pique travel event center

Pique Travel Event Space

306 Water St., Excelsior, MN

About This Vendor

Amenities + details.

Pricing for Pique Travel Event Space

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Pique Travel Design - Event Space

• Phone 612-801-1005
• www.minneapoliseventspace.com
• Capacity: 150 people

About Pique Travel Design - Event Space

• Write A Recommendation

Event Pricing

Monday | 4:00 pm - 11:00 pm: $525 Tuesday | 4:00 pm - 11:00 pm: $525 Wednesday | 4:00 pm - 11:00 pm: $525 Thursday | 3:00 pm - 11:00 pm: $850 Friday | 2:00 pm - 12:00 am: $1,850 Saturday | 10:00 am - 12:00 am: $2,950 Sunday (Daytime) | 9:00 am - 3:00 pm: $800 Sunday (Evening) | 4:00 pm - 11:00 pm: $800 Sunday (Full day) | 9:00 am - 11:00 pm: $1,600 Closed and not available to rent on Easter, Thanksgiving, Christmas Day, and New Year's Eve

View Terms and Conditions

Terms and Conditions

*Rental pricing is subject to change without notice. Rental includes the space “as is” with furniture and tables. Additional general liability insurance coverage may be required at the client's expense, typically a $100-200 expense. Earlier setup times can be requested but not guaranteed at an hourly rate. A $250 Ceremony Fee may be charged if having a ceremony and reception on site. A 2% fee is charged if paying by online bank transfer and a 4% fee if paying by credit card. You can pay via check for no additional fee.

• Banquet/Event Hall
• Outside Catering Allowed
• Max Number of People for an Event: 150
• Special Features: Inclusive rental rate, Free parking on-site, Historic wood floor, Vaulted, original wooden barrel ceiling, Hand-made farm tables, Floor-to-ceiling stone fireplace, ADA compliant bathrooms, Wheelchair accessibility ramp at the front entrance
• Total Meeting Room Space (Square Feet): 3,600

Pique Travel Event Space

5.0 ( 3 reviews )

Raw space venue

The venue will provide just the space. You’ll bring in your own caterer and vendors.

Full wedding (ceremony and reception) pricing

Starting at $500

Guest capacity

Up to 130 seated guests

About this venue

Rustic, historic, picturesque. Pique Travel Design, located in historic Excelsior, pays homage to its name with thoughtfully curated aesthetics that evoke a need for exploration. Constructed in the 1940s and originally home to the Lyman Lumber Warehouse, this 3,000 square foot event space just outside Minneapolis enjoyed a complete restoration in 2014. The stunning amenities include reclaimed materials, a built-in tiered concrete bar and full-length deck that evokes the feeling of a historic train depot.

Seated guest capacity

• Farms, Barns, Ranches
• Lodges, Retreats
• Restaurants, Breweries

Venue setting

Our event spaces

Pique venue.

Expansive western facing windows provide a light and airy charm, while the vaulted wooden barrel ceiling and stone fireplace add the warmth and comfort of a Minnesota lodge. Chalked with character, guests will enjoy a nod to history with the rustic floors featuring yellow pallet marks that hail from the building’s lumber days, as well as hand-poured concrete trough sinks and reclaimed sliding stable doors. Casual, yet sophisticated, this gleaming open-concept event space plays well with intimate groups of up to 130 people. With farm tables built from the original wood off the walls, wood floors, reclaimed wood and corrugated metal through out, a vaulted wooden barrel ceiling and an overall charming, romantic feel, this space is perfect for couples wanting a warm, almost Northwoods Lodge-like setting.

Up to 130 Seated

Square footage

Available services that can be provided by pique travel event space, services & amenities.

• Dance floor
• Pet friendly
• Wheelchair accessible

Transportation & access

• Self parking - free

5.0 out of 5

A MUST HAVE venue!

Excellence! Pique is TRULY amazing. The venue is esthetically amazing, wonderful layout and exceptional management team. Add ons- outdoor games…check! Coordinate with the preferred vendors for meals, bar service, and and any additional decor. Pique and vendors are easy to work with and coordinate with. I am a MN native and now live on the West Coast. I lived 3 blocks from Pique while in MN, and knew it was the perfect space and place for our Aug, 6th Wedding. Encourage you to consider Pique Travel and Events, it will not disappoint!! PS: pricing is very reasonable. We were married on a Sunday at end of Summer. Sunday wedding rock! Pricing even more reasonable on Sunday/Funday

HIGHLY Recommended

After making the decision to change our wedding plans due to COVID, we were on the hunt for a smaller venue. We reached out to the City of Excelsior for recommendations and they recommended Pique. Dana welcomed us with open arms and helped us envision what our wedding at Pique would look like! She was so great to work with and extremely helpful! We are so happy with how our wedding turned out. Pique is BEAUTIFUL! We would recommend Pique again and again!

Beautiful Events at Pique Travel!

I have been part of two events at Pique Travel, one was a sweet wedding and the other was a lively business gathering. The space has such a comfortable feel and an easy sense of versatility. It is beautiful with the glowing warmth of sunlight, wood, and hearth; the coziness and comfort is perfect...and don't forget the fun on site furnishings! ! The design of the space is so welcoming as is the management! The coordinator, Dana, has not only a keen attention to details and obvious experience with planning she is also genuinely friendly and it was a joy to collaborate with her for the perfect event.

