1. Polar Bar
The Hewing Hotel is giving Tullibee and its bar and lounge a winter break and has opened a rooftop crystal-clear, frozen bar. Each week features a different spirit brand, drink specials and winter-esque food. For those who need to thaw out, the indoor rooftop bar also is open daily. (4 p.m.-midnight Thu.-Sat. through early spring, free, 300 N. Washington Av., Mpls., hewinghotel.com)
2. Corks + Crafts
It’s a crafting and social event where makers can bring their projects and work alongside others. Curated wines, mocktails and snacks are available for purchase. (6 p.m. Wednesdays, free, Aki’s Breadhaus and Wunderbar, 1712 Marshall St. NE., Mpls. akisbreadhaus.com)
3. Kickoff to Winter Carnival
Start the 140th “Coolest Celebration on Earth” with a laser light show, the Vulcans, live sculpting, frozen bar and guest speakers. (6 p.m. Jan. 22, free, Rice Park, 109 W. 4th St., St. Paul, wintercarnival.com)
4. Comedy Sportz
Two teams of actors create improvised comedy scenes and games based on audience suggestions to earn points. (7:30 p.m. Jan. 23-24, $15-$16, Strike Theater, 824 18th Av. NE., Mpls., csztwincities.com)
5. Winter Fest
Bundle up for outdoor activities, including sledding, ice skating and hayrides. Warm up by the bonfire as a DJ spins tunes. (Noon-2 p.m. Jan. 24, free, North Wesley Park, 8305 Wesley Av., Golden Valley, goldenvalleymn.gov)
6. BundledUp! Winter Fun Day
Join in the winter activities snowshoeing, cross-country skiing and sledding along with music, a raffle and craft vendors. Cozy up to a bonfire and enjoy s’mores and cocoa. (Noon-3:30 p.m. Jan. 24, Oak Hill Park, 3201 Rhode Island Av. S., St. Louis Park, stlouisparkmn.gov)
7. Lake Harriet Winter Kite Festival
Colorful kites of all shapes and sizes will decorate the sky. There also will be winter activities, food trucks and free s’mores. (Noon-4 p.m. Jan. 24, free, Lake Harriet, 4135 W. Lake Harriet Pkwy., Mpls., minneapolis.org)
8. Totally Rad Vintage Fest
A traveling festival paying tribute to all things from the ’80s to Y2K. Shop from vintage vendors, level up in the free-play arcade and visit the Rad Rewind Museum. (10 a.m.-5 p.m. Jan. 24-25, $8-$12, Minneapolis Convention Center, 1301 2nd Av. S., Mpls., totallyradvf.com)
