The snow, chill, and sunsets of Meteorological winter have arrived. In the months ahead, the calendar is filled with exciting things happening — indoors and outdoors — around the Twin Cities and greater Minnesota.

All winter long, The Current’s diverse team of contributors will help you enjoy the best of the season with weekly guides to music, events, entertainment, and recreation. Each week throughout the season, you’ll find one or more new curated posts all about enjoying the best that Minneapolis, St. Paul, and the surrounding communities have to offer. Below is a schedule, which includes relevant stories from our archive, and we’ll update with links as new stories publish.

Dec. 5: Holiday shows & celebrations

Plan ahead for a wide range of concerts, shows, and gatherings that embrace the spirit of the season. Plus, spark some ideas for hearty soup, and perfect pie!

Dec. 12: Holiday shopping guide

Find tips from local musicians Ber, D’Lourdes, and Mayyadda for special gifts for your dearest (here’s last year’s rundown with advice from jeremy messersmith, Meghan Kreidler, Miloe, DJ Abilities, and Bad Bad Hats). We’ve also got a Minneapolis coffee shop roundup to add some perk to your shopping trips. Plus, here’s a special guide to Minnesota makers you can support for your giving needs.

Dec. 19: Local artist residencies

Come January, talented Minnesota musicians are putting on extended residencies at venues around the Twin Cities. Feeling the need to get cozy? This guide may help.

Dec. 26: New Year's Eve guide

A detailed list of music-related events to ring in 2023.

Jan. 3: Winter concert preview

Shows have returned to Minnesota in a big way, and there’s plenty of intriguing events to keep us warm to start 2023.

Jan. 9: Winter hiking trails guide

Whether it’s a New Year’s resolution or cabin fever bringing you outside, here are some creative options to hike, frolic, and thrive.

Jan. 17: Art Shanty Projects

The magical Art Shanty Projects bring modern art to frozen Lake Harriet for a chilly, engaging time. In Stillwater, the World Snow Sculpting Championship is back! For even more outdoor event ideas, check out this guide.

Jan. 23: The Great Northern

Another amazing celebration of winter combines music, food, outdoor recreation, and much more.

Jan. 30: Black History Month playlist

Celebrate Black History Month with curated music and much more.

Plus, the City of Lakes Loppet Winter Festival returns February 4-5. Here’s another playlist to set the mood by Youa Vang, with a little help from her friends.

Feb. 6: Valentine's Day: Stories and songs about love

Conversations with Minnesota musicians about one of art’s enduring central themes. Also, try dining out with your beloved at a restaurant that nourishes body, mind, and conscience.

Feb. 13: Big Turn Music Festival

Red Wing hosts a whirlwind of local music featuring 200-plus acts Feb. 17-18. Get details on one featured act, Collapsing Stars. Plus, learn more about Red Wing’s community of aspiring instrument builders.

Feb. 21: Winter Beer Dabbler

Get psyched and brave the elements for the annual outdoor craft beer celebration, which returns to the State Fairgrounds on Feb. 25.

Feb. 27: Spring Concert Preview

As we transition into spring, here’s a look at the shows we’re most excited about.

About the artist

Alexis Politz (they/she) is a queer freelance illustrator and designer living in Minneapolis. They have been creatively working with bands, organizations, and small businesses since 2013. Alexis hopes to continue being an accessible resource for those beginning their passions as well as a professional asset for established companies. They draw inspiration from the natural world, grunge and vintage design, sociology, and the constant, internal monologue. In her free time, Alexis plays bass in a couple bands, practices yoga, and eats a lot of ice cream.