Twin Cities Marathon
Highlights this week include:
Oct. 7-9, Minneapolis/St. Paul
Medtronic TC Family Events & Medtronic Twin Cities Marathon
Oct. 8, Nisswa
Gull Lake Oktoberfest & Golftoberfest
Oct. 8, Crookston
Cornstalk Jamboree
Oct. 7-9, Pine City
Highway 61 Film Festival
Oct. 7-15 (Fridays & Saturdays), New Ulm
Oktoberfest
[Southern] [Minneapolis-St. Paul Area] [Central] [Northwest] [Northeast]
Southern Minnesota
Oct. 7-8, Lanesboro
Lanesboro Area Art Trail & Fall Into Lanesboro
Lanesboro is home to quaint bed and breakfasts, stunning scenery, and a thriving arts community. visit the artists during a self-guided studio tour, see their creative process, and shop for items from their available body of work. And on Oct. 8, enjoy Fall Into Lanesboro with fall food & beverage competitions, a Balloon Bust, live music, pumpkin decorating, and a presentation on the history of Lanesboro. 651-307-6373, 507-467-2696
Oct. 7-15 (Fridays & Saturdays), New Ulm
Oktoberfest
The 35th Annual Oktoberfest celebration is modeled after Munich, Germany's Oktoberfest with festivities throughout historic downtown New Ulm, at the Schell's Brewery, and at Best Western Plus. Enjoy parades, live music, games, horse-drawn trolley rides, stein-holding contests, and lots of great German beer, food and lederhosen! 507-233-4300
Oct. 8, Mankato
The Mankato Symphony Orchestra performs The Music of Led Zeppelin
Bridging the gulf between rock n’ roll and classical music, the Mankato Symphony Orchestra performs The Music of Led Zeppelin. This 2-plus hour concert features 18 Zeppelin tunes, including Stairway to Heaven, Heartbreaker, Black Dog and Immigrant Song. Verizon Event Center. 507-389-3000, 507-625–8880
Oct. 8-9, Red Wing
Fall Festival of the Arts
Historic, downtown Red Wing will be the site of the 50th Annual Fall Festival of the Arts. In addition to fine artwork by nearly 100 artists from throughout the Midwest, enjoy children’s games and activities, musical entertainment and a variety of specialties from area food vendors. 651-388-7569, 515-231-8206
Sept. 9 - Oct. 23, Wabasha
SeptOberfest
The 10th Annual SeptOberfest features a wide array of festivities, exhibits, German heritage, music and food. On October 21-22, enjoy a Petting Zoo, Stokes Live Animal Show, Kids' Arts & Crafts, Hawk Tales, and Native American Cultural Program with Larry Yazzie at the National Eagle Center, as well as Children's Halloween Activities Under the Bridge, Picnic in the Park, and much more! 651-565-4158
Oct. 14-15, Pipestone
Pipestone Paranormal Weekend
The 3rd Annual Pipestone Paranormal Weekend expands on the popular summer Ghost Walks with the Calumet by Candlelight & Bedtime Stories, a Meet & Greet, Paranormal Phenomena, Psychic Gallery Reading, Tales From the Grave, Ghost Walk and Ghost Hunt. 507-825-2563
Oct. 14-16, Northfield, Faribault & Farmington
Studio Art Tour
The 12th Annual Studio Art Tour is a co-operative venture among a group of artists at more than 20 studios in and around Farmington, Northfield, and Faribault. The range of work is amazing, and this is a perfect way to shop for fine art. Complete list and map. 507-645-5604
Oct. 22, Harmony
Haunted Harmony
Check out the spookiest little town in southeast Minnesota and enjoy a full day of Halloween fun with Fillmore Central's Monster Bash Haunted House, the 5K Zombie Crawl, family movie, parade, inflatable fun, costume contests, lantern tours by costumed guides at Niagara Cave, Halloween Dance, and much more! 507-886-2469
Minneapolis-St. Paul Area
Sept. 1 - Oct. 31, Stillwater
Aamodts' Apple Farm Fall Fun
Depending on the weekend, just some of the fall family activities include hay wagon rides, Honeycrisp Express kids' train rides, hay bale maze, apple picking, apple treats in the apple barn, and John Deere tractor trikes. Aamodts' Apple Farm. 651-439-3127
Sept. 17 - Oct. 30, Shakopee
ValleySCARE
Valleyfair transforms into ValleySCARE, the upper Midwest’s largest Halloween attraction, with more than 75 rides, attractions and entertainment acts, as well as nearly 400 creatures of the night, occupying 11 of the most intense and terrifying mazes and scare zones. Valleyfair. 952-445-7600
