Fall Minnesota Festivals

Duluth Oktoberfestival - Duluth, MN - Sep 13 to Sep 15, 2024
Das Zelt (tent) with beer and food, arts & crafts, children’s activities and more!

St. Paul Oktoberfest - St. Paul, MN - Sep 13 to Sep 14, 2024
The annual Saint Paul Oktoberfest will have German food, beer, and culture

Twin Cities Oktoberfest - Falcon Heights, MN - Oct 4 to Oct 5, 2024
This Minneapolis-St. Paul Oktoberfest provides two days of live music, dancers, games, authentic German food and a wide range of beer, including multiple varieties of Marzen style beer. The event is held at the historic Progress Center of the Minnesota State Fairgrounds.

New Ulm Oktoberfest - New Ulm, MN - Oct 4 to Oct 12, 2024
This annual Minnesota Oktoberfest will take place at four locations in New Ulm on the first two weekends in October (Friday and Saturday). The four locations are the Best Western Plus, Downtown New Ulm, Morgan Creek Vineyards and Schell’s Brewery. This has been ranked one of the top 25 events in Minnesota for many years. The Best Western Plus has two indoor band stage areas with German-style polka and bands playing party favorites for dancing. Downtown activities include horse-drawn trolley rides, hometown bands and tours of various buildings including the John Lind House, Hermann Monument, Schell’s Brewery and the Minnesota Music Hall of Fame. Don’t miss the 45 foot Musical Glockenspiel which is setup in the downtown area. Morgan Creek Vineyards generally has a Grape Stomp on the first Saturday of the festival.

Pelican Rapids Oktoberfest - Pelican Rapids, MN - Oct 11 to Oct 12, 2024
Be sure not to miss the lead up events, including the search for the Oktoberfest medallions and hunt for Mr & Ms Oktoberfest If you can solve the clues, you win a prize of Pelican Bucks. In the past, Thursday events have included the crowning of Mr. & Ms. Oktoberfest, open house at the fire department with light supper served, bingo at the VFW, and a wine & beer tasting with live music. Friday has held the largest pumpkin contest, chainsaw sculpting, more bingo and a salute to the troops with live music at the VFW. Saturday included the Lions pancake breakfast, 5K and 10K run, farmer’s market and food court at the Pelican Rapids Fire Hall, pinochle tournament, live auction and more. Kids events included hay rides, pumpkin decorating and games at the PR Fire Hall. Or participate in the VolksMarch Walk for 11K. On Sunday, enjoy the “best of the wurst” sausage & beer sampling as well as the old-fashioned polka party. Proceeds go toward community beautification projects. Pelican Rapids is located in western Otter Tail County.

Tree Lighting Ceremony at 50th & France - Edina, MN - Nov 25, 2023
Enjoy chorale and dance performances, caroling, horse-drawn trolley rides, delicious roasted nuts, and hot beverages as part of your holiday shopping experience. And it wouldn’t be a celebration without the jolly ol’ fella himself, Santa Claus!

Excelsior Christkindlsmarkt - Excelsior, MN - Nov 24 to Nov 26, 2023
In 2005, an Excelsior resident visited the Chicago Christkindlmarket. They suggested it to a committee of local business owners and residents, who agreed overwhelmingly. The Excelsior festival started small, at Lyman Park (now the Excelsior Library). It continued to grow, and eventually moved to its current location: the East Municipal Parking Lot. Excelsior Christkindlsmarkt, a completely volunteer and donation driven 501(c)(3) nonprofit, manages and coordinates the festival to this day. In keeping with the German traditional Christkindlsmarkt, enjoy the holiday sounds as you take in the aromas and delight your senses with German/Alpine Christmas traditions such as German sausages and potatoes, roasted almonds, sweet & savory strudel, delectable chocolates, cakes & cupcakes, KinderCocoa, and “Gluehwein’’ (a warm, sweet, spiced wine).

