Leap Year - Leap Here!

In a month that was already bursting with events in-and-around Lowertown, it's hard to imagine fitting any more into 28 days.  Good thing we have 29 days to adventure out - whether your patronage includes visiting one of our Pioneer Pass partners, or you're eager to join thousands of others - here is a list of February "To Do's" that's guaranteed to make your friends on the west side jealous!

Feb. 19 - 20

Minnesota State High School Girls' Hockey Tournament

Excel Energy Center

St. Paul welcomes dozens of student athletes, their families, and their supporters from all over the "State of Hockey" for a weekend of end-to-end action.  

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For all you Ringette fans, today's game is going to make you cheer!

Feb. 19 - 28

A Chorus Line

Ordway Music Theater

No intermission.  Awesome.

Tickets from $34 to $121. PURCHASE HERE

Feb. 26 - 27

Winterfest 2016 - Minnesota Craft Brewers Guild

Union Depot

Winterfest 2016 will be the biggest showcase yet for Minnesota craft beer! The 15th annual event on February 26 and 27 will feature 80+ Guild member breweries and brewpubs across two nights at Union Depot in St. Paul. In addition to unlimited sampling of specialty and seasonal beers, patrons can enjoy upscale catered food, craft beer education and music. At the end of the night, the “Best of Fest” winners will be awarded the Great Snowshoe Award.

Tickets $135 + tax and fees for two night package; $75 + tax and fees for single night.  PURCHASE HERE

Feb. 26 - 27

Red Bull Crashed Ice

Cathedral of Saint Paul

This event is FREE and open to the public!  COMPLETE SCHEDULE HERE

Feb 29

Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band "The River Tour"

Excel Energy Center

Arguably the most exciting event taking place this month, is the one we get to enjoy on the 29th day! Tickets are $57.50 - $107.50 - $152.50 and considering it's been nearly four years since his last visit - this may be the show to see!!  PURCHASE TICKETS HERE 

Here are a few great reasons to visit our Pioneer Pass partners too!

Feb 21
Paint & Brew
Tin Whiskers

Get tickets now for this limited seating event! Your ticket includes: 
- 1 flight of TWB beer 
- 1 canvas for your creation 
- All tools and supplies 
- Guided painting course instructed by local artist, Tom Moriarty - General fun, enjoyment and merriment!
$39.97 PURCHASE TICKETS HERE

Feb 23
Trivia Mafia
SW Craft Bar

Trivia Mafia

Every Tuesday Night at 9:00pm with Late Night Happy Hour Specials and $2.50 taco specials.

Feb 25
SPAC Happy Hour
Saint Paul Athletic Club
Members enjoy complimentary appetizers, a cash bar and SPAC-tacular people!  5:30 - 8:00pm

There you have it!  Tremendous ways to enjoy yourselves before we begin to march into March!  Don't forget that there will be a lot of Orange Detour signs going up, making us even bigger fans of any opportunity to #walkthere.  

Here's a link to follow for updates on the Jackson Street Project along with some great "alternate routes" used by David Williams, Leasing Manager.

Jackson Street Project - Kellogg & Jackson closed for one+ year beginning Feb. 22

"When I leave Downtown heading North I take Robert to 94. Around 11^th you can go East and West on 94 or North on 35E. For Southbound you can take Robert to Plato and go left to Highway 52. Otherwise Robert to 7^th, left to Kellogg and right to 35E South. Many different ways. I was informed to also take 4^th to Robert, left to Kellogg, left on Kellogg to Jackson then right down to Shepherd. If you go right on Shepherd that also brings you to 35E."

For continuous updates on Jackson Street and much, much more entertaining content - make sure to follow us on Social Media! @pioneerendicott

See you next month for our special St. Patrick's Day announcements!!!

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!

Winter Fun in Saint Paul

'Tis the season to be jolly! Thanks to the hard work of business owners, volunteers, employees, city workers, and residents, our little treasure that is Lowertown is turned into a winter wonderland for the season -  and that makes everyone jolly :). Below you'll find a list of events and activities that make Lowertown a go-to winter destination.

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A Victorian Christmas
What: Head back to Christmas in 1875 with the Alexander Ramsey House Victorian Christmas Tour. Taste homemade cookies fresh from the wood burning stove, listen to holiday music of the era, see the family's original Christmas decorations, and so much more. The Carriage House gift store will even have replicas of Victorian ornaments and holiday items!
Where: Alexander Ramsey House
When: Every Wednesday - Sunday during December and into January. Wed - Sat: 12am - 3:30pm.  Sundays: noon - 3:30pm. Closed Christmas Day.
Cost: $11 per adult, $9 for seniors and college students, $7 ages 6-17. $3 discount for MNHS members. Reservations required! Call 651.259.3015

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Hill House Holidays
What: The bustle and excitement of a Gilded Age Christmas is brought to life as the servants of the James J. Hill House prepare for the holidays. Costumed actors portray people who worked for the Hill family in a dramatized portrayal of servant life and holiday preparations at the Hill family's Summit Avenue mansion.
Where: James J. Hill House
When: The first three weekends (Saturday and Sunday) of December. 1pm - 3:30pm. Tours begin every half hour.
Cost: $12 adults, $10 seniors and students, $8 children ages 6-17. $2 discount for MNHS members. Reservations required. Call 651.259.3015 or Register here. 

