MINNEAPOLIMEDIA PRESENTS | This Weekend in the Twin Cities™: The Exhaustive Twin Cities Weekend Directory (September 25 ~ 27, 2026)

TWIN CITIES, MN (September 25, 2026). The last full weekend of September arrives with the unmistakable signs of a Minnesota autumn trying to establish itself.

Pumpkins are beginning to glow in Apple Valley. Apples are being celebrated in Falcon Heights and Chaska. Jousting continues in Shakopee. Polka bands and pretzels have taken over breweries from Minneapolis to Saint Paul and Maple Grove. Downtown Minneapolis is preparing for a free block party, Target Field is welcoming the Texas Rangers, and several dozen people have apparently concluded that the proper way to spend a Saturday is to build homemade aircraft and launch them over the Mississippi River.

The arts calendar is equally full. The Minnesota Orchestra opens its classical season with Stravinsky. The Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra joins Abel Selaocoe in music that crosses cultural and geographic boundaries. Samuel Beckett’s endlessly waiting men remain at the Guthrie. Mizna’s 20th Twin Cities Arab Film Festival concludes with two films that approach memory, family, queerness, Gaza and the distance between home and elsewhere.

Outside the two central cities, the weekend expands in every direction. Coon Rapids revives a Lions Club tradition. Apple Valley celebrates the completion of Kelley Park. Roseville centers Dakota and Ojibwe culture at the Wild Rice Festival. Maple Grove stages its Oktoberfest. Ham Lake, Anoka, Shakopee, Afton, Hudson, Mound and other communities provide options for residents who would prefer not to spend the weekend circling a downtown parking ramp.

This is not a weekend that requires doing everything. It rewards choosing well.

A family with young children may be perfectly happy spending Saturday at the Wild Rice Festival and Sunday among pumpkins. Someone who prefers music can move between Dakota’s free block party and one of the weekend’s major concerts. Film audiences can build much of Sunday around the Walker Art Center. People who simply want apples, coffee and a long walk can visit a farmers market and ignore the rest of us.

What follows is MinneapoliMedia’s verified, visitor-centered directory for September 25 through 27, including weather intelligence, admission information, accessibility notes, transportation guidance and honest observations about the experiences awaiting readers across the Twin Cities and surrounding communities.

THE WEEKEND WEATHER DESK

Alert status

At the time of this directory’s final verification, no National Weather Service severe-weather watch, warning or advisory was identified for the immediate Twin Cities weekend, and no current Minnesota Pollution Control Agency air-quality alert was found for the metropolitan area.

That is not the same as saying the weather will be dry.

The National Weather Service expects Saturday to bring the weekend’s best chance of showers across Minnesota and western Wisconsin. Its Minneapolis forecast places the chance of Saturday rain at approximately 50 percent, with increasing clouds, a high near 64 degrees and southeast wind around 10 mph. Showers may continue Saturday night, accompanied by areas of fog.

Sunday is expected to remain mostly cloudy, with patchy morning fog and a high near 67 degrees. Friday should be mostly cloudy but comparatively mild, with a high near 70 degrees.

Official alert conditions can change after publication. Readers should check the National Weather Service Twin Cities office and the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency’s air-quality page before leaving home.

What the forecast means for visitors

Saturday is not necessarily a stay-home day, but it is not a good day to leave rain preparation in the car.

Red Bull Flugtag takes place beside the Mississippi River, where open viewing areas provide limited protection. The Dakota Block Party occupies Nicollet Mall. Maple Grove Oktoberfest, Coon Rapids Lions Day in the Park, the Wild Rice Festival and several art festivals also depend heavily on outdoor space.

A light rain jacket will be more practical than a large umbrella in crowded viewing areas. Waterproof footwear matters at Sever’s, the Renaissance Festival, Anoka County Farms and other attractions with grass, gravel or agricultural terrain. The polished decision to wear decorative fall shoes can become a muddy negotiation by midafternoon.

Visitors using wheelchairs, walkers or strollers should call ahead when attending farm attractions. A venue may be generally accessible while wet ground, temporary cables, grass or gravel make particular sections difficult to navigate.

Events offering substantial indoor protection

If Saturday’s rain becomes persistent, the strongest indoor alternatives include:

• Minnesota Orchestra at Orchestra Hall
• The Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra at the Ordway
• Waiting for Godot at the Guthrie Theater
• Twin Cities Arab Film Festival screenings
• The Science Museum of Minnesota
• Twin City Cat Fanciers’ show at RiverCentre
• The Anoka Fall Craft and Gift Show
• The Walker Art Center
• Museums and permanent cultural attractions

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 25

Friday offers the weekend’s easiest weather and the most manageable crowds. It is the evening for people who want the weekend experience without immediately entering Saturday’s competition among baseball, homemade aircraft, street festivals, concerts and rain clouds.

Cocktails at the Castle

The American Swedish Institute’s Turnblad Mansion already looks like a building that knows secrets. Cocktails at the Castle leans into that atmosphere with music, drinks, art, crafts and late-night access to one of Minneapolis’ most distinctive cultural properties.

This is not a quiet museum evening in which visitors whisper politely beside display cases. It is a social takeover built around the mansion, exhibitions and communal spaces.

When: Friday evening. Ticketed entry periods begin before the primary nighttime program.

Where: American Swedish Institute, 2600 Park Avenue, Minneapolis, MN 55407.

Admission: Ticket required.

Age: 21 and older. Bring government-issued identification.

What costs extra: Drinks, food and specialty purchases unless explicitly included with the selected ticket.

Accessibility: ASI provides accessible entrances and elevators. Visitors seeking particular accommodations should contact the museum before arriving.

Parking and transit: On-site parking is limited. Additional street and neighborhood parking is available, but visitors must observe posted restrictions. Metro Transit routes serve Park and Portland avenues.

