Event Dates
From: Thursday, January 22, 2026
To: Sunday, February 1, 2026
Minneapolis & St Paul
Winter Carnival 2026
Since 1886, the Saint Paul Winter Carnival has brought charming winter events to the city.
Minneapolis & St. Paul Winter Carnival 2026
Since 1886, the Saint Paul Winter Carnival has brought charming winter events and community pride to Saint Paul and the Twin Cities metro area.
- Stay close to the activities at Rice Park at the SpringHill Suites Downtown, rated “Fabulous” by guests with spacious modern rooms, highly-rated breakfasts and excellent location.
The Carnival
- Next Edition – Thursday 22nd January – Sunday 1st February 2026.
- Winter Carnival began as a response to a few misguided East Coast reporters who called Minnesota “another Siberia, unfit for human habitation.” But Minnesota knows one or two things about the cold and turned it into an advantage. Today Winter Carnival showcases one of the city’s busiest seasons in all of its glory, creating the “Coolest Celebration on Earth”.
- The festival attracts 250,000+ people from Saint Paul and beyond to celebrate winter in Minnesota.
Event Highlights
- Split your time between the stunning Ice Palace, the magic of Rice Park’s ice sculptures, ice rink music and city parade and the Vulcan Snow Park with a snow maze, snow sculptures and more.
- Winter Carnival runs for 11 days – all day on weekends and evenings during the week.
- Most of the events are free to attend, apart from the Drive-Thru Ice & Snow Sculpture Park. You can also purchase a Winter Carnival Button which helps support local charities and serves as a collectable moment of your visit.
- Stay at the Drury Plaza hotel, rated “Superb” by guests, close to all of the Carnival events and parades.
The Venues
- Landmark Center, located in the heart of downtown Saint Paul, the Minnesota State Fairgrounds, and businesses throughout the city play host to the festivities.
The Parades
- Awaiting dates – Typically the first weekend – 2 pm – King Boreas Grand Day Parade -Don’t miss the St. Paul’s Winter Carnival King Boreas Grand Day Parade complete with the trampolining bouncing teams! The procession makes its way down West 7th at Smith to 5th Street to Washington to 4th Street and disassembly will start at Market on 4th.
- Awaiting dates – Typically the final weekend – 5 pm – Vulcan Victory Torchlight Parade – Vulcanus Rex will use his wily ways to light up the streets of downtown Saint Paul for the Vulcan Victory Torchlight Parade. The evening parade route starts at West 7th at Smith to 5th Street to Washington to 4th Street and disassembly will start at Market on 4th.
Saint Paul Winter Carnival Fire & Ice Run
- Sunday – Awaiting dates, from 8 am: The festive Saint Paul Winter Carnival Fire & Ice Run, with races (5K, 10K, 15K, 20K) and a NoK event, features interactions with the Vulcan Krewe and Royal Family, at Minnesota State Fairground.
Getting to St Paul
- St Paul is a 15 minute drive from the center of Minneapolis. You can also catch the Metro Green line which takes you to the center of downtown.
Recommended Hotels in St Paul/Mineapolis
The following hotels are close to all of the city’s top attractions and a 15-minute drive to the Carnival festivities.
Radisson Blul, Hilton Hotel, Loews Hotel, Hampton Inn & Suites
Save on Hotels
Stunning hotels in Boston
Book now and Pay on arrival
Where we stay!
The Radisson Blu is our editors
choice when we are in Boston
Official Website
For further information and advice on
Winter Carnival visit The Website
Gay Map of Minneapolis
The Chambers Hotel, 901, Hennepin Avenue, Minneapolis, Hennepin County, Minnesota, 55403
Our 60 art-infused guestrooms and suites have walk-in rain showers, deep soaking tubs and sweeping views of vibrant downtown. A show-stopping rooftop lounge and lush courtyard with a fire pit are prime spots to admire the scenery on Hennepin Avenue.