Preferred vendors of Pique Travel Event Space

Frequently asked questions, how many guests can the venue accommodate, can i ship or drop things off beforehand, is there parking available, do you provide food/beverages can we bring in our own, can we bring in our own beer/wine/liquor, can we use real candles, do we need to get insurance, do you have on-site parking, what is your peak season, what is your off-peak season, can we bring our own alcohol, do you have accessible facilities.

9 Zola couples have booked

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Complete your dream team

• Excelsior Photographers
• Excelsior Beauty Professionals
• Excelsior Bands & DJs
• Excelsior Florists
• Excelsior Catering
• Excelsior Planners
• Excelsior Cakes & Desserts
• Excelsior Videographers
• Excelsior Bar Services & Beverages

Other wedding services nearby

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Pique Travel Design - Event Space Reviews

Pique travel design - event space.

• Quality of service 5 out of 5 rating 5.0
• Average response time 5 out of 5 rating 5.0
• Professionalism 5 out of 5 rating 5.0
• Value 5 out of 5 rating 5.0
• Flexibility 5 out of 5 rating 5.0
• Quality of service 5.0 out of 5 rating 5.0
• Average response time 5.0 out of 5 rating 5.0
• Professionalism 5.0 out of 5 rating 5.0
• Value 5.0 out of 5 rating 5.0
• Flexibility 5.0 out of 5 rating 5.0

Excellent Reception Venue

Cozy Reception Site

Highly Recommend

Are you interested?

We LOVED our experience!

popular event types

Popular destinations.

• Wedding Ceremony
• Wedding Reception
• Birthday Venues
• Corporate Venues
• Baby Shower Venues
• Hotels / Resorts
• Restaurants
• Camping / Glamping
• Boutique Hotel
• Castle / Château / Manor
• Estate / Mansion / Villa
• Historic Building
• Penthouse / Rooftop
• Winery / Vineyard
• Loft / Warehouse Building

Magazine Highlights

Pique travel design est. 1991, 362 3rd street, excelsior, mn 55331, united states.

• Photographer: Pique Travel Design

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Venue Setting

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• A/V Equipment
• Ample Parking Onsite
• Dining Chairs
• Dining Tables
• Onsite Restrooms

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Pique Travel Design, located in Historic Excelsior, pays homage to its name with thoughtfully curated aesthetics that evoke a need for exploration.

The stunning modern amenities include a built-in kitchen with tiered concrete bar, a saltwater aquarium wall and sleek full-length deck.

Constructed in the 1940s and originally home to the Lyman Lumber Warehouse, this 3,000 square foot space enjoyed a complete restoration in 2014.

Chalked with character, guests will enjoy a nod to history with the rustic floors featuring yellow pallet marks that hail from the building’s lumber days.

Expansive western facing windows provide a light and airy charm, while the vaulted wooden barrel ceiling and stone fireplace add the warmth and comfort of a Minnesota lodge.

Casual, yet sophisticated, this gleaming open-concept space plays well with intimate groups of up to 130 people.

Pique Travel Design Exterior

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FEATURED IN

Pique Travel Design

At Pique, our travel designers take away the worry so you can focus on the joy of travel versus trying to "figure out" the numerous details on your own. Best of all, you’ll gain our unbiased, insider insights when we design your own custom trip, cruise or group escorted tour. Once you experience working with one of our travel designers, you will wonder why you ever traveled another way.  Welcome to the last travel website you'll need to visit. We look forward to helping you... Follow Your Curiosity. 

Jim & Linda Bendt

WHAT WE OFFER

Our services.

Design an experience all

 Ocean, expedition, river and private yachts.

Group Tours

A&K, Tauck, Disney, National Geographic, Backroads and more.

Over 1400 Best of The Best boutique properties in the world.

Rocky Mountaineer, Royal Scotsman, Orient Express, Rovos and more.

We can't thank you enough for the kindness, care, and thoughtfulness in helping us in every way imaginable.

Jon & Nancy | Client Review

Travel with, meteorologist sven sundgaard antarctica, jan. 2025 ​.

Food Guru Stephanie March Japan, Mar. 2025

Pique Perks

Wow...really well done!  You run a first-class operation in a world of ever-decreasing first-class operations.  We have never worked with a better travel agent.  As in NEVER!

Jim & Deena  | Google Review

Why is pique the go-to choice for travel advice.

We offer worry-free, expert travel advice. While many travel websites rely on computer algorithms and artificial intelligence, our expertise comes from our first-hand knowledge.  

We believe working with a real expert makes a world of difference.  We listen. Get to know you.  And then design an amazing trip that's all your own.   What travel questions are on your mind?

They curate a trip you would not have conjured up yourself.  I used to plan my trips, but now Pique handles everything, so I can relax and really enjoy myself.

Maia H. | Google Review

What's on your, wanderlist.

Find new travel ideas.

Add ideas to your lists.

Invite friends to collaborate .

One place for all your travel ideas.

Virtuoso Wanderlist lets you create wish lists, swap vacation ideas with friends, and discover some of the world’s best hotels, cruises, and travel experiences. Browse thousands of unique experiences, add your own ideas from around the web, and organize everything into shareable lists for friends, family, and your Pique travel designer

Our North Pole trip had to be a challenge to plan, but there wasn't one glitch. Every possible question was answered before we had a chance to even ask!

