Winter Fete
Join Bloomington Parks and Recreation and area sponsors in welcoming winter during the 15th Annual Winter Fete celebration.
This year, Winter Fete activities will take place throughout the City from Saturday, January 19, through Sunday, January 27, 2019.
All Winter Fete activities are free unless otherwise noted, and fun for the whole family! In case of inclement weather, call our weather line at 952-563-8878 for up to date cancellation information.
Sunday, January 20
International Ski Jumping Competition
Bush Lake Ski Jump
8265 East Bush Lake Road, Bloomington 55438
International Nordic Ski Jumping hits the Twin Cities scene Sunday, January 20th, 2019 under the stadium lights at the Bush Lake Ski Jumps in Bloomington. Elite athletes from Europe, Canada and all across USA will be taking to the skies in Head To Head competition. Many former and future Olympians will be there perfecting their form in the local leg of the Midwestern 5 Hills Tour - A part of the US Cup Series. Skiers will be soaring up to 300 feet for trophies and cash prizes.
Doors open at 4 p.m. tournament begins at 5 p.m. Walk-in admission is $10 for anyone over 12 years of age. Limited on-site parking is available for $20 per vehicle. First-come, first-serve - if you'd like to watch from your car, make sure to get there early! For more information check out their Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/events/173392073588289
Bloomington Ice Garden reduced rate open skating
Bloomington Ice Garden
3600 West 98th Street, Bloomington
2 - 3:30 p.m.
The Ice Garden will offer 50% off public skating from 2 to 3:30 p.m. The reduced rate is:
- Adults $2
- Children $1
- Skate rental FREE
For more information, call the Ice Garden at 952-563-8841.
Friday, January 25
Open House and Program on Sustainable Farming
Izaak Walton League, Minnesota Valley Chapter
6601 Auto Club Road, Bloomington
6 - 9 p.m.
Presentation at 8 p.m. by Brian DeVore on "Wildly Successful Farming." Brian tells the stories of farmers across the American Midwest who are balancing profitability and food production with environmental sustainability and a passion for all things wild. They are using innovative techniques and strategies to develop their “wildly” successful farms as working ecosystems.
Brian DeVore is a contributor to farm and conservation magazines and an editor with the Land Stewardship Project in Minnesota. He grew up on a crop and livestock farm in southwestern Iowa and, while serving in the Peace Corps, managed a dairy cooperative in Lesotho, Africa.
Saturday, January 26
Ice Fishing at Bush Lake
Bush Lake Beach
9140 E Bush Lake Rd, Bloomington
10 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Come to Bush Lake Beach to try your hand at ice fishing and learn about the tools of the trade. DNR fishing experts will be on hand to provide equipment and instruction for all who want to try ice fishing. Free refreshments will be available for participants.
For more information call Parks and Recreation at 952-563-8877.
Sponsored by City of Bloomington, Bush Lake chapter of Izaak Walton League, and the MN Department of Natural Resources.
Ice Harvest Day
Richardson Nature Center
8737 East Bush lake Road, Bloomington
11 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Discover life in Minnesota before electric refrigerators, when hardy ice harvesters sawed massive blocks of ice from frozen lakes to keep food cold during warmer months.
Discover life in Minnesota before electric refrigerators, when hardy ice harvesters sawed massive ice blocks out of frozen lakes and ponds to keep food chilled during warmer months. Meet ice harvesting historian Tim Graf and other costumed interpreters. Cut blocks of ice out of the pond with an old-fashioned ice saw, pull an antique ice plow, weigh blocks of ice, and try other ice-harvesting tools. Children 17 years and younger must be accompanied by a registered adult.
For more information, check out their website: https://threeriversparks.org/events/I/ice-harvesting-day--.aspx
Sponsored by Three Rivers Park District.
Frozen Jug Curling - RESCHEDULED to FEBRUARY 2!
Smith Park
8155 Park Ave S, Bloomington
12 - 3 p.m.
Bloomington Parks and Recreation will be hosting a FREE family fun event where everyone can test their hand at the newest outdoor sports craze and warm up with a cup of hot cocoa! You won't want to miss it.
Frozen Jug Curling takes the concepts of curling (popular Olympic sport) but simplifies it and makes it easier for anyone to play! Instead of traditional curling stones, participants would use frozen jugs and aim for the target. Closest to the target without getting canceled out wins!
Parks and Recreation will supply the "rocks" (frozen jugs) but this event is BYOB (Bring Your Own BROOM) :) A gift basket will be given away to the owner of the most creative broom!
This event may be rescheduled pending weather and ice conditions.
Questions? Call Bloomington Parks and Recreation at 952-563-8877 or email at parksrec@BloomingtonMN.gov
Sponsored by City of Bloomington Parks and Recreation.
LEGO Meet-Up!
The Works Museum
9740 Grand Ave S, Bloomington
1 - 4 p.m.
Tackle LEGO engineering challenges led by LEGO hobbyists and see some of their own large creations! Fun for the whole family! The LEGO Meet-Up is included in the $9 admission and free for members of The Works Museum. For more information call the Works Museum at 952-888-4262 or check out the website at www.theworks.org/explore-it.
Organized and sponsored by The Works Museum.
Sunday, January 27
Pond Dakota Winter History Festival
Pond Dakota Mission Park
401 East 104th Street, Bloomington
Noon - 4 p.m.
Watch a demonstration of wooden Lacrosse stick-making by Twin Cities Native Lacrosse Director John Hunter, and listen to traditional Dakota Stories in a tipi, told by Sisokaduta (Joe Bendickson) at the historic Pond House. You'll be amazed by Scott Crosbie's Magic Show (12-2 p.m. only). Bring your sled or toboggan for a thrilling slide through the prairie, and play Snow Snakes and other frontier games outdoors. Warm up by the bonfire, or the fireplace indoors!
Free hot cider, cocoa and other treats will be available throughout the day.
Limited parking is available in the Pond Dakota Mission Park parking lot. Please do not park along the driveway. Additional free parking is available at Emmanuel Lutheran Church or in the Kelly Playfield lot.
For more information, call the Bloomington Parks and Recreation Division at 952-563-8877.
Organized and sponsored by Bloomington Parks and Recreation.
Winter Fete Special Discounts!
Discounted Cross Country Ski Rentals
At Hyland Lake Park
Hyland Lake Park is offering discounted Cross Country Ski rentals after 6 p.m. during Winter Fete. Mention Bloomington Winter Fete to receive discount.
The Daily Ski Pass applies for all who are 12 years or older.
For more information visit https://www.threeriversparks.org/activities/cross-country-skiing.aspx
BOGO Admission at The Works Museum
NEW THIS YEAR! Request the Winter Fete Discount at the front desk at The Works Museum and receive one free child's admission with the purchase of an adult admission during the entire span of winter fete!
Free Hot Chocolate at Four Outdoor Rinks!
Bryant, Running, Sunrise and Westwood Parks
Skate the great outdoor rinks in Bloomington and enjoy free hot chocolate from 5 pm to 8 pm every day of Winter Fete at the Bryant, Westwood, Running, and Sunrise Park warming houses!