What to do in Minnesota: 12 things to do this weekend (Oct. 28-30)
(FOX 9) - Prepare for Halloween with multiple spooky, family-friendly events throughout Minnesota.
Have an event you want to see featured? Email me at adelaide.vanpelt@fox.com.
Twin Cities Film Fest:
- ShowPlace ICON Theaters
- October 24-29
- Streaming starts at $9, showings start at $12 per person
This 10-day festival is a celebration of independent and Minnesota-made films. This year's festival is a hybrid format with over 70 films screened in person.
October Star Party:
- Bell Museum
- October 28 from 7:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.
- Free admission, reservations are available here
Gaze at the stars through the Bell Museum's telescopes and take a tour of the constellations on the outdoor plazas. Inside guests can explore hands-on activities with the museum's expert astronomy team.
Fall Shakopee Home Show:
- Canterbury Park, Shakopee
- October 29
- Free admission
From remodeling, decks, and windows to landscaping, bathrooms, driveways, and more, the Shakopee Home Show offers resources, access to professionals, and great home improvement deals. The first 100 attendees will receive a goodie bag from participating vendors.
Gnomefest with La Chouffe:
- The Gnome Craft Pub, St. Paul
- October 29
- Free admission
Try food options from the smoker, sip on Chouffe Brewery beers, and enjoy live music. Gnome costumes are encouraged — and even rewarded! Wear a Gnome costume for a raffle entry for a Gnome gift card.
Halloween activities in the Twin Cities metro area
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Halloween in Excelsior:
- Downtown Excelsior
- October 29
- Free admission
Start your Halloween festivities early at this local event. Look for 2022 official stop window clings outside participating businesses from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in downtown Excelsior.
After trick-or-treating, check out the costume contests in town. Children, adults, and dogs will all battle it out for the title of best costume in their division.
- 4320 Ithaca Lane North, Plymouth
- October 27-30 from 7-9 p.m.
- Free, donations encouraged
Mike Justak, who has Parkinson's disease, has put on an annual holiday light show synched to music for 12 years. But he pulled the plug on the show after 2021 because it was too hard to manage due to his worsening condition. This year, he'll host a Halloween-themed projection mapping show at his house in an effort to continue to inspire those facing adversity to be their best self. Donations to benefit the Mike Justak Foundation for Parkinson's Disease.
RELATED: Plymouth man with Parkinson's trades beloved light show for Halloween event
Halloween Spooktacular:
- Minnesota Children's Museum, St. Paul
- October 29 and October 30
- Tickets start at $10
Head to the Children's Museum for a night of kid-friendly Halloween fun including trick-or-treating, a dance party with live DJ, carnival games and more!
Tickets include museum admission, a trick-or-treat bag, and access to all the Halloween activities.
Halloween Trick-or-Treating at the Haunted Doors of Can Can Wonderland:
- Can Can Wonderland, St. Paul
- October 30
- Tickets $12 per person
Check out this event for climate-controlled trick-or-treating. Knock on the various doors at Can Can Wonderland for a treat from Halloween characters. Tickets also include karaoke, face painting, balloon sculpture, and access to the more than 150 arcade games!
Ages 12 and under are welcome with an adult from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. and ages 13 and above are welcome after 3 p.m.
Anoka Halloween Grande Day Parade:
- Downtown Anoka
- October 29
- Free admission
Head to the Halloween Capital of the World for a massive Halloween parade. The parade begins at 1 p.m. at State Street and Main Street.
Wayzata Boo Blast:
- Downtown Wayzata
- October 29
- Free admission
Start the day with one of the many races and then find a spot for the pumpkin derby. Painted and decorated pumpkins race in the Pavilion. Other activities include a pie-eating contest, trick-or-treating, and spooky specials from local businesses.
Boonion Depot:
- Union Depot
- October 30
- Free admission
This family-friendly event offers pumpkin crafting, a dance zone, Halloween themed entertainment, concessions from Deb's Hot Dogs and Spinning Wylde Cotton Candy, trick-or-treating, and more. Candy totes will be handed out to the first 500 kids under the age of 12.
Hennepin History Museum's Murder and Monsters:
- Hennepin History Museum, Minneapolis
- October 29 and October 30, 7-9 p.m.
- $50
For two nights this weekend, Hennepin History Museum will entertain guests in their historic mansion with tales of Minneapolis' first serial killer, Harry Hayward. Artifacts will be on hand, along with local historians talking about how this story captured the attention of the country and the connection between the "Minneapolis Svengali" and Dracula!