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

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Get smarter, faster about what’s happening in your backyard with local reporters Nick Halter, Audrey Kennedy and Torey Van Oot.

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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.

State Fair attendance fails to reach 2 million

Despite the perfect weather, State Fair attendance was flat

Despite near-perfect weather, Minnesota State Fair <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="attendance" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/state-fair" data-vars-content-id="cfdc930a-6488-48f0-ae82-0af2339d866f" data-vars-headline="State Fair attendance fails to reach 2 million" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/state-fair" target="_self">attendance</a> failed to reach 2 million this year and barely surpassed last year, when heat and storms slowed the turnstiles on a couple of days.Why it matters: The State Fair can serve as a gauge of Minnesotans&#x27; economic mood, and this year was surprisingly lackluster considering that highs in the 70s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="usually bring big crowds" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2025/08/20/best-day-attend-minnesota-state-fair-data" data-vars-content-id="cfdc930a-6488-48f0-ae82-0af2339d866f" data-vars-headline="State Fair attendance fails to reach 2 million" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2025/08/20/best-day-attend-minnesota-state-fair-data" target="_self">usually bring big crowds</a>.

New foods to try, skip at the Minnesota State Fair

We actually liked the Uncrustaburger, even if it fell apart in our hands.

It might have been a mistake to eat the Uncrustaburger from Coasters first thing in the morning.

Tips, hacks and hidden gems: How to make the most of the Minnesota State Fair

You might even be able to score free Sweet Martha's.

State Fair

Break out the stretchy pants (or shorts): The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Minnesota State Fair" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/state-fair" data-vars-content-id="facb7c06-8055-4c3a-9179-5457f0a8a587" data-vars-headline="Tips, hacks and hidden gems: How to make the most of the Minnesota State Fair" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/state-fair" target="_self">Minnesota State Fair</a> starts Thursday.Why it matters: The 12-day fair might as well be a state holiday.

The best day to attend the Minnesota State Fair, according to data

We crunched the numbers to find the ideal day.

Looking to beat the crowds at the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Minnesota State Fair" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2024/09/03/minnesota-state-fair-2024-attendance-new-post-pandemic-high" data-vars-content-id="e2d8f6f8-8ebc-4e5d-acbb-7a0982c1c42a" data-vars-headline="The best day to attend the Minnesota State Fair, according to data" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2024/09/03/minnesota-state-fair-2024-attendance-new-post-pandemic-high" target="_self">Minnesota State Fair</a>? Get there on opening day, probably.The big picture: Since 1994, the first Thursday of the 12-day fair has averaged the lowest daily attendance — around 103,000 visitors, according to an Axios analysis.<ul><li>Labor Day weekend sees the biggest crowds — most frequently peaking on the fair&#x27;s final Saturday, with 217,000 attendees on average.</li></ul>

Minnesota State Fair attendance sets new pandemic-era high

Fairgoers set five daily attendance records, overcoming two days of sparse crowds.

Attendance at the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Minnesota State Fair" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2024/08/22/new-foods-minnesota-state-fair-best-worst-weirdest" data-vars-content-id="fdce9902-6917-4721-9821-c4bbf87c7bec" data-vars-headline="Minnesota State Fair attendance sets new pandemic-era high" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2024/08/22/new-foods-minnesota-state-fair-best-worst-weirdest" target="_self">Minnesota State Fair</a> topped 1.9 million visitors this year, marking the largest turnout since the 2020 event was canceled due to the pandemic, organizers announced Tuesday.The big picture: Fairgoers reveled in the mostly mild weather during the Get-Together&#x27;s 12-day run.<ul><li>They set five daily attendance records — all on days with highs in the mid 70s to low 80s.</li></ul>

Newborn lambs at the Minnesota State Fair's Miracle of Birth Center

About 100 people witnessed a mini veterinary drama at the Minnesota State Fair. Don't worry! It has a happy ending.

