It’s all about Pumpkin Spice now that the leaves are starting to change and there’s a chill in the air. In addition to all things spicy and good it’s also about the harvest and Halloween. October is one the most beautiful times of the year in the Twin Cities. The temperature is perfect – not too hot, not too humid and not too cold, and there are still plenty of fun things to do outdoors. This great weather won’t last for long (so start thinking about getting the snow blower tuned up) so get out an enjoy it at these family friendly events around town.
Twin Cities Events – October 2015
Twin Cities Marathon
When: October 4th | 8am
Where: Starts at US Bank Stadium finishes at MN State Capitol
Tagged as the “Most Beautiful Urban Marathon in America,” the Medtronic Twin Cities Marathon has a proud 32 year tradition of being one of the premier marathons in the entire nation.
Punkinmania
When: October 10th | 9am-3pm
Where: 93 Mahtomedi Ave N, Mahtomedi, MN 55115
One of the key fundraisers of the Wildwood Lions Club is PunkinMania, held each year at Triangle Park in downtown Mahtomedi. This annual event features a petting zoo, pony rides, large inflatables, and games of skill for kids, free trick-or-treat bags containing art & school supplies for pre-school & elementary school children, brisket sandwiches, pizza, candy & beverages, and the furnishing of a vast supply of pumpkins & gourds, grown and maintained by the Wildwood Lions Club.
Urban Recyclers Outdoor Market
When: October 10th | 10am – 5pm
Where: 2430 California St. NE, Minneapolis
Here you will find a spectacular framed art collection, and entire showcases of Black Americana and sparkling vintage jewelry. There’s a room filled with handmade quilts, aprons and linens. Also a glittering room with one of a kind lighting and shabby romantic items by The Joy Cascade, as well as a mini boutique with affordable gift ideas on the same floor You are sure to find a treasure in the quaint Dutch style basement level at Antiquified, with it’s built-in bar displaying vintage bar ware, a large selection of comic books, and a wonderful room taking inspiration from a North Woods cabin and bringing it here to you in Northeast.
Home Improvement and Design Expo
When: October 17th | 10am – 5pm
Where: Minneapolis Convention Center | Hall D
Don’t miss your opportunity to explore up to 200 exhibitors featuring the latest home improvement products and services to get your home renovation projects off to the right start. Talk with the experts and get free tips and ideas! Meet builders, remodelers, landscapers, designers, painters, architects, interior designers and more. Main Stage filled with on-going speaker presentations, demonstrations and entertainment all day long. See Tim Fort a finalist of America’s Got Talent as he will be building the cleaver lever stick display – he may be going for another record, building it Saturday and Sunday and detinate Sunday afternoon.
Twin Cities Book Festival
When: October 17th |10am – 5pm
Where: Minnesota State Fairgrounds
The Twin Cities Book Festival—brought to you by Rain Taxi—is not only the largest and most important literary gathering in the Upper Midwest, it is the annual get-together for the Twin Cities’ devoted literary community. This FREE, day-long festival brings people together to celebrate our vibrant literary culture. The festival welcomes ‘rock star’ authors, local literary heroes, publishers, magazines, booksellers—all of whom connect over great books and conversations.
Twin Cities Harvest Festival and Maze
When: Sat & Sun (and MEA) through October 25th | 10am – 6pm
Where: 8001 109th Avenue North
Brooklyn Park, MN 55445
This year’s corn maze celebrates the Minnesota Wild’s 15 year anniversary. Come and experience the wild for yourself as you find your way through Minnesota’s largest maze and explore the larger than life version of the Wild mascot. We are also proud to donate a portion of every ticket sold to the Minnesota Wild Foundation. Join us again this year and be a part of the maze that gives back to the local community.
Swedes Rock
When: Now through October 25th
Where: American Swedish Institute
2600 Park Avenue Minneapolis MN 55407
Swedes Rock! and you can too! Families can explore the world of modern music this summer in the ASI Family Gallery (third floor of Turnblad Mansion). Grab a prop, jump on the stage and rock out to your favorite music from yesterday and today made famous by Sweden’s hottest rock stars. When you are ready for a break, hit the Swede’s Rock! Cafe for a summer fika. Explore language of music behind the scenes, learn a musical alphabet, and set a tempo for a great summer! Included with museum admission.
The Great Pumpkin Fest (Formerly Planet Spooky)
When: Sept. 19th – Nov. 1st
Where: Valley Fair, Shakopee, MN
During the day, tiny terrors can join Snoopy and the rest of the Peanuts gang for some not-so-scary family fun at The Great Pumpkin Fest! Enjoy your favorite rides, live entertainment and great fall activities!