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A guide to fun things to do in Twin Cities this weekend.

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Minneapolis weighs penalty for hotels that housed ICE agents

Two downtown hotels could lose their liquor licenses for possibly housing ICE agents during Operation Metro Surge.

News

The Minneapolis City Council could decide Thursday whether two downtown hotels should lose their liquor licenses for possibly housing ICE agents during <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Operation Metro Surge" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2026/02/12/trump-ice-metro-surge-ends-minneapolis" data-vars-content-id="54e61ac8-1bf8-48ca-998c-5be6e77cca6d" data-vars-headline="Minneapolis weighs penalty for hotels that housed ICE agents" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2026/02/12/trump-ice-metro-surge-ends-minneapolis" target="_self">Operation Metro Surge</a>.Why it matters: Hospitality advocates say revocations would send a chilling message to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="a hospitality industry facing uncertainty" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2026/02/04/hotels-suffer-ice-agents-protests-vandalism-events" data-vars-content-id="54e61ac8-1bf8-48ca-998c-5be6e77cca6d" data-vars-headline="Minneapolis weighs penalty for hotels that housed ICE agents" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2026/02/04/hotels-suffer-ice-agents-protests-vandalism-events" target="_self">a hospitality industry facing uncertainty</a> in the aftermath of the Trump administration&#x27;s deportation blitz.<ul><li>But some hotel employees and union representatives argue federal agents&#x27; presence created safety concerns that justify a city intervention.</li></ul>

Nicollet Avenue bridge over Minnehaha to close for 2 years

The Nicollet Avenue bridge over Minnehaha Creek will close for two years

The heavily used Nicollet Avenue bridge over Minnehaha Creek will close on March 3 for major rehab and won&#x27;t reopen for two years. Why it matters: This <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="project" data-vars-click-url="https://www.minneapolismn.gov/government/projects/nicollet-ave-bridge/" data-vars-content-id="83be5056-132c-4258-a23b-05cf3b99ffdd" data-vars-headline="Nicollet Avenue bridge over Minnehaha to close for 2 years" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.minneapolismn.gov/government/projects/nicollet-ave-bridge/" target="_blank">project</a> will send the roughly 14,000 vehicles that use the bridge on an average day to nearby streets, and also re-route users of the highly popular Minnehaha Parkway below.

Minnesota's Olympic gold drought ends with thrilling women's hockey win

Minnesotans have several more shots to make the podium before the Games wrap Sunday.

Sports

The Minnesotan-powered <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="U.S. women&#x27;s hockey team" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2026/02/06/minnesota-olympians-womens-hockey-milan" data-vars-content-id="6f9ab92b-7911-4285-aa44-bb55e7b6acec" data-vars-headline="Minnesota&#x27;s Olympic gold drought ends with thrilling women&#x27;s hockey win" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2026/02/06/minnesota-olympians-womens-hockey-milan" target="_self">U.S. women&#x27;s hockey team</a> toppled Canada in overtime to win Olympic gold Thursday. Why it matters: The dramatic 2-1 victory is golden redemption for a team of stars — <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="eight of whom have Minnesota ties" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2026/02/06/minnesota-olympians-womens-hockey-milan" data-vars-content-id="6f9ab92b-7911-4285-aa44-bb55e7b6acec" data-vars-headline="Minnesota&#x27;s Olympic gold drought ends with thrilling women&#x27;s hockey win" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2026/02/06/minnesota-olympians-womens-hockey-milan" target="_self">eight of whom have Minnesota ties</a> — that came up short four years ago.<ul><li>The all-North American final — which ended on a sick dangle by Megan Keller — doubled as <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="made-to-order marketing material" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2025/11/21/pwhl-olympics-womens-hockey-minnesota" data-vars-content-id="6f9ab92b-7911-4285-aa44-bb55e7b6acec" data-vars-headline="Minnesota&#x27;s Olympic gold drought ends with thrilling women&#x27;s hockey win" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2025/11/21/pwhl-olympics-womens-hockey-minnesota" target="_self">made-to-order marketing material</a> for the fledgling Professional Women&#x27;s Hockey League.</li></ul>

Restaurant Roundup: Dahlia debuts, Hey Y'all closes, Company Bar moves in

Here's some of the food news you may have missed this month.

Food and Drink

Plenty of restaurants have made moves in the new year. Here&#x27;s some of the food news you may have missed this month.