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Holiday Lights in the Park
What: St. Paul's Phalen Park is transformed into a fantasy of lights! Over 60 larger-than-life holiday sculptures and animated displays are part of the fun. This is a drive-through event (hurray, no cold!).

To make this an even better experience, purchase the official CD soundtrack "Holiday Lights Vol. 6" to listen to as you drive through the park. This CD features 15 of MN's most celebrated musicians, and has sold out the past 5 years. You can purchase yours at all Kowalski's Markets for $10 (this includes a FREE pass to the park) as well as on iTunes and at the Park Event for $5, plus regular admission prices.
Where: Phalen Park, 1615 Phalen Drive East, St. Paul
When: From 5:30 - 10pm nightly from November 25th - January 1st.
Who: A partnership between St. Paul NECA and the St. Paul Police Foundation
Cost: $10 per vehicle nightly at the gate. $8 per vehicle online. All net proceeds from ticket and CD sales help local Twin Cities charities.

Rice Park Powered by Xcel Energy
What: Rice Park transforms into an enchanting winter wonderland, featuring a tree as tall and bright as the iconic Rockefeller Center tree in NYC!
Where: Rice Park, Lowertown
When: November 29th - January 1st.
Cost: FREE

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Wells Fargo Winter Skate
What: Adjacent to Rice Park, next to the Landmark Center, is an ice skating rink in an urban oasis. Skaters of all levels are invited to enjoy this beautiful winter activity in Lowertown.
Enjoy hot chocolate in the new warming house to warm up!
Where: Landmark Plaza
When: November 29th - February 1st.
Monday - Thursday: 11am - 5pm
Friday: 11am - 10pm
Saturday: 11am - 10pm
Sunday: 11am - 9pm
Cost: FREE to skate, $4 for skate rental. Rental is free if you show your Wells Fargo check or credit card


St. Paul Winter Farmers' Market
What: Purchase fresh, locally grown produce directly from the producer. Also available are baked goods, cheese, poultry, buffalo, venison, beef, pork, lamb, maple syrup, eggs, honey, organic plants and produce, plants, shrubs, and other items.
Where: Golden's Deli and along Wall Street
When: Every Saturday December 6th  - April 18th from 9am - 1pm
Cost: Admission is FREE
FYI: Locally grown (Cambridge, MN) Christmas trees will be for sale 7 days a week at the Winter Market. You can learn more about the trees and the owners here.

It's A Wonderful Life - A Live Radio Play
What: You'll be transported back to 1946 in this live radio play of 'It's A Wonderful Life' to relive the timeless tail. A three-course luncheon or dinner will be served at each performance. View menus here.
Where: The Saint Paul Hotel, Promenade Ballroom
When: December 11th - December 21st. View full schedule.
Cost: $65 per person for matinee performances, $85 per person for evening performances. Many shows are SOLD OUT. Purchase your tickets ASAP here.

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A Christmas Story the Musical
What: Ralphie Parker, his bb gun, and the infamous leg lamp come together in a musical portrayal of your favorite old-time Christmas movie. The Associated Press says it is "a charming triumph infused with utter joy."
Where: The Ordway
When: November 29th - December 28th
Cost: Varies depending on seating choice. Purchase your tickets here. This is another event that is selling out fast!

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Buddy - the Buddy Holly Story
What: This award-winning classic will have you clapping along to the musical celebration of the life and music of Buddy Holly.
Where: History Theatre
When:November 22nd - January 4th
Cost:Varies

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Holiday Flower Show
What: The Marjorie McNeely Conservatory is filled with hundreds of beautiful poinsettias during the holiday season. This tradition began in 1925 and continues to be the most anticipated and visited flower attraction at the Conservatory today.
Where: Marjorie McNeely Conservatory
When: December 6th - January 4th. Open 10am - 6pm
Cost: FREE. Donation suggested.

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Later in the Winter:

Saint Paul Winter Carnival
What: Beginning in 1886, and recurring on an annual basis beginning in 1946, the Saint Paul Winter Carnival is a legendary celebration that brings the community together. With more events added every year, this two-week-long event is NOT to be missed! Perfect for all ages and magical for everyone. Read our blog posts from last year on the Saint Paul Winter Carnival HERE and HERE for a better understanding of this epic celebration. Note that the dates and times will be different this year.
Where: Mainly St. Paul, but events will occur throughout the Twin Cities. Loo at a calendar of events HERE.
When: January 22nd - February 21st
Cost: Varies

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Red Bull Crashed Ice
What: This year marks number 4, and we're the Season Opener! For the 4th year in a row, St. Paul will host the ice cross downhill competition that is Red Bull Crashed Ice. Over 1000,000 spectators viewed last year, and it is only expected to grow this year! Cheer on local hero Cameron Naasz as he races to the bottom of a long ice track full of obstacles.
Where: Cathedral of Saint Paul
When: January 24th, 6:45pm
Cost: Free to spectators.

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Gotta love St. Paul in the winter!