Event highlights this week include:
Oct. 26, Owatonna Trick or Treat Trail
Oct. 26, Wayzata Wayzata's Boo Blast & Boo Bash Dash
Oct. 26, Glenwood Powderfinger: A Tribute to Music of Neil Young
Oct. 26, Walker That 70s Gala
Oct. 26, Grand Rapids Grand Women's Day
Southern Minnesota
Sept. 6 - Oct. 26, Wabasha SeptOberfest Attend the annual SeptOberfest celebration and check out artistic displays of thousands of pumpkins, cornstalks, flowers, straw bales and gourds among the natural beauty of the winding Mississippi River, vibrant trees and majestic bluffs. Also enjoy pumpkin races, scarecrow contests, live entertainment, glorious food, largest pumpkins, free concerts, carriage rides and much more. And don't miss the five Fall Seasonal Boutiques filled with treasures! Sites and venues throughout Wabasha. 651-565-4158
Oct. 11 - Nov. 2 (Fridays & Saturdays), Zumbrota Fright at the Farm Visit southern Minnesota's most horrifying haunted attraction, with over 10,000 square feet of indoor haunts and haunted outdoor paths. This walk-through experience features live actors. On Blackout Fridays, all lights will be turned off in the mazes. You will only have an LED candle to light your way, and actors will startle and disorient you inside the mazes. Willow's Keep Farm. 507-491-2639
Oct. 17, 20, 24 & 31, Pine Island The Haunted Olde Pine Theatre The stage lights go out after the performance and then the paranormal activity begins. Explore the Olde Pine Theatre in the dark. This is a haunted attraction with live actors that will startle and scare you as you navigate an authentic 1950's theatre. Be prepared to be terrified! Olde Pine Theatre. 507-491-2639
Oct. 19 & 26, Preston Fall in Forestville Fall at Historic Forestville, when the background bluffs are filled with colorful leaves, is one of the most beautiful times of the year to visit. Visitors will enjoy a guided tour, as well as hands-on demonstrations including Apple Cider Making with an 1800s-era cider press on Oct. 19, and Apple Butter Making using 19th-century methods on Oct. 26. Historic Forestville. 507-765-2785
Oct. 19-20 & 26-27, Waseca Sinister Forest Hidden up on a hill, overlooking Clear Lake, lies Maplewood Forest. Its deteriorated old buildings are remnants of a time forgotten with a treacherous history. Try to walk the archaic paths through the dark forest without waking the evil that lives within the shadows of the trees. Not recommended for children. Maplewood Park. 507-833-9281
Oct. 25, 26 & 31, Redwood Falls The Francois Haunted Hotel It's nearly time to check into The Francois Haunted Hotel! Explore the subterranean hotel basement that survived the great fire of 1903 with new scares, twists, turns and plenty of monsters out to get you! On Oct. 26, the hotel will be open to guests from 3:00 pm to 4:00 pm for no scare tours and from 4:00 pm to 5:00 pm for low scare tours, as well as games, activities, treats and a costume parade. Downtown Redwood Falls. 507-637-2828
Oct. 26, Owatonna Trick or Treat Trail Enjoy several Halloween events geared towards children during the 6th Annual Trick or Treat Trail. Visit local businesses along the trail for treats, games, a photo shoot and crafts, play with the cute animals in the petting zoo, take a ride on the kiddie train ride and find spooky treasures in the scavenger hunt. The Woof or Treat Trail will be back so dress up your furry friends and travel a separate trail, with treats and goodies just for them. Enter your pooch into the costume contest and win a great prize! There will also be bounce houses and free hot chocolate. Steele County Fairgrounds. 507-451-7970
Nov. 1-2, New Ulm Minnesota Music Hall of Fame Induction & Showcase The Minnesota Music Hall Of Fame will host their annual Induction Ceremony & Banquet on Friday evening, Nov. 1. This gala dress-up evening includes an elegant white linen dinner, entertainment and Induction Ceremony. Please note that no tickets will be sold at the door—all tickets must be purchased online. On Saturday, Nov. 2, don't miss the free showcase of inductees from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m., with live entertainment, refreshments and a chance to meet the inductees! Turner Hall. 507-354-7305
