Looking for some winter fun just an hour east of Fargo? Polar Fest in Detroit Lakes is back for 2025, and it’s got great events for the whole family!
Polar Fest 2025
Days: February 7th – February 23rd, 2025
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 7th, 6:00 – 9:00 p.m.
Location: Historic Holmes Theatre
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 January 31st, register here.
Boys’ Night Out: Mother/Son Bash
Days: February 7th, 6:00 – 9:00 p.m.
Location: Becker County Museum
A night of fun, crafts, activities, music and munchies for boys 3-12 and their mom, grand-mom, or special friend!
Vern Turner Memorial Bonspiel
Days: February 7th – 9th, 4:00 p.m.
Location: Lakes Curling Club
The Vern Turner Memorial Bonspiel is a large Annual 3 Day curling tournament that attracts top teams from across the region. Register here to join in on the fun, or just attend as a spectator.
Laser Tubing
Days: February 7th, 14th, & 21st, 6:00 – 9:00 p.m.
Location: Detroit Mountain Tubing Hill
Have fun tubing with awesome lasers and music! Advanced tickets required and sell out fast! Purchase here!
The Great Polar Hunt
Days: February 7th – 23rd, All Day
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.
Poles N’ Holes Fishing Derby
Days: February 8th, 12:00 – 3:00 p.m.
Location: Little Detroit Lake
The 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 more ticket information here.
Snowshoe Sundays
Days: February 9th, 16th & 23rd, 12:00 – 4:00 p.m.
Location: Tamarac Discovery Center
The Polar Putt
Days: February 12th, 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Location: Washington Square Mall
The annual Polar Putt will give participants a free opportunity to win mall gift certificates and prizes. The coloring event will feature the creativity of area kids and will be will displayed in the mall during the festival!
Polarpalooza Tubing Races
Days: February 12th, 6:30 p.m.
Location: Detroit Mountain
Whether you’re a fearless competitor, a costume mastermind, or just in it for the adventure, this is your chance to race to victory and make memories that will warm even the coldest winter night. Registration is open to business teams, or groups of 4 ready to slide into glory.
Cross-Country/Nordic Skiing
Days: February 16th, 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 cross country Skiing! They will have equipment to try, a groomed track, team members to help you ski, and hot cider and snacks.
Cool Kites on the Lake
Days: February 19th, 10:00 a.m. depending on wind speeds
Location: Little Detroit Lake near West Lake Drive
Polar Fest Icy Adventures
Days: February 20th & 21st, 10:00 – 11:15 a.m.
Location: Lincoln Education Center
Frozen Fireworks
Days: February 22nd, 7:00 p.m. or dusk
Location: On Little Detroit Lake just off of West Lake Drive next to the City Beach
Polar Fest Plunge
Days: February 22nd, 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 29th 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!
