Looking for some winter fun just an hour east of Fargo? Polar Fest in Detroit Lakes is back for 2023, and it’s got fun events for the whole family!
Polar Fest 2023
Days: February 10th – February 26th, 2023
Location: Detroit Lakes, MN (50 minutes east of Fargo)
A celebration of winter by the lake. Here are some events to check out this year. And for more information, visit the Polar Fest website and check out their event calendar!
Daddy’s Little Sweetheart Dance
Days: February 10th, 6:00 – 9:00 p.m.
Location: Historic Holmes Theatre
Join the fun at the Midwest Bank Ballroom at the Historic Holmes theatre on Friday, February 10th to kick off Polar Fest 2023 in style! A dream come true event for sweethearts (ages 2-12) and their dads, grandfathers, or special friends. Enjoy a sweetheart themed night of music, dancing, foods, and lots of fun! Early bird tickets, Dads $15, sweethearts “Child” $10. Royal Package $35 (includes one child ticket, one photo, and one crown and trinket). Prices go up February 3rd. Get tickets here!
Boys’ Night Out: Mother/Son Bash
Days: February 10th, 6:00 – 9:00 p.m.
Location: Becker County Museum
A night of fun, crafts, activities, music and munchies for boys 4-12 and their special lady!
Poles N’ Holes Fishing Derby
Days: February 11th, 6:00 – 9:00 p.m.
Location: Little Detroit Lake
The 13th Annual Poles N’ Holes Fishing Derby will offer more ticket options, new food options, places to warm up and enjoy vendor displays, games, and fun! Check out the website at www.icefishingdetroitlakes.com.
Frozen Fireworks
Days: February 11th, 6:00 – 9:00 p.m.
Location: Detroit Lakes Pavilion
This year, the frozen fireworks show is back and better than ever! With two days of fireworks so you can come to the one that best fits your schedule (or both).
These are free events. You can watch from the north side of Detroit Lake, by the Detroit Lakes Pavilion. There is parking in the park next to the pavilion. You might want to get here early to get a parking spot, this event can get very busy!
Kitefest
Days: February 12th, 10:00 – 11:00 a.m.
Location: Little Detroit Lake
More information to come!
Snowshoe Sundays
Days: February 12th, 12:00 – 4:00 p.m.
Location: Tamarac Discovery Center
Free snowshoe rental for use on the refuge every Sunday!
Try Cross-Country/Nordic Skiing
Days: February 12th, 1:00 – 4:00 p.m.
- Location: Detroit Mountain, Nordic Trailhead Ski Building
- The Detroit Lakes Nordic Ski Club is hosting an afternoon for you to try X-C Skiing! They will have equipment to try, a groomed track, team members to help you ski, and hot cider and snacks.
The Great Polar Hunt
Days: February 15th, 9:00 a.m. – February 24th, 8:00 p.m.
Location: Around Detroit Lakes
Individuals, teams, and families are invited to join the Great Polar Hunt! Find signs at businesses in Detroit Lakes, solve the puzzle, and register to win prizes. Stop into the DL Chamber or go to their website to register.
The Polar Putt
Days: February 15th, 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Location: Washington Square Mall
Putt to win gift cards!
Days: February 15th, 4:30 – 6:30 p.m.
Location: Outside the Pavilion
Polar Glow Night is an opportunity for the kiddos to come for a night filled with projects, glowing items, hot cocoa, hot cider, and some winter cheer in Detroit Lakes.
Becker County Museum: Science Floor Grand Opening!
Days: February 17th, 4:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Location: New Becker County Museum
Join the celebration of the opening of the Science Floor in the new facility. The Lakeshirts Science Center will feature interactive, hands-on learning for kids of all ages.
Laser Tubing
Days: February 17th, 5:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Location: Detroit Mountain
Have fun laser tubing at Detroit Mountain!
Preschool Polar Fest Icy Adventures
Days: February 17th, 5:30 – 6:45 p.m., February 18th, 10:00 – 11:15 a.m.
Location: Lincoln Education Center
Visit a wintery land for fun activities! For more info, contact Fran Rethwisch at (218) 847-4418 or [email protected].
Polar Fest Family Day at the Mountain
Days: February 19th, 10:00 – 11:00 a.m.
Location: Detroit Mountain
Snowshoe Sundays
Days: February 19th, 12:00 – 4:00 p.m.
Location: Tamarac Discovery Center
Free snowshoe rental for use on the refuge every Sunday!
Try Cross-Country/Nordic Skiing
Days: February 19th, 1:00 – 4:00 p.m.
Location: Detroit Mountain, Nordic Trailhead Ski Building
The Detroit Lakes Nordic Ski Club is hosting an afternoon for you to try X-C Skiing! They will have equipment to try, a groomed track, team members to help you ski, and hot cider and snacks.
Randy Olson Ice Harvest 440 Snowmobile Race
Days: February 25th, 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Location: The lake by the Holiday Inn
This race is the culmination of a series of vintage and modern snowmobile races held throughout central MN. Free admission for spectators!
27th Annual Polar Fest Plunge
Days: February 25th, 1:00 – 4:00 p.m.
Location: West Lake Drive on Little Detroit Lake
Chill for the Children of the Boys & Girls Club of Detroit Lakes in the 27th annual Polar Fest Plunge. Get ready to freeze, have some fun and make a BIG SPLASH in the lives of local youth! All efforts for this event directly support the Club’s mission and the hundreds of youth who have a safe and fun place to grow academically, socially, and civically. Register at www.bgcdl.org as an individual or team.
Frozen Fireworks
Days: February 25th, 7:00 – 7:20 p.m.
Location: Detroit Lakes Pavilion
Tge frozen fireworks show is back and better than ever! With two days of fireworks so you can come to the one that best fits your schedule (or both).
Snowga
Days: February 26th, 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Location: DL Park City Bandshell
Join the fun of snow yoga! All ages and experience welcome for a winter flow. Dress accordingly! Event hosted by 180balance Yoga Studio
Snowshoe Sundays
Days: February 26th, 12:00 – 4:00 p.m.
Location: Tamarac Discovery Center
Free snowshoe rental for use on the refuge every Sunday!
Try Cross-Country/Nordic Skiing
Days: February 26th, 1:00 – 4:00 p.m.
Location: Detroit Mountain, Nordic Trailhead Ski Building
The Detroit Lakes Nordic Ski Club is hosting an afternoon for you to try X-C Skiing! They will have equipment to try, a groomed track, team members to help you ski, and hot cider and snacks.
More Outdoor Activities
For more ideas on winter fun, see our Guide to Sledding & Skiing In & Around Fargo and Guide to Ice Skating Rinks & Open Skate in Fargo-Moorhead.