After Hughes trade, Wild may still have big move coming

The Wild still feel like a team missing a trick.

The NHL&#x27;s Olympic roster freeze lifted Monday morning, launching the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Minnesota Wild" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2025/10/09/wild-season-preview-2025-2026" data-vars-content-id="28114045-1686-475f-978d-0b02aeb56da2" data-vars-headline="After Hughes trade, Wild may still have big move coming" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2025/10/09/wild-season-preview-2025-2026" target="_self">Minnesota Wild</a> into a two-week sprint to the March 6 trade deadline.The big picture: The world <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="saw in Milan" data-vars-click-url="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P00fy7CDYEQ" data-vars-content-id="28114045-1686-475f-978d-0b02aeb56da2" data-vars-headline="After Hughes trade, Wild may still have big move coming" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P00fy7CDYEQ" target="_blank">saw in Milan</a> why the Wild <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="paid a steep price" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/newsletters/axios-twin-cities-92733640-d6c9-11f0-b149-139d470d522e.html?chunk=7&amp;utm_term=emshare#story7" data-vars-content-id="28114045-1686-475f-978d-0b02aeb56da2" data-vars-headline="After Hughes trade, Wild may still have big move coming" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/newsletters/axios-twin-cities-92733640-d6c9-11f0-b149-139d470d522e.html?chunk=7&amp;utm_term=emshare#story7" target="_self">paid a steep price</a> for Team USA&#x27;s Quinn Hughes in December — but multiple reports suggest Hughes may not be their last consequential trade of the year.

The era of austerity has begun for the Twins

The Twins' $105 million payroll could be the lowest since 2014.

The Twins begin spring training in Florida today. Many of the players they&#x27;ll send to the practice field came from the clearance aisle.By the numbers: Only seven of MLB&#x27;s 30 teams have <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="projected payrolls" data-vars-click-url="https://twinsdaily.com/news-rumors/minnesota-twins/minnesota-twins-announce-fan-friendly-ticket-packages-r19733/" data-vars-content-id="e5a56236-ac1b-48f0-aad0-8bc72b56011b" data-vars-headline="The era of austerity has begun for the Twins" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://twinsdaily.com/news-rumors/minnesota-twins/minnesota-twins-announce-fan-friendly-ticket-packages-r19733/" target="_blank">projected payrolls</a> lower than the $105.9 million the Twins are projected to shell out this year. <ul><li>Unless they sign more players between now and the opener on March 26, this will be the team&#x27;s lowest payroll since 2014, not counting the COVID-shortened 2020 season.</li></ul>

Loons land international star James Rodríguez

Rodriguez signed a short-term deal with Minnesota United FC.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Minnesota United FC" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2025/10/27/mnufc-loons-playoff-preview" data-vars-content-id="c08f3a84-7ebc-416a-8e30-335fa0453de9" data-vars-headline="Loons land international star James Rodríguez" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2025/10/27/mnufc-loons-playoff-preview" target="_self">Minnesota United FC</a> signed a deal to bring one of the big names in international soccer to St. Paul: James Rodríguez.Why it matters: &quot;Minnesota is looking to play a more expansive style under new manager Cameron Knowles, and Rodríguez&#x27;s creativity would aid in that goal,&quot; <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="ESPN&#x27;s Jeff Carlisle wrote" data-vars-click-url="https://www.espn.com/soccer/story/_/id/47839657/james-rodriguez-minnesota-united-transfer-world-cup-colombia" data-vars-content-id="c08f3a84-7ebc-416a-8e30-335fa0453de9" data-vars-headline="Loons land international star James Rodríguez" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.espn.com/soccer/story/_/id/47839657/james-rodriguez-minnesota-united-transfer-world-cup-colombia" target="_blank">ESPN&#x27;s Jeff Carlisle wrote</a>.

Minnesotans to watch in the Winter Olympics

Minnesotans are well represented in Milano.

Dozens of Minnesotans are competing under the Team USA banner at this month&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Milano Cortina Winter Olympics" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/01/27/team-usa-2026-winter-olympics-milano-cortina" data-vars-content-id="67ceb278-2018-44a8-9899-cdc3e4ae16f6" data-vars-headline="Minnesotans to watch in the Winter Olympics" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/01/27/team-usa-2026-winter-olympics-milano-cortina" target="_self">Milano Cortina Winter Olympics</a>.Why it matters: We&#x27;re second only to Colorado in the number of hometown athletes we&#x27;re sending to the Games.