Information: American Swedish Institute

Minnesota Orchestra Opens Its Season with Stravinsky’s Firebird

There are season openings that simply mark a date on an institutional calendar, and there are programs constructed to announce that the orchestra has returned.

Stravinsky’s Firebird belongs to the second category.

Music Director Thomas Søndergård leads the Minnesota Orchestra in a work of orchestral color, movement and dramatic transformation. It is a concert for established classical audiences, but it is also a reasonable entry point for listeners who want to understand why a full orchestra remains capable of creating sounds no speaker system can reproduce.

When: Friday at 8 p.m.; repeated Saturday at 8 p.m.

Where: Orchestra Hall, 1111 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis, MN 55403.

Admission: Ticketed. Prices depend on seating location and availability.

Age and family fit: Best for older children, teenagers and adults who can remain seated through a full concert.

Accessibility: Accessible seating, assistive-listening equipment and other accommodations are available. Request services through the box office.

Parking and transit: Paid downtown ramps and lots are available. Nicollet Mall bus service and nearby light-rail stations provide alternatives to driving.

Information: Minnesota Orchestra

Minnesota Twins vs. Texas Rangers

September baseball carries a different emotional temperature. Every inning feels connected to the standings, the approaching end of the regular season and the awareness that warm nights at Target Field are becoming scarce.

The Twins open a three-game home series against the Texas Rangers on Friday.

When: Friday at 7:10 p.m.; the series continues Saturday and Sunday.

Where: Target Field, 1 Twins Way, Minneapolis, MN 55403.

Admission: Ticketed. Prices change according to demand, seating location and authorized resale inventory.

Visitor notes: Target Field uses mobile ticketing. Review the current bag, food, beverage and reentry policies before arriving.

Transit: The Blue and Green light-rail lines and Northstar commuter rail serve Target Field Station. Transit will be especially valuable Saturday, when the baseball crowd overlaps with Flugtag and the Dakota Block Party.

Accessibility: Accessible seating, elevators and guest services are available. Purchase appropriate seating through the Twins.

Information: Minnesota Twins

Twin Cities Arab Film Festival

Mizna’s Twin Cities Arab Film Festival is not simply a collection of movies placed together because their filmmakers come from the same broad region.

Its value lies in the differences among those films.

The program makes room for narrative cinema, documentary, experimental work, comedy, memory, political history, domestic relationships and artistic traditions that are too often compressed into a single public idea of “Arab film.”

The 2026 festival marks its 20th edition. Its anniversary program, “Looking Forward, Looking Back,” considers the history of Southwest Asian and North African filmmaking while asking what archives can offer beyond nostalgia.

When: Screenings and programs continue Friday through Sunday. Times vary.

Primary venue: The Main Cinema, 115 SE Main Street, Minneapolis, MN 55414.

Closing-day venue: Walker Art Center, 725 Vineland Place, Minneapolis, MN 55403.

Admission: Individual tickets and festival passes are available.

Important ticket warning: A festival pass does not guarantee a seat. Passholders must reserve individual screening vouchers.

Language: Films are shown in their original languages with English subtitles when needed.

Accessibility: Contact The Main Cinema or Walker Art Center about mobility, seating, captioning and other accommodations for the selected program.

Information: Twin Cities Arab Film Festival and Mizna

Waldmann’s Anniversary Oktoberfest

Waldmann Brewery stages Oktoberfest in a property that does not need artificial old-world scenery. The brewery occupies one of Saint Paul’s oldest surviving commercial buildings, which makes the music, German food and historical setting feel less like a temporary theme and more like an extension of the place itself.

The weekend includes live music, German dancers, food, beer, competitions and family programming.

When: Friday through Sunday, beginning at noon daily. Friday and Saturday continue into the evening; Sunday has shorter family-day hours.

Where: Waldmann Brewery, 445 Smith Avenue North, Saint Paul, MN 55102.

Admission: Announced prices are $10 for adults and $3 for guests ages 12 through 20. Visitors younger than 21 receive free admission Sunday. Confirm final pricing before departure.

Age: The event welcomes families, although alcohol service is restricted to adults 21 and older.

Food and drink: Separate purchases.

Weather: Some activities use outdoor or tented areas. Check for Saturday adjustments.

Information: Waldmann Brewery

Utepils Oktoberfest Finale

Utepils closes its Oktoberfest season with German-style beer, food, music and biergarten activity.

This is a better choice for visitors who want Oktoberfest atmosphere without committing to a full day or driving far outside Minneapolis.

When: Friday beginning at 4 p.m. Confirm music and closing times through the brewery.

Where: Utepils Brewing, 225 Thomas Avenue North, Suite 700, Minneapolis, MN 55405.

Admission: Consult the brewery’s event listing. Food, drinks and specialty activities cost extra.

Age: Families may attend during permitted hours. Alcohol service requires identification and a minimum age of 21.

Weather: The biergarten is outdoors. Friday should offer the weekend’s better conditions.

Information: Utepils Brewing

Museum Nights at the Science Museum of Minnesota

Museum Nights offers an indoor Friday option for people who would like to begin the weekend with dinosaurs, experiments, river science and the realization that they have spent considerably more time than expected trying an interactive exhibit intended for children.

When: Friday beginning at 5 p.m.

Where: Science Museum of Minnesota, 120 West Kellogg Boulevard, Saint Paul, MN 55102.

Admission: Museum admission required unless the evening program lists a special rate. Omnitheater tickets may cost extra.

Family fit: Children, adults and mixed-age groups.

Parking: Paid parking is available in the museum ramp.

Transit: Several routes serve downtown Saint Paul and Kellogg Boulevard.

Accessibility: Accessible entrances, elevators, restrooms and visitor services are available.

Information: Science Museum of Minnesota

Trout Unlimited Free Movie Night

Saint Paul Parks and Recreation lists a free movie night at Harriet Island Pavilion.

An outdoor movie beside the river can be a lovely way to spend a mild September evening, provided everyone has remembered that a blanket placed on damp ground eventually becomes a cold scientific experiment.

