The Twin Cities had a packed couple of weeks on the sports front to start March. Grand Casino Arena in downtown St. Paul was wall-to-wall school colors as the Boys Hockey State Tournament played out over the first weekend, with Class A and Class AA semifinals and championships drawing the kind of crowds only Minnesota hockey can. Right on its heels, the Girls Basketball State Tournament took over the U of M campus March 11–14, with Williams Arena and Gangelhoff Center hosting what's always a high-energy, underrated event worth catching.
And then there was St. Patrick's Day. The Twin Cities stretched it into a full week, with bar crawls running through both Minneapolis and St. Paul on the 14th, a packed cultural celebration at Landmark Center, and the classic parades rolling through Mears Park in St. Paul and down Nicollet Mall in Minneapolis on the 17th.
This weekend is bringing a taste of spring with some genuinely warm temperatures so get outside while you can. It won't last. - it's back to the 40s next week - which is about as Minnesota as it gets. But spring is officially here!
GET OUTSIDE THIS WEEKEND
Winter loosened its grip just in time for the weekend. It's pond skim season - and if you’ve never heard of that it’s that glorious Minnesota tradition where skiers and snowboarders in ridiculous costumes try to make it across a pool of ice-cold water to close out the season. Buck Hill and Wild Mountain are both running competitions Saturday, with Hyland Hills closing it out Sunday.
Buck Hill Pond Skim Party - Buck Hill, Burnsville; Saturday, March 21; 1 p.m. competition start. Free.
Midwest Pond Skimming Championship - Wild Mountain, Taylors Falls; Saturday, March 21; 1 p.m. competition start. $5.
Härdsmälta Festival and Pond Skim, Hyland Hills Ski Area, Bloomington; Sunday, March 22; 1 p.m. Free (with lift ticket and food donation).
The Arboretum has Maple Fest on Saturday, and Como's Spring Flower Show is open all weekend - technically indoors, but walking through that conservatory in bloom feels as close to a garden as Minnesota gets in March. Enjoy it while it lasts. The 40s are back next week.
Maple Fest - UofM Landscape Arboretum, Saturday March 21; starts at 8:30 a.m.
Spring Flower Show - Como Zoo Conservatory, runs today through April 26
Marjorie McNeely Conservatory at Como Zoo.
upcoming events
There is a lot going on over the next couple of weeks. The New Edition Way Tour is this Sunday at Target Center with New Edition, Boyz II Men, Toni Braxton, Bobby Brown, and more on the same stage. Bob Dylan plays Mayo Civic Center in Rochester this weekend too, his first show there since 2012 and worth the drive.
Uncorked Minnesota is Saturday night at the Science Museum in St. Paul if wine and 100 plus varieties sounds like your kind of evening. The Spring Parade of Homes runs through April 12 if you are in the market or just like walking through beautiful new construction. And Hamm's Fest at Saint Paul Brewing on March 28 is exactly what it sounds like, a full day of Hamm's history, local breweries competing for the Hamm's Crown, and the Bear himself making an appearance.
Uncorked: Minnesota
Uncorked is coming back to the Science Museum of MN for the complete "experience" for wine lovers.
Sip & swirl over 100 wines and bubblies from across the globe, enjoy fun and interactive exhibits, and full after hours access to the museum.
March 21 Science Museum of Minnesota
More info HERE.
New Edition w/ Boyz II Men
It may be billed as the New Edition Way Tour, but it’s a parade of R&B royalty from the ‘80s and ‘90s. The New Edition Way means a seamless, highly polished revue with New Edition, Toni Braxton and Boyz II Men weaving in and out of the evening.
March 22 Target Center, Minneapolis
More info HERE.
Bob Dylan
Not quite in the Twin CIties, but Bob Dylan is worth the drive to Rochester. He’s coming through with his Rough and Rowdy Ways tour and is sure to put on a great show.
March 24 Mayo Civic Center Arena, Rochester
More info HERE.
Hamm’s Fest
Hamm's Beer was born on this exact site in March of 1865, and Saint Paul Brewing is throwing a full day party to honor 161 years of that legacy. Local breweries face off in a Hamm's tribute flight competition, the Hamm's Bear is there for photos, and they're unveiling the World's Largest Hamm's Can fountain. It's a genuine piece of St. Paul history worth showing up for.
March 28 St. Paul Brewing, St. Paul
More info HERE.
EASTER BRUNCH
Easter is April 5th and the Twin Cities restaurant scene brings it every year. Whether you want a full buffet spread, a nice sit-down meal, or just want to pick something up and eat at home, there's no shortage of options. Here's a rundown:
DINE-IN
Surly Brewing Co. - The self-described "epic" Easter brunch has two seating options including the upstairs Wiggle Room for families, with a ball pit, crafts, kid-friendly buffet and the Easter Bunny. $73.20 adults, $24.40 ages 3-12. 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Spoon and Stable - One of the best restaurants in the city doing a simple, elegant Easter meal. Pastries for the table, appetizer, and choice of entree. $65 adults, $30 kids.
