The Twin Cities just lived through the most Minnesota two weeks possible. The Saint Paul Winter Carnival wrapped up and the medallion was finally found, half the Twin Cities shut down when it was so cold your eyelashes hurt, and now we’re suddenly being gifted a few days of what can only be described as Fake Spring™. You know, the kind where everyone forgets it’s February and starts talking about patios again.
Perfect timing too, since the Art Shanty Projects are wrapping up this weekend on Lake Harriet and it might actually be warm enough to go outside without questioning your life choices. Winter’s not done with us yet, but for a brief moment, it’s loosening its grip.
And just like that, we’re swapping frostbite for football snacks and heart-shaped everything. The Super Bowl LIX is this weekend, which means watch parties, food specials, and every bar in the Twin Cities pretending it has the best wings in Minnesota. Right behind it comes Valentine’s Day, with restaurants rolling out prix-fixe menus and reservation panic setting in. Basically, we’re officially moving from hibernation mode into “let’s make plans again” season, so here’s what’s happening around the Twin Cities over the next couple of weeks.
SUPER BOWL PARTIES
The Super Bowl LX is kicking off this Sunday at 5:30 p.m., and it’s shaping up to be a big one. The Seattle Seahawks (with former Viking Sam Darnold) are taking on the New England Patriots in San Francisco, bringing back a rematch energy longtime fans will remember. Add in a Bad Bunny halftime show and you’ve got football fans and music fans equally invested. Around the Twin Cities, bars and restaurants are leaning all the way in with watch parties, food specials, drink deals, and plenty of takeout options if your couch is calling. Click on any of the images for more information.
If you’re heading out:
If you’re feeling fancy you can get the VIP Package that includes an open bar, food, and more.
is starting early with their Souper Bowl chili cook-off before rolling straight into the watch party.
They’re stacking wing platters, pitchers, and wall-to-wall TVs.
Enjoy all-day happy hour, unlimited wings, and halftime giveaways.
If you’re staying in instead:
Delicious BBQ platters and party kits ready for pickup.
Offering party pack deals sized for everything from small groups to full house crowds.
Other Upcoming Events
World's Toughest Rodeo
Rodeo fans can expect a trifecta of fun with action, entertainment and intense competition on the menu. Plan to witness a BATTLE TO THE FINISH as the world’s toughest cowboys are "in it to win it" in their mission to be crowned Pro Rodeo’s World Champion.
More info HERE.
The Music of Pink Floyd with the Minnesota Orchestra
The Minnesota Orchestra performs The Music of Pink Floyd featuring guest vocalists and a full rock band. Hear The Dark Side of the Moon in its entirety plus Pink Floyd’s greatest hits!
More info HERE.
Luminary Loppet
Come out to Lake of the Isles and enjoy the Luminary Loppet where you can walk or cross country ski on the candlelit trail. Experience 1,200 luminaries lining the trail with unique ice features and much more – all in the heart of Uptown.
More info HERE.
Curling on Nicolett Mall
Experience a festive winter moment on Nicollet Mall as we bring a pop-up curling activation to the heart of downtown.
More info HERE.
Do you have your Valentine’s Day plans?
Valentine’s Day is right around the corner. Whether you’re planning a full date night, something low-key, or just looking for a good excuse to go out and eat good food, the Twin Cities are loaded with special events, pop-ups, and restaurants rolling out their best menus for the weekend. From romantic dinners to fun experiences, here are some of the best ways to celebrate Valentine’s Day around the Twin Cities.
Small S'mores Café
The Marquette Hotel and Small S’mores invite you to a one‑of‑a‑kind Valentine’s dessert experience. Enjoy romantic window seating, live music, and the signature Smallest S’mores Experience, all tucked inside the Skyway level of the IDS Center.
More info HERE
VALENTINE LINOCUT CLASS
Celebrate Valentine’s season with a creative printmaking workshop at Wandering Leaf Brewing! In this beginner-friendly class, you’ll design, carve, and hand-print your own Valentine-themed linocut block, perfect for making heartfelt, handmade gifts.
More info HERE.
Where to Eat This Valentine’s Day
Romantic date-night spots
Bellecour – Elevated French dining with a special Valentine’s prix-fixe menu.
Giulia – Italian tasting menu with optional wine pairings.
The Kenwood – High-end multi-course tasting experience.
Spoon and Stable – Seasonal fine dining with a Valentine’s menu.
Saint Genevieve – Five-course dinner with wine pairings available.
Tilia – Intimate tasting menu with classic date-night dishes.
St. Paul Grill – Romantic steakhouse with Valentine’s specials.
Myriel – Thoughtful multi-course dinner with dietary options.
Dakota – Refined three-course Valentine’s menu.
Fun but still special
Birch’s on the Lake – Surf, turf, and cozy supper-club vibes.
Breva Bar and Grill – Three-course comfort-forward dinner.
Mason Jar Kitchen – Prix-fixe for couples and Galentine’s nights.
Kendall’s Tavern & Chophouse – Steakhouse classics with specials.
Red Cow – Valentine’s features like fondue, steak, and s’mores.
Red Rabbit – Heart-shaped pizzas and seasonal desserts.
Masa & Agave – Tacos, margaritas, and festive sweets.
P.S. Steak – Steak, cocktails, and shareable plates.
Tria Restaurant – Budget-friendly prix-fixe menu.
Twin City Grill – Three-course dinner for two.
Low-key plans
Smack Shack – Take-home seafood boil kits or dine-in options.
Surly Brewing Co. – Valentine’s menus, markets, and themed events.
New Restaurants Coming to the Twin Cities in 2026
From long-awaited bakery openings to beloved favorites making a comeback, 2026 is shaping up to be a big year for new places to eat around the Twin Cities. If you’re already thinking about where your next date night, brunch stop, or treat-yourself moment will be, these upcoming openings should be on your radar.
Dahlia – A long-awaited brick-and-mortar bakery known for beautiful pastries, savory bites, and great coffee in Northeast Minneapolis.
Ono Hawaiian Plates – Expanding into the North Loop with Hawaiian comfort food like kalbi ribs, fried snapper, and lumpia-style empanadas.
Aubergine – A French-inspired restaurant bringing refined Lyonnaise dishes to Cathedral Hill in St. Paul.
A to Z Creamery – The viral ice cream favorite opening a storefront with soft serve, baked goods, and weekly pint drops in Hopkins.
Sweet Lou’s Meats – A new butcher shop and hot-dog haven coming to St. Louis Park with house-made meats and comfort classics.
Maison Rose – A café, bakery retail space, and bread production hub from the team behind Patisserie 46 and Rose Street Patisserie in Lilydale.
Shota Indigenous BBQ – A casual new concept from chef Sean Sherman bringing Indigenous barbecue flavors to South Minneapolis.
Revival – The beloved fried chicken spot is officially making a comeback at a new metro location.
Blue in Green – A new bistro and coffee bar opening in North Minneapolis with an upscale but approachable feel.
Savory Bakehouse – The longtime Minneapolis bakery reopening bigger and better in St. Paul with pastries, pot pies, and sweet rolls.
Saffron – The iconic Middle Eastern restaurant returns to Northeast Minneapolis with a refreshed menu rooted in Levantine flavors.
The Salt Cure Fund
Minnesota restaurants are, once again, struggling to survive. A new local fund is offering relief.
Read more and donate HERE.
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