Sept. 23 - Oct. 8 (Fridays and Saturdays), Taylors Falls
Leaf Cruise
Enjoy a delicious meal and live entertainment on an authentic paddlewheel riverboat surrounded by the beauty of the St. Croix River. Each trip includes a narrated tour covering the history of the river and the geology behind the rock formations. This is a great way to spend a fall evening with friends and family. 651-465-6315, 651-465-6365
Sept. 30 - Oct. 30, Chaska
Scream Town
Explore eight terrifying attractions! Scream Town was selected by Haunted Attraction Magazine as The Must See Attraction of 2015. 612-562-6409
Oct. 7-9, Minneapolis/St. Paul
Medtronic TC Family Events & Medtronic Twin Cities Marathon
The Medtronic Twin Cities Marathon weekend is fun for the entire family, with a variety of events and activities on Friday and Saturday including a Pasta Party, Health & Fitness Expo, races in a fun, non-competitive environment, and Family Activity Tent. Then on Sunday, watch or participate in the 35th Annual Medtronic Twin Cities Marathon, dubbed the Most Beautiful Urban Marathon in America! Beginning in Minneapolis near the U.S. Bank Stadium, the marathon course runs along beautiful lakes and river parkways, concluding at the Minnesota State Capitol in St. Paul. Spectators will enjoy 27th Mile events and festivities during the Marathon on Sunday at the State capitol along Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard. 651-289-7700
Oct. 7-30 (Fridays, Saturdays & Sundays), Shakopee
Trail of Terror
This is the largest Halloween event in the Midwest with more than 15 attractions including the Howling Pines Woods Walk, Hotel 666, HogTied Pub Crawl, Chuckles Pizzeria, Grubbs Pest Control, Crystal Caverns, and the all new Escape Room! Minnesota Renaissance Festival grounds. 952-445-7361
Oct. 8, Bloomington
Family Celebration
Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge is marking its 40th anniversary with a public celebration that will feature family-friendly and hands-on activities such as birding, exploration, fishing, hiking and more. Learn more about one of Minnesota’s best-kept secrets! Activities held at locations throughout the refuge. 952-854-5900
Oct. 8, Waconia
Oktoberfest Waconia
Head to Oktoberfest Waconia for lots of great German refreshments and food, as well as Hammers Schlagen, a car show, and music by the Jolly Huntsmen and strolling musicians. Tickets are registered for a main drawing. Carver County Fairgrounds. 952-240-4747
Oct. 8-9, Stillwater
Harvest Fest & Giant Pumpkin Weigh-off
Stillwater's two-day harvest festival features a chili cook-off, microbrew tasting, giant pumpkin weigh-off, Pumpkin Regatta, live music, kids' costume parade, seasonal food vendors, kids' Pumpkin Pull, face painting, pie-eating contest, and more! Lowell Park. 651-351-0422
Oct. 14-15, Minneapolis
The Textile Garage Sale Pop Up
This pop-up celebration of fiber & thrift is a mini-version of the annual Spring Textile Garage Sale. Individuals and businesses have donated fabric, yarn, thread, notions, kits, patterns, magazines, books, beads, buttons and tools, and these treasures are resold at garage sale prices to you. Beat the crowds, sip refreshments, and enjoy music from D.J. Rey during the Preview Sale on Friday, Oct. 14 from 6-8 p.m. Textile Center. 612-436-0464
Oct. 14-16, St. Paul
Saint Paul Art Crawl - Fall 2016
Celebrate the 25th Anniversary of the St. Paul Art Crawl featuring fine arts and crafts by more than 400 participating artists! St. Paul studios map. And on Oct. 15, during the Art Crawl, check out the St. Paul Classical Music Crawl with over 20 mini concerts on the hour and half-hour at multiple venues throughout Lowertown. 612-567-0551
Oct. 15, Falcon Heights
Twin Cities Book Festival
The 16th Annual Twin Cities Book Festival is the largest and most important literary gathering in the Upper Midwest, and the annual get-together for the Twin Cities’ devoted literary community. This free, day-long festival brings together ‘rock star’ authors, local literary heroes, publishers, magazines, booksellers, and book-lovers to celebrate this vibrant literary culture. Complete details. Minnesota State Fairgrounds' Progress Center and Fine Arts Building.
