What this month’s list doesn’t reflect is the vast number of tree lighting, welcome to winter, get ready for the holidays festivals and craft fairs. Check your local community chamber for local information. Don’t forget to check the Minnesota Historical Society’s event page; they’ve always got something interesting going on.
Minneapolis
Nov. 4-6
A warehouse full of art and artists, all in time for the holidays.
Lutsen
Annual Masters’ Bluegrass Weekend
Nov. 4-6
The 19th annual celebration of bluegrass in a beautiful locale.
Rochester
Mayowood Mansion Christmas Tours
Tues., Wed., Fri.-Sun., Nov. 4-27
Advance registration required. Visit the home of the Mayo Clinic founder and see it decorated for the holidays, with guided tours to explain the historical significance of the home, which celebrates its centennial in 2011.
St. Paul
Nov. 5-6
A change in venue this year, from St. Paul to the Metrodome in Minneapolis. Visit to learn more about the Twin Cities’ Hmong community, and enjoy live music, dancing, a beauty contest, and food.
Two Harbors
Annual Edmund Fitzgerald Memorial Beacon Lighting
Nov. 10
The anniversary of the sinking of the Edmund Fitzgerald is commemorated with special tours that allow visitors to see the lighthouse beacon lit from inside the lighthouse, the only time each year that this privilege is available. Bring warm clothes.
Madison
Nov. 10-12
Ludefisk eating contests. You don’t want to eat? Go to watch. Also—other kinds of food. And art shows, and a talent show, and Norsky bingo.
Blue Earth
The Scarfing of the Jolly Green Giant
Nov. 12
Be there by 10:30 a.m., or you’ll miss the spectacle of Santa being lifted by machine to wrap a warm scarf around the Giant’s neck.
Grand Marais
Winterer’s Gathering & Arctic Film Festival
Nov. 17-20
The North House Folk School outdoes itself with this festival, including all manner of winter skill courses (building a wood stove, snowshoe construction, build a traditional toboggan), ski and gear swap, winter camping, and movies about all aspects of life in the frozen regions.
Minneapolis
Nov. 17-19
This is your chance to find that “artist on the verge.” MCAD students create and sell artworks. Go early.
Minneapolis
Nov. 18-20
The Minnesota Bluegrass Old-Time Music Association began this festival just a few years ago, combining old-time bluegrass with live concerts, workshops, contests, and a banquet.
Aitkin
Nov. 25
Wild and crazy ice fishers decorate their fish houses and take them on parade prior to settling them on the frozen lake for the season.
Minneapolis
Thurs-Sun, Nov. 25-Dec. 18
2011 marks the 20th year Holidazzle has brightened Nicollet Mall. Truly a parade of lights, with life-size fairy tale characters decked out in splendid lit-up costumes. Allow extra time for traffic and parking, and if you’re planning on dining before or after, make reservations ahead or be prepared to wait.
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