Jan 23–
Feb 2, 2025

Minneapolis & Saint Paul

Tickets now available!

Join us for ten days full of outdoor activities, live music, art, dining experiences, and community conversations that capture the spirit of the region and showcase the joy and possibility of the North’s most famous season.

See the full lineup

  • The Great Northern Sauna Village

    Check out our pop-up Sauna Village in the heart of Minneapolis! Book 60-90 minute self-guided sessions or attend one of our community days or special programs.

    Learn more

  • Art & Live Music

    We’re showcasing the region’s art scene with live music, film, art, readings, and more!

    See list of events

  • Outdoor

    Let’s get together and get outside! With winter runs, guided nature walks, and family-friendly outdoor activities, The Great Northern offers something for everyone.

    See list of events

  • Dining experience

    Explore the best of the region’s food scene. Enjoy cocktails at the Ice Bar, visit pop-up food halls, and gather for community dinners featuring seasonal menus. 

    See list of events

  • Climate Solution Series

    Join us for a weekend full of community discussion, workshops, talks, and live podcasts focused on climate change and climate action.

    Learn more

Let the climate
change you.

The Great Northern is grounded in the celebration of Minnesota’s unique climate and winter traditions. As an organization, we are deeply committed to addressing climate change and fostering community dialogue about the future of our environment and our region.

Festival highlights:

2025
The Great Northern Winter Run (5k)
Feb 1
The Great Northern Winter Run (5k)

The Great Northern has teamed up with Fleet Feet to present a 5k winter run. Registration is free. Participants are invited to unwind after their run with a discounted Sauna Village Session.

Learning from Place: Bdote
Feb 2
Learning from Place: Bdote

This event is sold out.

Expand your understanding of the Twin Cities with a guided walk of sites with deep significance to Dakota people. Led by Dakota community members, participants will be encouraged to reconsider their relationship to land, water, sky, and all life—including other humans—through stories and perspectives that are often left out of our state’s history. 

K’óoben Pop-up
Feb 2
K’óoben Pop-up

This pop-up by food collective K'óoben brings together some of Minnesota’s most celebrated chefs and mixologists for an unforgettable culinary experience.

Midwinter Melt
Feb 2
Midwinter Melt

Play and explore with The Great Northern at Silverwood Park! Indoor and outdoor activities include a live show of Brains On!, kicksledding, illuminated fat tire biking, luminary trails, and campfires for making s’mores.

The sauna village is a can’t-miss part of your festival experience!

Try out various traditional wood-fired saunas, all in one place. The Great Northern Sauna Village includes various backyard, barrel, and mobile units, cold plunges, and more!