October 05, 2023
Fall Fun in the Twin Cities
You can take a hike, ride a bike, discover a new apple you might like. Pumpkins and hay rides, corn pits and slides, fall festivals are in full-swing outside. Scary movies and ghost stories, Frankensteins in laboratories, pie eating contests in all their glories. Family and friends, nature paths with no ends, choose an event, big or small, and say “Horray! It’s fall, y’all!”
There is nothing quite like Fall in the Twin Cities. Gorgeous vistas showing off golden red hues and sparkling rivers as well as vibrant festivals, programs and free family events happening in the heart of the city and beyond. See below for a list of fall events throughout the cities and beyond. There’s something for everyone: family friendly festivals, teenage fun, and the 21+ crowd as well.
St. Paul (and surrounding areas):
Oktoberfest: October 6-7 @ State Fairgrounds https://tcoktoberfest.com/event-info
Fall into Winter: October 6-8 Annual ski and snowboard swap including chairlift rides, inflatables, live music and more. (FREE) https://www.facebook.com/aftonalpsmn/
Carpenter Nature Center Apple Fest: October 7-8 Hastings, Fall fun activities include pick-your-own apples, cider demos, live music & animals and kids activities. 10am-5pm, FREE.
Stillwater Apple Fest: October 14-15 Kids activities all day both days, plus don’t miss the pumpkin regatta & giant pumpkin drop. 10am-6pm, FREE.
Caponi Art Park Leaf Fest: October 14th, Eagan Enjoy the changing colors of the forest and all the fun that comes with it: the annual leaf pile, arts and crafts activities, make-your-own treats, and more. FREE
Haunted History Trolley Tours: Stillwater Costumed characters share ghost stories from Stillwater’s haunted past. Select dates October 13-28, 2023. Thursday-Saturday performances at 7pm, 8:05pm & 9:10pm. Tickets: $51/pp.
St. Paul Movies in the Park- Night of the Living Dead (Rated R): October 20th Mears Park. The movie is scheduled for 6:49pm. Food trucks & activities start about 6pm. This evening entertainment is weather dependent. FREE.
Minneapolis (and surrounding areas):
Birdtown Boo Bash: October 6th Sanborn Park, FREE, costumes, crafts, treats, contests/games, stories and more. Movie ‘Despicable Me 2” begins at 7pm. www.robbinsdalemn.com
Gale Woods Farm Festival: October 7th in Minnetrista Sheepdog shows, llamas, textile crafts, meet farm animals & tour the gardens. 9:30am-3:30pm, FREE.
Autumn Beer Review: October 14th Minnesota’s oldest and coziest beer festival. www.mncraftbrew.org
Open Streets- Lyndale: October 14th Minnehaha Avenue in Minneapolis will close to street traffic so people can explore their community in person. 11am-5pm. FREE.
Tricks and Treats: Now-Oct. 29th @ Valley Fair www.valleyfair.com
Severs Fall Festival: Now-Oct. 29th
A full lineup of fun – obstacle course, corn maze, petting zoo, magic shows, zip line, playground and jumping pillow; additional activities extra. Open Fri-Sun & MEA Weekend, $19/pp.
North:
Wargo Nature Center Fall Festival: October 21st, Lino Lakes Play pioneer games, try cider pressing and take nature walks. FREE.
Lilli Putt Haunted Glow Golf: Now through October 28th, Coon Rapids: Mildly spooky Halloween-themed holes of mini golf, fog machines, pumpkin displays, music and other “spirited” decor. Thurs-Sat nights. $15/adults, $13/kids under 12. www.lilliputt.net
Ghosts of Anoka Walking Tour: Anoka County Historical Society, October 5-31 A Guided Tour of Anoka with stories about “odd happenings and eerie encounters” best for ages 8+ because there is approximately 1 mile of walking involved. $18/pp.
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/original-ghosts-of-anoka-walking-tour-2023-tickets-696654852417
**Click HERE for a list of pumpkin patches by city! Most pumpkin patches also have things like corn mazes, pumpkin cannons, corn pits, inflatables, tractor and hay rides, food and more!