The Great Northern is BACK!
January 28 – February 1, 2026
Your winter adventure awaits—now easier to experience than ever
This year, we’re bringing The Great Northern to the riverfront and introducing new festival passes—designed to give you more access, more to discover, and more unforgettable winter experiences. Check out our lineup to find the pass that best fits your preferred festival experience.
Highlights
The Great Northern Sauna Village
Discover The Great Northern Sauna Village — over 20 unique mobile saunas where you can experience guided steams, self-led sauna sessions, and a range of winter wellness experiences.
Live Music
The Great Northern’s music series, co-presented by The Current, celebrates local sound and talent across indoor and outdoor stages. Experience dynamic performances from local artists including Porch Light, MMYYKK, Omar Abdulkarim, Obi and The Black Atlantics, & DJ Sophia Eris.
The Warming Grounds
We’ve transformed Father Hennepin Bluff park into a winter playground. Try your hand at snow yoga, fat-tire biking, snowshoeing, guided history and nature walks. It’s a place for the hardiest winter enthusiasts and anyone warming up to the idea of winter recreation.
The Climate Solutions Series
Featuring panel discussions, workshops, film screenings, live podcasts, and an Action Fair, The Climate Solutions Series envisions a Midwest that thrives by exploring real-world solutions and opportunities to build a more equitable and sustainable future.
Food & Drink
Step into the Vikre Winter Lounge, a cozy après-ski pop-up bar crafted by the flavor-obsessed minds behind Vikre Distillery, check out chef demos at The Warming Grounds, visit the winter farmer’s market, or grab a bite at one of the many food trucks on the festival grounds.
Family Day Presented by Target
Sunday, Feb 1 is Family Day on our festival grounds, free and open to the public! Celebrate the season with a day of creativity, exploration, and outdoor fun for all ages! Bundle up for snowshoeing adventures, enjoy puppet shows, a family concert series, and enjoy hands-on drop-in art classes.
Lineup
Join us on the riverfront for a new era of The Great Northern!
This year, we’re bring our festival to the St. Anthony Main riverfront, with festival grounds stretching from the Riverplace Building to Father Hennepin Bluff Park.
Plus, look for satellite events lighting up downtown St. Paul, Nicollet Mall, and East Lake Street.
