Fall is here and the leaves should be in full color in the next week or two. Hopefully you can get out and enjoy the beautiful fall foliage this autumn. If you’re looking for family friendly events in the Twin Cities be sure to check out all the fun festivities taking place in the metro area this October.

Events in the Twin Cities this October

Scarecrows in the Garden
When: Now through October 31st, 2017
Where: Minnesota Landscape Arboretum
3675 Arboretum Drive
Chaska, MN

The popular Scarecrows in the Garden will once again be adding a festive fall note the Arboretum’s autumn displays. Check out the artistry of the experts from Bachman’s, as well as the Arboretum Staff, with displays on Dahlberg Terrace outside the Visitor Center and on the walkway towards the Snyder Building. Photo at left by Mark MacLennan.

Nordeast Big River Brew Fest
When: October 7th, 2017
Where: East Side Neighborhood Services
1700 Second Street NE
Minneapolis, MN

Sample beer, great food, live music, hammerschlagen, tasting mug, and more fun to be had at this East Side event. All proceeds benefit the programs of East Side Neighborhood Services. Must be 21 years of age to attend.

Zombie Pub Crawl
When: October 7th, 2017
Where: Bauhaus Brew Labs
And various locations in the Twin Cities

Certified by the Guinness Book of World Records as the “World’s Largest Gathering of Zombies,” the ZPC gathers thousands upon thousands of undead souls into the Warehouse District of Minneapolis for a night of pub crawling, dancing, world-class live entertainment, and all sorts of other fiendish fun including two outdoor stages, dozens of participating bars, limited-edition “Brain Belt” beer, and more!

Halloween at Fly Over America
When: Now through October 31st. 2017
Where: Mall of America

Join Broomelda the witch on a spellbinding journey across America! Aspiring witches and wizards will take part in the Haunted Witches Academy where graduating is easy… just survive! Broomelda will welcome you to the academy before leading you onto the Ultimate Flying Ride.

Minnesota Harvest Horse Show
When: October 3rd, 2017
Where: Warner Coliseum & Livestock Area
1784 Judson Avenue
Falcon Heights, MN

Longest Running Indoor, exclusively hunter/jumper horse show in United States. Celebrating its 25th Anniversary. Every October, the best and brightest of local and national, world-class and Olympic equestrians converge on the Minnesota State Fair Coliseum. Hundreds of horses and riders compete during the six-day show. There are fun family events, boutique shopping, and a sponsor/competitor party on Saturday evening before the Grand Prix. The Grand Prix audience can reach up to 6,000 spectators on Saturday evening! Join us for what has become the premiere Midwest event in the Fall, see you there!

Twin Cities Octoberfest
When: October 6th, 2017
Where: Progress Center on the Minnesota State Fairgrounds
1265 Snelling Avenue North
St. Paul, MN

It’s two days of non-stop fun and entertainment for all, with live music throughout the event. Each ticket includes admission, a stein, and your first fill! Throw on your lederhosen, grab a friend and come join us at the 120 year old Progress Center building at the Minnesota State Fair Grounds. In between sips, snack on traditional Oktoberfest foods, watch performances from traditional dance entertainers, play games, check out the vendors and traditional clothing.

Oysterfest
When: October 8th, 2017
Where: Meritage
410 Saint Peter Street
St. Paul, MN

Oysterfest, an all-day celebration of the bivalve; that beautiful, pure, nutrient loaded, calorie neutral, aphrodisiac of a pearl in a shell! Oh, oysters. We choose to have Oysterfest late in the season, due to it being the beginning of the oyster season, when cooler waters prime the flesh and make the most varieties available. Could be brisk, though the last six years have been sunny and warm – either way, it will be a great day for oyster eating!

Pumpkin Nights
When: October 13th – 31st, 2017
Where: Minnesota State Fairgrounds
1719 Como Avenue
Falcon Heights, MN

Join us at Pumpkin Nights, the highly anticipated Most Delightful Halloween Tradition in Twin Cities this October. Taking place at the Minnesota State Fairgrounds, Pumpkin Nights invites visitors to experience the essence of Halloween while walking through ten immersive lands created with over 3,000 hand-carved pumpkins.

Surly Darkness Day
When: October 21st, 2017
Where: Surly Brewery
Brooklyn Center, MN

Saturday, October 21, Surly Nation will descend upon our Brooklyn Center, Minnesota brewery to get the first taste of Darkness 2017, our massive Russian Imperial Stout. We will be ready with our usual mix of music, food and Surly beer. Find them below.