Virtual International Festival
Madison, WI
Dancers, musicians, storytellers and puppeteers representing traditions from around the world converge on the Overture Center for the Arts on State Street for this free festival.
This year, the festival is virtual.
World's Longest Weenie Roast
Cable, WI
Lakewoods Resorts hosts this benefit on Lake Namekagon, which includes snowmobile speed runs, ice bowling, a weenie-eating contest and a frozen weenie polar plunge.
International Festival of Owls
Houston, MN
This southeast Minnesota town offers owl prowls, hooting contests, pellet dissection, live-owl programs and children's activities.
Virtual Canoecopia
Madison, WI
It's the world's largest paddlesports expo, according to host Rutabaga, with dozens of demonstrations, workshops and presentations plus discounts on boats and gear.
It's virtual this year.
St. Patrick's Day celebrations
Around the region
A few St. Patrick's Day parades still are taking place this year, some in person, some drive-through and some virtual.
Irish Mask-arade
St. Paul, MN
In this traditionally Irish city, the St. Pat's parade goes on . . . but this year, it will be a drive-past parade in the parking lot of the old Sears building at 425 Rice St.
Reserve a place by Feb. 17; only 150 vehicles are allowed. The noon "parade'' also will be broadcast live on Facebook.
St. Patrick's Day Festival
Emmetsburg, IA
In northwest Iowa, this is the state's Irish capital, and it celebrates with many festivities, including a parade at 1:30 p.m. Saturday.
Restaurant Week
Chicago, IL
Time to pack on the calories: More than 370 restaurants offer three-course prix-fixe menus for $25 at brunch or lunch and $39 or $55 at dinner.
St. Urho's Day
Finland, MN
This North Shore village near Tettegouche State Park celebrates the Finnish saint with a tug-of-war over the Baptism River and a parade, craft fair, music and children's games.
Minneapolis St. Patrick's Day Parade
Columbia Heights, MN
This year, the parade moves from Nicollet Mall to this northern suburb and will be a drive-by parade from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Reserve a time slot to see it.
Maple-syrup festivals
Around the region
At nature centers around the region, tour the sugarbush and learn how to tap trees and boil sap. Then, eat a pancake breakfast with real maple syrup.
Soar With Eagles
Wabasha, MN
The National Eagle Center holds live-bird programs and nature presentations weekends in March, when bald eagles migrate northward along the Mississippi.
This year, it's offering a different online program each weekend to families, $10, free to members.