Upcoming Twin Cities concerts and performances:
Def Leppard with REO Speedwagon at the Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul, Oct. 5
Alessia Cara: Know-It-All Tour at the Historic Orpheum Theatre in Minneapolis, Oct. 8
Bill Maher at the Historic State Theatre in Minneapolis, Oct. 8
Flo Rida at Mystic Lake Casino Hotel in Prior Lake, Oct. 8
Kanye West: The Saint Pablo Tour at the Xcel Energy Center, Oct. 10
Herb Albert at the Pantages Theatre in Minneapolis, Oct. 12
Daughtry at Treasure Island Resort & Casino in Welch, Oct. 15
Gordon Lightfoot at the Historic State Theatre, Oct. 16
Cabaret (Touring) at the Historic Orpheum Theatre, Oct. 18-23
Brand New at the Roy Wilkins Auditorium at St. Paul RiverCentre, Oct. 23
Ben Rector at the Historic State Theatre, Oct. 23
Steve Vai: Passion & Warfare 25th Anniversary Tour at the Ames Center in Burnsville, Oct. 23
Dylan Moran at the Pantages Theatre in Minneapolis, Oct. 24
Widespread Panic at the Historic Orpheum Theatre, Oct. 25
Joan Biaz at the Historic State Theatre, Oct. 26
Love Jones The Musical with Musiq Soulchild at the Historic Orpheum Theatre, Oct. 26
Pentatonix: The World Tour at the Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul, Oct. 26
Need To Breathe presents Tour De Compadres at Roy Wilkins Auditorium at St. Paul RiverCentre, Oct. 27
David Sedaris at the Historic State Theatre, Oct. 28
The Band Perry at Mystic Lake Casino Hotel in Prior Lake, Oct. 29
Rick Springfield & Richard Marx at the Historic State Theatre in Minneapolis, Oct. 30
Culture Club at Treasure Island Resort & Casino in Welch, Nov. 4
Four Bitchin' Babes - Hormonal Imbalance v2.5 at the Ames Center in Burnsville, Nov. 5
Keith Urban at the Target Center in Minneapolis, Nov. 5
Masters of Illusion - Live! at Mystic Lake Casino Hotel in Prior Lake, Nov. 5
Steve Earle & the Dukes at the Pantages Theatre, Nov. 5
Tickets available through Eventful or Ticketmaster.
