Winston: A Woman’s Fight for Freedom in Minnesota
Through October 2027
Hennepin History
Museum
2303 3rd Avenue S
Pay what you can
Hennepin History Museum’s newest exhibit tells the story of Eliza Winston, the first and only enslaved person to successfully fight for their freedom in a Minnesota courtroom. Featuring artifacts from the museum’s permanent collection as well as newly commissioned artwork depicting Eliza, the exhibit is based on the scholarship of co-curator Dr. Christopher P. Lehman, author and professor of the Department of Social Sciences at St. Cloud State University. For museum hours and visitor information, visit hennepinhistory.org.
Are You Thirsty?
January 2 & 3
1:30 – 2:15 PM
Hennepin History Museum
2303 3rd Avenue S
Pay what you can
Are You Thirsty? revives a dynamic 2008 performance by In the Heart of the Beast Puppet and Mask Theatre. “Thirsty” just wants a drink of Water … but first they must explore a myriad of questions contained in that one precious sip. This family-friendly performance ignites the audience to see themselves as relatives of Water, bringing many current Water issues vibrantly to life, and encouraging our important and joyful participation in taking care of Water. For more details, visit hennepinhistory.org/events.
12th Day of Christmas Jul Ball
Monday, January 5
6 – 9 PM
American Swedish Institute
2600 Park Avenue
$15
Send off the holiday season with a hop, leap, and twirl at ASI’s first annual 12th Day of Christmas Jul Ball! Bring a partner or find one here to dance the night away under the twinkling lights in Larson Hall. Special music by some of the area’s finest Nordic folk musicians will span multiple traditions. All dance skill levels are welcome, and light instruction will be provided. asimn.org/events-calendar/12th-day-of-christmas-jul-ball
Better Things January
Tuesday January 6
7 – 8 PM
Moon Palace Books
3032 Minnehaha Avenue
Free
January’s 5X5 writers’ gathering will be a “narrative interventions lab” facilitated by Kyle “Guante” Tran Myhre. Participants will explore questions of how we might make our values, politics, and principles come to life in the world through creative “interventions” that counter the embedded stories which underpin existing understandings. This will be a place to share skills and ideas, and finally, to share work, either something generated during the lab or something you bring with you. Please note that masks are required at Moon Palace Books.
28th Annual Martin Luther King Day Celebration
Monday, January 19
10 AM – 1:30 PM
Powderhorn Park
Recreation Center
3400 15th Ave S
Free
A beloved tradition at Powderhorn Park, this all-ages event celebrates and nurtures the legacy of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The event is hosted by the Powderhorn Park Neighborhood Association and the Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board, and features family-friendly activities, giveaways, free lunch, live music, performances, inspiration, and community joy. Find more details about this year’s program at ppna.org/mlkcelebration.
Sakowin Synergy
January 22 – March 21
All My Relations Arts
1414 E Franklin Avenue
Free
Curated by mixed media artist Ray Janis, Sakowin Synergy brings together the works of four contemporary artists: Ray “Rock Boy” Janis, Sheldon Starr, Jim Yellow Hawk, and Dwayne “Chuck” Wilcox.
“Sakowin” is a profound reference to the Oceti Sakowin—The Seven Council Fires—aknowledging a collective heritage and spirit of the project; “Synergy” underscores the mutual and energy and collaborative exchange brought to it by the artists. The exhibition is woven together with deep respect for tradition and a bold embrace of modernity. Building upon this rich legacy, the artists employ electrifying, vibrant colors and develop new interpretations of traditional motifs and narratives.
Light on Lake Launch Party
Thursday, January 29
6 – 7:30 PM
Midtown Global Market
920 E Lake Street
Free
All are welcome to a free community celebration kicking off Light on Lake, a four-night public art experience transforming the Midtown Global Exchange building into an outdoor gallery of light and color. Meet the artists behind the work and enjoy an evening of art, music, and community while the projections light up the surrounding Lake Street buildings.
This party is free and open to the public, but your RSVP will help ensure the best experience for the community. Find the registration link at midtownglobalmarket.org/new-events/2026/1/29/light-on-lake-launch-party.
Lunar New Year Celebration
Saturday, January 31
Noon – 3 PM
Midtown Global Market
920 E Lake Street
Free
Join the community and bring in the Year of the Horse with festive performances and activities at the Midtown Global Market. Programming details will be posted on the Global Market facebook page in advance of the event.
Bohdan Tataryn, Piano
Sunday, February 1
4 PM
Mount Olive Lutheran Church
3045 Chicago Avenue
Free (offering gathered for Ukrainian relief)
Mount Olive Music and Fine Arts presents Ukrainian pianist Bohdan Tataryn in a recital of music by Ukrainian composers. Tataryn is in his final year of study at the Lawrence University Conservatory. The concert is free and open to the public; an offering will be gathered for Ukrainian war relief.
