Welcome to Winter in Minneapolis
When the snow falls, Minneapolis comes alive. Cozy skyways connect world-class hotels, the Minneapolis Convention Center, and countless restaurants making it easy to explore without stepping into the cold. Outdoors, winter shines across our frozen lakes, scenic trails and iconic festivals like The Great Northern. Indoors, warmth awaits in our art museums, theaters, saunas and coffee shops. Whether your attendees bundle up for adventure or unwind fireside, winter in Minneapolis is anything but ordinary.
What's New for Meetings This Winter in Minneapolis?
Minneapolis Convention Center Empowers Every Attendee
The Minneapolis Convention Center is fully equipped with Aira Explorer, a free app that connects attendees who are blind or have low vision with professional agents for real-time visual guidance. From navigating meeting rooms to finding food service areas, this tool ensures every guest can move confidently and independently throughout your event.
Minneapolis Awarded 2025 Smart Meetings Award
We’re proud to share that Meet Minneapolis has been selected as a 2025 Smart Meetings Platinum Choice Award winner, recognizing destinations that go above and beyond in serving meeting and event professionals. The award highlights Minneapolis as a trusted and innovative meeting destinations. We’re excited to continue raising the bar in 2026 and beyond.
Experience Prince’s Minneapolis: A Celebration of Creativity and Connection
This November, meeting planners from across the country joined us for a one-of-a-kind familiarization trip that showcased the city through the legacy of its most iconic artist. From a VIP tour of Paisley Park and a behind-the-scenes look at the pre-Broadway performance of Purple Rain, attendees experienced firsthand how Minneapolis blends creativity, culture, and collaboration.
In Minneapolis, winter doesn’t slow us down. Winter inspires us. When the snow falls, our city transforms into Winterapolis, a destination that blends energy, creativity, and connection in every season. From vibrant winter festivals and outdoor saunas to world-class dining and cozy cocktail lounges, we turn cold days into unforgettable experiences. Plan your next meeting where the fun never hibernates — and discover how Minneapolis keeps attendees engaged, inspired, and warmed from the inside out.
The Great Northern Festival
Each winter, Minneapolis comes alive with The Great Northern, a citywide celebration of art, food, and outdoor adventure. For meeting planners, it’s the perfect backdrop to add local culture and creativity to any event. From riverside receptions to wellness activations in the snow, Minneapolis turns the winter season into an unforgettable experience for attendees.
Get Outside or Stay Cozy: Why Attendees Love Winter in Minneapolis
Hibernation? We've never heard of it. Attendees can enjoy curated winter experiences such as embracing the outdoors like a local, staying cozy at our art galleries and museums or tasting local flavors at our restaurants and breweries.
Food & Drink
Top Winter Events
Hockey. The way nature intended. Outdoors in the crisp winter air, skate blades gliding on the fresh ice below, with the sounds of clacking sticks and the smell of grilling bratwurst filling the air. Check out our guide to the U.S. Pond Hockey Championship in Minneapolis.
Behind the Scenes: How to Make Your Minneapolis Winter Meeting Flourish
From pre- and post-event itineraries to venue comparison guides and dining recommendations, we provide the tools to make your fall meeting planning seamless. Access promotional copy, videos and expert insights to create an unforgettable Minneapolis meeting!
Plan with Purpose: Sustainable, Inclusive & Accessible Events
Meet with purpose in a city committed to sustainability, inclusivity, and community engagement. From the carbon-neutral Minneapolis Convention Center to accessible venues and diverse local vendors, your event can leave a lasting impact while supporting businesses that reflect our city's vibrant culture.
The Minneapolis Advantage: Why Planners & Attendees Love Minneapolis in Every Season
No matter the season, planners love hosting events in Minneapolis for its unbeatable accessibility, walkable downtown, and diverse range of venues. Attendees can experience a perfect mix of culture, dining, and outdoor adventure — all in a city known for its welcoming atmosphere and commitment to inclusivity.
See why Minneapolis is the ideal destination for meetings year-round:
Your Fall Meeting Belongs in Minneapolis. Let's Get Started!
Fall in Minneapolis is the perfect season to create a dynamic, inspiring event for your attendees. Reach out to Roz Dixon to explore your options today.
Roz Dixon
Associate Director of Business Development
RozD@minneapolis.org
612-767-8074