About 100 people witnessed a mini veterinary drama at the Minnesota State Fair earlier this week.<ul><li>Don&#x27;t worry! It has a happy ending.</li></ul>What happened: As an ewe gave birth to triplets at the Miracle of Birth Center, the second lamb emerged looking a little limp and stained yellowish-brown.<ul><li>Meconium staining is a sign the lamb was stressed on its way out.</li></ul><figure><img alt="A veterinary student wearing dark-green coveralls bends down in a straw-lined pen and rubs a yellowish newborn lamb." height="3024" id="ac46bb9d-b9af-4562-9a37-61c7d11f8675" src="https://images.axios.com/bpUYLcSqzrACoPWW10I0g7XtodE=/2024/08/28/1724854269676.jpg" width="4032"/><figcaption>See how the little guy looks about as yellow as the straw? That&#x27;s the meconium staining. Photo: Kyle Stokes/Axios </figcaption></figure>Vet student helpers got to work vigorously rubbing the lamb, whose breathing was less regular than that of his siblings.<ul><li>After a few minutes, all appeared to be well!</li></ul>The big picture: Around <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="200 animals" data-vars-click-url="https://www.mvmfcares.org/public-education/#:~:text=The%20Miracle%20of%20Birth%20Center%20is%20the%20birthplace%20of%20more,to%20the%20historic%20livestock%20area." data-vars-content-id="07e839f5-688f-481b-8ebe-1022e66f4d4a" data-vars-headline="Newborn lambs at the Minnesota State Fair&#x27;s Miracle of Birth Center" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.mvmfcares.org/public-education/#:~:text=The%20Miracle%20of%20Birth%20Center%20is%20the%20birthplace%20of%20more,to%20the%20historic%20livestock%20area." target="_blank">200 animals</a> are born at the fair every year.What&#x27;s next: Choosing names for the triplet lambs.<ul><li>Members of the crowd suggested Gus, Jacob, Teddy, Scout, and Bob.</li></ul><figure><img alt="A baby lamb rests its chin on its mother&#x27;s back in a straw-lined pen" height="3024" id="d2d461e2-de03-403f-99c7-5750f233872b" src="https://images.axios.com/Y80zoF89qAuORUfrCEeUQRj6YCU=/2024/08/28/1724854446024.jpg" width="4032"/><figcaption>Photo: Kyle Stokes/Axios</figcaption></figure>

How the Minnesota State Fair became a "craft beer haven"

The wacky beers add to the State Fair's allure, but also raise awareness for Minnesota's brewing industry.

The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Great Minnesota Get Together" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2024/08/22/minnesota-state-fair-preview-attendance-food-beer" data-vars-content-id="dc8aee42-90e7-4d8d-a988-501d2f1fc65c" data-vars-headline="How the Minnesota State Fair became a &quot;craft beer haven&quot;" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2024/08/22/minnesota-state-fair-preview-attendance-food-beer" target="_self">Great Minnesota Get Together</a> has become the Great Minnesota Drink Together over the past dozen years, and the state&#x27;s craft breweries are reaping the rewards with their exclusive, themed, stunt beers.Why it matters: The wacky beers both add to the State Fair&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="allure" data-vars-click-url="https://www.morningbrew.com/daily/stories/2024/08/18/a-day-at-the-fair-in-minnesota" data-vars-content-id="dc8aee42-90e7-4d8d-a988-501d2f1fc65c" data-vars-headline="How the Minnesota State Fair became a &quot;craft beer haven&quot;" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.morningbrew.com/daily/stories/2024/08/18/a-day-at-the-fair-in-minnesota" target="_blank">allure</a> and raise awareness for <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Minnesota&#x27;s brewing industry" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2023/06/26/largest-breweries-minnesota-schells-summit-surly-castle-dange-fulton-indeed" data-vars-content-id="dc8aee42-90e7-4d8d-a988-501d2f1fc65c" data-vars-headline="How the Minnesota State Fair became a &quot;craft beer haven&quot;" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2023/06/26/largest-breweries-minnesota-schells-summit-surly-castle-dange-fulton-indeed" target="_self">Minnesota&#x27;s brewing industry</a>.