Faye K.   | Google Review

Follow your curiosity, speaker series, how we work, frequently asked questions.

• Can I trust Pique with my investment? Travelers should carefully consider the reputation of their travel partner. Not all are created equal. Especially during Covid. Pique has been recognized for our expertise by some of the most reputable authorities in travel. Virtuoso member representing the Top 1% of travel agencies Accredited by industry associations – ARC, CLIA and ASTA Industry-leading client ratings with perfect 5 Star Google Reviews Featured in the Associated Press, Barrons, New York Times and Fodors Best “Little Black Book” in the industry Our designers are not commission based and earn a salary. This unique model ensures we have your best interests at heart. We believe in meaningful, long-term relationships built on trust.
• What is different about Pique's travel designers? Pique Travel Design has been fortunate to attract some of the best minds in the industry. Our designers are curious, highly educated with college degrees (and some post-graduate) and, dare we say, fun to work with. Our designers are paid on salary to eliminate any potential bias that commission structures could add to the equation. And each designer has traveled extensively in their areas of expertise (and beyond). You can rest assured we have a knack for finding the most remarkable things to do and places to see.
• What should I know about traveling during Covid? Managing travel during the pandemic is a fluid process that will require patience and understanding as response times around the world start to recover. Here are a few things to keep in mind before planning trip. The only way to protect your investment is through travel insurance. Travel suppliers are sticking to their cancelation terms given the losses suffered in the past year. Refunds and future travel credits are harder to negotiate. We will be happy to discuss way to protect your investment. Here are a few examples of insurance policies to consider: Travel Select – if you need to cancel a trip due to illness (i.e. Covid) with your traveling party or family member back home this policy may cover your loss. Full terms & conditions apply. Cancel For Any Reason – This policy offers the most flexibility to cancel your trip if you are no longer comfortable traveling. You may be able to recoup up to 50% of the nonrefundable trip costs, (up to $10,000 per person). Full terms & conditions apply. Medical Evacuation – For domestic & international travel, you may be flown to the hospital of your choice if you were admitted to a hospital regardless of medical necessity. Full terms & conditions apply. Navigating media stories can be a challenge. We will make all reasonable efforts to share balanced 3rd party data/information to assist you in making your own informed decision. If you feel uneasy about traveling during Covid, it’s best to postpone planning a trip until a later date. Anticipation of travel should be fun and not filled with anxiety worrying about what could happen. If you are an unvaccinated traveler, it has become increasingly difficult to travel with new restrictions and testing requirements being put in place around the world. Domestic travel will be your best option.
• Is working with a designer more expensive? As a Virtuoso member, Pique has over $30 billion in buying power allowing us to secure the best access, service and value for our clients. Much like other professional services our pricing adjusts based on the desired level of service.
• How does your cruise pricing work? Our cruise only pricing is the same as booking direct. In addition, we offer “Pique Perks” on over 500 sailings only available through us. These perks may include shipboard credits, private car & driver, special shore excursions, onboard host and events. Best of all we provide a side-by-side cruise comparison to help you make the best decision. For clients seeking additional assistance with pre/post trips or concierge services such as shore excursions, dining and port recommendations, we offer a reasonable $250 consulting fee to share our insights and advice. Consulting Fee Benefits: Best available cruise rates Unbiased advice and cruise line comparisons Industry leading destination knowledge and advice Seamless cruise integration with pre/post stays Work with one reliable travel designer on all travel details Worry-free management of changes, delays and cancelations Insider access for special requests and advocacy (waivers & favors)
• How does your group tour pricing work? If you enjoy traveling with companies such as A&K, Tauck, National Geographic, Backroads and more, you’ll be pleased to know our pricing is the same as booking direct. For clients seeking additional assistance with pre/post trips we offer a reasonable $250 consulting fee to share our insights and advice. Consulting Fee Benefits: Best available group tour rates Unbiased advice and tour company comparisons Industry leading destination knowledge and advice Seamless tour integration with pre/post stays Work with one reliable travel designer on all travel details Better manage changes, delays and cancelations for all travel details Insider access for special requests and advocacy (waivers & favors)
• How much should I budget for a custom designed trip? Our custom designed trips tend to offer more value than companies such as A&K, National Geographic and Tauck. Starting at pricing is generally $3500 per person (excluding air) and varies by destination and travel preferences. Your designer can share budget ranges based on your individual interests. To get started, we offer a reasonable $250 consulting fee to share our insights and advice. Benefits: Custom designed around your unique individual interests Unbiased advice and recommendations from a trusted expert Industry leading destination knowledge Seamless design of all travel details Work with one reliable travel designer Worry-free management of changes, delays and cancelations Insider access for special requests and advocacy (waivers & favors)
• How long will it take to design a trip? This will depend on the complexity of your trip. The benefit of using Pique's services is we have one of the best “Little Black Books” in the industry with partners in over 150 countries around the world. As you can imagine, time zones and cultural hurdles may come into play impacting the timeline. On average, our travel designers can usually have an initial proposal for your review 3-5 days after our initial consultation. If you have a pressing timeline please let us know and we'll do everything we can to help meet your needs.
