January in Minneapolis: Good Recs Only
January in Minneapolis is the kind of month that rewards having a good plan - especially when it involves creativity, community, and getting out of the house.
Whether you’re dating, crafting, shopping vintage, or trying something new (without always centering alcohol), this month’s events are proof that winter doesn’t mean staying in. Here are the January happenings we’d text a friend about - thoughtfully local, story-forward, and very Pao.
Dating & Social Nights (No Small Talk Required)
January 8th, 2026 • 7pm
Graze North Loop Hall by Travail
Calling all singles who can laugh at themselves. Thursday Dating is flipping the script by turning “red flags” into conversation starters - think playful prompts instead of awkward icebreakers.
Hosted inside Graze Food Hall, this event is intentionally lighthearted and designed for people who don’t take dating too seriously. Come for the laughs, stay for the unexpected connections (and food hall snacks).
Alcohol-Free Activations Launch
January 8th, 2026 • 6-8pm
Fowling Warehouse Minneapolis
We love a reframing moment. Fowling Warehouse is kicking off alcohol-free social activations rooted in wellbeing, connection, and a little competitive spirit.
The idea? Social nights that don’t revolve around drinking. It’s a refreshing way to start the year and a reminder that community doesn’t need a bar tab.
Crafty Nights & Creative Energy
Modern Calligraphy For Beginners
January 15th, 2026 • 6:30 pm-8:00 pm
The Savage Tap
Sip & Script is bringing their beloved calligraphy workshop to Savage. This beginner-friendly class introduces modern lettering using a pointed dip pen and ink - perfect for stationery lovers, DIY brides, or anyone craving a hands-on night out. No experience needed, just curiosity and a willingness to get a little inky.
Get your tickets here.
January 18th, 2026 • 9-10:30am
Bauhaus Brew Labs
Arts and crafts, but make it brewery-adjacent. Bauhaus is hosting a relaxed afternoon where your drink of choice - beer, THC/CBD beverage, or N/A - pairs with hands-on making.
Think drink charms, earrings, bead animals, collages, and more. It’s creative, social, and very “bring a friend and make stuff.”
Vintage Finds And Local Shopping
January 18, 2026 • All day
Quincy Hall
This is one of our favorite ways to support local sellers. The Minneapolis Vintage Market returns with 65+ Minnesota-based vendors selling vintage clothing, accessories, and home goods.
Expect a spacious industrial venue, DJ, coffee pop-up, food vendor, and Quincy Hall’s bar open throughout the day. Early bird tickets score complimentary coffee and first dibs - which matters when the good stuff goes fast. Grab them here!
Food & Drink Experiences (From Boozy to Zero-Proof)
January 6th, 2026 • 6:30-8:30pm
Smack Shack
A hands-on seafood experience led by the pros.
This 21+ class includes a dozen oysters to shuck and eat, an oyster knife and glove to take home, and beverage pairings.
Equal parts educational and indulgent - you’ll leave confident enough to host your own oyster night! Make sure to secure your spot here.
January 10th, 2026 • 5-8pm
France 44 Wine & Spirits
Dry January skeptics, this one might surprise you. France 44 is hosting a pop-up bar featuring low-ABV and non-alcoholic cocktails, NA beers, and other no/low options that genuinely taste good.
Pair them with cheese plates and snacks, learn what’s new in the NA world, and see just how far these drinks have come.
January 27th, 2026 • 6:30-7pm
Aki’s BreadHaus & Wunderbar
No passport required. This guided tasting pairs five French wines with cheeses from France, led by Nikki Erpelding of WineBow.
It’s educational without being stuffy - a relaxed journey through French regions, flavors, and stories, all inside one of Minneapolis’ coziest European-inspired spots.
Grab tickets here!
January 25th, 2025 • 10am-2pm
Umbra Minneapolis
Umbra’s bottomless brunch is back, and it’s exactly what a January weekend needs. Expect a brunch buffet, unlimited brunch cocktails, and a live DJ keeping the energy up. Come hungry, pace yourself, and lean into the indulgence.
Get your friends and lock it in ASAP!
January , 2025 • 8-11pm
Science Museum of Minnesota
A night at the museum… but with beer.
Brewsology brings 50+ breweries and 150+ beers into the Science Museum for an after-hours experience that blends learning and sampling.
General admission runs 8–11pm, with early entry at 7pm featuring specialty pours.
Tickets are limited and not sold at the door, so plan ahead. Get them here.
From alcohol-free game nights to vintage shopping and hands-on classes, this month is stacked with ways to stay connected through winter. These are the kinds of events that keep local communities thriving - and exactly the ones we’d save in Pao for later.
