MINNEAPOLIMEDIA PRESENTS | This Weekend in the Twin Cities™: The Exhaustive Twin Cities Weekend Directory (October 16 ~ 18, 2026)

MINNEAPOLIS, MN (October 16, 2026). Minnesota's MEA school break meets the height of the autumn festival season this weekend, giving Twin Cities residents an unusually wide selection of things to do. Halloween celebrations are taking over parks and community spaces, Saint Paul's Fall Art Crawl is opening studios across the city, and harvest attractions are welcoming families for pumpkin picking, corn mazes and outdoor recreation.

The calendar stretches well beyond Minneapolis and Saint Paul. In Coon Rapids, two free Saturday celebrations offer children trick-or-treating, pumpkins and seasonal activities. Fridley's Springbrook Nature Center will illuminate its trails with more than 1,000 carved pumpkins. Anoka, which has built much of its civic identity around Halloween, will stage its nighttime parade and a Sunday medallion hunt. Brooklyn Center, Brooklyn Park and other suburbs are contributing their own events.

The arts calendar is equally busy. The Saint Paul Art Crawl spans more than 30 venues, the Twin Cities Horror Festival begins its 15th edition, and the Twin Cities Film Fest continues its annual showcase of independent cinema. There are also opportunities to spend little or nothing, including free art exhibitions, community gatherings, outdoor markets and Sunday's Fall Colors Celebration at Lakewood Cemetery.

This edition organizes the weekend by day and activity, with particular attention to admission restrictions, addresses, age suitability and information that readers should confirm before traveling.

Editor's Picks: Where to begin

Best arts weekend: Saint Paul Fall Art Crawl

Friday through Sunday, across more than 30 venues. Free admission to participating art crawl exhibitions, with artists' work available for purchase. The Minnesota Museum of American Art, Schmidt Artist Lofts and Lowertown are particularly useful starting points.

Best evening family outing: Pumpkin Night in the Park

Saturday, 5–9 p.m., Springbrook Nature Center, Fridley. A ticketed trail experience with more than 1,000 illuminated pumpkins and entertainment. Advance ticket arrangements are important.

Pumpkin Night in the Park

Best free community tradition: Anoka Light Up the Night Parade

Saturday, 7–8 p.m., Main Street in Anoka. Illuminated floats, community participation and a bonfire afterward at City Hall.

Halloween Capital of the World®

Best free Sunday gathering: Lakewood Fall Colors Celebration

Sunday, 10 a.m.–2 p.m., Minneapolis. Live music, nature-inspired art, walking opportunities and autumn activities, with no reservation required.

Lakewood Cemetery

Friday, October 16: Art, theater, harvest activities and Halloween

Brooklyn Center Halloween Party and Trick-or-Treat Trail

5:30–7:30 p.m. | Centennial Park, 6301 Shingle Creek Parkway, Brooklyn Center, MN 55430

Brooklyn Center begins the weekend with a family Halloween celebration built around a trick-or-treat trail and dancing at the park amphitheater. Children can follow the decorated trail, collect treats and finish the evening with a special surprise. The city is using timed arrivals to control attendance and keep the experience manageable for families.

Participants can select a 5:30, 5:45, 6 or 6:15 p.m. arrival slot. Tickets are required for people participating in the trick-or-treat activities, but the city does not require tickets from everyone accompanying them.

Admission and registration: $5 for Brooklyn Center residents and $7 for nonresidents. Tickets must be purchased in advance; the city limits sales to 350 tickets. Purchase by calling 763-569-3400, through the city's recreation registration system or at the Brooklyn Center Community Center. Tickets are not transferable, and the city warns against purported Facebook ticket sales.

Accessibility and weather: The event takes place in a park and amphitheater. Visitors needing mobility accommodations should contact recreation staff about the trail surface. For inclement-weather changes, call 763-569-3400 or consult Brooklyn Center Recreation's official updates.

Official information: City of Brooklyn Center Halloween Party.

