Here’s how MSP is celebrating Halloween 2023
October 2023 — Minneapolis-St. Paul has a history of celebrating Halloween that runs deeper than most U.S. metro areas. Anoka, just a half an hour north of Minneapolis, claims to be the Halloween capital of the world, with a 100-year-plus history of Halloween parades and celebrations. And with a strong retail presence in the area, MSP stands to benefit from the expected national total Halloween spending of $12.2 billion in 2023. According to the National Retail Federation, more people plan to hand out candy, decorate, dress up, carve a pumpkin and throw or attend a party this year compared to 2022.
With more than 1.4 million households in the Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington area, here are upcoming Halloween events that include something fun for everyone, from haunted houses and ghost tours to bar crawls and themed half marathons.
Candlelight Ghost Tour
Throughout October, families and friends can join the Haunted Trolley Tour of Minneapolis — journeying through the most spooky sites in the city. A guide will explain Minneapolis’ paranormal happenings throughout history and much more.
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Afton Apple Orchard and Pumpkin Patch
Fall isn’t fall without a trip to the pumpkin patch, and visitors can enjoy and explore an expansive orchard for apple picking too! The Afton Apple Orchard is open 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. through Oct. 31. Hayrides and a 15-acre corn maze are also available on site.
For more information, click here
Halloween Party (Duluth & Case)
Bring the little ones for a fun Halloween Party hosted at the Duluth & Case Gym. There will be a variety of carnival games, arts and crafts, a jump castle and plenty more. Everyone is invited to wear their Halloween costumes, of course!
To sign up, click here
Haunted Roundhouse
On Oct. 15, 22 and 29 from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., the historic Jackson Street Haunted Roundhouse will take place at the Minnesota Transportation Museum. Kids and adults are in for a treat with the few remaining railway ghosts, and can enjoy campfire, smores and more. Tickets range from $7 to $15.
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Annual Halloween Bar Crawl
Kicking off at The Pourhouse, revelers opting for a more lively time can join the largest Halloween bar crawl in Minneapolis. A costume contest will be held for a chance to win a $1,000 prize! The event takes place on Oct. 27 from 4:00 p.m. to 11:50 p.m.
To learn more, click here
Monster Dash
For the active community, St. Paul’s Monster Dash starting at Upper Landing Park is a great way to get festive. On Oct. 28, runners donning sightworthy costumes will start at 8:30 a.m. for the half marathon, 9:00 a.m. for the 10K and 10:30 a.m. for the 5K.
For more information, click here
