31 things to do in Minnesota this October

October is packed with things to do across Minnesota, from fall festivals and Halloween attractions to concerts, theater, sports and family-friendly events.

Whether you’re looking for a free weekend activity in the Twin Cities, a fall road trip or tickets to a major event, here are 31 things happening around Minnesota in October 2026.

If you’re looking for Halloween yard displays, my annual guide comes out Sunday, Oct. 4!

Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular

• Date: Throughout October
• Location: Minnesota Zoo, Apple Valley
• More than 5,000 artistically carved glowing pumpkins illuminate a trail at the Minnesota Zoo.
• More information: Minnesota Zoo

Waiting for Godot

• Date: Oct. 1–11
• Location: Guthrie Theater, Minneapolis
• David Strathairn stars as Vladimir in the Guthrie Theater’s production of Samuel Beckett’s landmark tragicomedy.
• More information: Guthrie Theater

Duluth Haunted Ship

• Date: Select dates Oct. 2–31
• Location: Duluth
• The William A. Irvin becomes a walk-through haunted attraction for Halloween.
• More information: Duluth Haunted Ship

New Ulm Oktoberfest

• Date: Oct. 2–3 and 9–10
• Location: New Ulm
• German music, food, beer, contests, parades and family activities take over New Ulm during two weekends in October.
• More information: New Ulm Oktoberfest

Medtronic TC Family Events

• Date: Oct. 3
• Location: Minnesota State Capitol, St. Paul
• Twin Cities Marathon weekend includes a Family Mile, Half Mile, Diaper Dash and Toddler Trot.
• More information: Twin Cities in Motion

Deep Valley Book Festival

• Date: Oct. 3
• Location: Mankato
• More than 70 authors and exhibitors participate in the festival, with Minnesota author Kate DiCamillo serving as the keynote author.
• More information: Deep Valley Book Festival

Minnesota Golden Gophers vs. Michigan

• Date: Oct. 3
• Location: Huntington Bank Stadium, Minneapolis
• The Gophers and Wolverines meet in a Big Ten football matchup for the Little Brown Jug.
• More information: Gopher Sports

Valleyfair Tricks and Treats

• Date: Oct. 3–4, 10–11, 17–18, 24–25 and 31
• Location: Valleyfair, Shakopee
• Valleyfair’s family-friendly Halloween celebration features seasonal entertainment, activities, treats and rides.
• More information: Valleyfair

Sever’s Fall Festival

• Date: Weekends throughout October, plus Oct. 15–16
• Location: Shakopee
• Explore a corn maze, giant corn pits, jumping pillows, pig races, a petting zoo and dozens of other fall attractions.
• More information: Sever’s Fall Festival

Medtronic Twin Cities Marathon

• Date: Oct. 4
• Location: Minneapolis and St. Paul
• The signature 26.2-mile race travels from Minneapolis to the Minnesota State Capitol in St. Paul. Watching along the course is free.
• More information: Twin Cities in Motion

Glensheen Fall Family Day

• Date: Oct. 4
• Location: Glensheen Mansion, Duluth
• Enjoy pumpkin bowling, lawn games, crafts, pumpkin painting, face painting and other fall activities on the historic estate grounds.
• More information: Explore Minnesota

Journey: Final Frontier Tour

• Date: Oct. 4
• Location: Grand Casino Arena, St. Paul
• Journey brings its farewell tour to Minnesota.
• More information: Grand Casino Arena

Twin Cities Oktoberfest

• Date: Oct. 9–10
• Location: Minnesota State Fairgrounds, St. Paul
• Celebrate Oktoberfest with German dancing, music, food, Minnesota craft beer and cider.
• More information: Minnesota State Fair

Clue

• Date: Oct. 9–11
• Location: Orpheum Theatre, Minneapolis
• The stage comedy inspired by the classic board game and cult movie comes to the Orpheum Theatre.
• More information: Hennepin Arts

Owámni Falling Water Festival

• Date: Oct. 10
• Location: Father Hennepin Bluff Park, Minneapolis
• Celebrate Indigenous cultures through music, traditional dance, Indigenous artists and makers, food and hands-on activities.
• More information: Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board