Central Minnesota
Oct. 7-31 (Fridays & Saturdays), Glenwood
Pope County Fright Nights Indoor Haunted House
This premier haunted house is a true scare for all ages (with the warmth of being indoors)! Central Square. 320-805-0142, 320-634-3636
Oct. 8, Nisswa
Gull Lake Oktoberfest & Golftoberfest
Enjoy free shuttle service to restaurants and pubs located around Gull Lake including Ernie's on Gull, Zorbaz, Cowboys, Grand View Lodge, Jake's Gull Lake, Bar Harbor Supper Club, and Gull Dam Brewing. This event runs in conjunction with the 6th Annual Golftoberfest at Grand View Lodge featuring live music and dancing under a heated tent, as well as access to fire pits, a bar and great food. 218-963-2620, 218-963-2234
Oct. 8, Sauk Centre
Pumpkin Fun Days
The annual Pumpkin Fun Days is a family-friendly event with farm animals, pick-your-own pumpkins, farm tours, train rides, corn maze, games and contests. Tutti Fruitti Kitchen & Farm Market. 320-352-2059, 320-352-5201
Oct. 14-29 (Fridays & Saturdays), Brainerd
Hidden Hollows: Haunted Corn Maze & Haunted House
Don't miss Central Minnesota's largest haunted attraction, Hidden Hollows! Paul Bunyan Land. 218-764-2524
Oct. 15, Brainerd
Fall Arts and Craft Festival
The Fall Arts and Craft Festival features quality handmade items by more than 150 artists and crafters. Brainerd Senior High School. 218-454-6926
Oct. 21-23, Deerwood
Oktoberfest at Ruttger's
The 31st Annual Oktoberfest starts with a Friday night Harvest Buffet Dinner Show. Saturday's highlights include an Arts & Crafts Fair with 150 indoor and outdoor booths, live music, children's activities, Narren of New Ulm, the tapping of the kegs, bingo, and an Oktoberfest Dinner Buffet. Ruttger's Bay Lake Lodge. 218-678-2885
Oct. 21-29 (Fridays and Saturdays), Sauk Centre
Monster Manor
Get your frights on at the 33rd Monster Manor with new scares every year and no need to wait in line in the cold, there is an indoor heated waiting area. 320-352-6121, 855-444-SAUK
Northwest Minnesota
Sept. 24 - Oct. 29 (Saturdays), Park Rapids
Pumpkin Party at Carter's Red Wagon Farm
Each Saturday of the fall features Robin Hood-themed wagon rides, a 6.5-acre corn maze, pumpkin picking in the pumpkin patch, miniature golf, pumpkin propeller, giant pumpkin boat rides, giant slide, cow "milking," straw bale maze, games, duck races, face painting, and Nerf Wars! Carter's Red Wagon Farm. 218-732-4979
Sept. 30 - Oct. 10 (Fridays, Saturdays & Columbus Day), Warroad
Country Corn Maze
Country Corn Maze presents their 2016 "Road Trip!" corn maze! In addition to this eight-acre corn maze, enjoy farm animals, hayrides, pumpkins and fall decorations, giant popcorn balls, an obstacle course, giant slingshot, Octoball games for groups, a covered Corn Pit for the little ones, mini-bale mountain, and more! 218-469-3390
Oct. 8, Crookston
Cornstalk Jamboree
Cornstalk Jamboree highlights include live entertainment, games for the kids, pony rides, craft and antique sales, scarecrows throughout town, and great produce at the last farmers market of the season. 218-281-4320
Oct. 8, Williams
Williams Potato Day
Williams Potato Day festival includes a parade, potato cook-off, entertainment program, queen coronation, chili cook-off and dinner. Also enjoy live music at the Williams Bar and Grill that night. 218-783-3271
Oct. 8, Bemidji
Opera at the Bemidji Theater
Enjoy the splendor of opera performances via film screening. This month’s performance is “Norma Liceu,” originally performed and filmed at Barcelona Gran Teatre del Liceu. Bemidji Theater. 218-755-8942
Oct. 15, East Grand Forks
Art & Wine Walk
This annual adult event is held in the downtown areas of Grand Forks and East Grand Forks. Stop by the Empire Arts Center between 1 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. to purchase your map then hit participating downtown businesses that are hosting a regional or local artist and enjoy a sample of wine. At 5 p.m., bring your map to the Wrap Up Party at the Empire Arts Center and turn it in for a chance at one of the many prize bags to be given away. 701-746-0444
Oct. 15, Moorhead
Fargo-Moorhead VegFest
