Touted by Travel + Leisure as “One of the world’s top winter festivals” – The Great Northern is kicking off on January 25. The 10-day winter celebration takes place across the Twin Cities and will run through February 5, 2023. Attendees will be able to spectate some amazing winter sports – like pond hockey, skijoring, and fat-tire bike racing – along with a chance to enjoy ice and snow sculpture competitions.
This year there will be over 60 events that fall within one or more of The Great Northern’s five primary pillars: food and drink, ideas, public art, music and performance, and outdoor experiences.
The festival kicks off with Chill Out: Festival Launch Party on January 25 at Surly’s Beer Garden.
Kate Nordstrum, executive and artistic director of The Great Northern, stated: “When the temperatures plunge, residents in the North are intentional about seeking community, fresh air, art, inspiration, good words and nourishing food – building fire from within. Our cold, snowy winters shape our culture, and they are at risk as the climate continues to warm. With The Great Northern, we want to motivate festival-goers to take steps to preserve the gift of winter.”
The 2023 festival features more than 60 performances, art installations, outdoor activations, and solutions-focused climate talks. For a full list of events, take a look at the Great Northern’s event calendar.
This year’s festival will also highlight three big Twin Cities area events:
U.S. Pond Hockey Championships
When: January 19-29, 2023
Where: Lake Nokomis
More info: U.S. Pond Hockey Championship
Saint Paul Winter Carnival
When: January 26 – February 5, 2023
Where: Various locations
More info: Saint Paul Winter Carnival
City of Lakes Loppet
When: February 4-5, 2023
Where: Bde Maka Ska, Theodore Wirth Park & Lake of the Isles
More info: City of Lakes Loppet Winter Festival
Full list of events
For a full list of events, take a look at the Great Northern’s event calendar.
Their Mission
The Great Northern celebrates our cold, creative winters through ten days of diverse programming that invigorate mind and body. In an era of changing climate that threatens our signature season, we seek to create community, inspire action, and share the resilient spirit of the North with the world.