Mara - Three ways to celebrate at the Four Seasons. Easter weekend tea on April 4, a luxe brunch buffet on the 5th, and a three-course Mediterranean tasting menu that evening. $30-$115 depending on what you're doing.
Red Rabbit - Raw bar, smoked and grilled salmon, eggs Benedict, porchetta, Italian beef hash, chicken Parmesan, pizza and more. Multiple locations in Minneapolis and St. Paul. $65 adults, $25 ages 5-12. 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
Butcher & the Boar - Prime rib and brisket on the Easter brunch buffet alongside the classics. $55 adults, $20 ages 3-12. 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Smack Shack - Seafood-forward Easter brunch with smoked salmon bagels, lobster madame and a Cajun walleye po'boy. Minneapolis and Bloomington locations. 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
Birch's on the Lake - Supper club vibes on the lake in Long Lake with an Easter Fun Zone for kids featuring video games, candy station, ice cream and a photo booth. The Easter Bunny visits too. $89.95 adults, $28.95 ages 4-12. 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Maison Margaux - Wagyu prime rib, made-to-order lobster Benedict, shrimp, mussels and a full pastry spread. $95 adults, $29 ages 12 and under. Last reservation at 2:30 p.m.
The Copper Hen - All-you-can-eat with honey-glazed ham, fried chicken and waffle skewers, salmon and a full dessert spread. $54.95 adults, $19.95 ages 10 and under. 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
Stockyards Tavern & Chophouse - Ham and prime rib carving station plus all the breakfast classics. Add bottomless Bloody Marys or mimosas for $20. $39.95 adults. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. South St. Paul.
FireLake Grill House - Minnesota-inspired spread with smoked walleye, venison charcuterie and lingonberry cheesecake at the Radisson Blu Mall of America. $65 adults. 9 a.m.-2 p.m.
Gasthaus Bavarian Hunter - Old school all-you-can-eat buffet in Stillwater with roast beef brisket, sauerkraut, spatzle and a full dessert smorgasbord. $32. Reservations required.
The St. Paul Hotel - Brunch at the Drake starting at 8 a.m. and a special a la carte dinner menu at the St. Paul Grill from 2-8 p.m. with smoked salmon roulade and lamb shank.
Red Cow - Full Easter buffet at the North Loop location with a raw bar, breakfast burrito, avocado toast and carving station. Multiple other locations open for regular brunch and dinner. $65 adults, $25 ages 5-12.
The Table at Everly Farms - Easter Bunny photos and a full brunch buffet spread in Minnetrista, running two weekends: March 28-29 and April 4-5. $58 adults, $24 ages 4-10. 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Tria Restaurant - Brunch buffet in the morning or a three-course prix-fixe dinner starting at 4 p.m. in North Oaks. $60 adults for brunch, from $45 for the dinner menu.
Keller Grille - Maple-glazed ham, cheesy hash browns and an omelet station in Maplewood. $35.95 adults, $20.95 ages 4-12. 9:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
Medina Entertainment Center - A loaded buffet in Medina with glazed ham, eggs Benedict, shrimp cocktail and kid-friendly options. $39.99 adults. 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Howe Daily Kitchen & Bar - Glazed ham, French toast, doughnuts, pancakes, flan and vegan options in Minneapolis. $39 adults, $15 ages 12 and under. 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
Kendall's Tavern & Chophouse - Ham and turkey carving station, omelet station, shrimp cocktail and more in Coon Rapids. $47 adults, $22 ages 3-12. 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Wildfire - Braised Colorado lamb shank and triple-layer carrot cake in Eden Prairie. Whole carrot cakes available for carryout too. 11:30 a.m.-8 p.m.
TAKEOUT
Bellecour - Pastries, savory dishes, smoked salmon platters and quiche available for preorder. Pickup April 4-5 at Edina and Minneapolis locations.
Rustica - Order by March 24 for strawberry roulade, Danishes, hot cross buns and assorted breads. Pickup April 4 in Minneapolis.
The Grocer's Table - Build your own Easter spread a la carte with mains, sides, breakfast items and desserts. Order by March 29 for pickup April 4 or 5 in Wayzata.
Wise Acre Eatery - Full honey and herb ham dinner with sides serves four for $129. Order by April 1 for pickup April 4 in Minneapolis.
Mason Jar Kitchen & Bar - Customizable takeout feast with herb-roasted beef or glazed ham plus add-ons. Order by April 3 for pickup April 4 or 5 in Eagan.
MSHSL Boys Basketball State Tournament
The Boys Basketball State Tournament runs March 24-28 with games split between Target Center, Williams Arena, and Gangelhoff Center at Concordia. Quarterfinals tip off Tuesday March 24 at Target Center, with semifinals and championships carrying through the weekend. If you have never been to a state tournament session it is worth going. The atmosphere is great, the competition is legitimately high level, and tickets are much easier to come by than hockey.
More info HERE.
2026 parade of homes