Minnesota Olympians pushing women's hockey to win gold and go viral

Eight players with "State of Hockey" ties could help the PWHL cash in on the Winter Games' visibility.

Olympics

The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="rise of professional women&#x27;s hockey" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2024/01/07/minnesota-professional-women-hockey-league-attendance-record" data-vars-content-id="5eb4638f-a629-45ed-be90-895055007ef1" data-vars-headline="Minnesota Olympians pushing women&#x27;s hockey to win gold and go viral" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2024/01/07/minnesota-professional-women-hockey-league-attendance-record" target="_self">rise of professional women&#x27;s hockey</a> in North America has made training for this year&#x27;s Winter Olympics &quot;really different,&quot; Plymouth native Kelly Pannek tells Axios.Before the 2018 and 2022 Games, the U.S. women&#x27;s training schedule included exhibitions against <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="men&#x27;s clubs" data-vars-click-url="https://www.usforacle.com/2017/10/15/usf-hockey-plays-us-womens-national-team/?utm_source=chatgpt.com" data-vars-content-id="5eb4638f-a629-45ed-be90-895055007ef1" data-vars-headline="Minnesota Olympians pushing women&#x27;s hockey to win gold and go viral" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.usforacle.com/2017/10/15/usf-hockey-plays-us-womens-national-team/?utm_source=chatgpt.com" target="_blank">men&#x27;s clubs</a> and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="college teams" data-vars-click-url="https://eaglenews.org/20567/sports/fgcu-defeats-usa-womens-national-team-in-exhibition/" data-vars-content-id="5eb4638f-a629-45ed-be90-895055007ef1" data-vars-headline="Minnesota Olympians pushing women&#x27;s hockey to win gold and go viral" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://eaglenews.org/20567/sports/fgcu-defeats-usa-womens-national-team-in-exhibition/" target="_blank">college teams</a> — games that weren&#x27;t always the best measuring sticks, Pannek says.<ul><li>Four years later, in the Professional Women&#x27;s Hockey League, &quot;you&#x27;re daily being pushed by the best players in the world — in your practices,&quot; the Minnesota Frost center tells Axios.</li></ul>

"Heated Rivalry" is heating up library waitlists

The sports romance is flying off the shelves.

Things to Do

Demand for &quot;<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Heated Rivalry" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2026/01/09/crosby-ovechkin-feud-inspires-heated-rivalry" data-vars-content-id="9359f548-8ff4-493d-93db-87fc9b07d5f5" data-vars-headline="&quot;Heated Rivalry&quot; is heating up library waitlists" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/pittsburgh/2026/01/09/crosby-ovechkin-feud-inspires-heated-rivalry" target="_self">Heated Rivalry</a>&quot; at Twin Cities libraries is red-hot. Why it matters: The &quot;<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="gay hockey smut" data-vars-click-url="https://www.thecut.com/article/heated-rivalry-series-show-book-women-explained.html" data-vars-content-id="9359f548-8ff4-493d-93db-87fc9b07d5f5" data-vars-headline="&quot;Heated Rivalry&quot; is heating up library waitlists" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.thecut.com/article/heated-rivalry-series-show-book-women-explained.html" target="_blank">gay hockey smut</a>&quot; book-turned-HBO-streaming-hit has exploded into a pop culture sensation.

Wolves hiking ticket prices; making arena progress

The Wolves have always been one of the cheapest tickets in the NBA. That's changing.