• What are the steps in your planning process? Our initial 15-minute consultation is offered on a complimentary basis. This is a great opportunity to get to know each other and determine if we’re the right fit for your needs. If you want to move forward, your designer will begin crafting your trip. They will provide an estimated delivery date for your itinerary. Please note, with varying time zones and cultural differences delivery dates are subject to change. If you have a pressing timeline, please alert your designer. After reviewing the itinerary, your travel designer can make up to three revisions to finalize your plans. If more revisions are required your designer may request additional budget to cover the extra consulting time. Our hourly rate is $125/hr. To confirm a trip, a deposit is required. The remaining balance will be due 60 days prior to travel. Price and availability are subject to change until a deposit is paid. Final documents will be presented 1-3 weeks prior to travel. For cruises and group-escorted tours, delivery dates may vary depending on partner policies. For custom designed trips, you can choose cell phone and/or printed travel documents featuring day-by-day details, confirmation numbers, contact numbers and destination information. Prior to travel your designer will schedule a pre-trip consult to walk through your documents and discuss any last-minute travel questions to ensure you’re all set for your trip. During your travels, your designer (and partners) will be “on call” to assist with any unforeseen circumstances that may pop up during your trip. Upon your return, your designer will schedule a post-trip review to discuss your experiences.
• How is pricing presented for custom designed trips? Prior to designing your trip, your designer will discuss a budget range with you to ensure you’re on the same page. Your itinerary will include package pricing which displays the per person investment and inclusions (i.e. transfers, tours, hotels, etc.). If we are assisting with air, in most cases this will be presented as a separate cost. Pique uses the same per person pricing model that you experience with cruise lines, and companies such as A&K, Tauck and National Geographic.
• Can I get a price break down? Pique's pricing is presented on a per person basis and not itemized by each individual detail. If you want to adjust the pricing we can make changes to your itinerary to meet your needs. Unfortunately, we can't offer a price breakdown. We have negotiated special rates that can't be released to the public. Our per person pricing model is based on an industry standard. It's the same approach used by cruise lines and group escorted tour companies such as A&K, Tauck and National Geographic.
• I found it cheaper online? Most online comparisons leave out important details such as government taxes, resorts fees, room category differences, and amenities. The trip booked online is not the same trip designed by Pique. Our trips have higher value by offering the best guides, transfers, lodging and recognition as a Virtuoso traveler. You can’t VIP yourself. And when things go wrong. You don’t want to be on your own. Our pricing for custom-designed trips can vary 0-5% more than booking direct. Our clients feel this small price difference is well worth the investment to gain access to our deep expertise and insights. Warren Buffet once said, “Price is what you pay, value it what you get.” You can rest easy knowing Pique's pricing is sensible and you’ll receive tremendous value through our insider insights and attentive service.
• How does your hotel pricing work? Our hotel only pricing is the same as booking direct. In addition, we offer “Pique Perks” at over 1500 Best of the Best hotels only available through us. These perks have a value of over $500 and may include free daily breakfast, resort credits, room upgrades and late check out. For clients seeking additional assistance with transfers, tours, dining and destination recommendations we offer a reasonable $250 consulting fee to share our insights and advice. Consulting Fee Benefits: Best available hotel rates Special “Pique Perks” at over 1500 hotels ($500+ Value) Unbiased advice and hotel comparisons Industry leading destination knowledge and advice Work with one reliable travel designer on all travel details Worry-free management of changes, delays and cancelations Insider access for special requests and advocacy (waivers & favors)
• How does your airline pricing work? The complexity of managing airline reservations has dramatically increased during the pandemic. It’s not uncommon for travelers to wait hours on hold to make simple changes or adjustments. For clients looking to minimize the stress of air travel we offer a $60/ticket consulting fee on domestic flights and $100/ticket fee on international routes. Consulting Fee Benefits: Best available airline rates Best route recommendations to save travel time. Worry-free management of changes, delays and cancelations Never sit on hold with airline again. Work with one reliable air specialist. Not a random call center contact. Insider access for special requests and advocacy (waivers & favors)
• What are my refund options? We will make all reasonable efforts to try and negotiate future travel credits and/or refunds with suppliers in the event you need to cancel your trip. Please know we make no promise or guarantee favorable terms can be achieved. Here are our standard cancelation terms: Partner cancelation terms will apply for the following bookings: Cruise only bookings Group escorted tour bookings Hotel only bookings Airline only bookings (change fees may apply) Pique cancelation terms will apply for the following bookings: Cruise pre/post trip Group escorted tour pre/post trip Custom designed trips Pique Refund Timeline If cancelled greater than 60 days prior to departure (and supplier terms comply), a refund up to 90% may be issued. If canceled less than 59 days prior to departure (and supplier terms comply), a refund up to 50% may be issued. If canceled less than 30 days prior to departure no refund will be issued. Other non-refundable Pique expenses Any upfront planning fees Trips paid by credit card - the 3.5% processing fee charged by banks. Bank wire fees NOTE: Non-refundable expenses are in addition to the cancelation timeline percentages. Supplier terms may be more stringent and supersede the terms above (a copy is available upon request). Final terms & conditions will be provided during the proposal stage and are subject to change.