When: Friday at 8 p.m.

Where: Harriet Island Pavilion, 200 Dr. Justus Ohage Boulevard, Saint Paul, MN 55107.

Admission: Free.

What to bring: Portable seating or a blanket, layered clothing and insect protection.

Weather: Check the city’s event page for cancellation or relocation information.

Accessibility: Paved access and accessible facilities are available around the pavilion.

Information: Saint Paul fall events

Stillwater Homecoming Community Celebration

Stillwater Area Public Schools opens its homecoming celebration to families and community members from across the district.

School homecomings are among the few community events at which graduates, current students, parents and people who have not entered the building in years can all feel that the evening belongs partly to them.

When: Friday. Consult the school district for the pregame celebration and game schedule.

Where: Stillwater Area High School, 5701 Stillwater Boulevard North, Oak Park Heights, MN 55082.

Admission: The community celebration is advertised as free and family-friendly. Athletic-event tickets may be separate.

Parking: School parking and event traffic will be busy. Arrive early and follow district traffic directions.

Accessibility: Contact the school about accessible parking and stadium seating.

Information: Stillwater Area Schools Homecoming

Live Music in Richfield

Richfield’s VFW hosts local band The Wingmen on Friday evening.

Not every worthwhile weekend event requires an arena, complicated parking strategy or ticket queue. Neighborhood music rooms remain places where audiences can hear familiar songs, meet friends and still get home without spending 40 minutes leaving a ramp.

When: Friday from 6 to 9 p.m.

Where: Fred Babcock VFW Post 5555, 6715 Lake Shore Drive South, Richfield, MN 55423.

Admission and age: Confirm with the venue. Alcohol service is limited to adults 21 and older.

Information: Visit Richfield

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 26

Saturday contains more appealing events than any sensible person can attend.

The practical decision is not which event is best in the abstract. It is which combination fits the weather, travel distance, budget, children’s patience and the amount of time everyone is willing to spend looking for parking.

Red Bull Flugtag Minneapolis

Red Bull Flugtag is built around a gloriously irrational proposition: spend weeks or months constructing a human-powered aircraft, decorate it with great confidence, perform in costume before thousands of spectators, and then send the entire project from a ramp toward the Mississippi River.

Some machines may briefly fly. Most will demonstrate gravity.

Teams are evaluated for flight distance, creativity and showmanship. The combination turns an engineering competition into public theater.

When: Saturday. The official event time is noon. Arrive considerably earlier for entry and viewing space.

Where: Bohemian Flats Park, 2150 West River Parkway, Minneapolis, MN 55454.

Admission: Free. Advance RSVP is available.

Family fit: All ages, but families should expect large crowds, amplified sound, long periods of standing and obstructed views for small children.

Weather: Saturday showers are possible. Check the official page before traveling. A rain jacket is preferable to a large umbrella in a packed viewing area.

Parking and transit: Nearby parking will be extremely limited. Follow Red Bull’s transportation map and temporary access instructions. Do not assume normal park entrances or curb access will remain available.

Accessibility: Contact the organizer for accessible viewing and drop-off information.

Information and RSVP: Red Bull Flugtag Minneapolis

Dakota Block Party

After drawing more than 10,000 people to its 2025 anniversary celebration, Dakota returns to Nicollet Mall with a larger free block party.

More than a dozen musical acts, food, drinks, a makers market and children’s activities transform the area outside the venue into a downtown festival.

Dakota has spent decades demonstrating that jazz is not a museum object. The block party broadens that idea, connecting jazz, R&B, soul and other musical traditions to an audience that can encounter the music without buying a club ticket.

When: Saturday from approximately 2 to 10 p.m. Some official partner listings extend the closing time to 10:30 p.m.

Where: Dakota and Nicollet Mall near 1010 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis, MN 55403.

Admission: Free.

Family fit: All ages. The Treble Makers area provides family activities. Afternoon hours will generally be easier for families than the crowded evening period.

Food and drink: Separate purchases. Alcohol requires identification.

Weather: Outdoor event. Check Dakota for rain adjustments.

Transit: Nicollet Mall is served by numerous bus routes. Light-rail stations are within walking distance.

Accessibility: The block party uses paved streets and sidewalks, although crowd density may make navigation slower.

Information: Dakota Block Party

Lions Day in the Park in Coon Rapids

The Coon Rapids Lions Club is reviving its annual fall outing at Lions Coon Creek Park.

The gathering includes games, demonstrations, children’s activities, safety information and community booths. Visitors who complete the booth activity can earn a free lunch. Organizers will also accept nonperishable food donations for ACBC Food Shelf.

This is exactly the kind of suburban community event that can disappear beneath the publicity surrounding major downtown festivals. It asks less of visitors, costs less and gives residents an opportunity to meet organizations serving their own community.

When: Saturday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Where: Lions Coon Creek Park, 11861 Hanson Boulevard NW, Coon Rapids, MN 55448.

Admission: Free.

Community contribution: Nonperishable food donations are requested for ACBC Food Shelf.

Family fit: Designed for families and neighborhood residents.

Weather: Outdoor event. Monitor the city and Lions Club pages Saturday morning.

Accessibility: The park includes paved access, but individual activities may use grass.

Organizer notice: The event is submitted by the Coon Rapids Lions Club and is not sponsored by the City of Coon Rapids.

Information: City of Coon Rapids event listing

Maple Grove Oktoberfest

Maple Grove’s Oktoberfest offers polka music, food, drinks and family activities without charging visitors simply to enter the park.

The event includes the Rod Cerar Orchestra, seasonal beverages and vendors. It works for families who want autumn atmosphere but are not prepared to turn the day into a major financial expedition.

When: Saturday from noon to 5 p.m.

Where: Central Park of Maple Grove, 12000 Central Park Way, Maple Grove, MN 55369.

Admission: Free.

Food and drinks: Separate purchases.

