Twin Cities weekend: Loppet fest, "Heated Rivalry," bike swap
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Skiers at Theodore Wirth Park in 2023. Photo: David Joles/Star Tribune via Getty Images
Ready to enjoy the balmy 20-degree weather? The City of Lakes Loppet Winter Festival returns this weekend with winter competitions throughout Theodore Wirth Park.
What to expect: This year's activities include fat bike marathons, snowshoe runs, a scavenger hunt on skis and the popular Skijor Loppet, where you can cross-country ski the trails with your dog.
- For those not as outdoorsy, the Loppet has the (self-proclaimed) world's largest winter Kubb tournament — the Swedish lawn game similar to cornhole or bocce ball.
Note: The Loppet has been split into two weekends this year, with the Luminary Loppet set for next Saturday, Feb. 7.
📍 Details: Saturday-Sunday at Theodore Wirth Park in Minneapolis. Advance sign-ups required; prices vary.
More things to do ...
🏒 The "Heated Rivalry" craze has spread to Minneapolis, and Union Rooftop is hosting an evening of "hockey, boys and dancing" Friday night. Expect hockey go-go dancers, drag performances and a sporty dress code. ($22)
❄️ Winter festivals are headed to the 'burbs this Saturday, starting with an 18-hole ice golf tournament on Long Lake at 10am. ($25+)
- Polar Fest in Burnsville will have ice bowling, skating, sledding and horse-drawn carriage rides, while Maple Grove's Wonders of Winter activities include dog sled rides and snowshoeing. (Both free)
🍻 Take a grown-up field trip to the Science Museum of Minnesota's Brewsology Beer Fest Saturday night. Tickets include unlimited samples of over 150 beers and access to exhibits, science demonstrations and the planetarium. $69.10+ for a drink pass
🐶 Start your Sunday with dog yoga at Union Depot's Doggie Depot, held in conjunction with the St. Paul Winter Carnival. Rescues, adoptable pups, vendors and more will be on-site, and stick around for the crowning of the Canine King and Queen. Free
🚲 Need a hard-to-find bike part? The Great Minnesota Bike Swap returns this Sunday in Blaine with bicycles, parts and gear from mechanics and collectors alike. Free to shop and swap