Taylors Fall Lighting Festival - Taylors Falls, MN - Nov 24 to Nov 26, 2023
Lots of fun activities over Thanksgiving weekend, at Interstate Park

European Christmas Market - St Paul, MN - Nov 24 to Dec 17, 2023
Visit the only authentic Christmas Market in Minnesota running through the advent season

Turkey Day 5k Minneapolis - Minneapolis, MN - Nov 23, 2023
Raises money for Second Harvest Heartland, which helps Minnesotans facing hunger and food scarcity

Gobble Gait 8K & 2K - Hastings, MN - Nov 23, 2023
Gobble Gait started in 1998 as a small race to raise some additional money for the Hastings Family Service. Years later, we are still raising money to benefit Hastings Family Service, but it is no longer a small race! Our 3k (2K prior to 2019) and 8k combined are now averaging well over 2,000 runners each year, and have consistently been one of the Twin Cities’ largest Thanksgiving Day runs! Many families have made it their traditional way to kick off the holiday season

Bentleyville Tour of Lights - Duluth, MN - Nov 18 to Dec 26, 2023
America’s largest walk through lighting display!

Autumn Festival: An Arts and Crafts Affair – Shakopee - Shakopee, MN - Nov 9 to Nov 12, 2023
Hundreds of artists and crafters, plus music, gift certificates, food and drink and more, with free parking.

Minnesota Monster Dash - St. Paul, MN - Oct 28, 2023
Half marathon, 10 mile and 5K runs on Halloween. Costume contest with prizes for the top three in each division.

Minneapolis Halloween Half Marathon - Minneapolis, MN - Oct 28, 2023
After 20 years, the Mill City Suds Run (aka the Blubber Run) was changed into the Minneapolis Halloween Half Maration, 10K and 5K, starting in 2017. It is part of a year-long MN RUN Series, a total of 7 races throughout the year. The Halloween Half starts and ends at Father Hennepin Park. Costumes aren’t required, but they sure are fun to run in for this one!

Ruttgers Oktoberfest - Deerwood, MN - Oct 20 to Oct 21, 2023
The Oktoberfest will have breakfast buffets, dinner shows, an arts & crafts fair with over 150 vendors, kids activities and polka dancing. Live music and entertainment will happen in two tents and there will be children’s activities in the Kids’ Kamp building. Eat dinner at the buffet featuring German music and end the evening with a free admission polka dance. Held at Ruttger’s Bay Lake Lodge, which has been inviting guests to the lake and their resort for five generations of the Ruttger family since it opened in 1898.

Moose Madness Festival - Grand Marais, MN - Oct 20 to Oct 21, 2023
Moose-related activities are planned throughout the weekend for both adults and children. Activities range from the athletic to the artistic with kids winning “moose bucks” for participation in scavenger hunts, races and arts activities.

Schell’s Oktoberfest - New Ulm, MN - Oct 14, 2023
Between 11 am and 5 pm, enjoy German food, dancing, music and plenty of Schell’s Oktoberfest beer inside the beer tent. Lots of fun activities for kids. Tickets are $10, kids free – tickets sold at the gate, and a portion of proceeds will be donated. Schell’s is America’s second oldest family owned brewery, started in 1860 by August Schell. It survived Prohibition and has been passed down through six generations of the family. They make German craft beer. In 2013, their Oktoberfest beer took home a bronze medal in the American-Style Lager category at the Great American Beer Festival in Denver. Since most Germans don’t celebrate Oktoberfest for just one day, they even remind you to check out New Ulm’s Oktoberfest downtown, which takes place the weekend before and the same weekend as theirs.

Stillwater Harvest Fest - Stillwater, MN - Oct 14 to Oct 15, 2023
Chili Cook-Off, microbrew tasting, Giant Pumpkin weigh-Off, pumpkin regatta, live music, kids costume parade, food vendors, kids pumpkin pull, face painting, pie eating contest, and more.

Twin Cities Book Festival - St. Paul, MN - Oct 14, 2023
Join 5000 of your fellow book lovers for this annual event in the Progress Center building at the State Fairgrounds from 10 AM to 5 PM. Author readings, exhibitors, used book fair and children’s pavilion. Free admission!

Pumpkin Fest - Aurora, MN - Oct 14, 2023
Held indoor and outdoor at the Aurora Community Center. Features lots of pumpkins, craft vendors, quilt show, children’s games, wagon rides, and festival foods and a 5k pumpkin run.

