2023 Events
Climate Heroes in Your Neighborhood
A launch and celebration of nine local changemakers, offering a window into how you—and everyday people from diverse backgrounds in Minneapolis, St. Paul, and beyond—can be part of climate solutions. Presented in partnership with Project Drawdown.
Kara-Lis Coverdale: Music for Sauna
Kara-Lis Coverdale’s singular composition Music for Sauna will take listeners on a sonic journey as they bask in The Great Northern Sauna Village’s largest on-site sauna, Superior Saunas’ Artist Sauna.
Exploring Ecological Death Care with Katrina Spade of Recompose
Curious about funeral options beyond the standards of burial and cremation? Join Katrina Spade, founder and CEO of Recompose, to learn about human composting.
Project Drawdown: A Cautious Case for Climate Optimism
Project Drawdown Executive Director Jonathan Foley leads a discussion on focusing resources where the possibility of reducing the impacts of climate change is real and growing. Moderated by Abby Finis.
Winter Wonderland with the Minnesota Orchestra
A relaxed winter-themed family concert designed for audiences of all ages, including individuals with autism or sensory sensitivities.
Dr. Heidi Roop: The Climate Action Handbook: A Visual Guide to 100 Climate Solutions for Everyone
Climate scientist Dr. Heidi Roop presents a sneak preview of her forthcoming release The Climate Action Handbook (Sasquatch)—offering approachable action steps to help slow the adverse effects of climate change. Moderated by Sven Sundgaard.
Combating Climate Change with Urban Forests: How Trees Can Save Our Cities
Explore the importance of why urban tree canopy needs to be viewed as critical urban infrastructure—just like transit systems and utilities—and invested in accordingly.
Kidarod East
Drawing inspiration from Alaska’s famous dog sled race, YMCA of the North’s Kidarod offers an unforgettable outdoor 2-mile winter adventure experience for kids.
Dance Church
Get together, get moving, and build some midwinter heat with this all-abilities movement class offering a fun and inclusive approach to dancing.
Curiosity Studios: Sewing Circles
Join Curiosity Studio for an interactive sewing circle and discussion on the clothing cycle and its ecological consequences.
Climate Solutions Series
Join us for a series of discussions engaging diverse perspectives on climate solutions.
Iregular: Our Common Home
This arresting, interactive installation by Montreal-based studio Iregular raises awareness and sparks conversation about the universal subject of our impact on the environment.
The Great Northern Sauna Village
A social and therapeutic experience held this year at Malcolm Yards in Minneapolis, The Great Northern Sauna Village invites visitors to immerse themselves in sauna culture by interacting with thermaculture first-hand during the festival’s run in deep winter.
Andrew Schneider: N O W I S W H E N W E A R E (the stars)
This one-of-a-kind immersive experience by theater/technology pioneer Andrew Schneider allows viewers to explore traces of themselves in starlight, the universe, and those who have been here before us through a theatrical cosmos of reactive light points and enveloping sound design.
Saint Paul Winter Carnival
The Great Northern founding partner Saint Paul Winter Carnival has brought family-friendly events and community pride to Saint Paul and the Twin Cities metro area since 1886.
Maren Hassinger: Love (for Minneapolis)
Multidisciplinary artist Maren Hassinger reimagines her iconic pink installation Embrace/Love in Love (for Minneapolis)—a healing intervention for The Great Northern 2023.
Aaron Dysart: Regrowth
Immerse yourself in this Green Minneapolis and MWMO-commissioned work throughout The Great Northern Jan 25–Feb 5, first at Surly Brewing for Chill Out, and then at Peavey Plaza in downtown Minneapolis
U.S. Pond Hockey Championships
The Great Northern founding partner U.S. Pond Hockey Championships have given hockey enthusiasts a premier opportunity to experience hockey the way nature intended since 2006.