UPDATE 01-23-18: Included the Illuminate South Loop event.
The upcoming Superbowl LII in the Twin Cities seems to be gearing up to be one of the biggest parties in Minnesota. Construction has been ongoing to prepare for different events and shows have already been scheduled for the days leading up to the February 4 game. However, many of the concerts and exclusive parties cost a lot, as expected, so we have been in search for budget-friendly activities to partake in around and during Superbowl week. Whether Superbowl- or non-Superbowl-related activities, these are a few of the great budget-friendly activities we found to go out and celebrate the Twin Cities during the Superbowl LII festivities.
- Art Shanty Projects – Part art installation, part art community, the Art Shanty Projects is a great way to experience the Minnesotan winter and arts culture. It will be free and open to the public from January 20 to February 11, 2018 on Lake Harriet in Minneapolis.
- Illuminate South Loop – This 3-day art event at Bloomington Central Park will showcase art installations and performances from local and international artists in the evening hours of Feb 1-3, 2018. Though located in a suburb of the Twin Cities, taking the Blue Line light rail to Bloomington Central Station makes it an easy commute.
- Lake Harriet Winter Kite Festival – Colorful kites, horse-drawn wagon rides, and marshmallow roasts await attendees at this free event on the frozen Lake Harriet. It will be held from noon to 4pm on January 27, 2018.
- Mall of America – A must-visit when in Minnesota, the Mall of America houses hundreds of stores, an aquarium, and an indoor theme park, among many other attractions. Shopping will cost a few bucks, but it’s always free to walk around and check-out everything MOA has to offer. Although it is located in a suburb a few minutes outside Minneapolis and St. Paul, the Mall of America is a public transportation hub, with train and bus routes traveling directly to and from downtown Minneapolis.
- Polar Plunge Minnesota – There is fundraising involved for plungers, but it will go to a great cause. Otherwise, it’s free to cheer them on! Support Special Olympics Minnesota athletes by plunging into an icy pool in downtown Minneapolis in the heart of winter and having a blast. There are many plunges scheduled in different locations in Minnesota, but the plunge right on Nicollet Mall in downtown Minneapolis is scheduled for January 30, 2018 from 4-7pm.
- RedBull Crashed Ice – This 2-night, free, adrenaline-pumping event (premium viewing areas available for a fee) will be held on January 19 and 20, 2018. The tall, icy, long, and winding ramp where competitors speed-skate downhill to the finish line is built right outside the Cathedral of Saint Paul.
‘Sota Pop by Explore Minnesota – The free, interactive window displays planned for the Renaissance Square building on Nicollet Mall in downtown Minneapolis promises to be cool and very ‘grammable, so this would be a great budget-friendly addition to the itinerary. Displays are up from January 26 to February 4, 2018.
- St. Paul Winter Carnival – An annual Minnesota tradition, it is filled with free activities open to the public, such as parades, the Ice Castle, and a display of ice sculptures in downtown St. Paul’s Rice Park. Events start on January 25 and run through February 10, 2018.
- Superbowl LIVE by Verizon Wireless – Although many of the events that fall under this umbrella are paid events, such as the Imagine Dragons and P!NK concerts, there are also free concerts and other events scheduled right on Nicollet Mall in downtown Minneapolis starting on January 26, 2018.
We will be sharing photos and more updates throughout the days leading up to Superbowl day, as events begin, so make sure to follow @AlmostSpontaneous on Instagram and Facebook, and @ASblogtweets on Twitter. Share your Superbowl LII photos, tips, and stories, too!
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