Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board

Knitting Near Nature
2026-01-16 11:30 - 13:00, 2026-01-07 11:30 - 13:00 (America/Chicago) | The Trailhead, 1339 Theodore Wirth Parkway, Minneapolis, MN, 55411, United States
11:30 am-1 pm
Wednesdays*: January 7, February 18, March 4 & 18, 2026
Fridays: January 16 & 30, February 13 & 27, March 13, 2026
Bring your projects and join fellow crafters by the fire at The Trailhead to knit crochet, and craft in community. All experience levels are welcome! Limited supplies available.
Meet at The Trailhead, 1221 Theodore Wirth Pkwy. No registration necessary.
*No program Wednesday, January 21 or February 4, 2026

Willard Park Improvements Feedback - Online Meeting
2026-01-15 17:30 - 18:30 | Virtual Program
Join an online meeting on January 15 to discuss a skate spot as part of the improvements project.
Thanks to everyone who’s been involved in planning for improvements at Willard Park!
The project team is currently working to create a final concept plan for Board approval. This plan will incorporate feedback from the community and MPRB staff on the three initial concept plans shared last fall, to the greatest extent possible. It is based on site conditions and the project budget as well.
The team is also hosting an online meeting to get feedback on one of the features included in the concept plans and the long-range plan for Willard Park: a skate spot (or skate node) along the bike path that runs through the park.
The meeting will introduce two concepts for the skate spot, along with precedent images of skate spots at other sites for discussion. Attendees will be able to provide feedback for the team to use in developing the final concept plan.
Meeting Details
Thursday, January 15, 5:30 to 6:30 pm
Click here to join the meeting via Microsoft Teams

Nature Storytime at The Trailhead
2026-01-15 10:00 - 10:30, 2026-01-08 10:00 - 10:30 | The Trailhead, 1339 Theodore Wirth Parkway, Minneapolis, MN, 55411, United States
Thursdays: 10:00am – 10:30am
January 8 – March 19*
Come for a nature-packed Storytime at the Trailhead with a Garden Naturalist. Read stories, sing songs, and learn about nature in winter. Make a fun themed craft as a memory to take with you! Perfect for ages 0-7 with their caregivers present.
Join a naturalist for a nature walk from 11:30am – 12:00pm following the program and crafts!
Meet inside The Trailhead, 1221 Theodore Wirth Parkway, Minneapolis, MN 55422. No registration necessary.
*No program on Thursday, February 5, 2026

Pop Up Dance Party - Bryant Square
2026-01-14 19:00 - 20:30 | Bryant Square Park, 3101 Bryant Ave S, Minneapolis, MN, 55408, United States
That is right, you read the description correct. Bryant Square is so excited to host 2nd Wednesday of the month “POP UP DANCE PARTY” in 2026! We provide the DJ and the space; all you need to bring is your energy and your best (or worst) dance moves. All ages are welcome!!! Food and Drinks are also provided.

Community Sing-A-Long
2026-01-13 19:00 - 20:30 | Loring Park, Loring Park, Minneapolis, MN, 55403, United States
Come together with friends and neighbors each month for an evening of music and community. Whether you love to sing or simply enjoy listening, you’re guaranteed a fun and uplifting time. Lyrics are projected on screen, with live piano music from Dan Chouinard and special guest Brian Peterson. Refreshments provided—just bring your voice (or your ears) and join the joy!
This activity is proudly sponsored by the Friends of Loring Park.

Winterscapes: Beyond the Leaves (PM)
2026-01-13 13:00 - 14:15 | MN
Tuesdays: 1:00-2:15 am
January 13, February 10, March 10, 2026
Come appreciate the beauty and mysterious architecture of winter trees. Join a garden naturalist for a guided nature walk where we’ll dive into the natural history of trees and their unique adaptations for winter survival.
Meet at The Trailhead, 1221 Theodore Wirth Pkwy. No registration necessary.

Winterscapes: Beyond the Leaves (AM)
2026-01-13 10:00 - 11:15 | The Trailhead, 1339 Theodore Wirth Parkway, Minneapolis, MN, 55411, United States
Tuesdays: 10:00-11:15 am
January 13, February 10, March 10, 2026
Come appreciate the beauty and mysterious architecture of winter trees. Join a garden naturalist for a guided nature walk where we’ll dive into the natural history of trees and their unique adaptations for winter survival.
Meet at The Trailhead, 1221 Theodore Wirth Pkwy. No registration necessary.

Noon Nature Stroll
2026-01-12 12:00 - 12:30, 2026-01-05 12:00 - 12:30 | Wirth Lake Beach, 3200 Glenwood Ave, Minneapolis, MN, 55405
Mondays: 12:00pm – 12:30pm
January 5 – March 16, 2026
Escape your desk this winter and recharge with a Noon Nature Stroll! These regular, brisk walks with a garden naturalist are the perfect way to move your body, soak up some daylight, and connect with others for a revitalizing midday break.
Meet at Wirth Lake Beach Parking Lot at 3200 Glenwood Ave. No registration necessary.