Stillwater Harvest Fest

• Date: Oct. 10–11
• Location: Downtown Stillwater
• Highlights include a giant pumpkin weigh-off, 100-foot pumpkin drop, pumpkin regatta, live music, vendors and kids activities.
• More information: Stillwater Harvest Fest

Red Wing Arts Fall Festival

• Date: Oct. 10–11
• Location: Red Wing
• Browse work from more than 120 regional artists while enjoying live music, food and art activities.
• More information: Red Wing Arts

Mia Family Day: Spooky Couture

• Date: Oct. 11
• Location: Minneapolis Institute of Art, Minneapolis
• Halloween-inspired family programming includes fashion, Día de los Muertos-inspired art activities and films.
• More information: Minneapolis Institute of Art

Minnesota Wild vs. Vegas Golden Knights

• Date: Oct. 12
• Location: Grand Casino Arena, St. Paul
• The Minnesota Wild host the Vegas Golden Knights in an early-season NHL matchup.
• More information: Minnesota Wild

Indigenous Peoples Day Powwow

• Date: Oct. 13
• Location: Minneapolis American Indian Center, Minneapolis
• The community celebration features dancers, drum groups, vendors and activities celebrating Indigenous cultures.
• More information: Minneapolis American Indian Center

October Star Party

• Date: Oct. 16
• Location: Bell Museum, St. Paul
• Explore astronomy through hands-on activities, telescope viewing and short planetarium programs.
• More information: Bell Museum

Fall St. Paul Art Crawl

• Date: Oct. 16–18
• Location: Multiple locations in St. Paul
• Visit artist studios, galleries, demonstrations and other arts events across St. Paul neighborhoods.
• More information: St. Paul Art Collective

Minnesota United vs. St. Louis CITY SC

• Date: Oct. 17
• Location: Allianz Field, St. Paul
• The Loons host St. Louis CITY SC in Major League Soccer action.
• More information: Minnesota United

The Sound of Music

• Date: Oct. 20–25
• Location: Orpheum Theatre, Minneapolis
• The touring production of the Rodgers & Hammerstein musical comes to Minneapolis.
• More information: Hennepin Arts

Minnesota Golden Gophers vs. Washington — Women’s Soccer

• Date: Oct. 22
• Location: Elizabeth Lyle Robbie Stadium, Falcon Heights
• Minnesota hosts Washington in Big Ten women’s soccer.
• More information: Gopher Sports

The Subject: Greg Hoffman

• Date: Oct. 22
• Location: Minneapolis Institute of Art, Minneapolis
• The former Nike chief marketing officer discusses creativity, branding and ideas that influence culture.
• More information: Minneapolis Institute of Art

Zac Brown Band with Brothers Osborne

• Date: Oct. 23
• Location: Target Center, Minneapolis
• Zac Brown Band and Brothers Osborne bring the Love & Fear Tour to Target Center.
• More information: Target Center

BOOnion Depot

• Date: Oct. 25
• Location: Union Depot, St. Paul
• Union Depot’s indoor Halloween celebration includes crafts, music, activities, prizes and family entertainment.
• More information: Union Depot

Great Pumpkin Halloween Festival

• Date: Oct. 25
• Location: Landmark Center, St. Paul
• Families can enjoy a costume parade, face painting, crafts, music, candy and carnival-style games.
• More information: Landmark Center

Minnesota Wild vs. New York Islanders

• Date: Oct. 29
• Location: Grand Casino Arena, St. Paul
• The Wild host the New York Islanders during a game that also features Swedish Heritage Night.
• More information: Minnesota Wild

Festival de las Calaveras

• Date: Oct. 31
• Location: Hook & Ladder Theater, Minneapolis
• Celebrate Día de los Muertos with live music, lucha libre, Mexica dance, community ofrendas, family art activities, vendors and food.
• More information: Festival de las Calaveras

More things to do in Minnesota this fall

October is one of the busiest months of the year for festivals and seasonal attractions in Minnesota. Many events require advance tickets or reservations, and dates and schedules can change. Check each event’s website before heading out.

Know about another October event worth adding? Send it my way!

While you’re here, take a moment to read how I adapted after losing both parents before I was 25 years old and my journey with epilepsy.

If you want more, sign up for my monthly e-newsletter!