Rochester Magazine | 100 Can't Miss Winter Events by Rochester Post Bulletin

SUNDAY 1

COOLTIDE CHEER. Shaun Johnson (who you may know as the lead singer of Tonic Sol-fa) and the Big Band Experience are at Historic Chateau Theatre playing “re-imagined holiday favorites” as part of their Cool Yule Holiday Tour. yourchateau.org

MONDAY 2

THREE TENORS. The NorrSound Tenors channel “The Three Tenors” in their aptly titled show, A Three Tenors Christmas. The show, held at Chanhassen Dinner Theatres, features Christmas music galore including operatic arias and new arrangements of Christmas favorites. chanhassendt.com, 952-934-1525

TUESDAY 3

MERRY MAYOWOOD MANSION. Mayowood Mansion, the home of Dr. Mayo, is open for a special Christmas tour. Learn about the history of the home and its former occupants as you tour the historical rooms decorated for the holidays. olmstedhistory.com, 507-292-9447

WEDNESDAY 4

BRASS AND BELLS. The Classic Brass Quintet and the Congregational Bell Choir join together for a Brass and Bells Concert of Carols Christmas Concert at the Congregational Church UCC (and it’s a fundraiser for Channel One). congoroch.org; 507-289-4581.

THURSDAY 5

100 days of winter

CAN’T MISS EVENTS

DECEMBER

SUNDAY 8

NATURE ART! 10+ nature artists are at the 21st annual Quarry Hill Nature Art Show and Sale with wares from stained glass to ceramic art pottery to wild bird paintings and more. A portion of the profits go toward supporting the Friends of Quarry Hill. qhnc.org, 507-328-3950

WHAT NUNSENSE! The sisters of Mount Saint Helen take on Cable Access television with Christmas carol parodies, outrageous costumes, and dancing in Nuncrackers. See this “hilarious holiday musical” at the Rochester Rep Theatre. rochesterrep.org, 507-289-1737

FRIDAY 6

MARLEY WAS DEAD AS A DOORNAIL. A Christmas Carol, The Musical tells Dickens’ classic story of a miserly old man visited by three spirits who attempt to show him the error of his ways … but now with song! Catch today’s performance at the Rochester Civic Theatre. rochestercivictheatre.org, 507-282-8481

SATURDAY 7

MAGIC IS IN THE AIR. Downtown Dazzle: Feel the Magic of the Season features a holiday parade, pictures with Santa, choirs, and more in Peace Plaza! Proceeds benefit the Rochester Salvation Army and gifts will be collected and donated to Toys for Tots. facebook.com/events/725100019644657/?_rdr

MONDAY 9

HENDRICKSON HARMONY. Luke Hendrickson, a singer-songwriter with folk and country roots, performs at the Gonda Building for a free concert as part of the Harmony for Mayo Program. choralartsensemble.org

TUESDAY 10

ALL ABOARD! The 26th annual Canadian Pacific Holiday Train stops in Wabasha and Winona today. The train’s festive lights, polished performers (The Lone Bellow and Tiera Kennedy at this stop), and charitable spirit (it collects items for local food banks) are guaranteed to put you in the holiday spirit. cpr.ca/holiday-train, 888-333-6370

WEDNESDAY 11

DANCE OF THE SUGAR PLUM FAIRY. The World Ballet Series presents The Nutcracker at the Mayo Civic Center. Forty professional ballerinas bring this classic holiday ballet—following the young Clara and her adventures through the Land of Sweets—to life. The sets and the 150+ costumes are all hand-crafted! mayociviccenter.com, 507-361-5050

THURSDAY 12

HOLIDAY GIFT FAIR! Shop the more than 30 vendors for artisan gifts, grab a treat, and sign up for your chance to win a door prize at 125 LIVE’s free Holiday Gift Fair. 125livemn.org, 507-287-1404

FRIDAY 13

HOLIDAY GIFT FAIR (PT 2!). The Holiday Craft and Gift show brings 120+ vendors selling unique gifts (including metal arts, handcrafted items, and more) to the Mayo Civic Center. Shop easy knowing that a portion of the profits benefit local charities. rosecraftshows.com, 612-695-0512

