This Week at The Lake 1/26/26
Monday, Jan 26 through Thursday, Jan 29, 2026
🎨 Seasonal & Outdoor Activities
❄️ Winter Outdoor Fun
Ice skating, sledding & winter trails: Many local parks and lakes around Lake Minnetonka and Twin Cities have maintained rinks and trails for ice skating and cross-country skiing if conditions allow — check weather and local park boards for open areas.
Art Shanty Projects on Lake Harriet: A unique winter art installation where creative ice shanties are on display and interactive activities are offered (through late January).
Luminary Loppet (near Minneapolis): Candlelit trail for walking or skiing with food trucks & warming stations, scheduled late January into early February.
(Note: specific open/close times vary with weather conditions.)
🎭 Shows, Theater & Cultural Events
Minneapolis Theater Highlights (great as evening outings)
“Chicago – The Musical” at Orpheum Theatre Tue Jan 27 & Wed Jan 28 at 7:30 pm — classic Broadway show.
“Go Dog Go – Minneapolis” family show Thu Jan 29 at 7:00 pm — fun theater for kids and adults.
(These are in downtown Minneapolis — convenient if you’re spending an evening in the city.)
🎶 Live Music & Nightlife (Twin Cities Venues)
While not directly on Lake Minnetonka’s quieter lakefront, the Minneapolis–St. Paul scene nearby has a rich lineup of performances throughout the week:
🎵 Monday, Jan 26
Concert listings show “The Masters of Improvisation” set for in-person performance at a downtown venue (e.g., Crooners or similar).
🎵 Tuesday, Jan 27
Local music listings include variety of barbershop harmony and songwriter meetups in the metro area.
🎵 Wednesday, Jan 28
The Westside Garage Jam — 7 pm — open jam session in Eden Prairie/Southwest metro area (use Meetup info as guide).
🎵 Thursday, Jan 29
Events listings show “My Romance – A Cappella Love Songs” at a local performance venue.
🎤 Popular Live Music Venues Nearby (Minneapolis/St. Paul)
These spots typically have nightly music or scheduled performances — check their calendars for specific Jan 26–29 shows:
The Cedar Cultural Center – Legendary world music & roots shows.
First Avenue & 7th St. Entry – Iconic concert venues with touring acts.
Fine Line – Mid-size live music space with frequent gigs.
Dakota – Intimate music & dinner venue downtown.
Underground Music Venue – Independent music venue with local acts.
The Hook and Ladder Theater & Lounge – Theater & performance space with varied live shows.
(Most venues publish their weekly schedules online — great for finding specific artists/genres you enjoy.)
🛍️ Local Lake Minnetonka-Area Activities
Excelsior & Wayzata
Downtown Excelsior and Wayzata shops & dining: Cozy winter strolls by the lake, boutique shopping, coffee spots, and lakeside views — these towns often host small community winter markets or pop-ups (check local chamber calendars or social posts).
Art galleries & local exhibits: Galleries in Wayzata/Excelsior (like Reedy Gallery) often have winter exhibits on view throughout January.
🍿 Family & Indoor Fun
Minneapolis Museums & Indoor Exhibits: Explore museums like the Walker Art Center, Minneapolis Institute of Art, and interactive exhibits that are ongoing throughout January (check their event calendars online).
Minneapolis Boat Show (ongoing) at the Convention Center — good for indoor browsing and winter inspiration.
🧘 Fitness & Community Activities
Meetup social/walking groups and dodgeball/fitness meetups are listed around Minnetonka area — fun ways to stay active in winter.
📍 Tips for Planning
Weather considerations: Many outdoor activities in late January depend on ice and snow conditions — always check venue/park updates.
Tickets & reservations: Major shows (theater/concerts) often require advance tickets; local gatherings may be free but can fill up.
Transit: If you’re staying near Lake Minnetonka but traveling into Minneapolis for events, consider peak-time travel or ride-shares for convenience.