Age: All ages. Alcohol requires identification and a minimum age of 21.

Parking: Use designated Central Park and surrounding public parking. Closest spaces will fill first.

Weather: Outdoor. Check for rain-related changes.

Accessibility: Central Park provides paved routes and accessible facilities.

Information: Maple Grove Oktoberfest

Wild Rice Festival in Roseville

The Wild Rice Festival celebrates manoomin, the fall season and Dakota and Ojibwe culture through demonstrations, Indigenous games, nature activities and community learning.

This event deserves more than being categorized as generic “family fun.” Wild rice carries ecological, cultural and legal meaning. A festival built around it offers families an opportunity to engage with Minnesota history and Indigenous knowledge through something more immediate than a textbook paragraph.

When: Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Where: Harriet Alexander Nature Center, 2520 Dale Street North, Roseville, MN 55113.

Admission: Free.

Family fit: All ages. Particularly valuable for families interested in nature, Indigenous culture and hands-on learning.

Weather: Indoor and outdoor elements. Wear shoes suitable for wet trails.

Accessibility: Contact the nature center regarding individual trail conditions and accessible programming.

Information: City of Roseville Wild Rice Festival

Gibbs Farm Apple Festival

Apples become a route into local history at Gibbs Farm, where the annual festival includes orchard activities, apple samples, historic-site tours, crafts, nature programming, music and seasonal treats.

The setting provides a quieter alternative to larger commercial fall festivals. Children can learn something, adults can enjoy the historic property and nobody has to pretend that standing in a two-hour attraction line is an essential autumn ritual.

When: Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Where: Gibbs Farm, 2097 Larpenteur Avenue West, Falcon Heights, MN 55113.

Admission: $10 for adults; $7 for seniors 62 and older; $5 for children ages 4 through 16; free for children 3 and younger.

Weather: Some activities are outdoors.

Accessibility: Contact the Ramsey County Historical Society regarding access to historic structures and uneven portions of the property.

Information: Gibbs Farm and Ramsey County Historical Society

Kelley Park Grand Opening Festival

Apple Valley celebrates the completion of Kelley Park’s renovation with live music, food trucks and activities.

A park reopening may sound like a municipal ribbon-cutting until families begin using the playground, lawn and gathering areas. Then it becomes a public test of whether the city built a place people actually want to inhabit.

When: Saturday from noon to 7:30 p.m.

Where: Kelley Park, 6855 Fortino Street, Apple Valley, MN 55124.

Admission: Free.

Food: Food-truck purchases cost extra.

Family fit: All ages.

Weather: Outdoor event. The city has previously moved concerts when weather required it, so check Apple Valley’s updates Saturday.

Accessibility: The renovated park is intended to provide modern public access. Contact the city about specific accommodations.

Information: City of Apple Valley

Marydale Festival

Marydale Festival provides Saint Paul’s North End with a neighborhood-scale celebration in Marydale Park.

Large regional events attract visitors, but neighborhood festivals strengthen the quieter relationships that make a city livable. They create a place where families can encounter community organizations, local performers and one another without an elaborate itinerary.

When: Saturday from noon to 5 p.m.

Where: Marydale Park, 542 Maryland Avenue West, Saint Paul, MN 55117.

Admission: Free unless an individual vendor or activity charges separately.

Family fit: All ages.

Weather: Outdoor. Check Saint Paul Parks and Recreation for updates.

Information: Saint Paul fall events

Twin City Cat Fanciers 93rd Annual CFA Cat Show

More than 100 cats from the United States and Canada are expected to compete under nationally accredited Cat Fanciers’ Association judges.

Visitors who believe all cats are simply “the fluffy kind,” “the orange kind” and “the one that ignores me” will discover that organized cat competition has an extensive vocabulary and a remarkably serious following.

When: Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sunday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Where: Saint Paul RiverCentre, 175 West Kellogg Boulevard, Saint Paul, MN 55102.

Admission: Ticketed. Confirm current adult, child and family prices with RiverCentre or the organizer.

Family fit: Families and cat enthusiasts. Children should remain supervised around animals and judging areas.

Pet rule: Do not bring a personal pet unless specifically authorized.

Parking and transit: Paid downtown ramps and Metro Transit service are available.

Accessibility: RiverCentre provides accessible entrances, restrooms and circulation routes.

Information: Saint Paul RiverCentre

Light the Night at Harriet Island

The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s Light the Night gathering brings patients, survivors, families, supporters and remembrance groups together beside the river.

It is a public event, but not casual entertainment. Visitors should respect the emotional meaning it holds for participants carrying names, memories and hopes into the evening.

When: Saturday. Consult the official registration page for check-in, ceremony and walk times.

Where: Harriet Island, 200 Dr. Justus Ohage Boulevard, Saint Paul, MN 55107.

Admission: Registration and fundraising conditions vary.

Family fit: All ages, with serious themes involving cancer, survivorship and remembrance.

Accessibility: Principal gathering areas use paved riverfront routes. Confirm the final course and accommodation options.

Weather: Outdoor. Prepare for rain and cooler evening conditions.

Information: Saint Paul large public events

Anoka Fall Craft and Gift Show

The Fall Craft and Gift Show brings seasonal merchandise, handmade goods and gift vendors to Anoka Ice Arena.

This is an indoor shopping event rather than a full community festival, making it useful for visitors seeking a rain-resistant North Metro option.

When: Friday through Sunday. Hours vary by day.

Where: Anoka Ice Arena, 4111 Seventh Avenue, Anoka, MN 55303.

Admission: Advertised as free. Online registration may still be offered.

Family fit: All ages, although the emphasis is shopping.

Accessibility: Paved entrance and indoor circulation. Contact the arena for specific needs.

Information: Event registration

Fall Festivities at Anoka County Farms

Anoka County Farms provides pumpkins and fall activities in Ham Lake without requiring North Metro families to drive to Shakopee.

