Events to Check Out in 2019, part 1
By: Carlee & Dr. Miles
We are back once again with a list of some activities to engage in around Central Minnesota. Its that time of year that most of us struggle to find ways to be active and get out of our homes. Check out the list to find ways to get out and about, be active, and engage with our community.
1. Great Theatre
A great way to have fun and stay warm this winter is by checking out one of the shows that Great Theatre has to offer. Tickets are typically about $34 to $36 a piece, and both 2:00pm and 7:30pm showtimes are available. Check out some of the upcoming performances:
January 11-20: The Giver
Drama based on young adult literature - performance is located at the Helgeson Learning Lab Theatre.
February 1-10: Disney’s The Little Mermaid
Broadway musical for the entire family - performance is located at the Paramount Theatre.
February 15-24: The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nighttime
A PlayLabs collaboration between GREAT and SCSU Theater Department. Performances at SCSU.
April 5-20: Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat
Broadway musical for the entire family - performance is located at the Paramount Theatre.
April 26 - May 19: Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story - Dinner Theatre
Musical adult dinner theatre - performance is located at the Helgeson Learning Lab Theatre.
For more about the performances or to buy tickets, click here: https://www.greattheatre.org/shows/2018-2019-season/
2. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Breakfast and Day of Service
On January 21st from 8:00am-10:00am, celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy at the 7th annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Breakfast and Day of Service. The theme this year will be Stronger Together, Dream Together. Wil Haygood, a best-selling author and journalist, is this year’s keynote speaker. He is known for connecting the civil rights movement and important figures within that movement to current events.
The event will also include a community service project where they will be making “Dream Packages” for men, women, and children in the St. Cloud area who are in need. They will be collecting donations such as washcloths, gloves, crayons, toiletries, and more to create these packages. Children ages 5-12 will have the opportunity to learn about and participate in community service during the keynote speaker.
Doors open and 7:30am in the River’s Edge Convention Center. The breakfast is free to the public, however, registration is required: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/dr-martin-luther-king-jr-breakfast-and-day-of-service-2019-st-cloud-minnesota-tickets-52806008192
3. Go Red for Women’s Heart Health Event
On February 13, join the St. Cloud VA Women Veterans Program in their Women’s Heart Health event. They will be hosting canvas painting to raise awareness on women’s heart health. This event is a part of a larger, national campaign by the American Heart Association to increase heart health awareness and change heart health for women globally. This will be held at the Good Earth Food Co-Op from 5:00PM to 7:30PM and is free, however you need to register here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/go-red-for-womens-hearth-health-tickets-53960171325
4. “A Hard Day’s Night” Beatles Tribute Dinner
One of the top Beatles tribute bands in the nation will be coming to central Minnesota on April 6. If you are a Beatles fan, this high energy performance will be right up your alley! The performance is located at Huikko’s
Bowling and Entertainment Center in Buffalo, MN. Seating starts at 5:30pm, dinner is at 6:00, and the show starts at 7:30pm. General tickets are $35 and VIP tickets are $45. If you want to learn more or buy tickets, you can here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/a-hard-days-night-beatles-tribute-dinner-show-sat-april-6th-2019-tickets-53265384198?aff=ebdssbdestsearch
5. Growers & Makers Market
Sprout Growers & Makers Marketplace is the place to shop for handmade, homegrown food, arts, and gifts from Minnesota. Throughout the year they host events that not only include vendors but also music/dance performances, cooking demonstrations, lunch, bar, and more! Hunger Solutions also has a Spend $10, Get $10 matching program where those shopping with SNAP benefits are eligible to double their purchases up to $10.
The market is open in Little Falls one Saturday a month from 10AM-3PM. The dates for 2019 include February 23, March 23, October 26, November 16, and December 14. More information here: https://www.sproutmn.com/marketplace.html
6. Yoga
With the beginning of the year comes new New Years Resolutions and goals we want to achieve for 2019. If fitness is on your list, a great way to increase your flexibility, strengthen your core, and practice mindfulness is through yoga. There are many classes for all skill levels with all different styles, so we found a few that might be up your alley!