601 1st Avenue North, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55403
Connected to the Minneapolis Convention Center via a skyway, this city centre hotel offers easy access to top attractions and features comfortable accommodations, complete with many modern amenities.
A 50-inch flat-screen cable TV and iPod docking station are provided in every spacious room with a fridge and coffee machine are also included.
1001 Marquette Avenue South, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55403
Situated in the centre of downtown Minneapolis, within steps of Nicollet Mall and , this hotel offers elegant accommodations with free WiFi access and and chic on-site dining options.
Each guestroom is equipped with a flat-screen TV and a fully stocked minibar. Bathrooms have limestone counters and stylish glass basins.
19 North 8th Street, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55403
Within of , this property is connected to the climate-controlled Skyway footbridge in the heart of and offers complimentary and free WiFi.
Every room at Hampton Inn and Suites provides a 42-inch flat-screen LCD HDTV with premium cable, a small refrigerator and coffee maker.
600 5th Ave S, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55415
Accommodation is fitted with air conditioning, a fully equipped kitchen with a dishwasher, a microwave, a coffee machine and a dining area, a flat-screen TV and a private bathroom with bath or shower, a hairdryer and free toiletries.
95 S 10th St, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55403
Every unit features a private bathroom and shower, air conditioning, a flat-screen TV and a microwave. A fridge, a stove top and toaster are also featured in the kitchen, as well as a kettle. Free WiFi & Keyless Entry
240 Chicago Avenue South, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55415
All units here are air-conditioned and feature a living room with a flat-screen TV, a well-equipped kitchen with a kettle a coffee machine and dishwasher, a dining area, a private bathroom with bath or shower, and free toiletries
Minneapolis, Minnesota 55401
The air-conditioned apartment offers 1 bedroom, 2 bathrooms, a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, a dining area, a fully equipped kitchen, and a balcony with city views. Guests benefit from complimentary WiFi and private parking
205 E Hennepin Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55414, United States
Gay dance bar lots of fun
Open Thursday 5-Midnight, Friday 5-2am, Saturday 6-2am
990 Central Ave NE, Minneapolis, MN, United States, Minnesota
Multi award winning LGBTQ+ establishment! Voted Best of Minnesota featuring top-notch drag and more!
1333 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis, MN 55403, United States
Minneapolis’ most glamorous celebrity and female impersonators host drag shows, karaoke, bingo, game night, movie night and stand up comedy to bring entertainment 7 nights a week with drag brunch every Sunday.
422 Hennepin Avenue, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55401
The Brass Rail Lounge is one of the premier gay bars in Minneapolis with a VIP section, along with nightly entertainmen and wide selection of the best drinks around
830 Hennepin Avenue, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55403
The Saloon has proudly served the Twin Cities LGBTQ community for more than 44 years, earning the reputation as its premiere going-out destination. Energizing atmosphere, pulsating dance floors, world-class entertainment, numerous bars to stay hydrated and an excess of gorgeous men to meet
A good show has always been our thing—you won’t want to miss the wet’n’wild shower platform on select evenings. Come for karaoke, our amazing contests, exclusive shows, and infamous Saloon Pride Block Party
19 West 15th Street, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55403
A Gay pub classic offering, darts and pool, pizza served at bar a bonus space that opens when it gets busy and back patio for smoking, this is a cash only bar there is an ATM in the bar.
This is the perfect place for people who don’t want to go to a club.
515 Washington Avenue South, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55415
This gay bar falls somewhere between a neighborhood bar & grill and a gay nightclub with a dance floor, outdoor patio, pool table and is home to some of the best happy hour deals in town!
408 Hennepin Ave, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55401
A gay nightclub featuring 6 Bar, multiple dance floors and a Games room, offering Karaoke, Djs and of course Drag shows. The Dinner and Drag Show is a must as its one of the best in town.