SATURDAY 14

THE BEST WAY TO SPREAD CHRISTMAS CHEER. 50+ tuba and baritone players gather at Bethel Lutheran Church to play songs of the season in Tuba Christmas. These players are also known for their festive outfits, hats, and instrument decorations. tubachristmas.com, 812-824-8833

SUNDAY 15

IS SINGING LOUD FOR ALL TO HEAR. The Choral Arts Ensemble is at Assisi Heights’ Lourdes Chapel for this year’s Christmas at Assisi concert: “A Mother’s Joy.” This concert showcases Christmas and holiday favorites and songs “exploring themes of new life, motherhood, and caretaking.” choralartsensemble.org, 507-252-8427

ROCHESTER grizzlies

MONDAY 16

GET YOUR PIC TAKEN WITH SANTA. Santa and his magical elves will be at Apache Mall every day through Dec. 24. Wear your best festive apparel and get your pictures taken! apachemall.com

TUESDAY 17

nICE SHOT! Catch Minnesota’s state sport, ice hockey, in action with the Lourdes Eagles playing the Red Wing Wingers at Graham Arena. rcsmn.org, 507-289-3991

WEDNESDAY 18

SUNDAY 22

MERRY CHRISTMAS, WITH LOVE. The Rochester Pops Orchestra is joined by special guest vocalists Tom Overlie (yes, of KTTC fame) and Caroline Worra for their Merry Christmas, With Love concert at Bethel Lutheran Church. rochesterpops.com

MONDAY 23

“PRAIRIE DREAM.” Grammy award-winning singer-songwriter Judy Collins performs at the Mayo Civic Center as part of her Holidays and Hits Tour. Judy plays covers (“Silent Night” and “Send in the Clowns”) and originals (“My Father” and “Songs for Martin”) from some of her 36 studio and 4 holiday albums. mayociviccenter.com, 507-361-5050

THURSDAY 19

“UNBELIEVABLE” THEY’RE AT THE CIVIC CENTER. Diamond Rio have been performing together for over 40 years and have 5 number one hits on the Billboard Charts (including “One More Day,” “Beautiful Mess,” and “Meet in the Middle”). Catch them tonight at the Mayo Civic Center. mayociviccenter.com, 507-361-5050

FRIDAY 20

HOLIDAY SING ALONG. It’s the 18th Annual Old-Fashioned Holiday Sing Along with Dan Chouinard at the St. Mane Theatre in Lanesboro. This show features guests performing songs, poems, and stories in the name of holiday spirit! lanesboroarts.org, 507-467-2446

SATURDAY 21

SOUNDS OF THE SEASON. The Rochester Symphony Orchestra’s Sounds of the Season concert features popular Christmas songs including Leroy Anderson’s “Sleigh Ride” and selections from Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker. There’s even an audience sing-along! rochestersymphony.org, 507-286-8742

DASHING THROUGH THE SNOW. (On a two-horse open sleigh.) Ironwood Springs offers sleigh rides—book for your group or check out their schedule for individual dates, like today—along the Root River. Now with bunny handwarmers! ironwoodsprings.com, 507-533-4315

TUESDAY 24

LEARN TO SKI AT QHNC. With more than eight miles of trails, Quarry Hill Nature Center is the perfect place to try crosscountry skiing. QHNC staff will even give you pointers before you head out on your rental skis to glide (and, most likely, fall) through the 320-acre park. 507-328-3950, qhnc.org

WEDNESDAY 25

MERRY CHRISTMAS! Crank up the heat, turn the radio to 105.3 for some Christmas tunes, and check out the Post Bulletin’s annual Guide to Holiday Light Displays for a drive around Rochester. Some houses have light displays set to music which is an extra treat! postbulletin.com

THURSDAY 26

MERRY AND BRIGHT. Based on the classic Christmas movie of the same name, White Christmas, The Musical follows Bob Wallace and Phil Davis in their quest to save their friend’s inn. Along the way this singing and dancing duo sing Irving Berlin hits including “Blue Skies” and “White Christmas” at Chanhassen Dinner Theatres. chanhassendt.com, 952-934-1547

FRIDAY 27

BUST A GUT. Goonies Comedy Club hosts Ali Sultan, who appeared on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, won Acme’s Funniest Person Contest, and has two comedy albums (“Happy to Be Here” and “Funny First”). Sultan is joined by Ahmed Khalaf. gooniescomedy.com

