Mac-Grove Speaker Series: Andy Rodriguez
2026-01-21 19:00 - 20:00 (America/Chicago)
January 21, 7 p.m. Pilgrim Lutheran Church ELCA. Free.

The Mac-Grove Speaker Series welcomes Andy Rodriguez, director of St. Paul Parks and Recreation, for an evening discussion on local parks, recreation, and community spaces. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. with the program beginning at 7 p.m. Hosted by Pilgrim Lutheran Church ELCA, the event offers residents a chance to hear directly from city leadership and engage in conversation about public spaces that shape neighborhood life.More info: macgrove.org

King Boreas Grande Day Parade
2026-01-24 14:00 - 17:00 | Grand Avenue
January 24, 2:00 p.m. Grand Avenue. Free.
The King Boreas Grande Day Parade is back on Grand Avenue in Saint Paul on Saturday, January 24! Beginning at Dale and ending just after Lexington, featuring dozens of bands, floats and, of course, the newly crowned King Boreas and his Royal Family. Learn more at wintercarnival.com/events/2026/king-boreas-grande-day-parade.

Svíčková Dinner
2026-01-24 17:00 - 21:00 | C.S.P.S. Hall
January 24, doors open 4:30 p.m., serving: 5 p.m. C.S.P.S. Hall. $35.
Beef in cream sauce with bread dumplings, coffee, and dessert. Bar: beer, wine, soft drinks. $35 per person. Prepay for the Svíčková Dinner online. Learn more and purchase tickets at sokolmn.org/all-events.

Winter Craft Bazaar
2026-01-26 08:00 - 17:00
February 21, 10 a.m.–3 p.m. El Rio Vista.

Shop handmade crafts and goods at El Rio Vista’s Winter Craft Bazaar. Vendor spots available. Call 651-789-3692. facebook.com/ElRioVistaRecreationCenter.

History Theatre Presents WHOOSH!
2026-01-29 19:30 - 2026-02-22 16:00
Jan. 29–Feb. 22. History Theatre, St. Paul. Tickets $25–70; student discounts available.

WHOOSH! The Civil War Mythology of Michael Hickey and His Perilous Precipitation Over St. Anthony Falls is a powerful solo performance written and performed by Andrew Erskine Wheeler. Blending music, folklore, and family history, the production explores Minnesota’s layered past through the story of an Irish immigrant and Civil War veteran. Featuring live Irish folk music by Northern Shores, the show examines heroism, memory, and healing. Post-show talkbacks follow Sunday matinees. Tickets and accessibility information at historytheatre.com.

Frost Fest
2026-01-31 14:00 - 17:00 | Groveland Ice Rinks
January 31, 2–5 p.m. Groveland Ice Rinks. Free.

RESCHEDULED DUE TO COLD

Celebrate winter at Frost Fest with an afternoon of outdoor fun for all ages. Activities include ice skating, games, prizes, hot chocolate, and a cozy bonfire. Hosted at the Groveland Ice Rinks, this family-friendly event brings neighbors together to embrace the season and enjoy community spirit. Whether you skate or simply enjoy the atmosphere, Frost Fest offers a festive way to spend a winter afternoon.More info: macgrove.org/frostfest

Vulcan Victory Torchlight Parade
2026-01-31 17:00 - 19:30
January 31, 5:15–7:30 p.m. Downtown St. Paul. Free.

A St. Paul Winter Carnival highlight, the Torchlight Parade features illuminated floats, marching units, and fireworks following the parade. The route ends at Rice Park with the Vulcan Overthrow ceremony. Learn more at wintercarnival.com.

Doggie Depot
2026-02-01 10:00 - 17:00
February 1, 10 a.m. Union Depot. Free.

Celebrate canine royalty at Doggie Depot, featuring local pet vendors, adoptable pups, and the crowning of the St. Paul Winter Carnival Canine King and Queen. Details at uniondepot.org/doggiedepot.

Heirloom Fire: Czech Glasswork
2026-02-01 13:00 - 14:30
February 1, 1–2:30 p.m. C.S.P.S. Hall. $10.

Minnesota jewelry artist Andrea Turini presents the history and traditions of Czech glassmaking, sharing photos and video from Jablonec nad Nisou. The program includes a live demonstration of bead and button production. $5 members, $10 non-members. Details at sokolmn.org/all-events.

Sketchy Night with St. Paul Art Collective
2026-02-02 18:30 - 20:30
February 2, 6:30–8:30 p.m. Schmidt Artist Lofts, St. Paul. Free.

A relaxed, drop-in evening for sketching, conversation, and community. Open to members and artists interested in joining. Full schedule at stpaulartcollective.org.

2026 Dates

February 2nd

March 2nd

May 4th

June 1st

July 6th

August 3rd

October 5th

November 2nd

December 7th

Community Blood Drive
2026-02-06 10:00 - 14:30 | Highland Park Community Center
Friday, February 6, 10 a.m.–2:30 p.m. Highland Park Community Center, 1978 Ford Parkway.