The tradeoff is straightforward. It is smaller than the region’s destination festivals, but smaller can mean easier parking, shorter walks and less negotiation over how many additional attractions a family can afford.

When: Saturday and Sunday. Confirm daily hours through the farm.

Where: Anoka County Farms, 125 Bunker Lake Boulevard NE, Ham Lake, MN 55304.

Admission: Costs vary by activity and purchase.

Weather: Farm terrain. Wear closed-toe shoes and expect mud after rain.

Accessibility: Contact the farm about surface conditions and access to individual activities.

Information: Confirm through Anoka County Farms’ current event page before departure.

Minnesota Twins vs. Texas Rangers

When: Saturday afternoon. Confirm the final first-pitch time on the Twins’ official schedule.

Where: Target Field, 1 Twins Way, Minneapolis, MN 55403.

Admission: Ticketed with dynamic pricing.

Critical planning note: The game overlaps with Flugtag and the Dakota Block Party. This is not the Saturday to assume that a preferred downtown parking ramp will have space five minutes before the event.

Information: Minnesota Twins

Minnesota Orchestra: Firebird

When: Saturday at 8 p.m.

Where: Orchestra Hall, 1111 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis, MN 55403.

Admission: Ticketed.

Why choose Saturday: This is one of the weekend’s strongest indoor evening choices after an afternoon at Flugtag or the Dakota Block Party.

Information: Minnesota Orchestra

Waiting for Godot at the Guthrie

Samuel Beckett’s Vladimir and Estragon wait for someone who does not arrive, pass the time, reconsider leaving, remain where they are and somehow turn repetition into one of modern theater’s most enduring examinations of hope and uncertainty.

Anyone who has waited for a late friend, a delayed train or a contractor who promised to arrive “sometime between noon and five” already understands at least part of the premise.

When: Friday at 7:30 p.m.; Saturday at 1 and 7:30 p.m.; Sunday at 1 and 7 p.m.

Where: Wurtele Thrust Stage, Guthrie Theater, 818 South Second Street, Minneapolis, MN 55415.

Admission: Approximately $27 to $91, including handling fees. Discounts may be available for seniors, students, children and groups.

Running time: Approximately two hours and 20 minutes, including intermission.

Age: Review the Guthrie’s official recommendation before bringing younger children.

Accessibility: Accessible seating, assistive-listening equipment and other services are available.

Parking and transit: Paid Guthrie and neighborhood ramps are available. U.S. Bank Stadium Station is within walking distance.

Information: Guthrie Theater

Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra: Koh (Where Rivers Merge) with Abel Selaocoe

Cellist, singer and composer Abel Selaocoe joins the SPCO in a program that moves between classical performance and South African musical traditions.

The title, Koh, means “where rivers merge,” an appropriate description for music that refuses to behave as though cultural traditions must occupy separate rooms.

When: Friday at 11 a.m.; Saturday at 7 p.m.; Sunday at 2 p.m.

Where: Ordway Concert Hall, 345 Washington Street, Saint Paul, MN 55102.

Admission: Ticketed. Prices vary. Eligible adults ages 18 through 39 may join Club2030 for access to $15 tickets, subject to availability.

Family fit: Best for attentive older children, teenagers and adults.

Accessibility: Accessible seating, assistive-listening equipment and accommodations are available through the Ordway and SPCO.

Information: Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra

Teddy Swims: The UGLY Tour

Teddy Swims brings his UGLY Tour to Saint Paul with Freak Freely and Mac Ayres.

When: Saturday evening. Confirm door and performance times on the ticket.

Where: Grand Casino Arena, 199 West Kellogg Boulevard, Saint Paul, MN 55102.

Admission: Ticketed. Prices vary by seat and authorized resale availability.

Parking: Downtown ramps will be busy because RiverCentre and other nearby venues are also active.

Accessibility: Purchase accessible seats through the authorized seller.

Information: Grand Casino Arena

Rockin’ Hollywoods in Richfield

For visitors seeking dance music on a neighborhood scale, the Rockin’ Hollywoods perform Saturday evening in Richfield.

When: Saturday from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m.

Where: Confirm the current venue through Visit Richfield’s official calendar.

Admission and age: Confirm with the presenter.

Information: Visit Richfield

MAJOR FALL DESTINATIONS OPEN SATURDAY AND SUNDAY

Minnesota Renaissance Festival: Art Affair Weekend

Art Affair weekend places additional attention on artisans, demonstrations and creative work across the Renaissance Festival grounds.

The festival remains a place where a visitor can begin the day watching a blacksmith, encounter a queen before lunch, eat something enormous from a stick and eventually accept being addressed as “my lord” by a stranger selling leather goods.

When: Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Rain or shine.

Where: Minnesota Renaissance Festival, 12364 Chestnut Boulevard, Shakopee, MN 55379.

Admission: Gate prices are $29.95 for adults, $27.95 for seniors 65 and older, and $19.95 for children ages 5 through 12. Children 4 and younger are free. Advance prices may be lower, but taxes and fees apply.

Parking warning: A separate parking pass is required for on-site parking. Admission does not include parking.

Family fit: All ages, although some comedy, performances and beverage areas may be more appropriate for adults.

Weather and terrain: The festival operates on natural surfaces. Rain can create mud and difficult stroller or wheelchair conditions.

Accessibility: Review the official accessibility guide before visiting.

Information: Minnesota Renaissance Festival and ticket information

Sever’s Fall Festival

Sever’s is not built around one corn maze and a refreshment stand. It contains more than 30 attractions, including jumping pillows, corn pits, obstacle courses, pig races, animal areas, zip lines, entertainment and extensive play spaces.

Families should decide their spending limits before children discover the optional premium attractions.

When: Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Where: 3121 150th Street West, Shakopee, MN 55379.

Admission: Ticket required. Prices vary by ticket or pass. Children 3 and younger do not require admission tickets.

Time commitment: Many families spend three to four hours, although a full day is possible.