SATURDAY 28

POLAR RUN. Meet at Charlie’s Pub for one of Rochester Running Club’s OSS off season runs (happening most Saturdays). These runs range from 6-12 miles, with running groups of various speeds, and end with a breakfast back at Charlie’s Pub! rochesterrunningclub.org

SUNDAY 29

SEE THE LIGHTS (ON A TROLLEY)! The Rochester Trolley takes you to the best decorated houses in Rochester in their Jolly Trolley: Holiday Light Tour. Enjoy classic holiday music aboard the warmth of a lighted, decorated, and heated trolley. rochestermntours.com

MONDAY 30

SKI OR TUBE AT, YES, STEEPLECHASE. In 2023, Steeplechase, the long-dormant resort in Mazeppa, opened its chair lifts and ski hills for the first time in 16 years. And they have tubing, too! steeplechaseevents.com, 507-261-8033

TUESDAY 31

NEW YEAR’S EVE. Spend New Year’s Eve at the Mayo Civic Center with the third annual Celebrate Rochester! New Year’s Eve. Go roller skating, play virtual reality games, and be home by 8 p.m.! mayociviccenter.com/events/ newyearseve, 507-361-5040

WEDNESDAY 1

FIRST DAY, FIRST HIKE. Start your year off right with a guided walk at Whitewater State Park. Lots of snow? They’ll switch to snowshoes instead. dnr.state.mn.us, 651-296-6157

THURSDAY 2

SNOWMAN DANCE. It’s a Snow Globe Dance Party at the Rochester Public Library! Kids can bring their hats and scarves to party in an “indoor snow globe.” rplmn.org, 507-328-2300

FRIDAY 3

VERY BEST OF THE BEATLES. The Shabby Road Orchestra (an ad-hoc rock collective with members of The Honeydogs, Six Mile Grove, and more) will play a wideranging mix of the obscure and the iconic from the Beatles final six albums at the Historic Chateau Theatre. yourchateau.org

SATURDAY 4

LEARN TO SKI OR SNOWBOARD. Coffee Mill Ski Resort, in Wabasha, is a favorite for everyone from families to thrill seekers to newbies for a reason—they have hills for everyone’s expertise. And they also offer great learn to ski/snowboard lessons. cmskiarea.com, 651-565-2777

SUNDAY 5

GO TO KELLOGG. FOR A LARK. Glance through the display cases, which feature a collection of 25,000 antique and vintage toys, check out the fun-house mirrors and ride the hand-carved carousel creatures before shopping for classic, old-school toys. larktoys.com, 507-767-3387

MONDAY 6

DON’T GET SKUNKED. The first Monday of the month means it’s a nibs and nobs night at LTS Brewing. (Read: a cribbage tournament). Show off your cribbage skills (or at least play cribbage). ltsbrewing.com, 507-226-8280

TUESDAY 7

100 days of winter

CAN’T MISS EVENTS

JANUARY

WEDNESDAY 8

GETCHA HEAD IN THE GAME. Wear your blue and yellow to support the RCTC Yellowjackets men’s basketball team as they face off against Riverland Community College at home. rctcyellowjackets.com, 507- 285-7210

THURSDAY 9

GIMME! GIMME! GIMME! MANIA The Abba tribute is at the Mayo Civic Center, complete with knee-high boots, 70’s wigs, and plenty of shimmer. This two-hour ABBA tribute features songs like “Mamma Mia,” “Dancing Queen,” and “Winner Takes It All.” mayociviccenter.com, 507-361-5040

SNOW MUCH FUN! Travel dangerously fast on a thin piece of plastic. The city lists two official sledding hills, Judd Park (3812 Third St. NW) and Schmidt Park (622 24th Ave. NW). Judd can get a little crazy. Schmidt seems a bit milder. This is oldschool sledding, just how we like it.