Nov. 2-3, Mankato Natural Healing & Psychic Expo The premier Natural Healing & Psychic Expo features roughly 40 exhibitors ranging from intuitive readers, integrated healing practitioners, natural beauty and nutritional product suppliers, and merchants selling jewelry, crystals, herbs, music, books and other products to bring holistic healing into your life. Also enjoy great workshops and speakers for a fee. Courtyard by Marriott Event Center. 507-340-6809
Nov. 7-9, Madison Norsefest The annual Norsefest celebration includes a lutefisk supper, lutefisk-eating contest, outhouse races, a Super Raffle and Scandinavian Arts and Crafts Show. Prairie Arts Center. 320-598-7301
Minneapolis-St. Paul Area
Sept. 13 - Nov. 3 (Fridays through Sundays), Shakopee Sever's Fall Festival and Corn Maze Experience the largest corn maze in the state with dozens of other attractions, activities and vendors at the new Shakopee location! Immerse yourself in Sever's Jurassic Adventure and look for six pictures of "Paleontologist Sever." Mark your map with where you found him and enter your answers on Sever's website for a chance to $500 at the end of the season. Sever's Fall Festival grounds. 952-270-6293
Sept. 21 - Oct. 31, Lino Lakes Waldoch Farm Fall Fun Pumpkin Patch & Corn Maze Waldoch Farm is a great fall destination for family-oriented activities. Highlights include the Corn Maze, Pumpkin Patch and Maze Area featuring the corn box, teen/adult pedal carts, youth pedal carts, pedal trikes, obstacle course, playhouses, tug-o-war, Pumpkin Castle, swings and wooden play sets, the Mini Maze, Farm Dig sand box, toddler straw maze, farm animals at the Joyer Barnyard and much more. Hay rides to the pumpkin patch are complimentary. Waldoch Farm Garden Center. 651-780-1207
Oct. 1 - Nov. 2, Roseville Haunted Basement The Haunted Basement is literally in a basement, and it's deliciously moist. Expect strong smells, physical contact and projectile liquids. You may get very messy, you may have to crawl, and you may find yourself in a confined space with something horrible. If necessary, just say "Uncle." Rosedale Shopping Center. 612-444-2191
Oct. 1 - Nov. 3, Apple Valley Jack-o-Lantern Spectacular Don't miss the 2nd Annual Jack-o-Lantern Spectacular, part pumpkin patch, part art installation. Wind your way through more than 5,000 glowing carved pumpkins and get lost in the magic. Let the area's best pumpkin artists take you on a journey around the world. This night-time event is enchanting for all ages. Minnesota Zoo. 952-431-9200; 952-431-9500
Oct. 4 - Nov. 2, Cottage Grove The Haunting Experience on 61 With a legacy of terror of over 30 years, The Haunting Experience on Highway 61 is the premiere go-to for Halloween scares in the Twin Cities. Hop on the fan-favorite hayride attraction and brave the journey past ghoul-filled cornfields and forests. If you’re feeling brave, enter one of the oldest, longest and scariest haunted houses around! Also enjoy concessions, a beer tent and live music on Friday and Saturday nights. Located in between Cottage Grove and Hastings on the northbound side of historic Highway 61. 651-459-3001
Oct. 12-27 (Saturdays and Sundays), Brooklyn Park Twin Cities Harvest Festival For a true autumn experience, wind your way through Minnesota's largest corn maze at Twins Cities Harvest Festival and Maze. In addition to the legendary corn maze, families and friends can enjoy the straw bale maze, petting zoo, inflatables, pumpkin patch, hayrides, giant slide and corn pit where kids can dive into a pool of corn kernels. Fair foods and drinks will be available, such as mini donuts, cider and hot chocolate, and live music will be played throughout the grounds. Twin Cities Corn Maze. 952-992-9326
Oct. 18-27 (Fridays through Sundays), Shakopee Trail of Terror The largest Halloween attraction in the Midwest, Trail of Terror includes more than 15 attractions, including the heated, indoor Maze of Mayhem, Cadaver Carnival, the Wicked Woods Walk and 5 Halls of Horror. New this year are the Bozo Bash and Killer Clown Bow & Arrow Attack, along with special events such as costume contests. Minnesota Renaissance Festival grounds. 952-445-7361