Additional costs: Food and selected premium activities. Some attractions accept cash only. An ATM is available.

Weather: Agricultural terrain can become muddy.

Accessibility: Contact Sever’s regarding mobility needs and current surface conditions.

Information: Sever’s Fall Festival

Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular

Thousands of carved pumpkins illuminate the Minnesota Zoo’s nighttime trail, turning the woods into an outdoor gallery.

The attraction works because it is not merely a line of ordinary jack-o’-lanterns. Carvers use pumpkins as sculptural surfaces, creating portraits, scenes and illuminated installations that become more impressive as the sky darkens.

When: The 2026 season opens Friday and continues through the weekend. Timed evening reservations are required.

Where: Minnesota Zoo, 13000 Zoo Boulevard, Apple Valley, MN 55124.

Admission: Separate timed ticket required. Prices vary by date, time, age and membership.

Family fit: Most sessions welcome families. Review the calendar because selected adult-only nights may be scheduled.

Walking: This is an outdoor trail experience. Wear comfortable shoes and arrive during the assigned entry period.

Weather: Ordinary rain may not automatically cancel the event. Check the zoo’s same-day status.

Accessibility: Contact the zoo regarding mobility devices, sensory concerns and trail conditions.

Information: Minnesota Zoo

Afton Art in the Park

Afton’s river-town setting gives its two-day fine-arts festival a natural advantage. Visitors can browse artists and makers without feeling enclosed inside a convention hall.

When: Saturday and Sunday. Sunday hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; confirm Saturday’s closing time through the organizer.

Where: Afton Town Square Park, 3418 St. Croix Trail South, Afton, MN 55001.

Admission: Free.

Parking: Use designated festival parking and observe neighborhood restrictions.

Weather: Outdoor. Saturday visitors should prepare for showers.

Accessibility: The principal park area is accessible, although grass and weather may affect movement.

Information: Consult the Afton Area Business Association’s official calendar.

Spirit of the St. Croix Art Festival

Across the river in Hudson, the Spirit of the St. Croix Art Festival gathers more than 80 juried artists with food and live entertainment along the waterfront.

It is technically in Wisconsin, but its location makes it a reasonable Twin Cities day trip. Rivers have never shown much interest in state marketing boundaries.

When: Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Where: Lakefront Park, 505 First Street, Hudson, WI 54016.

Admission: Free.

Restrictions: Organizers have indicated that bicycles and pets are not allowed within the central festival area. Confirm current rules.

Weather: Rain or shine. Prepare for wet grass Saturday.

Information: Check the Hudson Area Chamber’s official festival listing.

Waldmann Oktoberfest

Waldmann’s anniversary Oktoberfest continues Saturday and Sunday.

Saturday: Best for the full music, dance and competition atmosphere.

Sunday: Better for families, with free admission for visitors under 21 and a shorter schedule.

Where: 445 Smith Avenue North, Saint Paul, MN 55102.

Information: Waldmann Brewery

Our Lady of the Lake Incredible Festival

The Incredible Festival brings food, entertainment, games and community gathering to Mound.

When: Friday through Sunday. Saturday runs from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Confirm Friday and Sunday hours through the festival.

Where: Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church, 2385 Commerce Boulevard, Mound, MN 55364.

Admission: General access and individual activity prices vary.

Family fit: Broad community audience. Evening entertainment and alcohol areas may carry separate rules.

Weather: Some activities are outside.

Information: Incredible Festival

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 27

Sunday’s best schedule is less crowded and more deliberate. It is the day for farmers markets, the Walker’s film program, the Arboretum, cultural festivals and a final baseball game.

Twin Cities Arab Film Festival Closing Day at Walker Art Center

Mizna closes its 20th festival with two films that approach memory from different directions.

One returns to footage of Gaza recorded more than two decades ago. The other transforms conversations between a Moroccan mother and her queer daughter into animation. Together, they demonstrate why Arab cinema cannot be confined to a single visual language or political expectation.

With Hasan in Gaza

Kamal Aljafari began recording MiniDV footage in Gaza in 2001 while searching for a man he had known during imprisonment in the first Palestinian Intifada.

When he revisited the tapes years later, he discovered a record of streets, landscapes and ordinary encounters from a Gaza that has been irreversibly changed.

When: Sunday at 3 p.m.

Running time: 106 minutes.

Language: Arabic with English subtitles.

Content notice: Images of war and violence.

Closing reception

When: Sunday at 5 p.m.

Where: Walker Art Center lobby.

Bouchra

Meriem Bennani and Orian Barki’s feature follows a 35-year-old queer Moroccan filmmaker in New York as she navigates creative frustration and her long-distance relationship with her mother, Aicha, in Casablanca.

The characters appear as anthropomorphized animals, but the emotional material comes from Bennani’s real conversations with her mother.

When: Sunday at 7 p.m.

Running time: 85 minutes.

Language: English, Arabic and French with English subtitles.

Post-screening discussion: Bennani and Barki will participate remotely.

Content notice: Depictions of sexual intimacy.

Venue for both films: Walker Cinema, Walker Art Center, 725 Vineland Place, Minneapolis, MN 55403.

Admission: $15 general admission; $12 for Walker members, students and seniors.

Accessibility: Contact Walker Visitor Services at 612-375-7564 or access@walkerart.org.

Information: Walker Art Center

Halloween Costume and Decorations Swap in Coon Rapids

Coon Rapids residents can exchange reusable Halloween costumes and decorations instead of buying everything new.

It is a modest event with a practical idea: children outgrow costumes quickly, decorations survive longer than trends, and somebody else may be delighted by the item sitting unused in a storage box.

When: Sunday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Where: Coon Rapids Civic Center, 11155 Robinson Drive NW, Coon Rapids, MN 55433.

Admission: Consult the city listing for participation and item requirements.

What to bring: Only clean, usable costumes and decorations that comply with organizer rules.

Accessibility: The Civic Center provides paved access and accessible facilities.