FRIDAY 10

NO SKATES NECESSARY! Join the Rochester Raiders Adapted Floor Hockey team for their 22nd annual Andrew Cormack floor hockey tournament at Dakota Middle School. facebook.com/ RochesterRaidersAdaptedAthletics

SATURDAY 11

DRIFTLESS DANCE. 8 (short) films, 7 “MN-based dance film artists,” 6 locations. Each film included in The Driftless Dance Film Tour combines movement and storytelling. Today’s event, held at Lanesboro’s St. Mane Theatre, also includes a Q&A with two artists. lanesboroarts.org, 507-467-2446

SUNDAY 12

FLANNEL NOT REQUIRED (BUT ENCOURAGED). The Curling Club of Rochester hosts Frost, Froth, & Flannel at Little Thistle Brewing. This outdoor bonspiel (curling tournament) gives curlers a chance to face off against each other in 3 games of outdoor curling. curlrochester.org

MONDAY 13

STRAP ON SOME SKATES. When Soldiers Field freezes over, it turns into a super cool (heh) wintertime attraction for Rochesterites. Might as well take advantage!

TUESDAY 14

ROCHESTER RUMBLE. It’s a Rochester boys basketball showdown as the Mayo Spartans and John Marshall Rockets play each other at Mayo High School. mhs. rochesterschools.org, 507-328-5500

WEDNESDAY 15

GO OLD-SCHOOL SNOW TUBING. The snow tubing at Ironwood Springs Christian Ranch (in Stewartville) feels like something we would have done as kids in the late ‘70s (JK I’m 26). Which is exactly why we love it. ironwoodsprings.com, 507-533-4315

THURSDAY 16

BLADES OF GLORY. Hockey is in full force as the Century/John Marshall girls team take on Red Wing at the Rec Center. If you’re looking to take a trip you can drive to Mankato to catch the Mayo girls team face off against Mankato East. mhs.rochesterschools.org, 507-328-5500

FRIDAY 17

ROOT FOR THE GRIZZ. Our Junior Hockey team, the Rochester Grizzlies (formerly the Ice Hawks), take on the St. Louis Jr. Blues at the Rec Center. Bring the family. Or grab a few friends for hockey and a few beers. rochestergrizz.com, 507-718-0437

SATURDAY 18

UM YA YA! The St. Olaf Choir, conducted by Anton Armstrong, performs at Bethel Lutheran Church. The choir (affectionately referred to as Ole Choir), dressed in their iconic purple robes, sing both traditional and modern choral songs. bethellutheran.com, 507-288-6430

SUNDAY 19

ELEMENTARY MY DEAR WATSON. Miss Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Dorothy Watson take on the case of a nurse (and activist) accused of murder in Miss Holmes Returns. This “Twisting Mystery,” put on by the Rochester Rep Theatre, is a new take on the stories of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. rochesterrep. org, 507-289-1737 (jan 17, 19, 25)

MONDAY 20

WE HAVE A DREAM CELEBRATION. Celebrate MLK Day with the annual We Have a Dream Celebration at the Mayo Civic Center. This event, in partnership with the Rochester Branch of the NAACP, commemorates the life of Martin Luther King, Jr. business. rochestermnchamber.com, 507-288-1122

TUESDAY 21

IT’S ROCHESTER RESTAURANT WEEK!

Rochester Restaurant Week will take place Monday-Sunday, Jan. 20-26. This is your chance to check out the specials offered by participating restaurants throughout town and throughout the week. rochesterrestaurantweek.com

WEDNESDAY 22

POND HOCKEY CHAMPIONSHIPS. It’s the first day of the 20th annual U.S. Pond Hockey Championships in Minneapolis. While there are the traditional men’s and women’s divisions there are also opportunities for hockey late bloomers (benders) and a sled division for those hoping to get their name engraved on the Golden Shovel. uspondhockey.com

THURSDAY 23

HIT THE SLOPES. (FIGURATIVELY, WE HOPE.) Take a road trip to Welch Village for a day of skiing or snowboarding. Not a seasoned snow bunny? No worries. The ski and snowboard destination, located about an hour outside Rochester, offers lessons for all ages and abilities. welchvillage.com, 651-258-4567

FRIDAY 24

SUNDAY 26

ON A ROLL. Castle Con, a three day “board gaming extravaganza,” is in its last day at the Historic Chateau Theatre. Play in tournaments, win prizes (hopefully), try new games, make new friends. yourchateau.org

MONDAY 27

FIND SECRETS IN THE SNOW. Snowshoe through Whitewater in search of historic features that are only visible in the winter (when the trees are bare). dnr.state.mn.us, 507-312-2300