Pique Travel Event Space

306 Water St. , Excelsior , Minnesota 55331

Photo by Noah Wolf

Interior of Pique Travel in Excelsior, Minnesota

Located in Excelsior, this old lumber warehouse has been converted into a 3,000-square-foot event space. Modern additions include a built-in kitchen, saltwater aquarium wall, and a full-length deck. The space can accommodate up to 130 people.

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Twin Cities Wedding and Event Professionals

December 12/08/12 Pique Travel Venue

Join us for our festive “Holiday Cheer” luncheon with a full networking program, an Ugly Christmas Sweater contest, and a charity Toy Drive.

Pique Travel Event Space 306 Water St, Excelsior, MN 55331

About Pique Travel Event Space

Rustic, historic, picturesque. Pique Travel Design, located in historic Excelsior, pays homage to its name with thoughtfully curated aesthetics that evoke a need for exploration. Constructed in the 1940s and originally home to the Lyman Lumber Warehouse, this 3,000 square foot event space just outside Minneapolis enjoyed a complete restoration in 2014. The stunning amenities include reclaimed materials, a built-in tiered concrete bar and full-length deck that evokes the feeling of a historic train depot. Expansive western facing windows provide a light and airy charm, while the vaulted wooden barrel ceiling and stone fireplace add the warmth and comfort of a Minnesota lodge.

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Pique Travel

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The huge solar storm is keeping power grid and satellite operators on edge

Geoff Brumfiel

Willem Marx

NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory captured this image of solar flares early Saturday afternoon. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration says there have been measurable effects and impacts from the geomagnetic storm. Solar Dynamics Observatory hide caption

NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory captured this image of solar flares early Saturday afternoon. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration says there have been measurable effects and impacts from the geomagnetic storm.

Planet Earth is getting rocked by the biggest solar storm in decades – and the potential effects have those people in charge of power grids, communications systems and satellites on edge.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration says there have been measurable effects and impacts from the geomagnetic storm that has been visible as aurora across vast swathes of the Northern Hemisphere. So far though, NOAA has seen no reports of major damage.

The Picture Show

Photos: see the northern lights from rare, solar storm.

There has been some degradation and loss to communication systems that rely on high-frequency radio waves, NOAA told NPR, as well as some preliminary indications of irregularities in power systems.

"Simply put, the power grid operators have been busy since yesterday working to keep proper, regulated current flowing without disruption," said Shawn Dahl, service coordinator for the Boulder, Co.-based Space Weather Prediction Center at NOAA.

NOAA Issues First Severe Geomagnetic Storm Watch Since 2005

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"Satellite operators are also busy monitoring spacecraft health due to the S1-S2 storm taking place along with the severe-extreme geomagnetic storm that continues even now," Dahl added, saying some GPS systems have struggled to lock locations and offered incorrect positions.

NOAA's GOES-16 satellite captured a flare erupting occurred around 2 p.m. EDT on May 9, 2024.

As NOAA had warned late Friday, the Earth has been experiencing a G5, or "Extreme," geomagnetic storm . It's the first G5 storm to hit the planet since 2003, when a similar event temporarily knocked out power in part of Sweden and damaged electrical transformers in South Africa.

The NOAA center predicted that this current storm could induce auroras visible as far south as Northern California and Alabama.

Extreme (G5) geomagnetic conditions have been observed! pic.twitter.com/qLsC8GbWus — NOAA Space Weather Prediction Center (@NWSSWPC) May 10, 2024

Around the world on social media, posters put up photos of bright auroras visible in Russia , Scandinavia , the United Kingdom and continental Europe . Some reported seeing the aurora as far south as Mallorca, Spain .

The source of the solar storm is a cluster of sunspots on the sun's surface that is 17 times the diameter of the Earth. The spots are filled with tangled magnetic fields that can act as slingshots, throwing huge quantities of charged particles towards our planet. These events, known as coronal mass ejections, become more common during the peak of the Sun's 11-year solar cycle.

A powerful solar storm is bringing northern lights to unusual places

Usually, they miss the Earth, but this time, NOAA says several have headed directly toward our planet, and the agency predicted that several waves of flares will continue to slam into the Earth over the next few days.

While the storm has proven to be large, predicting the effects from such incidents can be difficult, Dahl said.

Shocking problems

The most disruptive solar storm ever recorded came in 1859. Known as the "Carrington Event," it generated shimmering auroras that were visible as far south as Mexico and Hawaii. It also fried telegraph systems throughout Europe and North America.

Stronger activity on the sun could bring more displays of the northern lights in 2024

While this geomagnetic storm will not be as strong, the world has grown more reliant on electronics and electrical systems. Depending on the orientation of the storm's magnetic field, it could induce unexpected electrical currents in long-distance power lines — those currents could cause safety systems to flip, triggering temporary power outages in some areas.

my cat just experienced the aurora borealis, one of the world's most radiant natural phenomena... and she doesn't care pic.twitter.com/Ee74FpWHFm — PJ (@kickthepj) May 10, 2024

The storm is also likely to disrupt the ionosphere, a section of Earth's atmosphere filled with charged particles. Some long-distance radio transmissions use the ionosphere to "bounce" signals around the globe, and those signals will likely be disrupted. The particles may also refract and otherwise scramble signals from the global positioning system, according to Rob Steenburgh, a space scientist with NOAA. Those effects can linger for a few days after the storm.

Like Dahl, Steenburgh said it's unclear just how bad the disruptions will be. While we are more dependent than ever on GPS, there are also more satellites in orbit. Moreover, the anomalies from the storm are constantly shifting through the ionosphere like ripples in a pool. "Outages, with any luck, should not be prolonged," Steenburgh said.

