Free family events in February

- this post will be updated as new events tick in - 

Jan 31-Feb 3: Atwood Movie Night: The Perks of being a Wallflower

Time: Thursday-Sunday 8pm, Friday: Also 10.30pm
Place: Atwood Theatre, Atwood Memorial Center, 651 1st Ave S, St. Cloud

February 7: First Thursday: Trio Lorca

This local classical trio played Carnegie Hall last spring. They have a super interesting repertoire and will be showing some of the new pieces they have rehearsed for the spring concerts.
Time: February 7, 2013, 7:00 to 8:00 pm
Place: St. Cloud Public Library Mississippi Room 

Feb 7-10: Atwood Movie Night: Wreck It Ralph

Time: Thursday-Sunday 8pm, Friday: Also 10.30pm
Place: Atwood Theatre, Atwood Memorial Center, 651 1st Ave S, S
t. Cloud

February 9: Family Snow Games 

This event is not free, but costs $10 for the whole family.  Registration online here.

Many activities for the whole family - snow is guaranteed.
    Cross-country skiing
    Snow shoeing
    Sledding
    Snow bowling
    Winter obstacle course for kids
    Arts & crafts

Equipment will be available on a first come, first serve basis. Lessons will also be provided at the top of every hour for those who want specific instruction on activities. There will also be a mini cross-country ski race. Hot chocolate, coffee and snacks will be provided.  See more at the YMCA website.

Time: February 9, 2013 at 9:00am – 12:00pm
Place: Riverside Park

Feb 14-17: Atwood Movie Night: Here Comes the Boom

Time: Thursday-Sunday 8pm, Friday: Also 10.30pm
Place: Place: Atwood Theatre, Atwood Memorial Center, 651 1st Ave S, St. Cloud

February 16: Women & Girls Night at the Y

Women and girls of all ages are invited to an exclusive night of fun at the YMCA. The Y is open for women and girls to use the entire facility, including the exercise areas, gymnasium and pools. This event is free of charge.

In response to some cultural and/or religious mores, no male staff, members or guests are allowed in the facility during these programmed hours. Women and Girls Night is the 3rd Saturday of the month, September - May

Time: February 16, 2013, 7 p.m. to 9 p.m
Place: YMCA, 1530 Northway Drive, St. Cloud

Free family events in January

Free family events in the area
The listed events take place right now, as in today and tomorrow. Looks like we'll have to make our own fun for the rest of the month.

• Ending soon: 'Open Doors' exhibit of Sauk Rapids artist Sarah Drake at Saint Cloud Public Library.
• Today Jan 2 at 4pm: Five Good Reasons Quintet (chorale) at Waite Park Public Library
• Tomorrow Jan 3 at 7pm: Dancing With Many Voices (dance). A First Thursday event at Saint Cloud Public Library

Free family events in November - UPDATE

 - the event posts are updated as event notifications tick in - stay tuned -

November 13: Now showing... BRAVE at St Cloud Public Library

Watch Brave for free with free Kool-Aid and popcorn!
Follow the adventures of Merida, skilled archer (and headstrong daughter!) of King Fergus and Queen Elinor. It's an animated family comedy set in Scotland's rugged highlands. A strong mother-daughter story in the theme of empathy and forgiveness. Fun for all.
Time: Tuesday, Nov. 13 from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m.
Place: Saint Cloud Public Library

November 24: Flanders Recorder Quartet Family Concert

The Flanders Recorder Quartet travels with 50 recorders of all sizes - from 4 inches to 7 feet - and performs music from medieval to contemporary.  In addition to their regular concert in the evening (where they'll be playing music from Venice),  they will perform an all-ages Family Concert in the afternoon. You can bring the kids (and the grandparents) and get to meet these delightful musicians.
Time: November 24, 2012, 2:00 pm
Place: St. Cloud Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, 3226 Maine Prairie Road, Saint Cloud

See you there!

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November 5: The St. Cloud Municipal Band 125 Years!

The Municipal Band has been putting on free concerts since 1887.  This concert will highlight a chronological review of popular pieces performed by the St. Cloud Municipal Band since its beginning 125 years ago.  Some highlights will include several past conductors of the SCMB, plus outstanding local soloists.This is not an event geared specifically towards children, but any kid who likes music, spending time with mom and dad and who can sit still for a bit of time should be able to enjoy this.
Time: November 5, 2012 at 7:30pm
Place: Paramount Theatre, 913 West St. Germain, Saint Cloud

November 11: Passport to the World: Around the World in 100 Minutes

St. Cloud State University International Student Association really puts on an impressive variety of events, private and public.  One main, annual events that is always well-visited is the children's event Passport to the World where kids can get a whiff of foreign lands presented by a real representative of that country.  To boot, they get a play passport with visas as memorabilia.
Time: Sunday, November 11, 2012 from 4-5:40 p.m.
Place: Atwood Memorial Center Ballroom, 651 1st Avenue South, St. Cloud

Free art materials at S.C.R.A.P.S

I am ALL for reusing materials for art and crafts.  There's something about working within the limitation of what's available that sparks innovation.  (Although it's also fun to get inspired by other projects.)

Two afternoons a month, year-round, you can pick up overstock or used arts/crafts materials for free in Seberger Park as part of St. Cloud Recycled Art Project Shop (S.C.R.A.P.S.).  This could be a great source for materials for the next time you are hosting a chat'n'play or other event.  Remember, donations are not required but highly appreciated.

Times in 2012:
Thursday, November 1st, 3:00-6:00 pm
Thursday, November 15th, 3:00-6:00 pm
Thursday, December 6th, 3:00-6:00 pm
Thursday, December 20th, 3:00-6:00 pm

Place: Seberger Park Shelter, 2001 Second Street North, Saint Cloud

Weekly, free book exchange at the Good Earth

Open air book exchanges like the Little Free Library are cute but, let's face it, not an option for unhurried browsing in the fierce Minnesota winters.

The Good Earth food co-op in Saint Cloud has a year-round, indoor book exchange every Saturday.  The owner, of course, has the alterior motive to get you to shop in her store, but the book exchange is free and you don't have to be a member of the co-op to pick up and drop off a book. 

There are rules, though: You must take a book for every book you bring!  Sorry, you are going to have to take your donations elsewhere if you're not prepared to get something back.

Time: Every Saturday all year 11am to 2pm
Place: The Good Earth Food Co-op, 2010 8th Street North (Veterans Drive), Saint Cloud, MN.