TUESDAY 28

THE SEARCH (PT. 2). Lyra Baroque is selecting a new artistic director through on-stage auditions! The second of these four hopefuls is Bojan Čičić, originally from Croatia. The “Concerto Adriatico” will be hosted at Mount Olive Lutheran Church. Check back throughout the season to see the other conductors being considered for the role. lyrabaroque.org, 651-321-2214

SATURDAY 25

MAGNIFIQUE! The Rochester Public Library hosts the WIT Soirée, a French themed after-hours event with speakers, wine, French cuisine samples, and Bundtinis. You can even upgrade your ticket and receive a chefled French cooking demonstration at this event that helps support the local library! rplmn.org, 507-328-2300

VOLUNTEER LOCAL. Spend an afternoon at the Gift of Life Transplant House answering the phones, acting as a tour guide, or planning fun events (like jewelry making and bingo). Help this organization, committed to providing a supportive housing option to transplant patients, in their mission to do good! gift-of-life.org

WEDNESDAY 29

BRINGING FAIRYTALES TO LIFE. Previous Ice Castles have featured bridges, tunnels, a slide, and plenty of cool lighting. This year’s, located in the Minnesota State Fairgrounds, promises the same. icecastles.com

THURSDAY 30

GET AQUATIC AT THE MINNESOTA MARINE ART MUSEUM. The Minnesota Marine Art Museum hosts a huge collection of American and European works spanning centuries, including exhibits on Edward Burtynsky and Judy Onofrio. Get to Winona today! mmam.org

FRIDAY 31

WINTER DANCE PARTY. Nicholas Freeman recreates Buddy Holly’s Winter Dance Party in “Buddy Holly: OH BOY!” at Paradise Center for the Arts in Faribault. Buddy Holly is joined by guests including Ritchie Valens (“La Bamba”) The Big Bopper (“Chantilly Lace”), and Dion & the Belmonts (“Teenager in Love”). paradisecenterforthearts.org, 507-332-7372

100 days of winter

CAN’T MISS EVENTS

FEBRUARY

FRIDAY 7

SOCIALIZE AT SOCIAL-ICE. Social-ICE is back for its 17th year! Head to Peace Plaza to see hand-carved ice sculptures, grab a signature drink at one of the event’s several ice bars, and groove to music from live DJs. downtownrochestermn. com, 507-216-9882

SATURDAY 8

BRRRRRRRRRRRRRR. If you’ve never jumped into icy water, you don’t know what cold is. You can fill that void while fundraising for Special Olympics at The Polar Plunge, a Winterfest staple held at Foster Arend Park. plungemn.org, 763-270-7119

SUNDAY 9

TUESDAY 11

SUMMER NIGHTS (IN FEBRUARY).

T-Birds and Pink Ladies, pep rallies and street racing, pajama parties and school dances. All this and more in Grease at Chanhassen Dinner Theatres. chanhassendt.com, 952-934-1525

WEDNESDAY 12

CELEBRATING EXCELLENCE.

The 33rd annual STEM Forward Out standing Educator Awards at the SE Service Cooperative. Join nominees from around Minnesota who exemplify excellence in teaching and work to promote STEM career opportunities. ssc.coop/stemforward/ outstanding-educator, 507-288-1282

EAT YOUR WAY THROUGH OUR BEST RESTAURANTS STORY. Use our Best Restaurants story from our February issue and visit all of the winners in a glorious, food-filled bonanza. Your stomach will thank you. rochestermagazine.com

THURSDAY 6

GEOMETRY AND ART. It’s the last week of “A World That Breathes Behind Itself” at the Rochester Art Center. This exhibit features paintings and etched glass drawings by Melanie Pakau, whose work centers around “the interlacing of repeated geometric forms.” rochesterartcenter.org, 507-722-2552

CURL UP WITH A GOOD BOOK. The Friends of the Library’s Winterfest Book S ale is jam-packed with used picture books, classics, and pretty much every other genre you can think of. This is the last day of the sale, so books are priced to move! rplmn.org, 507-328-2300

MONDAY 10

A FILM YOU WON’T SEE ANYWHERE ELSE. It’s the second day of Winona’s eight-day Frozen River Film Festival (Feb. 9-16). The festival features 50-plus films, including dozens of independent documentaries, as well as workshops, speakers, and music. frff.org, 507-494-8224

