Saint Paul Winter Carnival 2015: Best Bets

You've heard about the Saint Paul Winter Carnival (SPWC) and you've read about the SPWC (unless you live under a rock), but have you ever been to the Saint Paul Winter Carnival? If you have, high-five! If you haven't, we'll give you a high-five because we're from Minnesota and we're nice, but we're really wondering if your a Minnesotan imposter from Wisconsin. Either way, we hope you make it to 'the coolest celebration on earth' this year in downtown St. Paul! To make it a bit easier for you, we've picked what we think are the best/must-attend events this year, and we've also included some tips to make your experience even better! You're welcome. :)

P.S. If you'd like a bit of history on the SPWC, check out our blog post from last year!

Saint Paul Winter Carnival Best Bets

Red Bull Crashed Ice

What: Skaters compete in four-man heats in a race to the bottom of a long ice track full of obstacles. This is the 4th year that Saint Paul has hosted the competition, this year being the Season opener! Expect huge crowds of over 100,000 people. CNN recently picked Red Bull Crashed Ice in St. Paul as one of the '19 events worth traveling for in 2015!'
When: January 24th, 6:45pm (These are the finals).
Where: Cathedral of Saint Paul. Preview the course here and here.
Cost: FREE
Tips: There will be NO parking in the event area or neighborhoods around Cathedral Hill during the event. Police will be ticketing and towing. Get a FREE ride on Metro Transit here.

OR, ride one of these free shuttles (double check with each establishment before planning).

• Bulldog Lowertown
• Wild Tymes
• Tom Reid's
• Shamrock's
• Bennett's
• Tav on the Ave
• Billy's on Grand
• Wild Onion
• Dixie's

Beer Dabbler

What: the biggest outdoor beer festival in Minnesota! Sample beers from 120+ breweries while listening to live music (or participating in the silent disco), and enjoying delish food from an array of food trucks. This year there will be a Meat & Cheese showcase in the heated Coliseum by Lunds & Byerly's.
When: January 24th, 3:00pm - 7:30pm
Where: Minnesota State Fairgrounds
Cost: $40 - $99. Purchase tickets here.

Securian Winter Run
What: It's the 30th anniversary of this half Marathon, 10k and 5k race. All proceeds from this event benefit Saint Paul Festival and Heritage Foundation.
When: January 24th, 9:00am, 9:05am, and 9:10am start times
Where: Begins and ends on the corner of 6th and Jackson streets. View route here.
Cost: $50 - $65 Register here.
Tips: keep warm before and after the event in Securian's 400 building.

Parades - all worth going to!
Moon Glow Pedestrian Parade
What: The official Carnival kick-off! Watch the St. Paul community come together (and join yourself!) on a cool winter walk with handheld luminaries and hot air balloons.
When: January 22nd, 6:00pm
Where: Begins at the Saint Paul Chamber of Commerce and ends in Rice Park
Cost: FREE
Tip: Dress warm and bring fun light-up items. Make sure to get your cup of King Boreas wine at the Ice Bar afterwards!

Beautiful artwork by Richard Hubal, view more here.

King Boreas Grande Day Parade
What: The newly crowned King Boreas will lead his Royal Family and their legions and friends. Watch dozens of marching bands, floats, and other festive folk, or participate yourself!
When: January 24th, 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Where: Begins on Smith Ave, goes along W 7th St. and ends at Rice Park. View route here.
Cost: FREE
Extra, Extra: Kat Perkins, a Top 5 contestant on NBC's The Voice Season 6 will be performing live in Rice park at 7:00pm!

Vulcan Victory Torchlight Parade
What: A victory parade with fire and fun! This is the precursor to the Overthrow of Boreas on the steps of the James J. Hill Library. Following this is a beautiful fireworks show shot off from Raspberry Island!
When: January 31st, 5:30pm - 7:30pm
Where: Begins at 5th & Wacouta, travels westbound down 5th St. to Washington Ave to 4th St, and ends at Saint Peter St, in Rice Park. View route here.
Cost: FREE
Tips: Find a warm place in the St. Paul Skyway to view the parade if you don't feel like bundling up! Otherwise, find a nice spot along 5th Street for an up-close experience.

Saint Paul Civic Symphony 
What: Enjoy a concert of "Hot and Cool Classics" in honor of the Saint Paul Winter Carnival. This event includes music from Tchaikovsky's "cool Nutcracker" ballet, as well as seasonal favorites like the Skater's Waltz.
When: January 25th, 3:00pm - 4:15pm
Where: Landmark Center Cortile
Cost: FREE

World's Toughest Rodeo
What: Try something different!  The WTR showcases champion cowboys from around the US competing in bareback riding, saddle bronc riding, or bull riding.  The gals compete in barrel racing.
When: January 30th - 31st. We suggest going on the 31st!
Where: Xcel Energy Center
Cost: $15.50 - $93.20 purchase tickets here.
Tips: Nashville country trio Gloriana will perform Saturday evening, January 31st, for the popular 'Party on the Dirt' following WTR.

If you have children, you will definitely want to visit the Snow Park at the Fair!

And don't forget to head to Rice Park to view the Royal Courtyard, the Ice Bar (hours below), and Ice sculptures!

Ice Bar Hours

View all other events and info about the Saint Paul Winter Carnival here, and get out to enjoy the fun!
View the Pioneer Endicott Event Calendar for other St. Paul events!