This Week at The Lake 1/12/26
Here’s a local events & activities guide for the Lake Minnetonka area and nearby Twin Cities from Monday, January 12 through Thursday, January 15, 2026
📍 Community & Local Events Around Lake Minnetonka
Monday, January 12
🏛 Minnetonka City Council Meeting — Community governance meeting in Minnetonka. (Typically early evening; check city site for updated agenda.)
🌆 Chamber & Community Calendar — Ongoing listings for local group meetings, business promos, etc., available on the Excelsior-Lake Minnetonka Chamber calendar.
Tuesday, January 13
🏀 Minnetonka High School Basketball (Home Game) — Local varsity boys’ basketball action in the evening.
🛫 Introduction to Flight Simulation (Excelsior) — Try a flight simulation experience at Minnetonka High School’s simulation lab.
👥 Senior Advisory Board & DEI Commission Meetings — Community board meetings in Minnetonka for engagement and civic input.
Wednesday, January 14
🌇 Community Meetings — Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Commission continues engagements; local government calendars have other scheduled sessions.
Thursday, January 15
✂️ Ribbon Cutting: Wandering Charcuterie (Excelsior) — Local business event celebrating a new store/market addition.
📍 City Government Calendar — Additional commission meetings or civic workshops may also take place.
❄️ Winter Activities & Seasonal Fun
Even though major Lake Minnetonka ice festivals (like the Chilly Open) and plunges are scheduled later in the month or in February, you can still enjoy:
Year-Round / Winter Recreation
❄️ Walk, snowshoe, or cross-country ski parts of the Dakota Rail Regional Trail for scenic winter views around the lake.
🛶 Scenic strolls and lakeside views around Lake Minnetonka or quiet picnics at Noerenberg Memorial Gardens.
📍 Group activities (board games, books, movies) at local libraries and community centers like Shorewood Community & Event Center — often hosting drop-in events (call ahead for schedules).
🎭 Theatre, Music & Twin Cities Entertainment
(Great options within ~30–45 min of Lake Minnetonka — lots of fun for nights out)
Concerts & Live Shows (Jan 12–15)
🎶 Minnesota Wild NHL Hockey – Wild vs. New York Islanders — 7 PM Monday, Jan 12 at Xcel Energy Center (St. Paul).
😂 Comedy Shows – Danny Jolles performing Jan 14–17 at Acme Comedy in Minneapolis.
Other Entertainment in the Metro
🎤 Multiple concerts/themed music nights happening across Minneapolis & St. Paul during the week (clubs, theaters, live venues). Check local venue calendars for exactly Jan 13–15 dates.
🎭 Big stages like Orpheum, Pantages, First Avenue & Dakota host touring acts, tributes, and themed concerts through January.
🍻 Nightlife & Evening Options (Near Minnetonka & Twin Cities)
Local spots to unwind after daytime activities near Lake Minnetonka include:
Near the Lake:
🍕 Dinner & drinks at The Table (Wayzata/Minnetrista) or local eateries.
Drive-In/Metro Nightlife: (15–45 min)
🎷 Lounges and dance bars in Minneapolis — options like The Loft, Stargazer, and other spots with live music or DJs.
🧒 Family & Indoor Activities
Especially good if the weather is frigid:
🎨 Indoor museums, ice art exhibits, or science centers in Minneapolis/St. Paul.
❄️ Ice installations and winter displays running through winter in St. Paul and Minneapolis such as Ice Castles at the State Fairgrounds (Thurs-Mon schedule).