This Weekend at The Lake 1/9/26
Here’s a regional guide to events, attractions, activities, and things to do around the Lake Minnetonka area and nearby Twin Cities for Friday Jan 9 through Sunday Jan 11, 2026
🎉 Local & Regional Events (Jan 9–11, 2026)
📅 Friday – Sunday Events
📍 Twin Cities & Convention-Scale Events (great day trips)
Within ~30–45 min of Lake Minnetonka
🎟️ Twin Cities Auto Show – A major annual auto exhibition at the Minneapolis Convention Center, featuring new cars, interactive displays, and exhibits. Runs Jan 3–11, 2026 — so it’s happening all weekend.
🎨 Villain Arts Convention – A multi-day tattoo, art, and entertainment expo at Hyatt Regency Minneapolis. Opens Fri–Sun with artists, contests, and music.
These big-ticket events are excellent for a fun indoor weekend diversion from chilly weather.
🎿 Lake Minnetonka Area & Nearby Activities
🧘 Community & Casual Local Activities
(Ongoing or likely available even if not officially on a published calendar)
⛸️ Ice skating / outdoor winter recreation – Take advantage of winter conditions around Lake Minnetonka Regional Park for fresh-air activities like ice skating or winter walks, plus snowshoeing on trails if conditions permit at parks like Lake Minnetonka Regional Park.
🏒 Local youth hockey & sports – There may be local hockey games (e.g., high school) and ice sports around the lakeside towns during the winter season.
🍲 Indoor social meetups & wellness – Nearby community centers and libraries often host discussions, youth programs, reading clubs, and seasonal wellness events (not all are widely publicized yet for Jan 2026).
🎭 Things to Do & Places to Visit (All Weekend Options)
Local attractions & indoor options:
Be with Me Playseum Minnesota – Kid-friendly indoor play space at Ridgedale Center (good for a snowy afternoon).
Brühaven Craft Company – Local café & small event spot in Minneapolis if planning a short drive for coffee or an intimate gathering.
The Vine Room – Wine bar in Hopkins — ideal for a relaxed evening meet-up after outdoor activities.
Museum Of Illusions – Fun, quirky indoor museum experience in Bloomington.
Explore downtown Wayzata & Excelsior — charming lakeside streets, boutiques, coffee shops, and dining (great for winter strolls).
Parks & outdoor spots:
Lake Minnetonka Regional Park — Trails and scenic winter views.
Climb the shorelines or walk parts of the lake’s frozen edge (when safe and officially open).
🗓️ Scheduled Local Events (Minnetonka / Excelsior)
Publicly listed event calendars currently show limited formal community events for this specific weekend, but here’s what’s noted:
Minnetonka Planning Commission & Hopkins recycling dates show municipal and community reminders around Fri Jan 9.
Minnetonka varsity girls hockey games and school sports are scheduled Sat Jan 10 — perfect for local fans.
(Note: The Excelsior-Lake Minnetonka Chamber event calendar shows mostly year-long or future application info around this time — specific weekend activities are more limited or not yet posted publicly.)
🏞️ Seasonal Outdoor Activities to Consider
Even without marquee events, the region shines in winter:
❄️ Ice Fishing & Lakeside Winter Play — If Lake Minnetonka freezes solid and conditions are safe (check local ice signage), many locals enjoy ice fishing, snowshoeing, and frozen-lake walking.
🔥 Bonfires & Cozy Dining — Lakeside restaurants often offer cozy winter menus and fire pits during weekends.
📷 Snow & Nature Walks — Bring your camera and stroll along scenic shorelines in Excelsior, Wayzata, or Minnetonka Beach.
📍 Quick List: Must-Do Nearby Spots
Lake Minnetonka – The vast lake itself and surrounding parks.
Lake Minnetonka Regional Park – Outdoor trails and winter views.
Be with Me Playseum Minnesota – Indoor family fun.
Brühaven Craft Company & The Vine Room – Great local spots for a snack or drink after exploring.
📌 Tips for Jan 9–11
Dress warmly! January weather around Lake Minnetonka can be very cold with wind off the water.
Check local weather & ice conditions before heading out on the lake — safety first.
Advance tickets (for shows like the Auto Show or Villain Arts) are recommended as these can sell out on weekends.