9 free things to do in the Twin Cities this week
This week features rail riders, kite flying and Lunar New Year celebrations.
The Minnesota Star Tribune
February 6, 2024 at 11:00AM
The street jam travels to the steps of the State Capitol this year. The one-day sporting event features talented rail riders from across the globe as they careen down railings on boards. (2-6 p.m. Sat., 75 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., St. Paul, redbull.com)
2. Minneapolis Audubon Society
Lee Ann Landstrom speaks and shows photographs of birds, plants, animals and habitats of Australia, including Queensland’s Rainforest, Blue Mountains, Kangaroo Island and more. (1 p.m. Fri., Bryant Square Park, 3101 Bryant Av. S., Mpls., 612-750-7963)
3. Polar Fest
Get into the competitive spirit with sporting activities and outdoor games. Also enjoy entertainment and a variety of food vendors. (11 a.m.-2 p.m. Sat., North River Hills Park, 11501 19th Av., Burnsville, burnsvillemn.com)
4. Winter Warmer
The weather may be giving us early spring instead of midwinter vibes, but there’s still outdoor fun to be had. Enjoy outdoor games, bingo and treats. (Noon-3 p.m. Sat., Lake Hiawatha Park, 2701 E. 44th St., Mpls., standish-ericsson.org)
5. Lunar New Year
It’s the year of the dragon, symbolizing power, honor, success and luck. Midtown Global Market’s central court will host performances by CAAM Chinese Dance Theater and Cypher Side dancers. View a food demonstration with Pham’s Rice Bowl and Intown Sushi along with crafts and games. (Noon-3 p.m. Sat., 920 E. Lake St., Mpls., midtownglobalmarket.org)
6. Lunar New Year
The Mall of America also celebrates the Lunar New Year with a weekend of cultural presentations and performances against the backdrop of festive décor. (12:30-5 p.m. Sat.-Sun., 2131 Lindau Lane, Bloomington, mallofamerica.com)
7. Minnesota African American Heritage Museum and Gallery
Black History Month at the museum begins with an opening reception for “Okra and Indigo.” The exhibition of work by Azania Tripp tells the story of historical chefs within the Black community and Black Minnesotans’ relationships with food. (2-5 p.m. Sat., 1256 Penn Av. N., Mpls., maahmg.org)
8. Open Swim Sundays
Fees are waived for a dip into the pool for exercise and fun. In addition, free water safety education is provided 3-3:25 p.m. (Noon-5 p.m. Sun., Great River Water Park, Oxford Community Center, 270 N. Lexington Pkwy. N., St. Paul, stpaul.gov)
9. Ballet Tuesdays
During your lunch break, enjoy performances and demonstrations as part of Landmark Center’s partnership with Ballet Co.Laboratory. (Noon Tue., Landmark Center, 75 W. 5th St., St. Paul, landmarkcenter.org)
MELISSA WALKER
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Lefse-wrapped Swedish wontons, a soothing bowl of rice porridge and a gravy-laden commercial filled our week with comfort and warmth.
