Free, family-friendly festival runs Dec. 26 – Jan. 5 alongside the 2026 IIHF World Junior Championship
SAINT PAUL, Minn. – One week from today, the Bold North Breakaway Fan Festival, created by Minnesota Sports and Events to amplify the fun and enjoyment of the 2026 IIHF World Junior Championship, will officially open at 10:30 a.m., on Friday, Dec. 26, starting an 11-day run outdoors in Rice Park and indoors at Saint Paul RiverCentre, transforming downtown Saint Paul into a winter playground throughout the tournament.
From Dec. 26–Jan. 5, Bold North Breakaway will deliver immersive hockey experiences, cultural programming, interactive exhibits, live entertainment, and family-friendly activities – all free and open to the public. A complete schedule of events and daily hours can be found at WorldJuniorsMN26.com/FanFest.
“Bold North Breakaway was always envisioned as more than a fan fest,” said Wendy Blackshaw, president and CEO of Minnesota Sports and Events, local organizer of the World Junior Championship. “With the full schedule now set, this festival becomes a place where hockey, culture, community, and Minnesota winter come together in a way only our state can deliver.”
Coinciding with the 50th IIHF World Junior Championship, Bold North Breakaway offers fans a central gathering place between games, whether attending a matchup at Grand Casino Arena in Saint Paul or 3M Arena at Mariucci in Minneapolis.
Outdoors highlights in Rice Park include:
- Securian Financial Bumper Car Zone – Take a spin on the ice in Minnesota’s newest winter thrill, a first-of-its-kind bumper car rink.
- Saint Paul Pioneer Press Trolley Ride with Storytellers and free horse-drawn carriage rides – Experience downtown Saint Paul in true winter style, while learning about the history, architecture and charm of the capital city.
- TRIA® Skills Rink – Skates provided by CCM or bring your own. Daily games and skills challenges, including Red Bull’s “Light the Lamp” mini-golf and open skating.
- Explore Minnesota “We Love Hockey” Sign – A lighted photo op by the Rice Park fountain, perfect for fans showing off their State of Hockey pride.
- Family New Year’s Eve Fireworks Show – A special fireworks display will light up the Saint Paul skyline around 8 p.m., on Wednesday, Dec. 31, about 30 minutes after the USA vs. Sweden game, with live music and the Red Bull DJ Truck keeping energy high before the show. Metro Transit will offer sponsored free rides from 6 p.m. through end of service on New Year’s Eve to help fans get to the Bold North Breakaway festival and fireworks safely.
- World’s Largest Hockey Puck – Visit Saint Paul has commissioned the world’s largest hockey puck to welcome hockey fans, a 5,000-pound endeavor that will be on display in Rice Park throughout the festival.
- HealthPartners Breakaway Box – Grab snacks from Tom Reid’s Hockey City Pub, warm up, play games and test your reaction time.
- PNC Bank Bonfire Zone – Cozy up with s’mores, hot chocolate, and photo moments.
- Red Bull® DJ Truck – Bringing the energy to Rice Park and Saint Paul RiverCentre throughout the festival, with live sets and music to keep fans hyped all tournament long.
- Xcel Energy® Tiny House – Learn ways you can save energy and money in your own home by exploring the Tiny House while enjoying icy yard games.
Inside on the upper level of Saint Paul RiverCentre:
- PNC Snow Globe – A can’t-miss winter photo moment
- Minnesota Wild Rink Activation Area – Open shoe skating and interactive hockey-themed games
- St. Paul Winter Carnival Day (Saturday, Dec. 27) – Featuring a visit from the Winter Carnival Royal Family with activities in both Rice Park and RiverCentre
- NHL Stanley Cup Display (Sunday, Dec. 28) – On view inside the Wild Rink from 10:30 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
- Mini Mite Hockey Zone presented by Cub (Dec. 26 – Jan. 1, 2 – 4 p.m.) – kids can read to North Star Therapy Animals
- Hockey Mom Market, curated by Mich Berthiaume – Featuring local makers and vendors
- Waggle® Puck Drop – A vertical free-fall experience landing safely on a giant airbag
- Explore Minnesota Watch Party Room – Live World Juniors games, plus Minnesota-made and hockey-themed family movies
- Breakaway Lounge presented by ShineALigh7 – A calming space created in partnership with Paul Martin, featuring hammocks, music, a nursing area, and the “Zen Zamboni”
- Food and Beverage Offerings – Local and international flavors available throughout the festival, including entrees representing each participating nation rotating daily.
Honoring Hockey History & Indigenous Excellence
Bold North Breakaway will also spotlight hockey history and cultural storytelling through multiple exhibits and special programming:
- Hockey Hall of Fame exhibits will include exhibits from the Hockey Hall of Fame, the U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame and the all-new Minnesota Hockey Hall of Fame.
- North American Indigenous Athletic Hall of Fame (NAIAHF) Exhibit, curated by founders Dr. Dan Ninham and Susan Ninham, celebrating Indigenous athletic excellence across 27 North American countries
Indigenous Hockey Day – Monday, Dec. 29
A day dedicated to honoring Minnesota’s Native American community will include:
- At 10:45 a.m., a screening of “The Electric Indian,” the documentary honoring Ojibwe hockey legend Henry Boucha, followed by a live Q&A with the Emmy Award-winning producer of the film,Leya Hale
- Appearances by members of the Boucha family, including Sky Boucha, available for media interviews
- A special display of the Team USA jersey loaned to the Hockey Hall of Fame by the Warroad Heritage Center
- “Land of 10,000 Rinks mural by Ojibwe Cree artist Shawna Grapentine on display.
- Twin Cities Native Lacrosse Demonstration – Celebrating Indigenous athletic traditions
Additional Daily Programming Highlights
- Helping Paws Veterans Panels – Wednesday, Dec. 31 and Friday, Jan. 2
- Mighty Ducks Movie Marathon – Thursday, Jan. 1 in the Watch Party Room
- Breaking the Ice: Mental Health, Addiction & Recovery Seminar – Sunday, Jan. 4, presented by the University of Minnesota Foundation
Visit WorldJuniorsMN26.com for ticket, tournament and fan fest information.
About the 2026 IIHF World Junior Championship
The IIHF World Junior Championship brings the world’s top men’s hockey players under age 20 to Minnesota from Dec. 26, 2025–Jan. 5, 2026, with games at Grand Casino Arena in Saint Paul and 3M Arena at Mariucci in Minneapolis, plus exhibition games Dec. 16-23 in Bemidji, Duluth, Mankato, and Rochester as part of the World Juniors Pre-Tournament Series presented by Delta Dental of Minnesota. Single-game tickets at many price points and ticket packages are on sale now at WorldJuniorsMN26.com.
