The Best Fall Events Around Minnesota This October

October 27, 2025

At Hornig Companies, we believe there's nothing quite like fall in Minnesota. The crisp air, vibrant foliage, cozy layers, and pumpkin-spiced everything create the perfect backdrop for getting out and exploring all our beautiful state has to offer. Whether you're a longtime resident or new to the neighborhood, October is packed with events that capture the spirit of the season - from harvest festivals and haunted hayrides to corn pits and Oktoberfest celebrations.


Here are some of the top fall happenings around Minnesota this month—grab your flannel and discover the autumn fun waiting just outside!

Jack‑O‑Lantern Spectacular - 🎃 September 26 – November 2, 2025

Get ready for a glowing good time at the Minnesota Zoo’s Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular, running from September 26 through November 2. This year’s event features a newly expanded, one-way walking trail, offering more space and even better views of thousands of artistically carved, glowing pumpkins.


The 2025 theme, “What Goes Bump in the Night,” adds a fun and slightly spooky twist to this already enchanting fall tradition. If you're bringing the whole family or planning a festive night out, this event is a must-see. Plus, every ticket supports the Zoo’s mission to connect people with wildlife and the natural world. Tickets range from $23 to $30 for adults and $19 to $25 for children and seniors, and must be purchased online in advance. Don’t wait - tickets sell out fast each year!


Looking for an adult-only experience? Check out All Treats, No Tykes on September 26 and October 31, with live music, magic shows, and a relaxed, 18+ atmosphere. Costumes encouraged!



Sever’s Fall Festival 🎡 Select Dates: September 12–October 26, 2025 | 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.

Fall fun is in full swing at Sever’s Fall Festival, one of Minnesota’s most beloved seasonal events! Open on weekends from September 12 through October 26, this family-friendly festival is packed with things to see, do, and explore. The iconic corn maze is just the beginning - admission also includes access to a massive corn pit, zip lines, live music, magic shows, a giant tire mountain, jumping pillows, an interactive zoo area, and much more. From pig races to straw sculptures and antique tractors, there’s truly something for everyone.

Kids can hop aboard the kiddie train, climb through the straw bale maze, or dance it out with live DJs. Want even more? Additional activities like camel rides, pony rides, pumpkin blasters, a state fair-sized slide, and hay rides are available for purchase. And don’t forget to check out the artisan market, grab a bite at the food trucks, and pick your own pumpkins and apples before heading home.


Sever’s offers a full day of fall magic you won’t want to miss!



Twin Cities Harvest Festival 🌽 Weekends, September 21 – October 27, 2025 | 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Plus MEA Days: October 17 & 18

Celebrate the season with the Twin Cities Harvest Festival, a fall favorite for families, friends, and anyone who loves a good corn maze challenge! Open weekends from September 21 through October 27, plus MEA break (Oct. 17–18), this event features the Twin Cities' largest corn maze, complete with a fun trivia hunt - find all 15 signs and enter to win a $100 Visa gift card!

 

Explore the corn pit, straw bale maze, and petting zoo, catch live music, enjoy the giant slide, bounce around in the inflatables, and check out the Marketplace and car show.


General admission to the activity area is $14 (free for kids under 36" and all Police, Fire, and EMS personnel with ID). Whether you’re coming for the fall fun or to support local heroes, this festival is a great way to make lasting autumn memories.



Ferguson’s Minnesota Harvest 🍎 Open for Fall Fun Starting August 16, 2025

Kick off your fall season with a visit to Ferguson’s Orchards in the Twin Cities - formerly known as Minnesota Harvest! This beloved spot is packed with classic fall fun, from pick-your-own apples and pumpkins to a giant corn maze, wagon rides, and the always-popular Apple Blossom Park. Kids and adults alike will love the huge corn pit, duck races, gem mining, giant spinning apples, and the satisfying thrill of apple cannons.


Even better? There’s no admission required to explore the Country Store, Sweet Shoppe, Harvest Bistro, Craft Cider Bar, or Farm Market - pop in for fresh-picked produce, legendary caramel apples, apple cider donuts, and other local goodies like jams, syrups, and fresh bakery items. Whether you're there for a family outing or just a cider and donut run, Ferguson’s offers a cozy, flavorful slice of fall you’ll want to come back to again and again.


Stillwater Harvest Fest 🎃 October 11–12, 2025

If you're looking for a fall festival with serious wow factor, Stillwater Harvest Fest is the place to be. Held every year on the second weekend of October in beautiful downtown Stillwater, this high-energy event is home to one of the largest pumpkin weigh-offs in the Midwest - and even held a world record in 2010!


Beyond the massive gourds, you’ll find a weekend packed with family-friendly fun, including the Pumpkin Regatta (yes, people race giant pumpkins on water), a jaw-dropping Pumpkin Drop from a 100-foot crane, live music, a beer and wine garden, a spicy chili cook-off, and a bustling vendor market.


It doesn’t matter if you're coming to marvel at the pumpkins, sip something seasonal, or enjoy a #smashinggoodtime with the kids, Stillwater Harvest Fest promises an unforgettable fall weekend.

Moose Madness Family - 🦌 October 16–18, 2025

Looking for a quirky, family-friendly fall getaway? Head up north to Grand Marais for the Moose Madness Family Festival, happening October 16–18. This annual celebration is all about Minnesota’s most majestic forest dweller - the moose! From educational scavenger hunts and interactive games to moose-themed prizes and beautiful boreal forest adventures, this event blends outdoor fun with local flavor.

Families can join the Moose on a Stoop scavenger hunt to earn “Moose Bucks” (spendable at local shops!), take a scenic Moose Safari Drive, or put their sleuthing skills to the test during the Moose Medallion Hunt, with cash and prizes up for grabs.

Whether you're a moose enthusiast or just love exploring small-town festivals with a big heart, Moose Madness is a uniquely Minnesotan experience that’s sure to charm visitors of all ages.


Final Thoughts

While we love all of the seasons Minnesota has to offer, there is something special about autumn. We hope you get to enjoy the cool, brisk air and take in some of the cozy autumnal vibes around the NorthStar State. 

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