Oct. 25-26, Chanhassen Wild Angels - The Women of Rock, Pop & Country Wild Angels will perform songs by Janis Joplin, Stevie Nicks, Adele, The Dixie Chicks, Miranda Lambert, Heart, Shania Twain, Pat Benatar, Bonnie Raitt, Carrie Underwood and many other popular female artists. This show includes many of the players from the "Rumours and Dreams - The Music of Fleetwood Mac" tribute band. Chanhassen Fireside Theatre. 952-934-1525
Oct. 25-27, St. Paul Artability Art Show and Sale The 25th Annual Artability Art Show and Sale is a public celebration of the creativity and contributions of people living with mental illnesses to our community. Artists sell their work at the show and receive 80% of the profits, with the remaining 20% going back to support the Artability program. Writers also contribute their creative work to an anthology available for sale at the show. The Show Gallery in St. Paul's Lowertown. 651-774-0011
Oct. 26, Minneapolis Uptown Halloween 2019 Attend the best Halloween Party in Uptown with an amazing dance party and costume contest for ages 21 and up! Urban Eatery at the Calhoun Beach Club. 612-466-0483
Oct. 26, Wayzata Wayzata's Boo Blast & Boo Bash Dash Celebrate Halloween in Wayzata and trick-or-treat at retail shops all around town during Wayzata’s Boo Blast. Families can enjoy in-store activities, spooky specials and goodies for the little ones. During the Boo Bash Dash, choose from a certified 10K, a 5K or competitive Lake Street Mile Fun Run. Don’t forget to wear your costume! Downtown Wayzata. 952-473-9595
Oct. 26, Stillwater Halloween Masquerade Ball 2019 Scary fun awaits you at the Zephyr Theatre Halloween Masquerade Ball. This annual theatre fundraiser features a full night of music, entertainment, Haunted History Trolley Tours, great food and cocktails, costume contests and other surprises! The Zephyr Theatre. 651-342-1542
Oct. 26-27, Hopkins Twin Cities Bead Bazaar The Twin Cities Bead Bazaar, a semi-annual gathering of artists, crafters, jewelry designers and stone lovers, features dozens of local and nationally-known vendors offering semi-precious gemstones, beads, kits and patterns, and finished jewelry. Show highlights include an appearance by social media influencer and jewelry designer Candie Cooper, author of multiple books on jewelry-related crafts. Attendees have the opportunity to participate in numerous Make & Take projects and classes. There is something for all levels of ability! Eisenhower Community Center. 612-298-7371
Oct. 27, St. Paul The Great Pumpkin Halloween Festival The Great Pumpkin festival delivers all things Halloween with live entertainment, music, art projects, a costume parade, treats and more! Landmark Center. 651-292-3225
Oct. 27 - Nov. 3, Chanhassen Joyann Parker presents The Music of Patsy Cline This powerful 90-minute stage performance features Joyann Parker and her seasoned band showcasing the most popular and best-loved of Patsy's songs. Enjoy a nostalgic trip back in time as Joyann beautifully weaves the stories of Patsy's life and career in and out of the music you know and love. Hear Patsy's iconic songs like "Crazy," "Walking After Midnight," "Sweet Dreams," "Faded Love," "Three Cigarettes in an Ashtray," "She's Got You" and many more! Chanhassen Fireside Theatre. 952-934-1525
Nov. 1, Minneapolis Franco Escamilla Musician, comedian and standup performer Franco Escamilla is well known as “El Diablo” (The Devil) or “El Amo del Sarcasmo” (The Master of Sarcasm) for his YouTube videos of sarcastic jokes and dark humor. His artistic career includes sold out shows in venues as important as the “Auditorio Nacional” in Mexico and the “Microsoft Theatre" in Los Angeles, CA. His stop in Minneapolis is part a tour of Mexico and the USA, as well as Latin America, Europe and Asia! Historic State Theatre. 612-339-7007
Nov. 1, Minneapolis The Music of Randy Travis A special evening celebrating the career and music of Hall of Fame singer Randy Travis with special guest vocalist James Dupre and the Randy Travis Band. Featuring a special guest appearance by Randy Travis! Historic Orpheum Theatre. 612-339-7007
