Looking for some winter fun just an hour east of Fargo? Polar Fest in Detroit Lakes is back for 2024, and it’s got fun events for the whole family!
Polar Fest 2024
Days: February 9th – February 25th, 2024
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 9th, 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 9th 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.
Boys’ Night Out: Mother/Son Bash
Days: February 9th, 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!
Laser Tubing
Days: February 9th, 16th, & 23rd 5:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Location: Detroit Mountain
Have fun laser tubing at Detroit Mountain! Advanced tickets required. Purchase here!
Poles N’ Holes Fishing Derby
Days: February 10th, 12:00 – 3:00 p.m.
Location: Big Detroit Lake
The 14th 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 10th & 24th 7:00 p.m.
Location: Big Detroit Lake by the 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!
Cool Kites on the Lake
Days: February 11th, 10:00 – 3:00 p.m.
Location: Little Detroit Lake
Seven international kite flyers will being their giant kids to color the sky! Bring your own to fly alongside! Learn more about the event here.
Snowshoe Sundays
Days: February 11th, 18th, & 25th 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 11th, 18th, & 25th 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 13th, 9:00 a.m. – February 23rd, 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.
Frazee’s Frosty Family Fun Night
Days: February 16th, 5:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Location: Frazee Event Center
Come with friends or family for hot dogs, chili, root beer & ice cream. Enter to play trivia, Family Feud and other games. Prizes and fun guaranteed!
Sweat & Sweets Yoga
Days: February 18th, 4:30 – 5:30 p.m.
Location:
Join the fun of hot yoga! All ages and experience welcome for a warm yoga session followed by post-class treats. Dress accordingly! Event hosted by 180 Balance Yoga Studio.
The Polar Putt
Days: February 21st, 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Location: Washington Square Mall
Putt to win gift cards!
Preschool Polar Fest Icy Adventures
Days: February 22nd, 5:30 – 6:45 p.m.
Location: Lincoln Education Center
Visit a wintery land for free fun activities!
28th Annual Polar Fest Plunge
Days: February 24th, 1:00 – 2:00 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.
More Outdoor Activities
For more ideas on winter fun, see our guide to Frostival Events and our Guide to Winter Activities in Fargo-Moorhead!