Brooklyn Center, MN

Saint Paul Fall Art Crawl: Opening Night

Friday evening | Studios, galleries and community venues throughout Saint Paul

The Fall Art Crawl returns as one of the metropolitan area's largest opportunities to meet working artists and explore studios normally closed to casual visitors. More than 30 participating venues are involved this year, offering painting, ceramics, photography, jewelry, fiber art, illustration and other media.

The event is particularly appealing to readers who want an inexpensive evening out. Entry to participating art crawl exhibitions is free, although individual works and refreshments are available for purchase. Hours vary by venue, making advance route planning worthwhile.

axios.com

Three locations offer particularly substantial programs:

Minnesota Museum of American Art: 350 Robert Street N., Saint Paul, MN 55101. Friday 5–8 p.m. More than 30 artists will participate inside the museum. The event continues Saturday 10 a.m.–6 p.m. and Sunday 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Phone: 651-797-2571. Event details.

Visit Saint Paul

Schmidt Artist Lofts and Historic Schmidt Brewhouse: 900 West Seventh Street, Saint Paul. Friday 6–9 p.m.; Saturday noon–7 p.m.; Sunday noon–5 p.m. More than 80 resident and guest artists are expected, along with demonstrations, ceramics studios, children's activities, rooftop art and food vendors. Full Schmidt program.

Visit Saint Paul

Union Depot: 214 4th St E UNIT 120, St Paul, MN 55101, United States. The restored transportation center provides another convenient art crawl destination, particularly for visitors using public transportation. Phone: 651-202-2700. Union Depot information.

Twin Cities Horror Festival XV

Opening performances Friday from 6 p.m. | The Crane Theater, 2303 Kennedy Street NE, Minneapolis

The Twin Cities Horror Festival returns for its 15th season, with programming continuing through October 31. The festival uses live performance rather than a traditional haunted-house format, bringing together horror theater, dance, cabaret and productions that explore suspense, humor and the supernatural.

Individual shows vary considerably in subject matter and intensity. Some may appeal to adventurous older teenagers, while others are designed primarily for adult audiences. Parents should review the content guidance for each production instead of assuming that all Halloween entertainment is family-friendly.

Admission: Ticketed; prices vary by performance. Accessibility: Confirm seating and entry arrangements with the theater before purchasing. Website: Twin Cities Horror Festival.

FOX 9 Minneapolis-St. Paul

Twin Cities Harvest Festival and Maze: MEA Friday Opening

10 a.m.–6 p.m. | 8901 101st Avenue N., Brooklyn Park

The Twin Cities Harvest Festival and Maze is one of the North Metro's major autumn destinations, combining a large corn maze with seasonal attractions and pumpkin-centered family recreation. The festival's 2026 design commemorates the United States' 250th anniversary.

The attraction is usually associated with weekends, but the organizers have specifically added Friday, October 16, to their schedule for MEA break. It also operates Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., making it a flexible choice for families with different schedules.

Admission: Ticketed, with current admission packages and restrictions on the official sales page. Accessibility: Outdoor grounds and corn-maze pathways may have uneven surfaces. Weather: Activities depend on outdoor conditions.

Official tickets and hours: Twin Cities Harvest Festival and Maze.

Twin Cities Harvest Festival & Maze

Anoka County Farms Fall Festivities

4–7 p.m. | 125 Bunker Lake Boulevard NE, Ham Lake

Anoka County Farms provides a more local alternative for North Metro residents seeking a seasonal outing. Visitors can browse pumpkins and enjoy the atmosphere of a working farm during the October harvest period.

A regional event calendar lists Friday afternoon festivities at the farm. However, because the farm's primary organizer schedule and current admission terms were not independently established in this review, readers should confirm the program before traveling.

Admission: The regional listing previously indicated $5 cash; this has not been reconfirmed with the organizer. Age: Family-oriented. Accessibility: Expect farm surfaces. Information: Twin Cities Family October calendar.

twincitiesfamily.com

Children's Theatre Company: Twelve Kinds of Ice

Friday evening | 2400 Third Avenue S., Minneapolis

Families interested in live theater rather than a Halloween outing can consider Twelve Kinds of Ice, a production exploring the seasons and the relationship between a father and daughter. The story provides a reflective alternative to the weekend's more elaborate harvest attractions.