Beaver Island Brewing: Pickled Yoga - Yoga at the brewery taproom? Yes, Indeed! Gather your friends and meet the instructor at Beaver Island Brewery for a fun and rejuvenating Yoga session. Down dog, then belly up for a pint! Dates include: January 12th and February 2nd. Cost is $25, save $5 with code NEWYEARS. Visit Beaver Island Brewing event page for more information https://www.beaverislandbrew.com/upcoming-events/
Nowthen, MN: Wildroot Goat Yoga - Yes, you read that right! Goat yoga is a fun way to start practicing yoga. The goats actually frolick, play, and interact with you during your yoga practice. There is no yoga/goat practice necessary. Professional photos are taken at your discretion so you have proof that you indeed practiced yoga with goats. Cost is $30 per person or $25 a person for groups of three or more. Bring your own yoga mat, or rent one for $5! Dates include May 25th, June 8th, July 20th, and August 10th.
Ramsey City Hall: Yoga Flow - Barbara Sandarin teaches a beginners yoga for everyone to learn. This is a free, non-judgemental way to learn the basics of breath and movement. All levels are welcome because modifications will be made. This class starts on Monday, January 28th and goes until May 20th. You can register here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/yoga-flow-2019-tickets-52869498092?aff=ebdssbdestsearch
Utepils Brewing in Minneapolis: Yoga Flow - If you’re a comedy and beer lover, this yoga class is the perfect class for you. Join Annie Hayes as she guides the class through a 45 minute session, complete with humor and a beer! The cost of this class is $10. The first date is on January 13th and there are many classes through the year until December 29th! Get your ticket here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/yoga-flow-at-utepils-brewery-tickets-50185331678?aff=ebdssbdestsearch
Monticello Fire Department: Firehouse Yoga - Join the Monticello Fire Department in a class of yoga and pilates. Erin Cota, owner of Amazing You Fitness and Nutrition leads this class in toning muscles and feeling good. All levels are welcome. The price is $10, and the class is on Friday, February 8th. Tickets available here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/firehouse-yoga-tickets-53766260332?aff=erelexpmlt
7. Laugh your Tail Off Comedy Show
Join comedians Kevin Cahak and Luke Borchardt for a night out event where all proceeds go to the Heart of Minnesota Animal Shelter. These comedians tour all over the country at comedy clubs, county fairs, holiday parties, and more. Tickets are $40 and include a drink ticket, appetizers, and the performance. The event is hosted at the Crow River Winery in Hutchinson, MN on Saturday, March 9th at 7:30pm. Get your tickets here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/laugh-your-tail-off-comedy-event-benefiting-the-heart-of-mn-animal-shelter-tickets-53592421375
8. ABC Kinder Olympix
Looking for something fun and local to do this year with your little ones? Check out St. Clouds ABC Kinder Olympix! The Whitney Recreation Center hosts a morning full of fun activities on March 9th from 8:30am-11:30am. Events include arts and crafts, obstacle course, alphabet games, snacks, and much more. This event is for children ages 6 and younger, and cost $2 per child and $3 per family. The ABC Kinder Olympix is a great way to have fun with your children/grandchildren while helping them develop reading skills and healthy habits. Learn more here: https://www.ci.stcloud.mn.us/177/Special-Events
9. Promise Neighborhood
Promise Neighborhood of Central Minnesota is a non-profit organization serving the children of our community. They use community based programming to develop solutions to issues affecting our youth. They host a variety of events for all ages including elementary students, high school students, family members, and community members. Their Math and Reading Club event brings children, parents, and mentors together to develop skills around math, reading, history, arts, games, and more. There is also a dinner provided. This event is hosted almost every Friday of the school year from 5:00pm-7:00pm. They also have a How Brains Are Built Family Fun Night where families can participate in brain boosting games, educational activities, art, reading, and more. Dinner is at 5:00pm and activities start at 5:30pm. Their next session is on January 29th and pre-registration is required. For information on how to get involved, other programs they offer, how to donate, and more, visit their website: http://www.pncentralmn.com/
10. Mental Health Walk
The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) St. Cloud hosts there annual mental health walk on Saturday, May 18th. All of the proceeds go to NAMI St. Cloud Area programs of education, advocacy, and support. The walk starts at Lake George at 11:00am, but the event also includes refreshments, games, door prizes, silent auction, and much more! Registration for the walkers and donors is available on March 1st. For contact information or more ways to get involved, check out http://www.namistcloud.com/2019-mental-health-walk.html