Let this guide be a one-stop shop for classic fall events. Whether you’re looking for something family-friendly, an adults-only getaway, music, art or drinks, we have the festival for you.
Fall Colors Fine Art & Music Festival
Coming up this weekend, October 3-4, is the 31st annual event, including 60 fine artist vendors, jazz music, and beautiful scenic views of Stillwater.
Where: Lowell Park, Stillwater
When: Saturday, October 3 10 a.m.-5 p.m., and Sunday October 4, 10 a.m.-4p.m.
What to do: Walk around and shop for unique items, crafted by talented Midwest artisans. Enjoy the jazz music and beautiful fall foliage along the St. Croix River. Keep a look-out for various kids’ activities as well.
Ninth Annual Great Pumpkin Festival
Not only is this family-friendly festival perfect for the kids, it’s free too. There are plenty of activities for children and some activities for the big kids to participate in as well.
Where: Gregory Park in Brainerd
When: Saturday, October 17, 2015, 1-4 p.m.
What to do: Pie-eating and throwing contests, three-legged races, sack races, a bouncy slide, face painting, Great Pumpkin Coloring Contest, and horse rides. Warm up with free hot chocolate, coffee, and cider.
Live music, brats, beer, and (almost) everything German. Tickets for this 21+ event get you in the door, a 24-ounce glass stein, and your first beer (in that stein).
Where: Minnesota State Fairgrounds, St. Paul
When: Friday, October 9, 4 p.m.-11 p.m., Saturday, October 10, noon-11 p.m.
What to do: Break out the lederhosen and enjoy Summit beer in a fun and lively atmosphere. Snack on delicious Oktoberfest foods and watch traditional dance performances.
Twin Cities Harvest Festival and Maze
This is the largest corn maze in Minnesota. Tickets are $10 per guest when ordered online in advance, and $12 at the gate. Children under 36 inches are free. A portion of every ticket sold goes to the Minnesota Wild Foundation, supporting pediatric medical causes in the community.
Where: 8001 109th Avenue North,Ӭ Brooklyn Park
When: Saturday and Sunday 10 a.m.-6 p.m., September 19-October 25
What to do: This year’s corn maze is dedicated to the Minnesota Wild’s 15-year anniversary. Find your way around the Wild mascot and then go jump in the corn pit. Also included in the ticket price is a straw bale maze, kids’ play area, petting zoo, and hayride. A climbing wall, pony rides, pumpkin slinger and more are available for an extra fee.
Lake Superior Storm Festival 2015
Right before holiday season is storm season in Cook County. This event honors the gales of November—when the wind howls and icy waves crash against the shore of the ever-powerful Lake Superior.
Where: Grand Marais, Lutsen, Split Rock Lighthouse
When: November 6-10 (time varies depending on the location/event)
What to do: Head to the “Taking Fashion by Storm” fashion show Friday evening at Stone Harbor Wilderness Supply in Grand Marais for fall fashion inspiration. Support the local fire department and YMCA by participating in The Annual Lake Superior Wave Dash at Lutsen Resort on Saturday at noon, where—instead of plunging into the lake—you’ll run into the chilly waves before warming up in front of a campfire, or attend one of the many programs sponsored by the Cook County Historical Museum. On Tuesday, November 10 from noon to 6 p.m., visit Split Rock Lighthouse for a name-reading and beacon-lighting to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald. Following the ceremony, the beacon will be lit and the tower opened for visitors to tour. This is the only opportunity every year when visitors can climb the tower after dark and see the lit beacon.
