Day Trips
Theater, events, and local adventures
Grape Stomp Festival
Friday, September 18, 2026
A fun fall event at the Carlos Creek Winery in Alexandria. Enjoy live music, over 100 vendors — food, art, marketplace, wine and craft beer — and the iconic grape-stomping competitions. All outdoors — dress for the weather, rain or shine.
9:30 am
9:45 am
8:30 pm
$85
"Mamma Mia!"
Sunday, September 20, 2026
The feel-good musical built around the songs of ABBA. On a Greek island, a bride-to-be secretly invites three men from her mother's past to her wedding, hoping to discover which one is her father. 'Dancing Queen,' 'Take a Chance on Me,' and more. At the Orpheum.
11:30 am
11:45 am
4:45 pm
$124
Sightseeing Cruise on the Mississippi River
Saturday, October 10, 2026
Board a Padelford Riverboat on Harriet Island, St Paul, and cruise for four hours on the Mississippi River. Enjoy the autumn colors and narration about the history and local sights as you sail upstream to Minneapolis, through Lock and Dam #1, and return to St Paul. A plated lunch is served while cruising.
9:45 am
10:00 am
4:15 pm
$97
September 25, 2026
"Clue"
Sunday, October 11, 2026
Based on the cult-classic film and the beloved board game — six strangers are summoned to a remote mansion for dinner, the lights go out, and the bodies start piling up. A fast-paced, farcical whodunit full of slamming doors and mistaken identities. At the Orpheum.
11:30 am
11:45 am
3:45 pm
$122
"Arsenic and Old Lace"
Thursday, October 22, 2026
The Sidekick Theater at the Masonic Center in Bloomington presents the classic dark comedy. A mixture of comedy and chaos, the play centers on two elderly sisters who live in Brooklyn and are known for their numerous acts of charity — however, their charity also includes poisoning lonely old men! Prior to the show, lunch is included at the theater.
10:15 am
10:30 am
4:45 pm
$102
October 2, 2026
"The Sound of Music"
Sunday, October 25, 2026
The beloved Rodgers and Hammerstein classic — a young woman studying to become a nun takes a job as governess to the seven von Trapp children and brings music back into the household as Austria stands on the brink of war. 'My Favorite Things,' 'Edelweiss,' 'Climb Ev'ry Mountain.' Evening performance, 6:30 pm curtain. At the Orpheum.
5:00 pm
5:15 pm
10:00 pm
$119
"Forever Simon & Garfunkel" - Paramount Center, St Cloud
Tuesday, November 3, 2026
A tribute concert journey through Paul Simon and Art Garfunkel's teenage roots, their early successes and hit-makers such as 'The Sound of Silence,' 'Bridge Over Troubled Water,' 'Mrs. Robinson,' 'Cecilia,' and many more! Before the concert, a delicious buffet lunch is included at the Coyote Moon Grille. (Also it's election day — don't forget to vote.)
9:00 am
9:15 am
5:45 pm
$112
September 18, 2026
The Ozark Jubilee - Direct from Branson
Wednesday, November 4, 2026
Returning to Red Wing's Treasure Island Event Center is Branson's funniest comedian and talented fiddle player, Doofus Doolittle. Enjoy a luncheon (included), a special tribute to veterans, much comedy, plus the second half of the show dedicated to Christmas music and memories. Clean family entertainment.
10:30 am
10:15 am
5:30 pm
$110
October 1, 2026
"Annie" - Chanhassen
Wednesday, November 18, 2026
The musical ANNIE is a heartwarming tale about a spunky, optimistic orphan who shines through many difficult situations. In a stroke of luck she meets billionaire 'Daddy' Warbucks, which complicates her life when Warbucks offers to adopt her. But no worries — this splashy family musical has a happy ending for all. Enjoy the hit songs 'Tomorrow,' 'It's the Hard Knock Life,' and many more. Lunch is included at Chanhassen. Also running Wednesday, February 3, 2027.
10:15 am
10:30 am
5:15 pm
$129
October 16, 2026
"Beyond the Rainbow" - History Theatre
Sunday, November 29, 2026
A stirring musical tribute to Judy Garland tells her story from her childhood in Grand Rapids, Minnesota, to the glitz of Hollywood and 'beyond the rainbow.' Immerse yourself in Garland's iconic performances, her greatest hits, and an insightful exploration of her remarkable journey.
12:45 pm
1:00 pm
5:30 pm
$90
October 20, 2026
"The Music Man" - Ordway
Saturday, December 12, 2026
There's trouble in River City when a fast-talking salesman gets his heart stolen by the town librarian. Meredith Willson's classic follows a traveling salesman as he cons the people of River City, Iowa into buying instruments and uniforms for a boys' band that he deceitfully vows to organize. His plans are foiled when he falls for Marian, the librarian, who transforms him into a respectable citizen. Featuring 'Seventy-Six Trombones,' 'Trouble,' 'Til There Was You,' 'Pickalittle,' and 'Gary, Indiana.'
12:45 pm
1:00 pm
5:45 pm
$155
November 13, 2026
Duluth's Holiday Highlights
Tuesday, December 15, 2026
In Duluth, visit the Glensheen Mansion, a historic 1900s landmark built for the Congdon family and overlooking Lake Superior. On a guided tour, experience historic holiday magic, with rooms ornately decorated from top to bottom with elaborate Christmas trees and sparkling lights. Dine at the Harbor 360 restaurant with panoramic views of the harbor — menu choices TBA. After dinner, head down to the Bentleyville 'Tour of Lights,' a walk-through lighting extravaganza of over 5 million lights!
10:15 am
10:30 am
9:30 pm
$160
November 10, 2026
"Merry & Bright" - Orchestra Hall
Sunday, December 20, 2026
Charles Lazarus and an all-star band return with one of the Twin Cities' most beloved holiday traditions. This joyful concert, bursting with seasonal favorites, brings together top-notch local musicians for extra swing, extra sparkle and a jazzy holiday atmosphere. A family favorite celebrating its tenth year, with warmth, rhythm and cheer.
12:45 pm
1:00 pm
5:15 pm
$111
November 13, 2026
New Year's Eve
Thursday, December 31, 2026
A Valley Tours tradition. Begin the evening with an early dinner at the lovely Lake Elmo Inn. Please select your entree when registering: walleye and wild rice, chicken and wild rice, or NY strip steak. After dinner, travel over to Hudson to the Phipps Theatre where the theme is CRUISIN' INTO THE NEW YEAR with Colleen Raye, Debbie O'Keefe and Company. Every year the show is different and surprising, with a variety of music — entertaining and engaging renditions of show tunes, nostalgia, humor and much energy. A fun way to ring in the New Year!
4:15 pm
4:00 pm
10:00 pm
$139
November 23, 2026
"Annie" - Chanhassen (Second Date)
Wednesday, February 3, 2027
Missed the first date? Everything the same as November 18. The musical ANNIE is a heartwarming tale about a spunky, optimistic orphan who shines through many difficult situations, until a stroke of luck brings her to billionaire 'Daddy' Warbucks. Enjoy the hit songs 'Tomorrow,' 'It's the Hard Knock Life,' and many more. Lunch is included at Chanhassen.
10:15 am
10:30 am
5:15 pm
$129
January 5, 2027
Future Day Trips
Feb 20, 2027 — "Legally Blonde" (Ordway) $146, deadline Jan 20
Feb 25, 2027 — Mpls Home & Garden Show, details later
May 8, 2027 — "Hamilton" (Orpheum) $150, deadline Feb 1