City Cast Twin Cities
💆 Where to get self-care in the New Year
January 2, 2026 · Special thanks to Anna Weggel for editing the City Cast Twin Cities newsletters with me this week!
Happy New Year, Twin Cities! Sean here. Did you eat your black-eyed peas and collard greens on New Year’s Day? I certainly didn’t grow up with that largely Southern tradition in Massachusetts, but I swear by it now. If your resolution this year is to read the City Cast newsletter, you’re already off to a great start.
Today’s Must-Know
Your January Guide
January in Minnesota is for the locals. Let’s face it, no one is coming to visit us in January. But we love to lean into that! The cold brings out the best in our town, and we’re celebrating that for our January guide. [City Cast Twin Cities]
- Dry January: Your sobriety era, whether a month or a lifetime, is all about preparation. Get your preferred N/A beverages at Marigold and follow the weed research from our friend Jessica Armbruster at Racket if you’re going California sober. [Racket]
- Local music: Focusing on homegrown music is your best move for January when most touring acts avoid us like the plague. See some of the best new bands in town on Saturday, Jan. 17, at First Avenue’s Best New Bands event. I’m one of the hosts! [First Ave]
- Look sharp: You don’t need to look like a mountain goat to survive winter! Get a straight razor shave. You’ll feel like a million bucks for about fifty bucks. That’s good math. Also, if you’re tired of your face not glowing, take producer Tiffany Bui’s advice and get a facial at Face Foundrié. [Good Neighbor Barber Shop]
Sponsored Content
Xcel Energy expands charitable efforts in 2025
Xcel Energy employees, contractors and retirees – supported by the Xcel Energy Foundation – contributed over $14 million and nearly 60,000 volunteer hours in 2025 to support charitable causes. The company opens many of its volunteer events to the public, including its annual Day of Service in September. Learn more about getting involved in 2026.
What to Do
Friday, January 2
- 🐩 Land O'Lakes Kennel Club Dog Show | Saint Paul RiverCentre
- 👶 Mini Mia 🆓 | Minneapolis Institute of Art
- 🧑🌾 Gardener Chat | Como Conservatory
- 🎲 TGIF Game Night New Years Party 🆓 | St. Paul Yacht Club
- 🎷 Karl Denson’s Tiny Universe | Dakota
- 🎙️ Bryn Battani Presents: Don’t Hug Me It’s 2026 | Icehouse
- 🎤 Brian Miller and Nate Abshire | Acme Comedy Club
Saturday, January 3
- 🛷 Cocoa, Crafts, & Sleds! 🆓 | Harriet Island Regional Park
- 🪶 3rd Annual Anishinaabe Music & Arts Celebration | Fine Line
- 🎹 Cornbread Harris & Friends | Animales BBQ
- 🌕 Full Wolf Moon Hike | Minnesota Landscape Arboretum
- 📰 Star Tribune’s The Wrap | Heritage Printing Facility
- 🎻 Steve Hackman's Bartók X Björk | Orchestra Hall
- 🏆 British Arrow Awards (Final Screening) | Walker Art Center
Sunday, January 4
- 🪕 Monthly Bluegrass Jam 🆓 | Caydence Records & Coffee
- 🐱 Weekend Whiskers Cat Meet & Greet | Pet Haven
- 🌭 Oscar Mayer Frankmobile 🆓 | Cub Plymouth Waterford
- 🍲 Turkic Cooking Class | Turkish American Society of Minnesota
- 🎶 Music Under Glass with Jaspar Lepak 🆓 | Como Conservatory
- 🧘 Renew and Rise New Year Yoga Workshop | Solar Arts
- 🎸 Charlie Parr Residency | Turf Club
It’s 2026, but I’m still working through all the great Twin Cities music that came out in 2025. I trust Keith Harris’s ears at Racket above almost anyone else, and I’ve been enjoying making my way through his 25 Best Minnesota Albums of 2025. Pick up an album at a local shop or on Bandcamp to celebrate our amazing scene!
— Sean
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