Admission: Ticketed; current prices and age recommendations should be checked with the theater. Accessibility: Contact the box office for accessible seating and accommodations. Website: Children's Theatre Company. The production appears on the October 16 regional events calendar.

twincitiesfamily.com

Additional Friday cultural and family opportunities

The regional October calendar also lists a Halloween story-time canoe paddle on Bde Maka Ska, children's programming at Roseville Library, a Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra concert at Wooddale Church in Eden Prairie, Into the Burrow: A Peter Rabbit Tale at Mixed Blood Theatre, and Beetlejuice Jr. at the Conn Theater. Each offers a different kind of MEA-break activity, although readers should confirm the exact session, admission and age requirements with the organizer.

twincitiesfamily.com

Saturday, October 17: North Metro Halloween, arts and neighborhood celebrations

Saturday is the weekend's busiest day for family Halloween programming. Several events in Anoka County are close enough geographically to combine, but families should allow time for parking, queues and travel rather than assuming that every activity can be completed.

Rocky's Pumpkin Patch: Coon Rapids

10 a.m.–1 p.m. | Sand Creek Athletic Complex, 1008 Northdale Boulevard NW, Coon Rapids, MN 55448

Rocky's Pumpkin Patch returns as a community-centered Halloween event where children can collect treats, participate in activities and meet representatives of organizations serving young people in Coon Rapids. Local athletic associations, clubs, volunteer groups and other organizations use the event to introduce families to activities available throughout the year.

The city and Coon Rapids Community Strength Foundation organize the gathering. Children can receive a free pumpkin while supplies last, with a limit of one pumpkin per child. The North Star Lions Club will sell concessions.

Admission: Free. Age suitability: Particularly appropriate for children and families. Accessibility: Sand Creek has accessible parking and entrances; confirm individual activity access if needed. Weather: Outdoor event. Contact: Coon Rapids City Hall, 763-755-2880; mail@coonrapidsmn.gov.

Official event page: Rocky's Pumpkin Patch.

Coon Rapids, MN - Official Website

Halloween Spooktacular: Riverdale Village, Coon Rapids

1–4 p.m. | Riverdale Village, Coon Rapids

After Rocky's Pumpkin Patch, families can continue their Halloween afternoon at Riverdale Village. The shopping center's Halloween Spooktacular provides another free option, with activities designed for children and opportunities for families to spend time together.

The Coon Rapids community calendar confirms the Saturday afternoon event, which is independently organized rather than a city-operated recreation program.

Admission: Free, according to the published community event information. Age suitability: Children and families. Accessibility: Check individual activity locations within the shopping center. Weather: Confirm outdoor activity changes with the organizer.

Official community calendar: Coon Rapids October events.

Coon Rapids Meetings & Events

Pumpkin Night in the Park: Fridley

5–9 p.m. | Springbrook Nature Center, 100 85th Ave NW, Fridley, MN 55432, United States

Springbrook Nature Center transforms its woodland setting into a Halloween attraction illuminated by more than 1,000 carved pumpkins. Visitors follow the trails through the glowing displays and enjoy entertainment, dancing and food vendors.

Unlike a conventional haunted house, the event is intended as a family-oriented evening experience. Its appeal comes from the number and variety of pumpkin displays and the atmosphere of walking through a nature preserve after dark.

Admission: Ticketed. The previously published admission was $12; check the current official ticket page for the final price and availability. Registration: Advance ticket purchase is required; do not assume gate admission is available. Accessibility: The nature center has accessible visitor facilities, but trail conditions should be checked individually. Weather: Outdoor after-dark event. Wear warm layers and appropriate shoes. Phone: 763-572-3588.

Event confirmation: October 17 event listing.

Pumpkin Night in the Park

Address verification note: Public listings disagree on whether Springbrook's street address uses NE or NW. The current structured venue listing and the October 17 event calendar identify 100 85th Avenue NW. Readers should use the organizer's directions rather than an unverified directional suffix.

Anoka Children's Costume Contest

10 a.m. | Riverfront Memorial Park, 2201 North Second Avenue, Anoka

Anoka's Halloween calendar begins Saturday's family programming with a costume contest for preschool-age children. Homemade and purchased costumes are welcome, giving families a low-cost way to participate in the city's long-running celebration.