Luminary and Skating Party
2026-01-10 18:00 - 20:00 | Bryant Square Park, 3101 Bryant Ave S, Minneapolis, MN, 55408, United States
Luminary and Skating Party Hosted By South Uptown and Bryant Square Park Lot’s of luminaries around the skating rink with Music, Skating, Bonfire and Hot Cocoa!

Ice Lantern Making at Graco Park
2026-01-10 17:00 - 20:00, 2026-01-09 17:00 - 20:00 | MN
Join park staff at Graco Park for a drop-in ice lantern making experience that brings light and warmth to winter nights. Park staff will teach participants how to create ice lanterns by filling ice molds, placing lanterns throughout the park, and lighting them together to form a glowing community display. Fire pits will be available throughout the evening, making it easy to stay warm while enjoying this hands-on winter activity. An indoor space will be available throughout the event to warm up as needed. Time: 5:00–8:00 pm | Format: Drop-in, all ages welcome!

Ice Lantern Making at Water Works Park
2026-01-10 17:00 - 20:00, 2026-01-09 17:00 - 20:00 | Water Works at Mill Ruins Park, 425 West River Parkway, Minneapolis, MN, 55401, United States
Drop in for a cozy winter evening at Water Works Park and help light up the park with handmade ice lanterns! Park staff will teach participants how to create ice lanterns by filling ice molds, setting lanterns in the park, and lighting them as part of a shared winter display. Fire pits will be available to warm up and enjoy the glow as the lanterns illuminate the riverfront. An indoor space will also be open for participants to take breaks and stay warm. Time: 5:00–8:00 pm | Drop-in, all ages welcome

RESCEDULED - Fire & Ice Family Skating Party
2026-01-10 17:00 - 19:00 | Kenny Park, West 58th Street 1328, Minneapolis, Minnesota, 55419, United States
Fire N Ice RESCHEDULED to Saturday Jan 31st at Kenny Park.
Join us at Kenny Park for our annual Fire & Ice Family Skating party! Grab your mittens and hat for this outdoor neighborhood celebration. Enjoy a night with your family and friends skating or keep warm with hot chocolate and bonfire. No registration required, just come on down!

RESCHEDULED - Fire and Ice-Skating Party
2026-01-09 17:30 - 19:30 | Armatage Park, 2500 W 57th St, Minneapolis, MN, 55410, United States
Fire N Ice event has been RESCHEDULED to Friday Jan 30th at Armatage park.
Join us at Armatage Park for our annual Fire & Ice Family Skating party! Grab your mittens and hat for this outdoor neighborhood celebration. Enjoy a night with your family and friends skating or keep warm with hot chocolate and bonfire.
No registration required, just come on down!

RESCHEDULED - Fire and Ice Family Skate Night
2026-01-09 17:30 - 19:30 | Linden Hills Recreation Center, 3100 W 43rd St, Minneapolis, MN, 55410, United States
Fire and Ice Family Skate Night scheduled for January 9th at Linden Hills has been POSTPONED until January 23rd due to rink conditions.
Join us at the Linden Hills skating rink for our Fire and Ice Family Skating Night! Grab your mittens and hat for this outdoor neighborhood celebration. Enjoy a night with your family and friends skating or keep warm with hot chocolate and bonfire. No registration required, just come on down!

MPRB Board of Commissioners Meeting
2026-01-07 17:00 | Mary Merrill Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board Headquarters, 2117 West River Road N, Minneapolis, MN, 55411, United States
The Agenda for the Wednesday January 7, 2026 MPRB Board of Commissioners Meeting can be located at: Agenda.NET
The Wednesday January 7, MPRB Board of Commissioners meeting will be held in-person at the Mary Merrill Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board Headquarters 2117 West River Road N Minneapolis, MN 55411. The meeting is open for the public to attend. The public may also watch the Board meeting live on the MPRB YouTube channel beginning at 5 pm.
There are two options to submit open time and public hearing comments:
Write-in
You may submit your comment in writing to be included in the record and shared with Commissioners. Please send your comment to OpenTime@minneapolisparks.org by noon on the day of the board meeting.
In-Person
Members of the public may address the board during open. All individuals wishing to speak in-person can call 612-230-6400 before 3pm the day of the meeting to be placed on the speaker sign-up sheet or can sign-up in-person at the Board meeting prior to the start of open time/public hearing.
Please note that Section 2, item B. of the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board Rules of the Board read as follows:
SECTION 2.

“Open Time” for public input shall not exceed a total of 15 minutes with up to three minutes allowed for testimony, with the time limit to be allotted by the President.