The Fargo Moorhead VegFest is for everyone, from omnivores to vegans, with great speakers, vegan cooking demos, exhibitor sales and samples, celebrities, and free saw bags to the first 1000 attendees. Admission is free. Moorhead Center Mall. 218-233-6117
Oct. 21-23, Bemidji
First City of Arts: Studio Cruise
The First City of Arts: Studio Cruise offers the public a unique opportunity to witness, learn about and discuss the creative process with individual artists in studios nestled in the inspiring beauty of Minnesota's northwoods. In addition, the artists will demonstrate and sell their work directly to the visitor. Studios are within a 45-mile radius of Bemidji. 218-759-0164, 800-458-2223
Northeast Minnesota
Sept. 16 - Oct. 16 (Fridays, Saturdays & Sundays), Duluth
Fall Color Trains
Enjoy the changing colors as you travel to the historic town of Two Harbors. The Fall Color Trains fall colors trips on the North Shore Scenic Railroad were listed by CNN as one of the "Top 5 Fall Color Tours in America." 218-722-1273
Sept. 30 - Oct. 31, Duluth
Haunted Ship Tour
Each year, the William A. Irvin transforms itself into a haunted ship where the ghosts come alive. The haunting of the Irvin is not just a rumor, mysterious sightings have been recorded. Tour the haunted ship, if you dare. Canal Park, adjacent to the Duluth Entertainment Convention Center. 218-722-5573
Oct. 1-16 (Saturdays & Sundays), Rush City
Andersons Rock Creek Relics Corn Maze
Find your way through Andersons Rock Creek Relics giant corn maze, then enjoy three additional mazes, hay rides, barrel train rides, face painting, pumpkin painting, and lots of pumpkins and fall decorations. 320-629-2852, 612-600-8760
Oct. 7-9, Pine City
Highway 61 Film Festival
The 6th Annual Highway 61 Film Festival features an eclectic mix of local, regional and statewide film-making talent. Categories include drama, comedy, action/horror, documentary, animation, Made in Minnesota, and Student Shorts by students in grades K-12. Pine Technical & Community College. 320-322-4040
Oct. 8, Aurora
Pumpkinfest
Enjoy a beautiful autumn day and family friendly fun during Pumpkinfest with the Great Pumpkin 5K Fun Run/Walk, children's games & prizes, the Giant Pumpkin contest, wagon rides, Pumpkin Patch at the Fire Hall, Quilt Show at the Library, Pumpkin Pie contest, delicious lunch, homemade pumpkin pie, and large indoor & outdoor craft sale. Aurora Community Building. 218-229-2614
Oct. 14-15, Pine City
Mystery at the Fur Post
This family-friendly interactive drama takes place after dark, and armed with a candle lantern and a list of suspects, you'll have about two hours to investigate the scene, collect clues, conduct interviews and crack the case. North West Company Fur Post. 320-629-6356
Oct. 14-29 (Fridays and Saturdays), Chisholm
Field of Screams
Discover what lurks in the night during the Field of Screams. Your guide will lead you past scariest scenes and the many ghosts, maniacs, killers, and monsters that await you. Minnesota Discovery Center. 218-966-0115, 218-254-7930
Oct. 15, Sandstone
Dinner at the Lake
Voyageurs National Park turns 41 years old this year, and 411 national park units celebrate their 100th Anniversary! After a wonderful dinner and appetizers in a beautiful lakeside dining hall, enjoy a presentation by Acting Superintendent William Carlson as he shares one of America’s best kept secrets – the nation’s 36th national park, Voyageurs. Audubon Center of the North Woods. 888-404-7743
Oct. 20-23, Grand Marais
Fall Art Family Weekend
Bring the whole family for an inspiring opportunity to learn together. Just some of the course offerings and drop-in activities include Help Yourself to Knitting, Slöjd in the Wood Shop, Hot Diggity Dog: Make Your Own Hot Dogs!, Basic Leatherworking for Kids, Bookbinding Introduction, Kids Knit!, Time for Fika! Swedish Baking for Families, Building the Cigar Box Guitar or Uke, Intro to Printmaking for Kids, and Felting for Kids. Also enjoy lectures, a field trip, dance, and ongoing demonstrations. North House Folk School. 218-387-2737
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