What Causes The Northern Lights? Scientists Finally Know For Sure

The radiation from the storm could have other undesirable effects. At high altitudes, it could damage satellites, while at low altitudes, it's likely to increase atmospheric drag, causing some satellites to sink toward the Earth.

The changes to orbits wreak havoc, warns Tuija Pulkkinen, chair of the department of climate and space sciences at the University of Michigan. Since the last solar maximum, companies such as SpaceX have launched thousands of satellites into low Earth orbit. Those satellites will now see their orbits unexpectedly changed.

"There's a lot of companies that haven't seen these kind of space weather effects before," she says.

The International Space Station lies within Earth's magnetosphere, so its astronauts should be mostly protected, Steenburgh says.

In a statement, NASA said that astronauts would not take additional measures to protect themselves. "NASA completed a thorough analysis of recent space weather activity and determined it posed no risk to the crew aboard the International Space Station and no additional precautionary measures are needed," the agency said late Friday.

People visit St Mary's lighthouse in Whitley Bay to see the aurora borealis on Friday in Whitley Bay, England. Ian Forsyth/Getty Images hide caption

People visit St Mary's lighthouse in Whitley Bay to see the aurora borealis on Friday in Whitley Bay, England.

While this storm will undoubtedly keep satellite operators and utilities busy over the next few days, individuals don't really need to do much to get ready.

"As far as what the general public should be doing, hopefully they're not having to do anything," Dahl said. "Weather permitting, they may be visible again tonight." He advised that the largest problem could be a brief blackout, so keeping some flashlights and a radio handy might prove helpful.

I took these photos near Ranfurly in Central Otago, New Zealand. Anyone can use them please spread far and wide. :-) https://t.co/NUWpLiqY2S — Dr Andrew Dickson reform/ACC (@AndrewDickson13) May 10, 2024

And don't forget to go outside and look up, adds Steenburgh. This event's aurora is visible much further south than usual.

A faint aurora can be detected by a modern cell phone camera, he adds, so even if you can't see it with your eyes, try taking a photo of the sky.

The aurora "is really the gift from space weather," he says.

• space weather
• solar flares
• solar storm

Watch CBS News

"Extreme" G5 geomagnetic storm reaches Earth, NOAA says, following "unusual" solar event

By Li Cohen

Updated on: May 11, 2024 / 8:32 PM EDT / CBS News

An "extreme" G5 geomagnetic storm reached Earth on Friday, NOAA's Space Weather Prediction Center said , after issuing a watch earlier in the day warning of the potential for a severe impact. 

The watch followed days of solar activity that sent several explosions of plasma and magnetic fields toward Earth. 

G5 is the strongest level of geomagnetic storm , on a scale from G1 to G5. 

"Widespread voltage control problems and protective system problems can occur," NOAA warns. "Some grid systems may experience complete collapse or blackouts. Transformers may experience damage." 

Radio transmissions and satellite navigation may also be disrupted.

The last G5 geomagnetic storm, in October 2003, caused power outages in Sweden and damaged transformers in South Africa.

A geomagnetic storm also means aurora borealis , otherwise known as the northern lights , could be seen as far south as Alabama and in Northern California. 

Earlier, NOAA had issued its first watch for a potential G4-level geomagnetic storm in almost 20 years. "If geomagnetic storms were hurricanes, 'severe' would be category 4," SpaceWeather.com says. 

In a press release on Thursday, NOAA said the most recent series of solar events started on May 8, when a large cluster of sunspots produced "several moderate to strong solar flares." Solar flares are bursts of radiation known to be the solar system's largest explosive events, according to NASA. The area where the flares are occurring is 16 times the diameter of Earth, the NOAA said, and more solar activity is expected. 

That sunspot is so big you may be able to see it with your own eyes  — with your solar eclipse glasses. The spot is known as AR3664 , and it was responsible for most of the geomagnetic activity Friday, the NOAA reported. According to Space.com, it measures about 124,000 miles across and is one of the "largest and most active sunspots seen this solar cycle." 

The NOAA reported that a strong solar flare was observed peaking from AR3664 at 9:23 p.m. Eastern Time Friday. 

"Flares of this magnitude are not frequent," the prediction center said . 

Still have your solar eclipse glasses? There's currently a sunspot so large you will be able to "spot" it while wearing them 15x wider than the earth! pic.twitter.com/XpQJEd4Qk0 — Eric Fisher (@ericfisher) May 9, 2024

There has also been a series of coronal mass ejections (CMEs), which are explosions of plasma  and magnetic fields that come out of the sun's corona, the outermost part of the sun's atmosphere. At least five CMEs appear directed toward Earth and could arrive as early as midday on Friday and persist through Sunday, the agency said. 

"This is an unusual event," NOAA said.

In a call with reporters on Friday, Shawn Dahl, service coordinator at the Space Weather Prediction Center, said that some CMEs "are catching up with other ones." He said officials are expecting a "big shock arrival" when they hit Earth. Dahl said at the time that while officials weren't predicting a G5 storm — the strongest of geomagnetic storms — they couldn't discount a "low-end G5 event."

"We're really buckling down here," Brent Gordon, chief of the space weather services branch, also said on the call.

G4 conditions were detected by Friday afternoon, marking a "major disturbance in Earth's magnetic field," NOAA said, adding that "the public should stay properly informed of storm progression."  