Admission: Free. Age suitability: Pre-kindergarten children. Accessibility: Outdoor park; confirm specific judging and gathering areas. Website: Anoka Halloween official schedule.

Halloween Capital of the World®

Anoka Children's Pumpkin Carving Contest

1–2:30 p.m. | Anoka; exact venue to be announced

The children's pumpkin contest offers another afternoon activity before the nighttime parade. The organizer describes a creative activity using natural materials.

Admission: Free. Venue: Official calendar currently lists the location as to be determined. Age suitability: Children. Information: Anoka Halloween.

Halloween Capital of the World®

Anoka Light Up the Night Parade and Bonfire

Parade 7–8 p.m. | Main Street, Anoka

The Light Up the Night Parade brings illuminated floats and community groups through downtown Anoka. With the surrounding streets darkened, decorated entries become the center of attention, offering a distinctive evening spectacle for families and visitors.

The celebration continues afterward with a bonfire at Anoka City Hall, 2015 First Avenue N., from 8–10 p.m. Food will be available for purchase.

Admission: Free for the parade and bonfire. Age suitability: All ages. Accessibility: Ask organizers about accessible viewing and street closures. Parking: Expect downtown congestion and allow additional walking time. Weather: Outdoor evening programming.

Official event calendar: Anoka Halloween.

Halloween Capital of the World®

Saint Paul Art Crawl at Mears Park

Noon–8 p.m. | Mears Park, downtown Saint Paul

Saint Paul's art weekend expands outdoors on Saturday with an artist marketplace in Mears Park. Participating artists can showcase and sell original work, providing another destination for visitors already exploring Lowertown's galleries and studios.

The park event is especially convenient to combine with Union Depot and other downtown art crawl stops. The city confirms the noon–8 p.m. schedule.

Admission: Free to browse. Accessibility: Outdoor park paths; confirm temporary stall arrangements. Weather: Outdoor marketplace. Official source: Saint Paul parks event calendar.

Saint Paul Minnesota

Saint Paul Art Crawl at the Minnesota Museum of American Art

10 a.m.–6 p.m. | 350 Robert Street N., Saint Paul

Saturday is the longest published day of the museum's Fall Art Crawl program. More than 30 artists will display their work, and visitors can talk with participating makers while exploring the museum's exhibition spaces.

This is a particularly useful option for visitors who prefer an indoor cultural activity or who cannot comfortably navigate outdoor festival grounds.

Admission: Free for the art crawl program. Phone: 651-797-2571. Accessibility: Contact the museum for accommodations. Official event: Art Crawl at the M.

Visit Saint Paul

Saint Paul Art Crawl at Schmidt Artist Lofts

Noon–7 p.m. | 900 West Seventh Street, Saint Paul

Saturday provides seven hours to explore the historic brewery complex's participating studios. More than 80 artists and guests are featured, along with live painting, ceramics demonstrations, a children's creative corner and food vendors.

For visitors who want to make a full afternoon of the arts, Schmidt is a substantial destination in its own right rather than simply a quick gallery stop.

Admission: Free. Age suitability: All ages. Accessibility: Check individual studio and rooftop access. Official schedule: Schmidt Fall Art Crawl.

Visit Saint Paul

Twin Cities Horror Festival: Saturday performances

Multiple performances | The Crane Theater, Minneapolis

The horror festival's first full Saturday offers a range of staged productions. Visitors can build an evening around a single performance or consider multiple shows, depending on scheduling and ticket availability.

Admission: Ticketed by production. Age suitability: Content varies, and adult-oriented material is possible. Official program: Twin Cities Horror Festival.

FOX 9 Minneapolis-St. Paul

Zombie Pub Crawl: Northeast Minneapolis

Saturday | Northeast Minneapolis

The Zombie Pub Crawl returns with costumed participants and nightlife programming. This is an adult-oriented event rather than a children's Halloween activity, and readers should check the organizer's route, participating venues, ticket requirements and age restrictions before attending.