Give blood and help save lives at this community blood drive hosted with Memorial Blood Center. Donating blood is a simple yet powerful way to support local hospitals and patients in need. Many appointment slots are available, and walk-ins may be accommodated as space allows. The event is conveniently located at the Highland Park Community Center and welcomes both first-time and returning donors. Sign up online to reserve your spot and make a meaningful impact in just a short amount of time.More info: www.mbcherohub.club/donor/schedules

Karneval Tanzparty 2026
2026-02-07 08:00 - 13:00
February 7, 8 p.m.–1 a.m. Germanic-American Institute. $20-$25.

Celebrate Karneval with Europop, costumes, dancing, and a Waltz Ball. Costumes encouraged. Tickets $20–$25. Details at gaimn.org/karneval.

Valentines for Seniors
2026-02-07 12:15 - 13:30
February 7, 12:15–1:30 p.m. C.S.P.S. Hall.

Hosted by Sokol Minnesota Youth Link, this drop-in event invites community members to make Valentine’s cards for seniors. Art supplies and snacks provided. Learn more at sokolmn.org/all-events.

Cocktail Class: Cocktails We Love
2026-02-07 13:00 - 14:00
February 7, 1 p.m. Parlour St. Paul. $95.

Join bartender Tyler Ward for an afternoon cocktail class featuring five tastings and a three-course meal. Learn more at parlourbar.com/locations-st-paul.

This Is What Democracy Looks Like (Part 1)
2026-02-08 14:00 - 15:00
Sundays, Feb. 1 & 8, 2–3 p.m. Waldmann Brewery & Wurstery. $17.85.

This two-part lecture series explores the history of civic action and protest in Minnesota. Part One focuses on the power of individuals to challenge injustice, highlighting figures such as abolitionist Moses Dickson, labor activist Meridel LeSueur, Ojibwe artist Jim Denomie, and student athlete Peg Brendan. Presented by civil rights historian Karen Sieber, the talk examines how personal action has shaped democracy across the state. Space is limited. All ticket proceeds benefit the Immigrant Law Center of Minnesota. Tickets at eventbrite.com/o/13307827240.

Playdate @ West 7th
2026-02-10 15:00 - 17:00, 2026-02-17 15:00 - 17:00
Tuesdays, Feb. 3, 10 & 17, 3–5 p.m. West 7th Library. Free.

Playdate @ West 7th offers families with young children a relaxed time to socialize, play, and build community. Designed for toddlers and preschoolers, this weekly gathering welcomes siblings of all ages. Library staff provide toys and create a welcoming environment for imaginative play in the children’s area. When weather permits or attendance is large, activities may move outdoors to the community center lawn. No registration required. This recurring program encourages early social development while giving caregivers a chance to connect with one another. Visit sppl.org for details.

Family Storytime
2026-02-11 10:30 - 11:15, 2026-02-18 10:30 - 11:15
Wednesdays, Feb. 4, 11, 18 & 25, 10:30–11:15 a.m. West 7th Library. Free.

Family Storytime is an interactive program featuring stories, songs, rhymes, and playful learning for children ages 0–5 and their caregivers. These developmentally appropriate activities support early literacy and school readiness in a fun, welcoming environment. Storytime is held in Room 112 of the West 7th Community Center and lasts approximately 30–45 minutes. Families are encouraged to stay afterward to browse the library collection and enjoy open play time. All families are welcome. More information at sppl.org.

Sokol Minnesota Family Friendly Friday Evening
2026-02-13 19:00 - 22:00
February 13, 7–10 p.m. C.S.P.S. Hall, St. Paul. Free.

Enjoy a family-friendly evening of cards, board games, and community connection. Bring your own beverages or snacks to share. More information at sokolmn.org/all-events.

Being Black and Betty Crocker
2026-02-14 11:00 - 12:30
February 14. Minnesota History Center, St. Paul. Free.

Join culinary visionary Barbara Jo Davis for a special community program featuring a screening of TPT’s Being Black and Betty Crocker. The event includes a moderated discussion, audience Q&A, and a reception with light refreshments. The program explores race, food culture, and identity through the lens of Minnesota history, offering both personal and historical perspectives. This free event encourages thoughtful conversation and community connection in an accessible and welcoming environment. Advance arrival is recommended due to limited seating.More info: mnhs.org/events

MN Roller Derby February Bouts
2026-02-14 18:00 - 21:00 | Roy Wilkins Auditorium
February 14, 6:00 p.m. Roy Wilkins Auditorium. $24-$26.

Minnesota Roller Derby is back in the legendary Roy Wilkins Auditorium for season 22! Get your tickets to see MNRD’s home teams face off in two action-packed bouts! Doors are opening an hour earlier this year, at 5pm, with the first whistle at 6. Kids 9 and under free in General Admission area, ages 2 and under free in Reserved Seats. Must be 18 or older to sit Trackside.

More info at MNrollerderby.com

Event Dates:

November 22, 2024

January 17, 2025

February 14, 2025

March 28, 2025

April 25, 2025

History Theatre 2026 Concert Series: Northern Shores
2026-02-15 19:00 - 21:00
February 15, 7 p.m. History Theatre. $35-$45.

