Heavy snow and difficult travel expected again, heaviest snow in southern Minnesota

MPR News helps you turn down the noise and build shared understanding. Turn up your support for this public resource and keep trusted journalism accessible to all. 

Turn Up Your Support

The amount of Halloween related events in October can be overwhelming.  This list may be a good place to start. 


WHEN: Oct. 9-Oct. 31 
Open from 7 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. Friday and Saturday nights, 7-11 p.m. on Sundays


ADMISSION: $16.95 advanced, $19.95 general admission
Box office closes at 11 p.m. on Friday and Saturdays, and 10 p.m. on Sundays


It's all about walking — or running — through a house full of bugs and creepy crawlies, a night in jail gone wrong, a pub crawl and zombie paintball.

Halloween Lights on York Ave/Schultz Family Lights


ADMISSION: Free, accepting donations for the Merrick Food Shelf


Come admire the work of seven neighbors who strung 15,000 twinkling Halloween-themed lights, blowups and wire frames displayed on both sides of their street.


WHERE: Science Museum of Minnesota, 120 W. Kellogg Blvd., St. Paul


ADMISSION: Free for kids 12 and under in costume


Science Museum adds hands-on science activities with a Halloween spin to regular permanent exhibits.

WHEN: Oct. 23-Oct. 31. Every Friday, Saturday and Sunday until Oct. 31; 6 p.m. and 8:30 p.m.

WHERE: James J. Hill House, 240 Summit Ave., St Paul

ADMISSION: $12/$10 Minnesota Historical Society members


In the dimly lit parlor of the former home of a local railroad magnate, the historical society is putting together readings by costumed actors of 19th-century spooky-themed stories, as well as "true" ghost stories. Then visitors will tour the Hill House.

WHEN: Saturday, Oct. 25; 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.


WHERE: Landmark Center, 75 Fifth St. W., St Paul

This event has storytelling, a costume parade, arts and crafts and delicious candy and treats. 


ADMISSION: $12 adults; $10 college and senior; $6 children; free for Minnesota Historical Society members and children 4 and under

The Minnesota History Center's Day of the Dead celebration includes a puppet show, samples of Mexican hot chocolate and Pan de Muerto (bread of the dead), community-made ofrendas, Mexican folk song and dance and an exhibit featuring Mexican printmaking.

West Side of Saint Paul, 16th Annual Dia de los Muertos


WHEN: Saturday, Oct. 24; event starts at 1 p.m; procession at 2 p.m.


WHERE: El Rio Vista Recreation Center, 179 Robie St. E., St. Paul


All are invited to build ofrendas — altars honoring or remembering lost loved ones — make masks, follow a neighborhood procession and see an Aztec dance ceremony.

Dia de los Muertos and Halloween at Midtown Global Market


WHEN: Oct. 23-Nov. 1; Friday, Oct. 23; Friday, Oct. 30 and Nov. 1 


Festivities for Dia de los Muertos include an ofrenda, Day of the Dead mask decoration, and a traditional Aztec dance performance. 


On Halloween, kids can stock up on internationally sourced treats.


WHERE: 920 E. Lake St. #G10, Minneapolis


Chase your fears away in Maple Grove in this 5K and 1.5-mile fun fitness walk. First 300 people who register for the 5K get breakfast, beer, Irish coffee, cold and hot light beverages ($20 value) at Claddagh Irish Pub & Restaurant. 

WHERE: Arbor Lakes in Maple Grove, MN7890 Main St. N., Maple Grove


ADMISSION: $35 pre-registration; $40 from Oct. 26-28; $50 on race day

WHEN: Oct. 31; 6:30 p.m. for dinner; no cover for costume party


WHERE: Marin Restaurant and Bar, 901 Hennepin Ave., Minneapolis


ADMISSION: Murder mystery dinner tickets are $75 per person


Marin Restaurant and Bar is hosting a three-hour interactive murder mystery show served with a three course dinner. After dinner, there will be a costume party with spooky cocktails such as the Beetle Juice and a costume contest for a chance to a one-night stay at the Le Meridien Chambers and brunch for two at Marin. 

WHAT: Ghost Trolley, Transylvania Trolley, Trick 'r Trolley

WHEN: Friday, Oct. 23, Saturday Oct. 24 and Sunday Oct. 25: various times

WHAT: Ghost Trolley Late Shop (Not recommended for children)

The Ghost Trolley Late Shop is of adult nature and is not recommended for children. It lasts 45 minutes. 

WHERE: Linden Hills Station, Queen Avenue South at West 42nd Street or Lake Calhoun platform on 
Richfield Road just south of West 36th Street. 

The three Halloween-themed trolley rides offer a family friendly, 15- to 20-minute trick-or-trip.


This non-scary Halloween festival is for families. Two hundred live costumed characters mingle with kids along an outdoor path. ZooBoo offers families a safe trick-or-treating alternative. 


WHEN: Oct. 24-25; gates open from 4:30-7:30 p.m.


WHERE: Como Park Zoo and Conservatory, 1225 Eastbrook Drive, St. Paul


ADMISSION: Advance tickets $6, $7 at the gate


WHEN: Month of October, events and times vary


WHERE: Minnesota Zoo, 13000 Zoo Blvd., Apple Valley


ADMISSION: Regular admission; free for zoo members 


Animals will be fed Halloween-themed treats and participants will be treated to scavenger hunts, hay mazes and the chance to meet creatures like reptiles, lynx kittens and bats.

Lifestyle

Vanessa Nyarko

Author

The amount of Halloween related events in October can be overwhelming.  This list may be a good place to start.

25 things to do for Halloween in the Twin Cities

Go Deeper.

Like this?