Admission and hours: Not established from the available organizer information. Age suitability: Adult nightlife. Source: Axios Twin Cities weekend guide.

axios.com

Other North Metro entertainment

The Twin Cities Gateway calendar identifies additional Saturday entertainment in Fridley, Ham Lake, Ramsey and Anoka, including performances at Crooners Supper Club, live music at Maxx Bar and Grill, and community trivia and bingo offerings. These provide useful options for adults who prefer a neighborhood evening rather than a major downtown event.

Exact start times, ticket requirements and venue-specific accessibility details should be checked with the individual businesses before publication or travel.

tcgateway.com

Sunday, October 18: Fall color, family music, film and the final Art Crawl day

Lakewood Cemetery Fall Colors Celebration

10 a.m.–2 p.m. | 3600 Hennepin Avenue, Minneapolis, MN 55408

Lakewood Cemetery's Fall Colors Celebration offers one of the weekend's most distinctive free community outings. Rather than focusing on Halloween costumes or commercial attractions, the event invites visitors to appreciate the cemetery's landscape, mature trees and autumn colors through music, art and nature-oriented activities.

The celebration is centered at Lakewood's Welcome Center. Guests can enjoy warm apple cider, participate in creative activities and explore the grounds.

The live music program includes Minneapolis musician Taylor James Donskey from 10 a.m. to noon, followed by Kismet Rendezvous from noon to 2 p.m. The event is open to the broader community; visitors do not need a family connection to the cemetery.

Admission: Free; no RSVP required. Age suitability: All ages. Accessibility: The Welcome Center provides an indoor gathering point; ask staff about accessible routes through the grounds. Weather: Check the organizer's instructions for outdoor activity changes. Phone: 612-822-2171.

Official event: Lakewood Fall Colors Celebration.

Lakewood Cemetery

+1

Anoka Halloween Medallion Hunt

Noon–4:30 p.m. | George Green Park, 1498 Sixth Avenue S., Anoka

Anoka's Sunday Halloween activity gives individuals and teams an opportunity to search for the event's hidden medallion. The organizer lists two hunt periods and one cash prize per hunt.

This is a more participatory event than the previous night's parade and may appeal to families who enjoy puzzles, outdoor searching and community competitions.

Admission: $3. Registration: Review official rules, eligibility and hunt times. Age suitability: Individuals and teams; check rules for younger participants. Accessibility: Outdoor park terrain. Official schedule: Anoka Halloween.

Halloween Capital of the World®

Toddler Rave with DJ Lenny Pearce

Sunday; doors at 11:30 a.m. | Saint Paul

Families with very young children have an unusual music option on Sunday: a toddler-focused dance event featuring DJ Lenny Pearce. The event is designed around electronic dance music suitable for a young audience and is scheduled to conclude before the usual afternoon nap period.

Admission: Published tickets start at $48.48, with tickets required for children ages 1 and older. Age suitability: Young children with accompanying adults. Venue and accessibility: Confirm through the event's official ticketing information before traveling.

axios.com

Minnesota Museum of American Art: Final Art Crawl Day

10 a.m.–5 p.m. | 350 Robert Street N., Saint Paul

Sunday is the final day to visit the museum's Fall Art Crawl presentations and meet participating artists. The museum's central downtown location makes it a useful starting point for visitors planning a shorter Saint Paul arts outing.

Admission: Free for the art crawl event. Phone: 651-797-2571. Official information: Minnesota Museum of American Art.

Visit Saint Paul

Schmidt Fall Art Crawl: Closing Afternoon

Noon–5 p.m. | 900 West Seventh Street, Saint Paul

Visitors who cannot attend Friday or Saturday can still explore Schmidt's studios and art displays on Sunday. The closing afternoon is especially convenient for families and visitors who prefer daylight hours.

Admission: Free. Age suitability: All ages. Official information: Schmidt Fall Art Crawl.

Visit Saint Paul

Twin Cities Film Fest: Sunday Screenings

Various screening times | Saint Louis Park and Edina

The Twin Cities Film Fest continues its October 15–24 program of independent films and filmmaker-centered events. The festival offers an indoor alternative for visitors interested in documentary storytelling, independent cinema and discussions with people involved in film production.