THURSDAY 13

SCOPE OUT YOUR NEXT PROJECT. The 46th annual Rochester Area Builders Home Show starts today. Hurry out to the Mayo Civic Center for a rundown of the latest trends before you start spring cleaning/remodeling! rochesterareabuilders.com, 507-282-7698

FRIDAY 14

LOVE THROUGH SONG. Melissa Schulz, pianist and singer, plays at Oaks Golf Club in Hayfield. Peruse Schulz’s song list and make a request- we recommend “Can’t Help Falling in Love” or “L-OV-E Love” in honor of Valentine’s Day! melissaschulzmusic.com, 563-580-6338

SATURDAY 15

YEAR-ROUND FARMERS. Stock up on winter produce (parsnips, squash, cranberries, and more) at the Rochester Farmer’s Market. This indoor winter market is held at Graham Park. rochfarmmkt.org, 507-273-8232

SUNDAY 16

WATCH THE BISON IN WINTER. With more than 30 Minnesota-native species (many of which have injuries that make them unfit to survive in the wild), you can take that meandering walk past the 17 species that remain active all winter, including otters, a cougar, a wolf, bobcat, elk, bison, and donkey at the Zollman Zoo in Byron’s Oxbow Park. 507-775-2451

MONDAY 17

FOR WHOM THE BELL TOLLS. Spoiler alert, it tolls for you (and everyone else in Rochester) Monday through Friday at 4:45 p.m. (and again at 7 p.m. on Mondays). Pick a spot by the entrance of the Gonda Building and Kahler, or in Peace Plaza, and listen for the music of the carillon (that’s the bell tower). history.mayoclinic.org

TUESDAY 18

FEBRUARY MADNESS! It may not be March, but it is time for some basketball madness! Catch two of the Rochester girls’ teams (Mayo and Century) face off at Mayo High School tonight! mshsl.org, 763-560-2262

WEDNESDAY 19

THURSDAY 20

EASY AS PIE (HOPEFULLY). Jenna Hunterson, a baker and waitress finds herself unexpectedly pregnant in Waitress at the Rochester Civic Theatre. She sets her sights on winning a pie contest with a $20,000 prize, enough to escape her abusive husband and make a better life for her baby. rochestercivictheatre.org, 507-282-8481

FRIDAY 21

“FRIDAY.” Eleanor Sievers, a Rochesterite, is still in high school, but she’s far from new to the music scene. She’s spent the last three years playing shows all across Rochester solo and as the lead singer for the band Beginners Luck. Tonight she’s at Taco Jed. tacojed.com, 507-258-9064

SATURDAY 22

A CHAIR AFFAIR. Bid on one-of-a-kind chairs handcrafted by local artists at the Boys & Girls Club of Rochester’s biggest fundraiser of the year ... A Chair Affair! This fundraiser, held at the Hilton, helps support the Club’s programs focused on nurturing relationships and providing a safe environment for kids. achairaffair.org

SUNDAY 23

VOICES. The Honors Choirs ensembles (Children’s Chorus, Treble Choir, Chorale, and Concert Choir) are at Bethel Lutheran Church for the Voices concert featuring classic and contemporary pieces (sometimes in 8 part harmony!). honorschoirs.org, 507-252-0505

FORE! With 20 architect-designed chairs spanning over 100 years (19042010s) and a mini golf course “designed by regional artists” Mini Golf & Chairs celebrates art in its most fun forms. Grab a club and play through this interactive exhibit at the Rochester Art Center. rochesterartcenter.org, 507-722-2552

MONDAY 24

TAKE A GAMBLE. Held at the Rochester Public Library, this month’s Mystery Book Club book is “A Gambling Man” by David Baldacci. The book follows Archer, a “straighttalking World War II veteran” who heads to Bay Town, California only to realize this false paradise is full of addiction, blackmail… and worse. rplmn.org, 507-328-2300

TUESDAY 25

QUEEN’S GAMBIT… THE GAME! You don’t need to be a chess expert like Beth Harmon (or Magnus Carlsen) to join the Rochester Chess Club. Come to the Harwick Building today (or any Tuesday) for a game or two and maybe some pointers from one of Rochester’s finest players. rochesterchess.com