History Theatre’s 2026 Concert Series celebrates iconic music across genres and generations, featuring beloved songs from the 1960s and ’70s, Irish folk traditions and Broadway classics. Highlights include “We Dig Peter, Paul & Mary” with Michael Monroe on January 11, Northern Shores featuring Danny Diamond and Brian Miller on February 15, and The Best of Broadway Belters on April 18 with Jen Burleigh-Bentz and a full band. Each performance brings acclaimed regional artists to the stage for intimate, high-quality concerts in a historic venue. The series offers something for music lovers of all ages and tastes. More info: historytheatre.com/special_events

Ballet Tuesdays
2026-02-17 12:00 - 13:00 | Landmark Center
February 17, 12-1 p.m. Landmark Center. Free
Landmark Center hosts FREE lunch-hour ballet performances and demonstrations, from 12-1pm, in partnership with Ballet Co.Laboratory. After each performance, audience members are invited to participate in an optional mini-dance lesson, craft, and photos with the dancers.
2025/2026 season dates:

November 18, 2025 | The Snow Queen
February 17, 2026 | If You Give a Mouse a Cookie
April 21, 2026 | Mary Poppins
May 5, 2026 | Reimagined Classics

Learn more at landmarkcenter.org/ballet-tuesdays.

The Gathering For Good (Breaking Bread Together)
2026-02-18 18:00 - 20:00 | Mancini’s Char House
Through kindness, generosity, and shared meals, we come together to support our vulnerable neighbors during a time when many are facing uncertainty. We invite you to join the Mancini family, friends, and neighbors for a shared Italian buffet and music to help raise funds for individuals and families who are struggling and in need. Everyone is welcome! For those who are able, donations will be accepted on a pay-what-you-can basis.

All proceeds will go to the Community Sharing Fund and the Rapid Response Fund at the St. Paul & Minnesota Foundation. All donations support our local community members in need.

This Is What Democracy Looks Like (Part 2)
2026-02-18 19:00 - 20:00
Wednesdays, Feb. 11 & 18, 7–8 p.m. Waldmann Brewery & Wurstery. $17.85.

Part Two of this lecture series shifts focus to collective action in Minnesota history, including labor strikes, suffrage movements, Indigenous organizing, and modern protest movements. Historian Karen Sieber examines how communities working together have driven lasting social change. Topics include the Iron Range strikes, the General Strike of 1934, the American Indian Movement, and recent protests following the killing of George Floyd. Space is limited. Proceeds benefit the Immigrant Law Center of Minnesota. Tickets available via eventbrite.com/o/13307827240.

Downtown Action Series
2026-02-19 16:30 - 18:00 | Union Depot
February 19. Union Depot, St. Paul. Free.

The Downtown Action Series continues through 2026 with free public events focused on civic engagement, community connection, and downtown vitality. Hosted at Union Depot, the series brings together residents, leaders, and organizations to explore ideas and initiatives shaping downtown St. Paul. Each event offers opportunities to learn, share perspectives, and connect with others invested in the future of the city. Open to all and free to attend.More info: stpaul.gov/department/city-council/ward-2

Great Chefs of Grand Avenue
2026-02-19 17:00 - 21:00 | Macalester College
February 19, 5:00-9:00 p.m. Macalester College. $150-$810.

Join us on February 19 for an upscale culinary experience that brings together the finest restaurants along St. Paul’s historic Grand Avenue. This one-of-a-kind event will celebrate the avenue’s rich diversity and charm while drawing community members from near and far to savor everything that makes Grand Avenue special. Beyond the food, the event fuels meaningful impact—proceeds support the Grand Avenue Business Association, beautification initiatives along the avenue, and the nonprofit Women’s Advocates. Great Chefs of Grand Avenue is where exceptional cuisine meets community, culture, and cause. More info and tickets at grandave.com/events/greatchefs.

Rethinking I-94 In-Person Public Meeting
2026-02-19 17:30 - 20:30
Thursday, Feb. 19, 5:30–8:30 p.m. Wilder Foundation, St. Paul. Free.

This in-person public meeting offers community members the opportunity to review project documents, speak with project representatives, and submit official public comments on the Rethinking I-94 Scoping Document and Environmental Assessment Worksheet. Interpretation services will be provided. Comments may be submitted in writing or through a court reporter. The public comment period remains open through March 9, 2026. Visit the Rethinking I-94 project website for details talk.dot.state.mn.us/rethinking-i94.

Highland Park Trivia Night
2026-02-19 18:30 - 21:00 | Highland National Golf Course
Thursday, February 19, 6:30 p.m. Highland National Golf Course. $50 per team.

Test your knowledge and support a local cause at Highland Park Trivia Night. Teams will compete for prizes while enjoying a fun, social evening benefiting the Highland District Council. Gather friends, neighbors, or coworkers to form a team and tackle questions across a range of topics. The event takes place at Highland National Golf Course and is designed for friendly competition and community connection. Advance registration is encouraged, as space may be limited.More info: highlanddistrictcouncil.org