Which Minnesota State Fair vendors make the most money

Last year was a big bounce-back for State Fair food vendors that survived a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="wiped-out" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2021/02/24/minnesota-state-fair-2021-is-it-happening-canceled" data-vars-content-id="907f4c41-022b-4e71-a8d0-8b966ae8f026" data-vars-headline="Which Minnesota State Fair vendors make the most money" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2021/02/24/minnesota-state-fair-2021-is-it-happening-canceled" target="_self">wiped-out</a> 2020 fair, smaller crowds in <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="2021" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2022/04/04/minnesota-state-fair-vendors-sales-decline-2021" data-vars-content-id="907f4c41-022b-4e71-a8d0-8b966ae8f026" data-vars-headline="Which Minnesota State Fair vendors make the most money" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2022/04/04/minnesota-state-fair-vendors-sales-decline-2021" target="_self">2021</a> and a labor shortage in <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="2022" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2022/09/06/minnesota-state-fair-attendance-18-million-2022" data-vars-content-id="907f4c41-022b-4e71-a8d0-8b966ae8f026" data-vars-headline="Which Minnesota State Fair vendors make the most money" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2022/09/06/minnesota-state-fair-attendance-18-million-2022" target="_self">2022</a>.State of play: The fair now boasts seven vendors that exceeded $1 million in sales last year — the most ever.

Photos: Seed art at the 2024 Minnesota State Fair, up close

The lines to get an up-close look are usually long — but worth it.

Things to Do

Favorite bars. Catchy slogans. Literary luminaries. Good dogs — and cows.The big picture: This year&#x27;s Minnesota State Fair crop art contest features depictions of all of these and more, made with <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Minnesota-grown seeds" data-vars-click-url="https://assets.mnstatefair.org/pdf/competition/24-ahb-crops-pb.pdf" data-vars-content-id="db63f73f-7efe-4de9-8f95-14e264b758c6" data-vars-headline="Photos: Seed art at the 2024 Minnesota State Fair, up close" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://assets.mnstatefair.org/pdf/competition/24-ahb-crops-pb.pdf" target="_blank">Minnesota-grown seeds</a>.

Minnesota State Fair reviews: The best and worst new foods

The Fried Bee-Nana Pie and Quesabirria Taquitos were among the hits

The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="deep-fried ranch" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2024/07/09/minnesota-state-fair-2024-new-food-vendors" data-vars-content-id="05e75f10-4bfb-4891-b11f-767f48c47e69" data-vars-headline="Minnesota State Fair reviews: The best and worst new foods" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2024/07/09/minnesota-state-fair-2024-new-food-vendors" target="_self">deep-fried ranch</a> dressing at Lulu&#x27;s Public House was actually pretty good. <ul><li>We&#x27;re serious. </li></ul>Driving the heartburn: The Axios Twin Cities crew — with the help of special guest Claire Reilly from our <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="San Francisco team" data-vars-click-url="https://www.instagram.com/axiossf/" data-vars-content-id="05e75f10-4bfb-4891-b11f-767f48c47e69" data-vars-headline="Minnesota State Fair reviews: The best and worst new foods" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.instagram.com/axiossf/" target="_blank">San Francisco team</a> — tried almost all of the 33 <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="new foods and six new vendors" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2024/08/22/minnesota-state-fair-preview-attendance-food-beer" data-vars-content-id="05e75f10-4bfb-4891-b11f-767f48c47e69" data-vars-headline="Minnesota State Fair reviews: The best and worst new foods" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2024/08/22/minnesota-state-fair-preview-attendance-food-beer" target="_self">new foods and six new vendors</a> on Thursday.

State Fair

Weird Al to rock 2026 Minnesota State Fair

State Fair attendance fails to reach 2 million

New foods to try, skip at the Minnesota State Fair

Tips, hacks and hidden gems: How to make the most of the Minnesota State Fair

The best day to attend the Minnesota State Fair, according to data