Admission: Individual screening tickets and passes; prices vary. Age suitability: Depends on film content. Accessibility: Check the selected theater and screening. Official website: Twin Cities Film Fest. The festival's October 16–18 activity is also identified in the regional weekend coverage.

FOX 9 Minneapolis-St. Paul

Continuing harvest festivals and autumn destinations

These attractions provide flexibility for readers who cannot attend a particular one-day event. They should not be confused with guaranteed availability for every activity on every day.

Twin Cities Harvest Festival and Maze, Brooklyn Park

Friday, Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m.–6 p.m. | 8901 101st Avenue N., Brooklyn Park

The organizers explicitly list all three dates, including the additional MEA Friday opening. Families can plan around the corn maze and other fall activities without needing to attend a fixed-time program.

Admission: Consult current ticket packages. Accessibility: Uneven outdoor surfaces possible. Website: Official tickets and calendar.

Twin Cities Harvest Festival & Maze

Sever's Fall Festival, Shakopee

Weekend festival | 3121 150th Street W., Shakopee

Sever's is a long-running regional fall attraction known for its corn maze and family-oriented farm entertainment. It offers a larger-scale outing for families willing to travel southwest of Minneapolis.

Admission: Ticketed; confirm the current price and included attractions. Accessibility: Outdoor farm surfaces may be uneven. Website: Sever's Festivals. The regional October calendar lists Sever's on October 16 and 18.

twincitiesfamily.com

Pahl's Market Fall Festival, Apple Valley

Friday–Sunday | 6885 160th Street W., Apple Valley

Pahl's Market provides a South Metro destination for pumpkins, autumn decorations and seasonal activities. It is particularly convenient for residents of Apple Valley, Burnsville, Eagan and neighboring communities.

Admission: Confirm activity-specific pricing. Accessibility: Market and outdoor activity conditions vary. Website: Pahl's Market.

twincitiesfamily.com

Minnesota Landscape Arboretum, Chaska

Friday–Sunday | 3675 Arboretum Drive, Chaska

The University of Minnesota Landscape Arboretum offers an opportunity to enjoy fall foliage, seasonal displays and landscaped walking areas. It is an alternative for visitors who want an autumn outing without a Halloween-centered program.

Admission: Depends on membership, age and admission arrangements. Accessibility: Visitor facilities are accessible, although trail surfaces and distances vary. Website: Minnesota Landscape Arboretum.

twincitiesfamily.com

Dodge Nature Center, West Saint Paul

Self-guided fall activities | 1701 Charlton Street, West Saint Paul

The regional calendar lists an owl-themed trivia activity on the trails during the weekend. Families can use the outing to explore wildlife, seasonal changes and the nature center's outdoor environment.

Admission: No event-specific fee confirmed. Accessibility: Trail conditions vary. Website: Dodge Nature Center.

twincitiesfamily.com

Farmers Market Desk: Seasonal shopping and neighborhood gatherings

October remains an important month for locally grown produce, apples, squash, pumpkins, baked goods and prepared foods. Markets are useful for readers who want a lower-cost outing, although product availability changes with the season.

The following markets appear in published October schedules. Because some markets shift hours or locations late in the season, their official websites should be checked before departure.

Market	Weekend schedule	Location and information
Minneapolis Farmers Market	Friday, Saturday and Sunday; morning operations	312 East Lyndale Avenue N., Minneapolis. Market website
Saint Paul Farmers Market	Saturday and Sunday mornings	Lowertown, Saint Paul. Market website
Kingfield Farmers Market	Sunday, 8:30 a.m.–1 p.m.	4055 Nicollet Avenue, Minneapolis. Market website
Linden Hills Farmers Market	Sunday, 10 a.m.–1 p.m.	Settergren's of Linden Hills, Minneapolis. Market website
Mill City Farmers Market	Saturday; confirm October opening hours	Downtown Minneapolis. Market website
Midtown Farmers Market	Saturday; confirm seasonal hours	East Lake Street, Minneapolis. Market website

The October 18 regional calendar specifically lists Kingfield and Linden Hills, while the broader October listings include the Minneapolis Farmers Market.

twincitiesfamily.com

For readers using SNAP/EBT, market-specific acceptance and matching-benefit arrangements should be checked with the market operator. Not every vendor accepts every payment method.