WEDNESDAY 26

SHOW OFF THAT BIG BRAIN. Little Thistle hosts trivia every Wednesday night ... but the last Wednesday of the month has a new twist. At half-time, play a mini-round of Rochester trivia written and sponsored by the Post Bulletin. littlethistlebeer.com, 507-226-8014

THURSDAY 27

CELEBRATE GROWTH! The Rochester Area Chamber of Commerce hosts their Annual Celebration, a toast to the growing business community in and around Rochester. Join them at the Mayo Civic Center for speakers, programming, and networking opportunities. rochestermnchamber.com, 507-288-1122

FRIDAY 28

A JUGGLING ACT. What do a cleaver, a torch, a salt shaker, a ukulele, a skillet, a fish, an egg, a block of dry ice, and a bottle of champagne have in common? The Flying Karamazov Brothers will juggle them all (at the same time!) at Sheldon Theatre in Red Wing. sheldontheatre.org, 651-388-8700

SATURDAY 1

FRIENDS WHO PLAY TOGETHER ...

Celebrated pianist Horacio Nuguid is joined by a string quartet to play Schumann’s “Piano Quintet in E-flat Major” as well as pieces by Clarke and Mozart. This concert, entitled “Horacio Nuguid and Friends,” is hosted by the Rochester Chamber Music Society at Christ United Methodist Church. rochesterchambermusic.org

SUNDAY 2

PLAY-CEPTION. A director is looking to turn his “German sadomasochistic novel” into a play. In comes Vanda, a “crass and pushy actress.” Find out what happens when play and reality intermingle in Venus in Fur from Absolute Theater (held at the Black Box at the Rochester Civic Theatre). absolutetheatre.org, 507-722-2730

MONDAY 3

100 days of winter

MARCH CAN’T MISS EVENTS

TAKE A SCENIC SUNDAY DRIVE. ON MONDAY. “Follow the lush Root River Valley and wind your way through what feels like a landscape painting of woodsy hills and dramatic dolomite bluffs, marked with the tranquil silhouette of a lone Amish buggy” with the Historic Bluff Country National Scenic Byway. bluffcountry.com/Byways

TUESDAY 4

TAKE A HIKE. Park near the old-timey downtown of Historic Forestville—with its turn-of-the-20th century-buildings— then climb Sandbank Trail to Overlook Trail. It’s a moderate climb, but then you’re downhill all the way back. dnr.state.mn.us, 507-352-5111

WEDNESDAY 5

JEALOUSY/SWAY. “Jealousy” started as a dance performance audience members could view via security camera footage or squinting through holes in the wall. “Sway” started as an installation featuring “dancing fake flowers” attached to massage machines. The two exhibits combine to form Jealousy/Sway at the Rochester Art Center. rochesterartcenter.org, 507-722-2552

THURSDAY 6

MODERN DAY YOU’VE GOT MAIL. Read some uplifting fiction to start your year off r ight at the Rochester Public Library’s Feel Good Fiction Book Club. This month’s novel is “The House in the Cerulean Sea” by TJ Klune. rplmn.org, 507-328-2300

FRIDAY 7

SHE KILLS MONSTERS. After her sister, Tilly, dies, Agnes decides to play the Dungeons & Dragons game Tilly was working on. Agnes fights gelatinous cubes, cheerleader succubi, and fairies while learning more about her sister along the way in She Kills Monsters, a “poignant fantasy adventure” at the Rochester Rep Theatre. rochesterrep.org, 507-289-1737

SATURDAY 8

IT’S A HOOT!

Center hosts The International Festival of Owls, where kids and adults can visit with owls, dissect owl pellets, do owl crafts, listen to owl experts and more. This FUNdraiser helps support the International Owl Center and all their feathered friends. festivalofowls.com, 507-896-6957

SUNDAY 9

STRANGERS & FRIENDS. Choral Arts Ensemble’s midwinter concert Strangers & Friends “offers a repertoire centering on how we relate to another.” This concert, held at Zumbro Lutheran Church, includes works by Brahms, Tracy Wong, and Reena Esmail, all centered around this theme. choralartsensemble.org, 507-252-8427

MONDAY 10

STUDY THE ROCHESTER RIVERFRONT MURAL. Follow the city’s chronology on the mural during a walk along the Zumbro River Trail, directly behind the Government Center and under the footbridge that crosses the river. It’s a chance to experience the city from the Zumbro River’s edge.