My aunt, who is planning on visiting the Twin Cities Metro this upcoming weekend with her gal pals, recently asked me if there were events happening that they could and should attend.
I knew there were many events this weekend, but I thought it would be fun to choose five that a group or family would enjoy together and write a little listicle for the Daily Planet.
With the Minnesota Educator Academy (MEA) Conference this week, which usually leads to school closures on Thursday and Friday, families can enjoy a longer weekend for Autumn activities.
So, with my aunt’s visit and MEA in mind, I’ve decided to cater a quick list of activities I think are worth checking out.
Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular at the Minnesota Zoo
Open until November 2
Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular is back at the Minnesota Zoo! This year’s event features pumpkins showcasing the wonders of the world and the joys of travel. Purchase your tickets today to enjoy the magic of the season!
Tickets range from $18-24 for adults and $14 -20 for children/65+ adults*. Parking is included. Members receive $2 off general admission tickets (Join today and use your discount immediately!) Extra savings on tickets when you pick a late-night timeslot at 9 or 10 p.m.
By joining in at the Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular, you’re supporting the Minnesota Zoo and its mission to connect people, animals and the natural world to save wildlife.
*All tickets must be purchased online in advance.
Valleyfair: Tricks and Treats/ValleyScare
Open until October 27
During the day: Experience Valleyfair like never before at Tricks and Treats, their family-friendly Halloween event. Celebrate the season with mischievous tricks, tasty treats, and so much more.
Everyone in the family is sure to have a boo-last with our spooky, kooky Halloween activities for kids and adults. Come dressed in your finest Halloween attire for our Halloween costume contest. Plus, they’ve got skeleTONS of delicious seasonal treats, drinks and, of course, candy! If that’s not fang-tastic enough, enjoy your favorite family rides, which deliver the amazing thrills and chills found only at Valleyfair.
At night: You asked for it. And now you’ve got it. But be careful what you wish for. The Twin Cities largest Halloween event promises to unlock more of your deepest, darkest, most dreadful fears.
If that’s not scary enough, their most popular rides will be open at night to deliver the amazing thrills and chills found only at Valleyfair. You just can’t miss ValleyScare, the Twin Cities’ ultimate thing to do for Halloween!
Minneapolis Farmers Market
Open until Halloween
As the largest farmer-managed market in the state, the Minneapolis Farmers Market serves as a community resource, meeting place, tourist draw, and, most importantly, a place to access Minnesota’s greatest selection of fresh produce, plants and locally made products.
I’ve shopped at the market frequently and highly recommend it to anyone who hasn’t visited. There are so many options. Their season of produce selling is almost up, so we suggest you go grab some Autumn goodies while the harvest is still in full swing! Their final day is October 31.
LuceLine Orchard
Open until October 27
LuceLine Orchard is home to nearly 10,000 apple trees and seven locally grown apple varieties. It celebrates the Autumn apple harvest season with family-friendly fun for all ages! U-pick and pre-picked apples, like Honeycrisp and Snow Sweet, are available, along with fall activities such as a corn maze, hayrides, and pumpkin picking. Food and apple fritters can also be found on-site.
Mill City Farmers Market
Open year-round
The Mill City Farmers Market operates outdoors on Saturdays from May to October, next to the Guthrie Theater in Downtown East Minneapolis. It sells food and has craft vendors worth checking out, but don’t just stay in the market! Explore the Mill City Museum and the ruins of the old mill district, walk around the stone arch bridge, and visit the amber box observation decks in the Guthrie!
Extra Halloween Haunt: Scream Town
Open until November 2
As one of the top Halloween Haunted Attractions in the Minneapolis-St. Paul Twin Cities area, this event offers seven large haunted attractions and is located in Chaska, providing a remote feel. Their passionate scarer-actors dedicate year-round efforts to create memorable experiences for guests, and they also host The Abandoned Hayride, a unique Haunted Hayride in Minnesota.
I attended the Hayride last year and found it pretty entertaining! Mostly because all my friends were the ones getting scared (sorry, not sorry, Ellie and Brianna [Kendra wasn’t scared]). The experience coordinators recommend participants be aged 13+, so please keep that in mind. Check their website for all safety recommendations.
There are many events happening throughout the month across the metro and state. We advise everyone to search their local databases to find one that suits them. This list includes suggestions from our editor-in-chief, featuring events he has attended in the past.