Information: Coon Rapids events calendar

Minnesota Landscape Arboretum AppleFest

AppleFest celebrates Minnesota orchards and fall traditions within the Arboretum’s gardens and grounds.

This is the choice for visitors who want seasonal activity without carnival noise. The experience can be as organized or as simple as the group prefers: attend programs, explore displays or walk until someone announces that lunch has become urgent.

When: Sunday beginning at 10 a.m. Confirm the closing time through the Arboretum.

Where: Minnesota Landscape Arboretum, 3675 Arboretum Drive, Chaska, MN 55318.

Admission: Included with general Arboretum admission. Current listings place nonmember admission at approximately $20 to $25, with members and children 15 and younger admitted free. Confirm when reserving.

Reservation: Advance admission reservations may be required.

Accessibility: Accessible parking, buildings and selected garden routes are available.

Weather: Outdoor walking remains central to the visit. Morning fog may be present.

Information: Minnesota Landscape Arboretum

Czech and Slovak Festival

The annual Czech and Slovak Festival celebrates dance, kroj clothing, food, pastries, beer, music and community tradition.

The pastries alone have a following, but the festival’s deeper value is the intergenerational work of preserving traditions through performance, cooking, dress and language.

When: Sunday beginning at 11 a.m.

Where: C.S.P.S. Hall, 383 West Michigan Street, Saint Paul, MN 55102.

Admission: Confirm through Czech and Slovak Sokol Minnesota. Food, beverages and merchandise are separate purchases.

Family fit: All ages.

Accessibility: Contact Sokol Minnesota regarding access to spaces inside the historic hall.

Parking: Neighborhood parking is limited. Observe posted restrictions.

Information: Czech and Slovak Sokol Minnesota

Minnesota Twins vs. Texas Rangers

The Twins complete their weekend series against the Rangers.

When: Sunday afternoon. Confirm the final first-pitch time through the official schedule.

Where: Target Field, 1 Twins Way, Minneapolis, MN 55403.

Admission: Ticketed with dynamic pricing.

Transit: Blue Line, Green Line and Northstar service connect to Target Field Station.

Information: Minnesota Twins

Johnny Blue Skies and the Dark Clouds

Johnny Blue Skies and the Dark Clouds bring their tour to Saint Paul.

When: Sunday evening.

Where: Grand Casino Arena, 199 West Kellogg Boulevard, Saint Paul, MN 55102.

Admission: Ticketed. Prices depend on seat location and availability.

Accessibility: Accessible seating must be selected through the authorized ticket platform.

Parking and transit: Downtown ramps and Metro Transit are available.

Information: Grand Casino Arena

EsDeeKid: Council House Rat Tour

When: Sunday at 7 p.m. Doors may open earlier.

Where: Uptown Theater, 2900 Hennepin Avenue, Minneapolis, MN 55408.

Admission: Ticketed.

Age: Confirm through the venue.

Parking: Use neighborhood ramps, lots or legal street parking. Read signs carefully.

Information: Uptown Theater

FARMERS MARKETS AND SLOWER WEEKEND OPTIONS

Not everyone wants to spend the weekend moving from one programmed experience to another. Farmers markets offer a less demanding alternative, although they still require enough discipline not to arrive for vegetables and leave carrying pastries, flowers, hot sauce and an object described as “small-batch.”

Minneapolis Farmers Market

When: Saturday and Sunday, generally 6 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Where: 312 East Lyndale Avenue North, Minneapolis, MN 55405.

Admission: Free. Purchases cost extra.

Accessibility: Paved market aisles, though crowds are greatest during midmorning.

Information: Minneapolis Farmers Market

Saint Paul Farmers’ Market

When: Saturday and Sunday mornings.

Where: 290 Fifth Street East, Saint Paul, MN 55101.

Admission: Free.

Transit: Served by downtown Saint Paul bus routes and near the Green Line.

Information: Saint Paul Farmers’ Market

Kingfield Farmers Market

When: Sunday from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Where: 4055 Nicollet Avenue, Minneapolis, MN 55409.

Admission: Free.

Information: Neighborhood Roots

Linden Hills Farmers Market

When: Sunday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Where: Near Settergren’s, 2813 West 43rd Street, Minneapolis, MN 55410.

Admission: Free.

Information: Linden Hills Farmers Market

Markets on Main

What: An outdoor market featuring vintage vendors, florists, artists and makers.

When: Sunday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Where: Riverplace, 1 SE Main Street, Minneapolis, MN 55414.

Admission: Free.

Weather: Check for morning fog or weather changes.

MINNEAPOLIMEDIA EDITOR’S PICKS

Best major free spectacle

Red Bull Flugtag

Choose Flugtag if the group can tolerate crowds, outdoor weather and limited close views. Arrive early. The aircraft may fly briefly, but the parking search should not take longer than the engineering project.

Best free music experience

Dakota Block Party

The depth of the lineup, Nicollet Mall location, family programming and free admission make Dakota one of the weekend’s strongest values.

Best North Metro community event

Coon Rapids Lions Day in the Park

It is local, free, family-focused and connected to community organizations and ACBC Food Shelf.

Best cultural and educational family event

Wild Rice Festival

The combination of Dakota and Ojibwe culture, environmental learning and no admission charge gives the festival substance beyond ordinary seasonal entertainment.

Best serious film program

Twin Cities Arab Film Festival Closing Day

With Hasan in Gaza, Bouchra, the reception and conversations create a closing program with artistic, historical and emotional depth.

Best classical music choice

This is genuinely difficult.

Choose the Minnesota Orchestra for orchestral scale and Stravinsky’s theatrical color. Choose the SPCO with Abel Selaocoe for intimacy, cultural convergence and a program that questions conventional musical borders.

Best traditional fall expedition

Choose the Minnesota Renaissance Festival for costumes, artisans and performance.

Choose Sever’s for children who want continuous physical activity.

Choose the Arboretum for adults and families who prefer gardens, apples and a quieter pace.

