Can you feel the chill in the air? Before you know it the holidays will be upon us. Before your schedule gets too busy be sure to check out some of these events in the Twin Cities this October. Since winter is just around the corner it’s also important to make sure you home is ready for winter. We’ve got some excellent tips on getting your home winter ready. Until the snow starts to fall get out and enjoy all of these great events in the Twin Cities this October.

Events in the Twin Cities this October

Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular

When: October 4^th– 31^st, 2018
Where: Minnesota Zoo
13000 Zoo Boulevard
Apple Valley, MN

The acclaimed Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular will make its debut at the Minnesota Zoo this October 2018. An enchanted forest, nestled in the heart of the Zoo, plays host to this strolling exhibit. The trail features over 5,000 illuminated pumpkins of all different sizes, shapes and faces creatively carved and displayed from ground to tree-top. A variety of musical vignettes and fog make the perfect back drop for a special date night or family friendly fall outing.

Twin Cities Octoberfest

When: October 5^thand 6^th, 2018
Where: MN State Fairgrounds

On October 17, 1810, Crown Prince Ludwig of Bavaria celebrated his marriage to Princess Therese of Sachsen-Hindburghausen with one of the grandest festivals Munich has ever known.

Thus began the Oktoberfest tradition that we are continuing in the heart of the Twin Cities! Twin Cities Oktoberfest brings together Food, Fun and Beer on the Minnesota State Fairgrounds in the Historic Progress Center building.

This two-day event (Friday, October 5 & Saturday, October 6, 2018) features Summit Brewing Company’s Oktoberfest brew and a selection of other Summit beers, wines and cider, traditional German food, live music and entertainment, great people watching, festival games, shopping and more.

Each ticket includes admission, a beer stein and your first beer…Prost!

Fall Flower Show

When: October 6^th, 2018
Where: Como Park Zoo and Conservatory

While many Minnesota gardens are winding down for the winter season, the Sunken Garden at the Marjorie McNeely Conservatory will be in full bloom! The Fall Flower Show features a variety of Chrysanthemums with red and yellow being the main colors. Yellow Swiss Chard and Chili Chilly peppers will serve to accentuate the mums.

The Sunken Garden will be closed for the mid-show change October 29 – November 2.

Mpls Print & Drawing Fair

When: October 5^th– 7^th, 2018
Where: Minneapolis Institute of Art
2400 Third Avenue South
Minneapolis, MN

Top dealers and publishers from around the country bring their latest finds and collaborative creations. Hundreds of original works of art on paper for your enjoyment—and perhaps your walls. Featuring masters of the past to greats of the future. Need some direction or a second opinion? Mia curators are happy to assist. Plus, pop-up talks and activities all weekend.

Women Mean Business

When: October 12^th, 2018
Where: Minneapolis Convention Center
1301 2^ndAvenue South
Minneapolis, MN

Each fall, over 1,000 business professionals, community leaders, and other individuals come together to invest in the economic success of women and hear the inspiring stories of our Nothing Ventured, Nothing Gained award winners. Gather your colleagues and friends and join us at our 23rd annual luncheon and marketplace!

Trail of Terror

When: October 12^th– 28^th, 2018
Where: 3525 145^thStreet West
Shakopee, MN

Is the Trail of Terror a family friendly attraction?

The Trail of Terror is not intended for children and may be too scary for children under 12 years of age. This event has a PG-13 rating. Please note: We do not take responsibility for any negative reactions children may have.

Where is the Hayride this year? The hayride has been replaced by the Wicked Woods Walk due to not enough scares in past years. Make sure you check out the Wicked Woods Walk – full of sounds and sights that will fill you with dread. Click here for more details!

Sever’s Corn Maze

When: Now through October 28^th, 2018
Where: Sever’s Farm
1100 Canterbury Road
Shakopee, MN

This year’s challenge will have you looking for 6 pictures of “Scuba Sever” while reading fun facts about this year’s maze theme on the 26 signs labeled A to Z throughout the maze. As you navigate your map and discover “Scuba Sever,” use our maze challenge app to show the locations where you found him. The signs will also help you locate where you are in the maze.

Each correct entry will be eligible for our grand prize drawing at the end of the season.

There will be staff walking in the maze to assist you.

Origami in the Garden

When: Now through October 21^st, 2018
Where: U of MN Landscape Arboretum
3675 Arboretum Drive
Chaska, MN

Origami in the Garden is a monumental outdoor sculpture exhibition, created by Santa Fe, NM artists Jennifer and Kevin Box, that captures the delicate nature of this paper art form in museum-quality metal. The exhibit features Box’s own compositions and collaborations with world-renowned origami artists Tim Armijo, Te Jui Fu, Beth Johnson, Michael G. LaFosse and Robert J. Lang. Featured are 40 bronze, aluminum or steel sculptures outdoors in 25 displays, placed throughout the gardens near the Oswald Visitor Center. Sculptures represent cranes, bison, horses, butterflies and more outdoors.

Twin Cities Harvest Festival and Maze

When: Now through October 28^th, 2018
Where: 109^thAvenue and Highway 169
Brooklyn Center, MN

Bert Bouwman is an experienced farmer and corn maze developer. He and his wife Molly, along with their six kids, also run 2 produce stands in Brooklyn Park and Chanhassen.

After years of farming, Bert Bouwman and his family set out to have their own corn maze. In his first 5 years of operating the maze, Bert has raised over $150,000 for local charities including the Twins Community Fund, Minnesota Wild Foundation, and the Minnesota Military Family Foundation.

With 20 acres of land dedicated to the Twin Cities Harvest Festival and Maze, Bert, Molly and the kids love having everyone out and enjoying the festival.

2^ndAnnual Lake Moster Bash: Halloween Fest

When: October 27^th, 2018
Where: Lake Monster Brewing
550 Vandalia Street
St. Paul, MN

Lake Monster Brewing Company, The Current, and GetKnit Events have joined forces to second year to create a one-day outdoor music festival to help you celebrate Halloween with a spooktacular line up of live music, delicious craft beer, food trucks, and more! This festival will take place at Lake Monster’s outdoor plaza with doors opening at NOON and live music starting at 1 PM.In addition to an amazing line-up of artists, Lake Monster will be offering up some hauntingly diverse flagships and specialty brews to enjoy. Your first beer (or non-alcholic beverage) is included with your advanced ticket and additional beers will be available for purchase throughout the day.

The Great Pumpkin Fest

When: Now through October 28^th, 2018
Where: Valleyfair
One Valleyfair Drive
Shakopee, MN

During the day, tiny terrors can join Snoopy and the rest of the PEANUTS gang for some not-so-scary Halloween activities for kids at The Great Pumpkin Fest! Enjoy your favorite rides, live entertainment and great fall activities at The Great Pumpkin Fest.