Nov. 1-2, Chanhassen Pink Floyd: Dark Side of the Moon & Other Floydian Tales Jonny James and the Hall Of Fames return to celebrate Pink Floyd in a spooky, psychedelic evening of killer guitars and crazy synths. Floyd fans will absolutely love this premier tribute! Chanhassen Fireside Theatre. 952-934-1525
Nov. 2, Bloomington Nature Arts & Crafts Fair Get your holiday shopping done, then take a relaxing walk through the Three Rivers Park District. A dozen vendors will be selling jewelry, felted artwork, paintings, natural beauty products, homemade jams and jellies, local maple syrup, honey and more, with some proceeds donated to the VEAP Food Shelf. Richardson Nature Center at Hyland Park Reserve. 763-694-7676
Nov. 2, Minneapolis Minneapolis Brewery Bus Tour Explore the past and present of the brewing industry in Minneapolis on a guided bus tour. The bus will stop at three local breweries that craft a variety of beers: Surly, Indeed (housed in a historic industrial building in Northeast), and Freehouse (located in a rehabbed building in the city's Warehouse district). Samples are included. Mill City Museum. 612-341-7555; 612-341-7582
Nov. 2, Maple Grove Home Improvement & Design Expo Explore up to 150 exhibitors featuring the latest products, services and information to help turn your dream home into a reality. Maple Grove Community Center. 952-238-1700
Nov. 2, Scandia Annie's Swedish Coffee Parties Annie, Gammelgården’s oldest resident, is the inspiration behind the traditional Swedish 3-course Coffee Party. Afterwards, visit the Butik gift shop to find wonderful Scandinavian gifts, and tour the museum's five historic buildings. Gammelgarden Museum. 651-433-5053
Upcoming Twin Cities' concerts and performances include: Russian Ballet Theatre Presents Swan Lake at the Historic State Theatre in Minneapolis, Oct. 24 Boz Scaggs at Treasure Island Resort & Casino in Welch, Oct. 25 Warren Miller Films - Timeless at the Historic State Theatre, Oct. 25-26 A Day to Remember at The Armory in Minneapolis, Oct. 27 Sesame Street Live! Make Your Magic at the Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul, Oct. 27 Chance the Rapper: The Big Day at the Xcel Energy Center, Oct. 29 Rezz at The Armory, Oct. 31 Alessia Cara at Mystic Lake Casino Hotel in Prior Lake, Nov. 1 Celine Dion at Target Center in Minneapolis, Nov. 1 Randy Travis at the Historic Orpheum Theatre in Minneapolis, Nov. 1 Hanson at Mystic Lake Casino Hotel, Nov. 8 Cat & Nat at the Pantages Theatre in Minneapolis, Nov. 9 Chris D'Elia at the Historic State Theatre, Nov. 9 Trisha Yearwood at the Historic Orpheum Theatre, Nov. 9 Theresa Caputo at Mystic Lake Casino Hotel, Nov. 10 The Beach Boys at Treasure Island Resort & Casino, Nov. 15 The Brian Setzer Orchestra at the Historic State Theatre, Nov. 15 Maren Morris: The World Tour at The Armory, Nov. 16 World of Dance at the Historic State Theatre, Nov. 16 The Phantom of the Opera (Touring) at the Historic Orpheum Theatre, Nov. 20 - Dec. 1 Chris Janson at Treasure Island Resort & Casino, Nov. 23 Rodrigo y Gabriela at the Historic State Theatre, Nov. 24 Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer - The Musical (Touring) at Ames Center in Burnsville, Nov. 26-27 Tickets are available through Hennepin Theatre Trust and Ticketmaster
Central Minnesota
Oct. 11-26 (Fridays and Saturdays), Brainerd Hidden Hollows: Haunted Corn Maze & Haunted House Travel through the Haunted Corn Maze and Haunted House very carefully or you may get lost inside forever. Hidden Hollows is considered to be central Minnesota's largest haunted attraction. Paul Bunyan Land. 218-764-2524
Oct. 18-26 (Fridays & Saturdays), Sauk Centre Monster Manor Get your frights at Monster Manor with new scares this year. No need to wait in line outside in the cold since there is an indoor heated waiting area! Stearns County Fairgrounds. 320-248-5511
Oct. 18-27 (Fridays through Sundays), St. Cloud Alice in Wonderland A modern retelling of the classic tale, Lewis Carroll's trip to Wonderland brings Alice into the 21st century with sharp-edged humor as she traverses the land of the Cheshire Cat, the Mad Hatter, and the blustery Queen of Hearts. Broadway World describes it as "The most hilarious madcap fun!" The Paramount Center for the Arts. 320-259-5463
