Twin Cities weekend events: Luminary Loppet, hot air balloon festival, ping pong tournament
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The Luminary Loppet at Lake of the Isles. Photo: Todd Bauer
After years off the ice, the Luminary Loppet returns at full scale Saturday night on the frozen Lake of the Isles.
What to expect: Visitors can walk (or cross-country ski, if there's enough snow) a path around the lake lit by over 1,200 luminaries and other ice features, with stops for hot cocoa and s'mores.
- Then, head to shore for the Luminary Party, an outdoor concert on the south side of the lake with a beer tent, photo booths, fire pit, food trucks and more.
Details: Saturday, Feb. 8, at Lake of the Isles. Times are staggered to avoid overcrowding — and as of Thursday afternoon, only 8pm and 8:30pm start times are available.
- Adult tickets are $35 in advance, $40 day-of; kids under 17 are $15.
More things to do ...
🎈 Watch dozens of hot air balloons take flight at the Hudson Hot Air Affair winter festival this weekend. Launches are scheduled for Saturday and Sunday mornings, with other activities like a craft market, fat tire bike race and cold plunge throughout the weekend. Free
- ❄️ If you (plan to) go: Keep an eye on the event's website and social media. The National Weather Service is forecasting snow this weekend, which may force a cancellation.
🏌️Putt across frozen Lake Minnetonka on Saturday at the Wayzata Chilly Open, a golf tournament with four nine-hole courses built into the ice. This year's theme is "Born in '84," and '80s outfits are encouraged. Amateur tickets are $64.29, or upgrade to VIP for $122.32
🏓 Prepare your paddles — the inaugural Ping Pong Showdown is taking over Excelsior Brewing Company Saturday afternoon, and plenty of spots in the double-elimination-style tournament are available as of Thursday afternoon. Free registration
👹 The Monster Drawing Rally returns! Over 50 Twin Cities artists will sketch family-friendly monsters live at Midway Contemporary Art on Saturday afternoon.
- If you love their work, each piece immediately goes up for sale for $35, first-come, first-served. All proceeds benefit Midway's public programs. Free
🌶️ Forget football — the Souper Bowl Chili Cook-Off comes to Insight Brewing in Minneapolis on Sunday afternoon. Visitors can taste up to 20 chilis and vote for their favorites; the big game will also be streaming. Free entry