The Timberwolves informed their season ticket holders Wednesday they&#x27;re getting a sizable price hike for next season. Why it matters: Target Center has long been one of the cheapest places to catch an NBA game, but new CEO Matt Caldwell said the increases are warranted given the team&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="recent success" data-vars-click-url="https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/45155667/wolves-close-warriors-2nd-straight-conference-finals" data-vars-content-id="b73b8d14-5143-43c0-a600-ec95872ffdd3" data-vars-headline="Wolves hiking ticket prices; making arena progress" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/45155667/wolves-close-warriors-2nd-straight-conference-finals" target="_blank">recent success</a>, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="expensive payroll" data-vars-click-url="https://www.hoopshype.com/salaries/teams/" data-vars-content-id="b73b8d14-5143-43c0-a600-ec95872ffdd3" data-vars-headline="Wolves hiking ticket prices; making arena progress" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.hoopshype.com/salaries/teams/" target="_blank">expensive payroll</a> and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="arena upgrades" data-vars-click-url="https://www.nba.com/timberwolves/news/timberwolves-unveil-new-stage-lighting-at-target-center-as-part-of-continued-emphasis-on-a-world-class-fan-experience" data-vars-content-id="b73b8d14-5143-43c0-a600-ec95872ffdd3" data-vars-headline="Wolves hiking ticket prices; making arena progress" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.nba.com/timberwolves/news/timberwolves-unveil-new-stage-lighting-at-target-center-as-part-of-continued-emphasis-on-a-world-class-fan-experience" target="_blank">arena upgrades</a>.

Twin Cities "synchro" skaters represent U.S. at world competitions

The Northernettes are competing in Poland and Finland this winter.

<figure><img alt="A synchronized ice skating team in blue-green dresses performs a routine on an indoor ice rink with a large audience watching from the stands." height="450" id="f9dd5a01-f9fc-48ce-842b-70e8ba4f5b47" src="https://images.axios.com/jRHASaucSst3_OtoxTg1iu0We1Q=/2026/01/14/1768410833948.gif" width="800"/><figcaption>Video courtesy of The Northernettes</figcaption></figure>A Twin Cities synchronized <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="ice skating" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2026/01/06/minnesota-forest-ice-skating-trail-northland-arboretum" data-vars-content-id="d60d2a8c-0bf6-4b06-aa52-99191277fe55" data-vars-headline="Twin Cities &quot;synchro&quot; skaters represent U.S. at world competitions" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2026/01/06/minnesota-forest-ice-skating-trail-northland-arboretum" target="_self">ice skating</a> troupe is representing the U.S. on the world stage this week. Why it matters: Minneapolis-based <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Northernettes Synchronized Skating" data-vars-click-url="https://www.northernettessynchro.org/" data-vars-content-id="d60d2a8c-0bf6-4b06-aa52-99191277fe55" data-vars-headline="Twin Cities &quot;synchro&quot; skaters represent U.S. at world competitions" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.northernettessynchro.org/" target="_blank">Northernettes Synchronized Skating</a> club has trained some of the nation&#x27;s most promising young &quot;synchro&quot; stars.<ul><li>A series of upcoming overseas competitions, including the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Hevelius Cup" data-vars-click-url="https://www.heveliuscup.eu/" data-vars-content-id="d60d2a8c-0bf6-4b06-aa52-99191277fe55" data-vars-headline="Twin Cities &quot;synchro&quot; skaters represent U.S. at world competitions" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.heveliuscup.eu/" target="_blank">Hevelius Cup</a> that kicks off in Poland on Thursday, are basically their equivalent of the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Olympic Games" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2022/02/04/minnesota-2022-winter-olympics-team-usa-hometown" data-vars-content-id="d60d2a8c-0bf6-4b06-aa52-99191277fe55" data-vars-headline="Twin Cities &quot;synchro&quot; skaters represent U.S. at world competitions" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2022/02/04/minnesota-2022-winter-olympics-team-usa-hometown" target="_self">Olympic Games</a>.</li></ul>

Final exams for J.J. McCarthy

The team will get a much-needed look at how J.J. McCarthy is progressing.

The Vikings may have been knocked out of playoff contention, but the last three games of the season — starting Sunday in New York — are vital to the team&#x27;s long-term future.The big picture: Minnesota&#x27;s disappointing 6-8 record soured many fans who had <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="high hopes" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2025/09/08/vikings-2025-season-preview-playoffs" data-vars-content-id="51d28d3a-0955-41c7-9646-0ba4026feb7d" data-vars-headline="Final exams for J.J. McCarthy" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2025/09/08/vikings-2025-season-preview-playoffs" target="_self">high hopes</a> after last year&#x27;s 14-3 season. Add to that some putrid play by first-year quarterback J.J. McCarthy, and the angst reached Christian Ponder-era levels.

Sports 🏅

After Hughes trade, Wild may still have big move coming

Minnesota's Olympic gold drought ends with thrilling women's hockey win

The era of austerity has begun for the Twins

Loons land international star James Rodríguez

Minnesotans to watch in the Winter Olympics