Weather Desk: Planning for an October weekend

The principal weather concern for this edition is the number of activities taking place outdoors, especially Saturday evening. The Anoka parade, Fridley's pumpkin trail, farm festivals and outdoor markets can all be affected by rain, wind, cold temperatures or wet ground.

A reliable, current three-day forecast has not been established in the reporting reviewed here. Rather than publish unverified temperatures or precipitation probabilities, readers should consult the National Weather Service Twin Cities office before leaving.

For Friday, pay particular attention to weather updates affecting Brooklyn Center's outdoor Halloween Party. The city provides a dedicated recreation telephone number, 763-569-3400, for event changes. Saturday evening visitors should prepare for lower temperatures and limited visibility on outdoor trails and parade routes. Sunday offers several indoor arts alternatives if conditions are unfavorable.

Weekend by Budget

Budget	Suggested outings	Admission considerations
Free	Rocky's Pumpkin Patch, Riverdale Village Spooktacular, Anoka Light Up the Night Parade, Saint Paul Art Crawl, Lakewood Fall Colors Celebration	Free admission; food and purchases extra
Under $10 per participant	Brooklyn Center Halloween Party, Anoka Medallion Hunt	5–7 for participating trick-or-treaters; $3 for medallion hunt
Ticketed family outings	Pumpkin Night in the Park, harvest festivals, theater	Prices and availability vary; some require advance booking
Arts and entertainment	Twin Cities Horror Festival, Twin Cities Film Fest, concerts	Purchase tickets through official organizers

The lowest-cost itinerary for a North Metro family is Saturday's combination of Rocky's Pumpkin Patch and the Riverdale Village Spooktacular. The published schedules run consecutively, with the first event ending at 1 p.m. and the second beginning at that time. Families should still allow travel time and not expect to attend every activity at both venues.

Accessibility, transportation and practical visitor information

Saint Paul Art Crawl: Participating venues are spread across multiple neighborhoods. Historic loft buildings may have different elevators, restrooms and entrance arrangements. Visitors with mobility concerns should verify accessibility at each planned stop. Union Depot is a particularly convenient starting point for public transportation users.

Anoka Halloween: Saturday's downtown parade may involve street closures, heavy pedestrian traffic and limited nearby parking. Arrive early and confirm the parade route before choosing a viewing location.

Farm attractions: Corn mazes, fields and pumpkin patches often include uneven soil, grass and gravel. Wheelchair and stroller access may vary with the weather and the individual attraction.

Springbrook Nature Center: The illuminated pumpkin experience takes place after dark. Visitors should confirm accessible routes, parking and ticket conditions directly with the organizer.

Brooklyn Center Halloween Party: Tickets are limited and must be purchased through the city's authorized channels. The city specifically warns against unofficial Facebook ticket sales.

Sunday at Lakewood: The Fall Colors Celebration requires no RSVP, making it one of the weekend's easier outings to plan on short notice. Visitors should respect cemetery grounds and other people using the property.

Regional weekend map

Final weekend recommendations

Families seeking free activities should prioritize Coon Rapids and Anoka on Saturday. Arts enthusiasts will find the greatest concentration of events in Saint Paul, where the Fall Art Crawl offers three days of exhibitions and artist interactions. Visitors interested in independent performance can choose the Twin Cities Horror Festival, while those looking for a quieter Sunday can attend Lakewood's Fall Colors Celebration or explore the region's farmers markets.

The key is to plan around events with fixed starting times and admission restrictions. Brooklyn Center's Halloween Party requires advance tickets, Springbrook's illuminated trail has ticketing requirements, and Anoka's parade will bring substantial activity to downtown streets. Other attractions, particularly farm festivals and self-guided outings, offer more flexibility.

The weekend's variety is its strongest feature. Residents do not have to travel into downtown Minneapolis or Saint Paul to find worthwhile programming. North Metro communities are hosting some of the most accessible family celebrations, while the southern and western suburbs offer harvest attractions and outdoor recreation.

❤️ 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