At the beginning of “Open Time,” the Board President will allocate time for each speaker, and the reader will end the reading when the allotted time has passed.
Per Section 16 of the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board Rules of the Board, amendments and additions to the agenda submitted by the MPRB will be posted by 5 pm the day before the scheduled committee or full-board meeting of the Board of Commissioners.

Winter Tracks & Wildlife Walk (PM)
2026-01-06 13:00 - 14:15 | The Trailhead, 1339 Theodore Wirth Parkway, Minneapolis, MN, 55411, United States
Tuesdays: 1-2:15 pm
January 6 and March 3, 2026
Take a guided walk with a garden naturalist – we’ll look for signs of wildlife, including their tracks, to see who is moving about the winter landscape.
Meet at The Trailhead, 1221 Theodore Wirth Pkwy. No registration necessary.

Winter Tracks & Wildlife Walk (AM)
2026-01-06 10:00 - 11:15 | The Trailhead, 1339 Theodore Wirth Parkway, Minneapolis, MN, 55411, United States
Tuesdays: 10 am-11:15 am
January 6 and March 3, 2026
Take a guided walk with a garden naturalist – we’ll look for signs of wildlife, including their tracks, to see who is moving about the winter landscape.
Meet at The Trailhead, 1221 Theodore Wirth Pkwy. No registration necessary.

Winter Early Birders at the Beach
2026-01-03 09:30 - 11:00 | Theo Wirth Lake, Wirth Lake, Golden Valley, MN, 55422, United States
Click image to enlarge.
Select Saturdays from 9:30am-11:00am
2025: November 1, December 6
2026: January 3, February 7, and March 7
Explore the birds of Wirth Lake and Bassett’s Creek with a Garden Naturalist. Learn to identify resident bird species that winter in Minnesota.
No registration necessary. Meet at Wirth Lake Beach Parking Lot at 3200 Glenwood Ave

Winter Bash
2026-01-02 17:00 - 18:30 | Harrison Recreation Center, 503 N Irving Ave, Minneapolis, MN, 55405, United States
Come enjoy food, music, and games with the community at Harrison Rec Center’s Winter Bash! All youth participants who attend will have a chance to win a gift as part of toy raffle. Hope to see you there!

MPRB Board of Commissioners Annual Meeting
2026-01-02 17:00 | Mary Merrill Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board Headquarters, 2117 West River Road N, Minneapolis, MN, 55411, United States
The Agenda for the Friday January 2, 2026 MPRB Board of Commissioners Annual Meeting can be located at: Agenda.NET
The Friday January 2, MPRB Board of Commissioners meeting will be held in-person at the Mary Merrill Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board Headquarters 2117 West River Road N Minneapolis, MN 55411. The meeting is open for the public to attend. The public may also watch the Board meeting live on the MPRB YouTube channel beginning at 5 pm.

Winter Break Skating Rink Kick Off
2025-12-22 14:00 - 15:30 | Longfellow Recreation Center, Minneapolis, MN, United States
Join us for the kickoff to the skating season at Longfellow Park.

Winter Solstice Celebration
2025-12-20 18:00 - 21:00 | Carl W. Kroening Nature Center, 4900 Mississippi Court, Minneapolis, MN, 55430, United States
Rejoice the coming of longer days with an evening of celestial fun. Take a nature walk along a glowing luminary trail, then make your own luminary to bring home. Play winter themed games and enjoy the warmth of a bonfire.

Winter Whirl
2025-12-20 13:00 - 15:00 | Phelps Field Park, 701 E 39th St, Minneapolis, MN, 55407, United States
Join us for an afternoon of winter fun, fire pits, hot cocoa, activities in the gym, and much more!

Nokomis Winter Solstice
2025-12-19 18:00 - 20:00 | Lake Nokomis, Minneapolis, MN, United States
Join us at Nokomis Park for a Winter Solstice celebration. This is the perfect family event to get outdoors and kick start the winter season. It’s the longest night of the year, and the shortest day! Enjoy the freshness of the winter air on the horse drawn wagon ride up the lighted path in the park. Make birdfeeders to share with nature, and warm up by the fire pit while enjoying some hot cocoa and a story. Board game time, craft projects, books and refreshments too. Make some family memories together! Preregistration is encouraged but not required.

Creekview Winter Solstice
2025-12-19 17:00 - 19:00 | Creekview Park, 5001 Humboldt Ave N, Minneapolis, MN, 55430, United States
Join us for Creekview Parks Winter Solstice event. Bundle up and take a stroll along the path of Shingle Creek that will be glowing from the hundred of luminary lit up bags. Warm up by the fire pit and enjoy some light refreshments and s’mores. We will also have a small craft sale indoors to wrap up some of your holiday shopping. This is the perfect family event to get outdoors and kick start our winter season.
