We are currently in the process of updating our website to accurately reflect the following festival changes.
How is the festival experience changing?
Due to ongoing public safety considerations, The Great Northern is making the following adjustments:
- Outdoor programming will be moved indoors where feasible or rescheduled to a later date.
- Family Day will take place on Saturday, January 31 at the Nicollet Island Pavilion.
- The Great Northern Sauna Village will move forward as planned, January 28–February 1.
What festival programming is taking place as planned?
- The Climate Solutions Series (The Main Cinema)
- Live at The Winter Table (Aster House)
- National Hot Chocolate Day (Location changed to Nicollet Island Pavilion)
- The Great Northern Music Series, co-presented by The Current (Location changed to The Hall of Kings)
- Creekbed Carter Hogan (Aster Cafe)
- Cutting Carbon at Home (Rescheduled to Saturday, Jan 31, FRGMNT)
- Visible Mending Workshop (Nicollet Island Pavilion)
- Art & Vintage Market (FRGMNT)
- Rock and Roll Playhouse (Location changed to Nicollet Island Pavilion)
- The Great Northern Sauna Village, Jan 28th – Feb 1 (Riverplace Courtyard)
- The Climate Film Series (The Main Cinema)
- Please check here for a full calendar of individual film screenings at The Main Cinema. With the exception of Rooted: Stories from Minnesota’s Farming Future, all films will move forward as planned.
What festival programming is moving to Saturday, Jan 31?
- Cutting Carbon at Home (FRGMNT)
- Family Day (Location changed to Nicollet Island Pavilion)
- Rock and Roll Playhouse (Location changed to Nicollet Island Pavilion)
What festival programming is being rescheduled for a later date?
- The Cold Open DJ Dance Party
- The Glow Roll Illuminated Bike Ride
- 5k Winter Fun Run
- The Winter Farmer’s Market
- Charcuterie Board Demo with Beth Dooley and Ella Daniels
- Chef Demo with Owamni
- Rooted: Stories from Minnesota’s Farming Future
- Cannupa Hanska Luger Public Art
- Outdoor Fitness Class with Hothouse
- IAmAnishinaabe Marketplace
- Light on Lake Launch Party
For current passholders:
All passholders have three options:
Join us at The Great Northern Winter Festival
We look forward to welcoming attendees. Additional information about our enhanced public safety measures and on-site procedures will be shared ahead of the event and can be found in the FAQ below.
Request a refund
All Saturday, Sauna + Saturday, Festival Supporter passes have been made fully refundable through Eventeny.
For more information on how to request a refund, please see the FAQ below. Separate instructions will also be emailed out to all ticketholders.
Convert your pass into a donation
No action is required to convert your pass into a donation. Donations at any level will include a six-month membership to The Great Northern. If you do not request a refund by Feb 1 your ticket will be converted into a donation. Only passes that have not been scanned into the festival grounds will be converted into a donation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
The following benefits will continue to be honored as planned:
- Sauna vouchers
- Festival tote bags
- Festival membership benefits
If you are eligible for any of the above, no action is required at this time. Further delivery or pickup details will be shared directly with affected participants.
Yes. All Saturday, Sauna + Saturday, Festival Supporter Passes have been made refundable. Refund instructions will be sent to current passholders via email.
Yes. For the safety and security of all attendees:
Tickets and/or RSVPs are required for entry to the following venues:
- The Main Cinema
- Aster House
- Nicollet Island Pavilion
Guests arriving without a ticket or RSVP may purchase entry on-site at the check-in booth, subject to availability.
We strongly encourage attendees to purchase passes in advance to help us maintain a safe and efficient entry process.
Yes. The Great Northern will be working with Twin Cities Protection Services to provide enhanced security presence at festival venues.
For attendees of the Climate Solutions Series:
- A security checkpoint and bag check will be required for entry.
These measures are in place to support a safe and welcoming environment for all participants.
Some pass benefits and experiences are currently in flux as we adapt to updated safety requirements. Current passholders will be informed as soon as final decisions are made.
Pickup hours and locations for wristbands, merchandise, and drink tickets have been adjusted to Saturday, Jan 31.
Updated details for Saturday pickup locations and times will be shared prior to the event to ensure clarity and smooth arrival.
Public Safety Disclosure
On December 3, Mayor Jacob Frey signed an Executive Order prohibiting the use of City-owned parking lots, ramps, garages, or vacant lots for civil immigration enforcement staging.
Entry points at The Main Cinema, Aster House, Aster Cafe, and Nicollet Island Pavilion will display signage stating that these locations are not authorized for use by any federal agency for immigration enforcement.
Know Your Rights
The City of Minneapolis and the Immigrant Defense Network have published Know Your Rights resources for community members to consider when interacting with immigration officials.