In a forecast discussion at 12:30 p.m. on Friday, NOAA's Space Weather Prediction Center said that solar activity is expected to continue at "high to very high levels" through the weekend, with additional solar flares expected, including X-class flares , the most powerful class of solar flares.

As of Friday afternoon, NOAA said it had observed a moderate solar radiation storm that could expose people in high-flying aircraft to "elevated radiation risk" and cause infrequent issues with satellite operations. 

Radio blackouts have also been detected with an R3 designation, meaning that the blackouts were "strong" on a scale from R1 (minor) to R5 (extreme). At this level, wide blackouts of HF radio communication is expected, as well as loss of radio contact, for about an hour on the sunlit side of Earth, as low-frequency navigation signals decline for roughly an hour. 

"Geomagnetic storms can impact infrastructure in near-Earth orbit and on Earth's surface, potentially disrupting communications, the electric power grid, navigation, radio and satellite operations," NOAA said. "[The Space Weather Prediction Center] has notified the operators of these systems so they can take protective action."

Dahl agreed Friday that the event is "pretty extraordinary" and said that it could impact infrastructure, including high-voltage transmission lines of the power grid. Dahl said that infrastructure operators have been notified to adequately prepare. 

This is the first time a storm watch has been issued for a G4 since January 2005. There is an average of 100 severe geomagnetic storms every solar cycle, but so far, there have only been three observed in the most recent cycle that began in December 2019. The most recent occurred on March 23. 

• National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

Li Cohen is a social media producer and trending content writer for CBS News.

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"We got what we were seeking when looking for a loft-type venue at a fraction of the cost.  So reasonable!"  

Review by Sabrinna B

Your budget goes further at Pique's charming venue

At Pique, we believe in offering reasonable rates so you can create the event you've always dreamed of hosting.  Clients love our favorable offerings that are quite different from other venues:

No food and beverage minimums from Pique (varies by caterer)

Preferred cate rers to meet a wide range of budget levels (casual to formal) 

Purchase your own alcohol (when hiring our preferred bartending services for a hosted bar)

Inclusive rental rate: venue, t ables, chairs, big screen TV, projector, large screen, microphones, surround sound speaker,  and more . A/V CAPABILITIES 

Free parking on-site (private shared lot that is a first come, first serve basis)

We have carefully selected best-of-the-best partners

With key partnerships with a variety of caterers , your event can be turnkey and memorable.  Our preferred vendors can help personalize your private event around any budget.  

Reasonable rental rates

Space rental rates vary depending on the day of the week.  

Monday | 4:00 pm - 11:00 pm | $600

Tuesday | 4:00 pm - 11:00 pm | $600

Wednesday | 4:00 pm - 11:00 pm |$600

Thursday | 3:00 pm - 11:00 pm | $950

Friday | 2:00 pm - 12:00 am | $2,000

Saturday | 10:00 am - 12:00 am | $3,250

Sunday (Daytime) | 8:00 am - 3:00 pm | $900

Sunday (Evening) | 4:00 pm - 11:00 pm | $900

Sunday (Full day) |  9:00 am - 11:00 pm | $1,800

Closed and not available to rent on Easter, Thanksgiving, Christmas Day, and New Year's Eve

Sunday-Thursday music must be off and bar closed by 10:00 pm/Friday-Saturday 11:00 pm

*Rental pricing is subject to change without notice. Rental includes the space “as is” with furniture and tables.  Additional general liability insurance coverage may be required at the client's expense, typically a $100-200 expense. Earlier setup times can be requested but not guaranteed at an hourly rate.  A $250 Ceremony Fee may be charged if having a ceremony and reception on site. A 2% fee is charged by online bank transfer and a 4% fee if paid by credit card.  You can pay via check for no additional fee. 

Other venue details

Approximately 3,000 square feet of usable event space (plus 600 square feet on the outside deck)

Maximum occupancy of 120 people for a plated dinner, 100 for a buffet, and 150 for a stand-up reception (inquire if you have specific needs). If looking to do a ceremony and reception both on-site, we recommend no more than 100 guests

Historic wood floor (featuring yellow pallet marks from lumber warehouse days)

Vaulted, original wooden barrel ceiling (which includes large wood beams and purlins)

Hand-made farm tables using reclaimed wood from the original warehouse walls

Built-in tiered bar, sink, and countertops poured of concrete; large-screen TV serves as the backdrop on the wall (perfect for photos or videos to be shared with guests)

Floor-to-ceiling stone fireplace (with operating 6-foot gas firebox)

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10-foot high windows along the entire west-facing wall

ADA-compliant bathrooms that feature hand-poured concrete trough sinks

Wheelchair accessibility ramp at the front entrance

4 dead as severe storms hit Houston area; hundreds of thousands lose power in Texas

Emergency crews in southeast Texas were clearing debris and assessing flooding on Friday after powerful storms tore through the state , killing at least four people and knocking out power to nearly 800,000 customers.

The winds — which reached 100 mph — were reminiscent of 2008's Hurricane Ike , one of the costliest natural disasters in American history, Houston Mayor John Whitmire said in a briefing Thursday. A widespread 3 to 6 inches of rain fell north of Houston, with one of the highest totals reaching around 6.9 inches in 24 hours near Romayor.

The storm also battered New Orleans overnight, with severe thunderstorms and flooding possible again through Saturday morning, according to the local branch of the National Weather Service .