The Black Hart Of Saint Paul, 1415 University Ave W, Saint Paul, Minnesota 55104
Gay Soccer Bar in the Midway neighborhood of Saint Paul.
The Black Hart continues the long legacy of Town House Bar as a home for the LBGTQ+ community. Check out our calendar for our drag shows, burlesque, BINGO, and karaoke
Recommended Hotels in Minneapolis By Booking
Book with confidence. Get the best Prices from our partner Booking.com
We have chosen hotels in Minneapolis that keep you close to all the shops, restaurants & bars
The Chambers Hotel
5 Star, Luxury
- 5 Star – Art-Infused Rooms, Rooftop Lounge
- A short taxi ride to the gay bars
- Rain showers, deep soaking tubs
- Front-row seat to Orpheum Theatre, art-infused rooms with luxurious bathrooms, rooftop lounge, fire pit.
Loews Hotel
4 Star – Great Amenities
- 4 Star – Chic Stylish On-Site Dining Options
- A short taxi ride to the gay bars
- Flat-screen TV, fully stocked minibar
- In downtown Minneapolis, steps from Nicollet Mall, elegant accommodations with modern amenities and dining.
Hilton Minneapolis
4 Star – Central Location
- 4 Star – Connected to Convention Center
- A short taxi ride to the gay bars
- 50-inch TV, iPod docking station
- Direct access to Minneapolis Convention Center, comfortable rooms with modern amenities, ideal for business and leisure.
Hampton Inn & Suites
3 Star – Perfect Location
- 3 Star – 24-Hour Fitness and Business Center
- A short taxi ride to the gay bars
- LCD HDTV, refrigerator, coffee maker
- Offers well-equipped rooms, 24-hour fitness and business centers, close to downtown attractions.
Video Of Minneapolis & St Paul Winter Carnival
Highlights of the St Paul Winter Carnival
Other Events in January
https://www.gaytravel4u.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/Christmas-in-New-York-4.jpg
370
800
Andrew Stevens
https://www.gaytravel4u.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/logo-gt4u.png
Andrew Stevens2016-10-24 19:46:202025-01-03 13:48:48Christmas in New York
https://www.gaytravel4u.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Smokey-Mountain-Christmas-1.jpg
370
800
Andrew Stevens
https://www.gaytravel4u.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/logo-gt4u.png
Andrew Stevens2021-04-28 17:14:372025-01-10 13:03:02Smokey Mountain Christmas
https://www.gaytravel4u.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/cologne-christmas-avenue-6.jpg
370
800
admin
https://www.gaytravel4u.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/logo-gt4u.png
admin2014-11-05 14:46:222025-03-07 17:22:49Cologne Christmas Markets
https://www.gaytravel4u.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/vienna-pink-christmas-1.jpg
370
800
admin
https://www.gaytravel4u.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/logo-gt4u.png
admin2014-11-21 17:21:132025-03-07 16:52:02Vienna Christmas Markets
https://www.gaytravel4u.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/Copenhagen-Christmas-Markets-4.jpg
370
800
Andrew Stevens
https://www.gaytravel4u.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/logo-gt4u.png
Andrew Stevens2016-10-17 18:16:062025-03-07 16:53:51Copenhagen Christmas MarketsLatest Gay Travel News
Gay Easter EventsSaturday, Mar 1st, 2025 - 6:42 pmCelebrate the arrival or Spring with chickens, some chocolate eggs and a few confessions!
- The Top Gay Parties to attend This Memorial Day WeekendWednesday, Feb 5th, 2025 - 2:48 pm
Gay Memorial Day Weekend brings with it the start of the Summer season. From Dallas to Pensacola, Puerto Vallarta and beyond. Where next?
- Gay Carnival EventsSaturday, Feb 1st, 2025 - 5:32 pm
There’s nothing quite like a Carnival. After a long Winter, it’s the perfect excuse to party! From Cologne to Rio, discover the top Carnivals with significant gay events as part of their celebrations.
Follow us on Facebook