Choose Anoka County Farms if the goal is a more manageable North Metro outing.

Best rainy-day choices

• Minnesota Orchestra
• Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra
• Guthrie Theater
• Twin City Cat Fanciers’ show
• Science Museum of Minnesota
• Twin Cities Arab Film Festival
• Anoka Fall Craft and Gift Show
• Walker Art Center

BUILDING A WEEKEND THAT ACTUALLY WORKS

Minneapolis Saturday

Attend Flugtag around midday, move downtown for the Dakota Block Party and finish with Orchestra Hall, the Guthrie or another ticketed evening performance.

This itinerary works best with transit, a bicycle plan or one carefully selected parking location. It works badly if the group intends to drive directly to the entrance of every event.

Saint Paul and Roseville Saturday

Begin at Gibbs Farm or the Wild Rice Festival, continue to the cat show at RiverCentre and finish with the SPCO or Teddy Swims.

Gibbs Farm and the Wild Rice Festival are close enough to form a realistic pairing. Trying to add Shakopee afterward would turn a pleasant day into a regional transportation study.

North Metro Saturday

Start with Lions Day in the Park in Coon Rapids, continue to the Anoka craft show or Anoka County Farms and finish with a local meal.

Maple Grove Oktoberfest is another option, but adding it should depend on weather, traffic and the group’s interest in more driving.

South Metro family Saturday

Choose Kelley Park, the Minnesota Zoo, Sever’s or the Renaissance Festival as the principal destination.

The Renaissance Festival and Sever’s are both substantial outings. Attempting to cover both on the same day is possible only if the group’s favorite fall tradition is leaving attractions before anyone is ready.

Sunday arts itinerary

Visit a farmers market in the morning. Attend With Hasan in Gaza at 3 p.m. Remain at the Walker for the 5 p.m. reception, then see Bouchra at 7 p.m.

This is the weekend’s most coherent full-day arts itinerary.

WEEKEND BY BUDGET

Free or primarily free

• Red Bull Flugtag
• Dakota Block Party
• Lions Day in the Park
• Maple Grove Oktoberfest
• Wild Rice Festival
• Kelley Park Grand Opening
• Marydale Festival
• Afton Art in the Park
• Spirit of the St. Croix Art Festival
• Coon Rapids Halloween Costume and Decorations Swap
• Farmers markets
• Anoka Fall Craft and Gift Show

“Free admission” does not include food, alcohol, merchandise, optional activities, transportation or parking unless an organizer explicitly says otherwise.

Moderate-cost experiences

• Gibbs Farm Apple Festival
• Waldmann Oktoberfest
• Twin Cities Arab Film Festival
• Walker closing-day screenings
• Twin City Cat Fanciers’ show
• Minnesota Landscape Arboretum AppleFest

Higher or variable-cost outings

• Minnesota Renaissance Festival
• Sever’s Fall Festival
• Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular
• Minnesota Twins games
• Minnesota Orchestra
• Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra
• Guthrie Theater
• Arena and club concerts

Dynamic prices and service fees can materially change the final cost. Always proceed far enough through the authorized checkout process to see the full total before committing.

VISITOR INTELLIGENCE

Before leaving home:

• Recheck the organizer’s page for cancellation, postponement or relocation.
• Review National Weather Service alerts.
• Confirm air quality through MPCA or AirNow.
• Reserve timed-entry attractions before driving.
• Confirm whether tickets remain available.
• Check age restrictions and content notices.
• Read bag and identification policies.
• Purchase Renaissance Festival parking in advance.
• Reserve individual Arab Film Festival seats even when using a pass.
• Bring rain protection Saturday.
• Wear practical shoes at farms and outdoor festivals.
• Allow additional time near Target Field, Bohemian Flats, Nicollet Mall and downtown Saint Paul.
• Use official Metro Transit schedules and fares.
• Contact the venue directly when accessibility information is incomplete.
• Bring ear protection for children or sound-sensitive visitors attending amplified outdoor events.
• Keep a reliable indoor alternative ready if Saturday’s rain becomes persistent.

THE WEEKEND TAKEAWAY

This weekend demonstrates what the Twin Cities does particularly well when its calendar is allowed to stretch beyond downtown landmarks.

The largest events will receive the photographs and traffic reports. Flugtag will send homemade aircraft toward the river. Dakota will fill Nicollet Mall with music. Target Field and the arenas will draw thousands.

But the weekend also depends on smaller acts of community imagination.

A Coon Rapids service club is bringing back a fall gathering and collecting food. Apple Valley is reopening a public park. Roseville is creating space for Dakota and Ojibwe knowledge. Mizna is marking two decades of showing audiences that Arab cinema contains far more than the narrow images ordinarily permitted into American public life. Families will exchange used Halloween costumes rather than discarding them. Historic organizations will preserve food, dance, language and music by practicing those traditions in public.

That variety is the real directory.

A weekend in the Twin Cities is not one event, one downtown or one definition of entertainment. It can be an orchestra, an apple orchard, a film from Gaza, a polka band, a baseball game, a cat show, a farmers market or a homemade aircraft traveling several glorious feet before meeting the Mississippi River.

Choose what fits your people. Check the weather. Wear sensible shoes. Leave enough time to enjoy where you are before rushing toward whatever comes next.

STAY CONNECTED

Follow MinneapoliMedia for verified weekend events, community reporting, arts coverage and consequential developments from Minneapolis, Saint Paul, the North Metro and communities across Minnesota.
❤️ SUPPORT MINNEAPOLIMEDIA

---

STAY CONNECTED TO MINNEAPOLIMEDIA

Local stories matter. Subscribe free to MinneapoliMedia and receive independent news, community reporting and important updates from Minneapolis, the North Metro and communities across Minnesota.

SUBSCRIBE FREE: https://minneapolimedia.town.news/subscribe

MinneapoliMedia | Community. Culture. Civic Life