In Texas, the destruction was evident even before sunrise, with high winds tearing out windows of high-rise buildings in downtown Houston and inundating the region with flooding. Streets were littered with glass, electrical lines and other detritus.

“I know that many people lived through, and are still living through, scary situations with the terrible strong winds that blew across our county tonight," Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo said in a statement Friday morning.

"Damage assessments are ongoing, and we cannot know how long it will take to clear debris without those assessments completed, but from initial reports the debris looks very significant," Hidalgo said.

Classes were canceled for the 400,000 students in the Houston Independent School District.

Officials urged all but essential employees to work from home if possible, and the Houston Police Department told residents to avoid traveling downtown.

Two of the four people who died in Texas were killed by falling trees, while a third died when a crane blew over, Houston Fire Chief Samuel Peña said at a news briefing. No information was given about the fourth. Whitmire said a possible fifth death is being investigated, but it’s not yet clear if it was related to the weather.

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott thanked emergency personnel in a statement, saying work is ongoing to assist communities affected by the storms.

“Our hearts are with the families and loved ones of those who tragically lost their lives due to severe weather in Southeast Texas, and we remain in contact with local officials to do everything we can to protect Texans and help our communities recover,” Abbott said.

At one point, more than 900,000 customers were without power statewide; that remained true for around 670,000 as of 3 p.m. CT,  according to poweroutage.us . Nearly all of those were in Houston’s Harris County.

Heat and humidity in the city will ramp up into the weekend, which could lead to health concerns if power is not restored quickly. Temperatures could be as high as 91 degrees with a heat index of 97.

Across Houston, photos and videos on social media showed intense flooding and downed trees, as well as toppled electrical towers and power lines .

In a video posted to Facebook , rain was seen leaking into Minute Maid Park, where the Houston Astros play. Another video showed baseball fans leaving the stadium amid the bad weather.

Strong winds appeared to have blown off roof panels at a Hyatt Regency Hotel in Houston, a video posted to X showed. Other footage shared on the platform showed blown out windows in a building in the city's Wells Fargo Plaza.

Whitmire described downtown Houston as a “mess” and warned that “many roads are impassible due to downed power lines, debris, and fallen trees.” 

Firefighters were removing live wires from Route 290 and most city traffic lights were down, he added. 

In Louisiana, the severe weather knocked out electricity for some 215,000 customers, many in and around New Orleans. Around 115,000 remained without power as of Friday morning.

A swath of the southeast coast, stretching from Louisiana, through Mississippi, Alabama and into the Florida Panhandle, was under a flood watch early Friday.

The National Weather Service said in an afternoon update that unsettled weather, including the possibility of excessive rainfall and severe thunderstorms, will persist across the Southeast through Saturday.

Around 7 million people along the central Gulf Coast remain under flood watches.

“A few tornadoes, scattered damaging winds, and hail all appear possible over the central/eastern Gulf Coast area,” according to the National Weather Service.

The agency also noted a risk of severe thunderstorms in portions of the northern Plains through Friday evening.

Rebecca Cohen is a breaking news reporter for NBC News.

Alexander Smith is a senior reporter for NBC News Digital based in London.

Denise Chow is a reporter for NBC News Science focused on general science and climate change.

Fishers Event Center takes shape as construction continues

FISHERS, Ind. – The future home of the Indy Fuel, the Fishers Freight and the Indy Ignite is starting to take shape.

The walls and roof are up and the seats will soon go in at the Fishers Event Center. Construction crews broke ground on the $170-million entertainment project last March. It sits just off I-69 near Ikea.

Nearly 300 construction workers and their heavy machinery have helped piece together the state-of-the-art arena’s superstructure in the last year. On the outside, the roof is up. On the inside, the stands are also starting to take form.

FOX59/CBS4 got a behind-the-scenes look at the work both inside and outside. Fishers Mayor Scott Fadness said he has been thrilled to see the progress of the project.

“We’ve been looking at pictures and renderings of this for a long time,” Fadness described. “It’s very exciting to be able to walk through the hallways and really envision what it’s going to be like.”

The Fishers Event Center is described as a “mid-sized” venue. It will hold some 7,500 seats and developers argue there is not a bad spot in the house.

“[There are] tons of different seating options, whether you’re looking for a group suite, regular suite, standard seat or drink rails,” said Fishers Event Center General Manager Mitch List. “So we really feel like there’s something for everybody here.”

As the whole arena starts taking shape, crews are also putting in 14 miles of tubes right at the center of the arena where the ice rink will be. Those tubes are responsible for helping form an inch of ice on top of a large concrete slab that will cover the tubes.

Eventually, the Indy Fuel will play on that ice. But the event center is home to more than just the Fuel. It will also house the Fishers Freight, an indoor football team, and the Indy Ignite, a professional volleyball team.

“We are anticipating doing over 125 events in year one,” List said.

List said that will include concerts, graduations and other types of community events

“It’s our goal to have a well-rounded grouping of events that have something for everybody,” he said.

As construction crews finalize the nine-story mega-project, Mayor Fadness said the Fishers Event Center will play a major role in what the city has to offer.

“That’s really going to create this world-class entertainment district,” he said. “Whether you want to go out to eat, whether you want to be entertained at Chicken ‘N Pickle or whether you want to come here for a great concert or great sporting event. I think it really creates and epicenter here on the northeast side of Indianapolis.”

Developers said construction is on schedule and anticipate opening doors in late November of 2024.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Fox 59.