Oct. 25-26, Alexandria Unwrap your Candy - Stage Play From the author of Quills comes a deliciously macabre collection of four short plays. Alternately chilling and hilarious, Unwrap Your Candy is an evening of bedtime tales for adults guaranteed to keep you awake for nights on end. Fire Pit Productions. 320-815-7664
Oct. 26, Glenwood Powderfinger: A Tribute to Music of Neil Young Celebrate the music of Neil Young with Powderfinger, Minnesota's premier Neil Young Tribute Band. Powderfinger has been performing the music of Neil Young and Crazy Horse for a decade to enthusiastic fans and audiences. Central Square Cultural & Civic Center. 320-634-0400
Nov. 1, Fergus Falls AC4TA Center Series: Triple Espresso Triple Espresso – a highly caffeinated comedy tells the story of three guys whose bid for showbiz fame and fortune ended in four minutes of magnificent failure on national television. A Center for the Arts. 218-736-5453
Nov. 1, Brainerd At The Hop! - Fall Fundraiser for The Legacy Chorale Hop on over to Cragun’s Resort and Hotel on Gull Lake and celebrate the music and dance traditions of the 1950s! Singers, dancers and a Rock ‘n’ Roll band will take you back to the fabulous music of this remarkable era. This jam-packed night will include dinner at The Diner featuring Irma’s Pot Roast and apple crisp, and shopping at the silent auction. Don't forget to dress in your fabulous 50s fashions. The Legacy Chorale supports lifelong music education. Held at "The Sports Centre" at Cragun’s Resort and Hotel on Gull Lake.
Nov. 7-9, Alexandria Shoppers on the Hunt Shoppers on the Hunt will enjoy great deals and store specials throughout downtown Alexandria. And during the Arts & Crafters Tour, discover handmade items of all kinds at nine homes on the tour. Many homes will also offer holiday music, treats and refreshments. 320-763-3161; 320-763-0102
Northwest Minnesota
Oct. 5-26 (Saturdays), Park Rapids Pumpkin Party at Carter's Red Wagon Farm This year's Pumpkin Parties feature a Lewis & Clark corn maze, an interactive wagon ride around the farm, and scenes from Lewis & Clark's journey west! Admission includes two corn mazes, giant hay bale maze, straw bale maze, play barn/silo/tree house, giant slides, Nerf Wars, giant pumpkin boats, interactive wagon ride, crow shoot, corn pit, farm mini golf, duck races, three ImagiNick shows, live bluegrass from "Working It Out," pumpkin carving demos from Master Pumpkin Carver Terry Morris, and lots more. There is a minimal charge for face painting. Concessions, general store items and pumpkins are available for purchase. Visitors may also bring their own food! Carter's Red Wagon Farm. 218-732-4979
Oct. 11 - Nov. 30, Bemidji Bring Her Home: Stolen Daughters of Turtle Island View original artwork by 20 Indigenous artists from across the United States and many tribal nations. Bring Her Home highlights the ongoing epidemic of missing and murdered Indigenous women, sharing the visual stories of the impacted women through paintings, digital work, sculpture and photography. An opening reception will be held Oct. 11. Watermark Art Center. 218-444-7570
Oct. 26, Walker That 70s Gala Enjoy a fabulous evening with gourmet appetizers, games and a silent auction. Come dressed in your favorite 70s disco glam if you can! Entertainment will be provided by Boogie Wonderland, a six-piece Twin Cities based 70s disco dance band. Special room rates and free shuttle service are available at nearby Chase on the Lake. Leech Lake Event Center. 218-616-3383
Oct. 26, Detroit Lakes Detroit Lakes Blocktoberfest Halloween Pub Crawl The Detroit Lakes Blocktoberfest Halloween Pub Crawl includes stops at seven pubs. Get your passport punched at each pub then bring your completed passport to Hub 41 to be entered for a cash prize drawing at 11 p.m. Detroit Lakes pubs. 218-844-5932; 218-844-8488