Gull Lake Oktoberfest Pub Crawl - Gull Lake, MN - Oct 7, 2023
Free shuttle service between locations, commemorative mugs and lots of great food and music are all part of the event.

Moorhead Sausage Fest - Moorhead, MN - Sep 30, 2023
A BIG sausage meal from NDSU Meat Science and Wurst Bier Hall, cheap craft beer from Swing Barrel Brewing Co. plus other beverages, live music, Fall vendor market, bouncy house, games and activities for all ages!

Medtronic Twin Cities Marathon - Minneapolis, MN - Sep 29 to Oct 1, 2023
5k, 10k, 10 mile, marathon, family events and health expo all on the same weekend

Minnesota Renaissance Fest Oktoberfest Weekend - Shakopee, MN - Sep 29 to Oct 1, 2023
Oktoberfest weekend at the Ren Fest includes bier pong, plus contests for the best beard, lederhosen and dirndl, sauerkraut eating, stein hoisting, dachsund races; and more!

Twin Cities Arab Film Festival - Minneapolis, MN - Sep 27 to Oct 1, 2023
TCAFF 2023 is a hybrid film festival, screening independent Southwest Asian and North African (SWANA) cinema virtually for audiences across the United States and in-person at the Main Cinema in Minneapolis. The festival seeks to provide Arab American and Arab film artists support and exposure, build the local Arab American community, and present to the general public the diverse ways in which Arabs view themselves and the world they live in through the powerful and accessible medium of film.

Septemberfest - Eagan, MN - Sep 23, 2023
Friday night is family night; Saturday night is a 21+ concert. A family event with food truck, games, face painting, photo booth, 3 bands and more. Put on by Faithful Shepherd School.

Art Along the Lake - Cook County, MN - Sep 22 to Oct 1, 2023
Enjoy the fall colors and meet artists in their studios with a driving tour of home studios and galleries.

Gasthof Oktoberfest - Minneapolis, MN - Sep 22 to Sep 30, 2023
Weekends at Fulton’s Taproom.. A Bavarian bar and eatery in Minneapolis that pitches a massive tent and brings in the picnic tables for a celebration of Germany. Draft beer (bring your own stein or buy one there), and food for purchase There will be live polka music and dancing, too.

Junk Bonanza - Shakopee, MN - Sep 21 to Sep 23, 2023
A place for antiquers, junkers, and flea market lovers to enjoy shopping experiences, guest appearances, workshops, and giveaways.

Boats and Bluegrass - Winona, MN - Sep 21 to Sep 24, 2023
A family friendly music festival on the shores of the Mississippi River. Three day passes available for adults include camping. Kids 16 and under are free with adult.

Delano Oktoberfest - Delano, MN - Sep 16, 2023
The tents will go up at Delano Central Park! Oktoberfest beers, food, and music. $5 for 21+ with a commemorative mug for the first 500 paid adults; under 21 is free.

Lakeville Art Festival - Lakeville, MN - Sep 16 to Sep 17, 2023
Held the third weekend in September on the grounds of the Lakeville Area Arts Center, visitors can enjoy over 90 artists in a park-like setting. There will also be artist demonstrations, a Youth Art tent, performing and literary artist, food and more.

Wild Rice Festival - Roseville, MN - Sep 16, 2023
A celebration of wild rice, Native American culture and Minnesota’s harvest season. Pancake breakfast, live entertainment, food trucks and vendors. Located at the Harriet Alexander Nature Center.

Longville Oktoberfest - Longville, MN - Sep 16, 2023
Downtown Longville will have a German beer garden with music, arts and crafts on Saturday from 11 AM to 2 PM. The Longville Fire Hall will follow from 5-11 PM with its Oktoberfest Dinner Dance. Enjoy Friday nights karaoke entertainment and dinner specials at the Anchorage Inn.

Utepils Oktoberfest - Minneapolis, MN - Sep 15 to Sep 23, 2023
Friday and Saturday two weeks in a row. They are going to have a mass vow renewal ceremony as part of the Oktoberfest revelries, as well as music, games, great food and beer.

Arts and Crafts Festival - Hutchinson, MN - Sep 15 to Sep 16, 2023
Annual event for more than 40 years. Located at Liberty Square Park. Free admission and parking. Plenty of food vendors and arts and craft exhibits.

