike and walk. Whether you’re a pedestrian, cyclist or public transit advocate, this event is a great opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals and share ideas for positive change. Register: fortroadfed.org.

Juneteenth Reckoning with Slavery: MN African American History
2025-02-22 13:30 - 14:30 | Fort Snelling
February 22, 1:30-2:30 p.m. Historic Fort Snelling. Free with Admission.
Historic Fort Snelling is screening Juneteenth Reckoning With Slavery: MN African American History. Co-produced by OMG Studios and the Minnesota Humanities Center, this documentary challenges our understanding of slavery, its impact on Minnesota, and how we reconcile our past by taking viewers on a present-day journey to Ghana, to the quarters of Harriet and Dred Scott, and into conversations with current and future scholars. Join us to watch this 40-minute film with a Q&A session to follow. Learn more and register at mnhs.org/events/3198.

Sundays at Landmark: Urban Expedition: Czech Republic & Slovakia
2025-02-23 13:00 - 15:00 | Landmark Center
Feb. 23, 1-3 p.m. Landmark Center. Free.
Urban Expedition: Czech Republic & Slovakia Experience a vibrant celebration of two unique countries through dance, music, cuisine, demonstrations and crafts. Learn more at landmarkcenter.org/sundays-at-landmark.

Fire Shut Up in My Bones: Excerpts in Concert with Terence Blanchard, E-Collective and Turtle Island Quartet
2025-02-23 14:00 - 17:00 | Ordway Center for the Performing Arts
February 23, 2:00 p.m. Ordway Center for the Arts. $15–$111.
The Arts Partnership will present the excerpts from the opera Fire Shut Up in My Bones in concert featuring seven-time Grammy Award-winner Terence Blanchard on Feb. 23. This will be the show’s Midwest premiere. Based on the 2014 memoir by Charles M. Blow, with music by Blanchard, and libretto by Kasi Lemmons, the opera Fire Shut Up in My Bones premiered at Opera Theatre of Saint Louis in 2019. The Metropolitan Opera opened its season with the work in 2021 — the first in its 138 years written by an African American composer. That production’s recording went on to win the 2023 Grammy Award for Best Opera Recording, featuring soprano Adrienne Danrich and baritone Will Liverman in the lead role, who will be singing excerpts from that role during this production. Tickets and more info at ordway.org/events/fire-opera.

Girlhood Artist Workshop: Jena Holliday
2025-02-27 17:00 - 19:00 | Minnesota History Center
February 27, 5:00-7:00 p.m. Minnesota History Center. Free.
Minnesota-based artist and illustrator Jena Holliday holds an empowering and creative workshop that explores identity, girlhood, and self-expression. This workshop is a journey of creative self-discovery—designed for women and girls 12 and up—where participants will connect with their own stories while exploring the complex layers of girlhood and womanhood. This program is being held at the Minnesota History Center. Tickets and more information at mnhs.org/events/3193.

Joe Landsberger Presents: Origin Story
2025-02-27 18:30 - 20:00 | West 7th Community Center, 265 Oneida St., St. Paul, MN, 55102, United States
February 27, 6:30 p.m. West 7th Library. Free
Many West Enders know Joe Landsberger for his work for the West 7th neighborhood and his wealth of knowledge and history regarding this area. Joe has published a hyper-local book of history, Origin Story:Fort Road/West Seventh Street, the Township/City of Saint Paul, the Territory/State of Minnesota: Glacial Age Forward. Keystone and the St. Paul Public Library are sponsoring two “Meet the Author” events to showcase Joe and to discuss his research, his process, and the book that resulted from it. Joe will share stories from his book and discuss where we go from here!
Thursday, February 27 at 6:30 at the West 7th Community Center
Monday, March 24 at 6:30 at the West 7th Community Center
More information at sppl.bibliocommons.com/events/678be8088f2af5a85800b9d4.

Minnesota Bach Festival
2025-02-28 - 2025-03-30
February 28-March 30. Various Locations. Free-$65.
A highlight of BSM’s season, the 2025 Minnesota Bach Festival, takes place February 28-March 30.
February 28-March 1 Mobile Mini-Concerts
March 8-9 Your Voice – a Community Sing-along!
March 9 Mozart Requiem
March 22 Celebrate the Birthday! (Master Class on Bach’s Keyboard Music followed by Community Concert – Seeking Performers!)
March 29 Bach & Friends Workshop
March 30 Baroque Tango: Rhythms of Desire, Longing and Passion
A schedule of events is listed below, with full details is available at bachsocietymn.org/minnesota-bach-festival-overview.

Little Rock, 1942: Encore Performance
2025-02-28 19:00 - 21:00 | Landmark Center
February 28, 7:00-9:00 p.m. Landmark Center. $10.
With an all-star cast of Twin Cities lawyers and judges, Little Rock, 1942 is the true story of a civil rights lawsuit that brought Thurgood Marshall to St. Paul, and led to the landmark Brown v. Board of Education decision. In 1942, Sue Cowan Williams, formerly known as Susie Morris, head of the Dunbar High School English Department and a member of the Little Rock Classroom Teachers Association, sued the school district for equal pay for black teachers. With the assistance of Thurgood Marshall, an attorney from the NAACP Legal Defense Fund, Williams won her case in the Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals.
Little Rock, 1942 was performed in October of 2024 as Landmark Center’s annual History Play. We are excited to present this special one-night performance that highlights a very important historical event. More info and tickets at landmarkcenter.org/event/history-play-little-rock-1942-3.

Button Blitzing
2025-03-01 - 2025-03-08
Various locations throughout St. Paul.
During the six weeks leading up to St. Patrick’s Day, the St. Patrick’s Association (including Miss Shamrock, their queen figurehead, Mr. Pat, their king figurehead, and their Shamrock Princesses who are vying to be the next Miss Shamrock) visits local establishments throughout the Twin Cities to fundraise and sell our commemorative buttons. Buttons can also be purchased at Irish on Grand and all Twin Cities Blaze locations. Each button is $5 and comes with a chance to win $1,500. Below are the dates they will be on or around West 7th, along with links to each event with a list of establishments we will be visiting. (Schedule is subject to change.)

March 1st (Brian Boru Bagpippers Night: Shamrock’s Emmett’s, Half Time Rec, O’Shughnessy’s, Dubliner)
March 7th (Alary’s, Pillbox, Bennett’s, JR Mac’s)
March 8th (Pauly’s, Emmett’s, Shamrock’s, Joe & Stan’s)

Romanian Spring Traditions
2025-03-02 13:00 - 15:00 | Landmark Center
Every Sunday in March, 1:00-3:00 p.m. Landmark Center. Free.
Join us every Sunday in March from 1-3 pm, to learn about the March 1st tradition of Martisor, the legend of Baba Dochia and the significance of Mucenici, the pretzel made with walnut and honey. Learn more at hora-mn.org/2024/12/12/romanian-spring-traditions-2.
