Polar Fest

About the Event

We have a variety of activities going on throughout our festival, so you’re sure to find one you’ll enjoy! From the Polar Fest Plunge to vintage snowmobiles to our famous Frozen Fireworks, there’s something for everyone.

Schedule of Events:

Cool Kites on the Ice
10:00 AM
Location:
On Little Detroit Lake near West Lake Drive
Professional flyers will bring their spectacular, giant kites to color the skies! Kites range in size from 10' to 100'! Bring your own kite to fly along with the pros! On Little Detroit Lake near West Lake Drive in Detroit Lakes, Minnesota.

Snowshoe Sundays
12:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Location:
Tamarac Refuge Visitor Center
Embrace winter with a walk through the woods. Free snowshoe rental will be available at the Tamarac Refuge Visitor Center every Sunday January & February 12:00 - 4:00 PM. Volunteers will recommend the perfect snowy trail. You can explore the visitor center, nature store, or enjoy a 2:00 PM nature movie.

ECFE Cool Kites & Cool Kids
10:00 AM
Location:
On Little Detroit Lake near West Lake Drive
Bundle up and join us on the ice to watch kiters fly huge colorful kites! Bring a kite of your own to fly, or make a kite with us! (All ages welcome)

Polar Fest Art Show
1:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Location: Historic Holmes Theatre, 806 Summit Ave, Detroit Lakes, MN 56501
The Historic Holmes Theatre will be hosting a Poler Fest art show in the Foltz trucking lounge from February 10th to the 22nd. These are dazzling examples of art done by local members of our Holmes Artist Collective. Works will be for sale, and there will be a closing reception on February 22nd. Gallery hours are as follows: Monday-Friday open 9am-5pm Saturday-Sunday open 1pm-8pm Closing reception on February 22nd is from 1-2:30 in the Foltz trucking lounge. Snacks will be provided, and is open to the public!

Vern Turner Memorial Bonspiel
4:00 PM (Ends)
Location: Lakes Curling Club, 506 US-59, Detroit Lakes, MN 56501
The Vern Turner Memorial Bonspiel is a large Annual 3 Day curling tournament that attracts top teams from across the region. The tournament features a very festive atmosphere in the clubhouse that contributes the overall experience of the event. If you've never seen curling or are interested in the sport, come out and watch for a while, even if you're not playing!

Date Night on the Ice
5 PM - 11 AM
Location: On Detroit Lake
Take advantage of this unique destination for your next date! Double dates are welcome, too. Stay for a few hours, or stay overnight it's up to you! You don't even need fishing equipment. All couples will also get access to discounted rental equipment.

The Great Polar Hunt
All Day
Location:
Detroit Lakes, MN 56501
Individuals and groups are invited to join the Great Polar Hunt! Find the signs around Detroit Lakes, solve the puzzle and register to win prizes! Participation forms are at the Chamber or call 218-847-9202. Registered participants will be emailed the puzzle at noon on February 7th. The email will contain the puzzle you will need to solve by finding hidden signs around Detroit Lakes and surrounding area. All signs will be at area businesses; driving is required. Find the signs and return the completed puzzle to the Detroit Lakes Chamber Office by 12noon, February 24th, 2025. Each completed puzzle will be entered into a drawing for prize packages filled with goodies and local gift cards! One puzzle per paid registration. Winners be drawn on February 24th at 12noon and notified by phone.

Polartry Poetry Walk
All Day
Location: DL City Park
This event is free and open 24/7! Come out and enjoy our Fourth Annual Polartry Poetry Walk! It's a fun, free public art project with original poetry on display under the beautiful lights in the City Park. Our goal is to celebrate a love of language that inspires and promotes poets of all ages, while also providing outdoor public art that encourages people to get outside and make the most of winter in Minnesota.

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