Nov. 2, Bemidji Awareness through Action and Education Activities In conjunction with the Bring Her Home exhibit, we will have a day of activities designed to increase awareness of the #MMIW (Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women) movement. Activities include a one hour program designed to help children understand what it means to be missing, a curator talk and discussion of the #MMIW movement, and drop-in screen printing on T-shirts. Free admission; donations accepted. Watermark Art Center. 218-444-7570
Nov. 9, Park Rapids Winter Wonderland Craft and Vendor Show The big Winter Wonderland Craft & Vendor Show features dozens of area crafters and vendors selling original artwork and quality products and services. A freewill donation concession stand will be available, with all proceeds going to The Kinship of Park Rapids. Park Rapids Century School. 218-236-6200
Northeast Minnesota
Oct. 18, 19, 25 & 26, Grand Rapids Spooky Timbers A truly spooky and mysterious event with creepy logging camp experiences, music, storytelling and zany trolley rides into the inky shadows of the forest where mythical creatures lurk. If you dare, walk into the foggy mist by the light of lanterns and be prepared for the unexpected. Forest History Center. 218-327-4482
Oct. 25-26, Duluth 21+ Flashlight Tours 21+ Flashlight Tours are back for two days only this fall. First, you will need to be 21 or older to be on the tour. As part of your cost for admission, you will receive a branded Glensheen Flashlight Tour pint glass with… a sippy cup cover. The cover allows you to bring your glass and alcoholic beverage inside the mansion. There is also a cash bar with beer and wine. Guests will enjoy the warmth of a live fire in the newest tour space, the Carriage House Living Room. Inside the mansion, all the lights have been turned off. Each group is accompanied by a guide who will illuminate pieces throughout the house, which allows you to appreciate this rare collection in a new light. Glensheen Mansion. 218-726-8910
Oct. 26, Grand Rapids Grand Women's Day Grand Itasca will be hosting its first Grand Women's Day with a marketplace of vendors, women's health educational sessions, a pallet-painting project, chair massages, food and more. Grand Itasca Clinic & Hospital. 218-999-1016
Nov. 1-2, Duluth Gales of November Celebrate our maritime heritage with numerous speakers, exhibitors, activities, auction items and The Cruise of a Lifetime raffle for a ride on the Great Lakes Fleet Freighter, Edwin H. Gott. Gales of November is the premier fundraising event for the Lake Superior Maritime Visitor Center. DECC. 218-727-2497
Nov. 1-3, Lutsen Bluegrass Masters Weekend The North Shore Music Association presents the 29th Bluegrass Masters Weekend at the beautiful, historic Lutsen Resort. This year's focus is the fiddle, and the workshop instructor is master fiddler Dan Kelly, who has played and toured with Roy Acuff and his Smoky Mountain Boys, Alan Jackson, Clint Black, Faith Hill, Steve Wariner, Lonestar, and now Michael & Jennifer McClain & the Banjocats. In addition to a Saturday evening performance, enjoy jam sessions and workshops. This is a relaxed setting, and a wonderful opportunity to connect with Bluegrass friends. Lutsen Resort. 218-206-8157
Nov. 8-10, Grand Marais Lake Superior Storm Festival Treat yourself to a storm season retreat before the bedlam of the holidays begins. The seventh annual Lake Superior Storm Festival is a celebration of the power and wild beauty of Lake Superior. Highlights include a Storm Into Winter Showcase at Stone Harbor Wilderness Supply, Disney’s The Little Mermaid by The Grand Marais Playhouse, Wave Dash festivities at Lutsen Resort, a Storms, Shipwrecks & Sinkings Presentation at JHP Art Gallery, Gales of November Storm Fest Mystery Dinner at Moguls Grille & Taproom, and a Lakeside Poem & Remembrance Ceremony at Artist Point. Various sites throughout Cook County. 218-387-2524
Nov. 10, Two Harbors Edmund Fitzgerald Memorial Beacon Lighting This annual event commemorates the sinking of the freighter Edmund Fitzgerald and the loss of her 29 crewmembers on November 10, 1975. It is also a time to reflect on the memory of all lives lost in Great Lakes shipwrecks. Split Rock Lighthouse. 218-226-6372
Be sure to visit the Explore Minnesota Events Page to learn of other festivals and events!
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