Carlos Creek Winery Grape Stomp - Alexandria, MN - Sep 15 to Sep 17, 2023
Three day event featuring over 300 teams stomping 10,000 pounds of grapes. Enjoy 12 bands on 4 stages, wine tasting, man cave featuring August Schell’s & Fargo Brewery, logging camp show and vendors with food, juried art show, and more. Free shuttle from Douglas County Fairgrounds and several area hotels, plus on-site parking.

Unplugged and Birch Bark Bash - Grand Marais, MN - Sep 14 to Sep 17, 2023
The fall fundraiser for the North House features crafts, storytelling, music, and community along the lakeshore.

WISSOTA 100 Stock Car Racing at I-94 Speedway - Fergus Falls, MN - Sep 12 to Sep 16, 2023
Auto Expo, Stock car races, bean bag tourney, vendors and more, all held at the Dakota State Fair Speedway

St. Paul Classic Bike Tour - Saint Paul, MN - Sep 10, 2023
Annual event benefiting BikeMN’s education programs. More than 6,000 riders, live music, refreshments and beautiful views of St. Paul. Riders can choose a 15, 32, or 47 mile route, and there is a minimal amount of traffic along the routes, as well as rest stops with beautiful views, hot and cold beverages, treats, live music and more.

Lake Superior Harvest Festival - Duluth, MN - Sep 9, 2023
For almost 30 years, the Lake Superior Chapter of SFA has put on this premier event, connecting producers and consumers. Located in Bayfront Festival Park in downtown Duluth, Harvest Festival features one of the best and largest farmers’ markets in the region, along with live music, crafts, nonprofit showcase, educational exhibits, family activities and more! The best part is that it’s all locally focused, locally grown, and locally sourced. Free parking and admission.

Fall into the Arts - Edina, MN - Sep 9 to Sep 10, 2023
250+ exhibitors, artists, sponsors and food vendors attend the event at Centennial Lakes Park. Nearly 20,000 attendees expected.

Monarch Festival – Festival de la Monarca - Minneapolis, MN - Sep 9, 2023
Celebrate the monarch butterfly at Lake Nokomis community center. Features music, food, hands-on art, plant sales, and workshops about this butterfly that migrates 2000 miles from Minnesota to Mexico.

Kellogg Watermelon Festival - Kellogg, MN - Sep 8 to Sep 10, 2023
Come on down to downtown Kellogg for a parade, the crowning of Miss Kellogg, and a variety of other events including a bean bag tournament, 5k, carnival, kiddie parade, beer crawl, soap box derby, live music and so much more!

American Pottery Festival - Minneapolis, MN - Sep 8 to Sep 10, 2023
Annual fundraising event for the Northern Clay Center, with national artists showcasing their work. Pre-festival workshops and lectures with the main events happening over the weekend.

Superior Fall Trail Races - Lutsen, MN - Sep 8 to Sep 9, 2023
Choose a route from 26.2 – 100 miles of rugged, rucky, single track trail with near constant climbs and descents – a real challenge for a real athlete! The race takes place on the Superior Hiking Trail between Gooseberry Falls and Lutsen Mountains, ending in Lutsen MN. Since 1991.

Radio Waves Music Festival - Grand Marais, MN - Sep 8 to Sep 10, 2023
Annual event held at Sweetheart’s Bluff in Grand Marais Recreation Area. It typically features over 30 music performances of various genres, with two stages and a dance floor, food vendors, and a children’s area. Tickets are $10 for the day or $20 for the weekend, and kids under 12 are free.

Ely Harvest Moon Festival - Ely, MN - Sep 8 to Sep 10, 2023
A three day festival in Whiteside Park that attracts more than 10,000. Arts & crafts, live music, blueberry pancake breakfast, walleye dinner and more. Held annually on the first weekend after Labor Day.

MetaCon - Minneapolis, MN - Sep 1 to Sep 3, 2023
Minneapolis’s comic book convention brings exhibitors, guest starts, interactive events, artists and entertainers, and costuming together in a three day celebration of geek culture and nerd life.

Duluth-Superior Pride Festival - Duluth, MN - Aug 31 to Sep 4, 2023
Check out all the fun activities at this year’s pride festival taking place in both Duluth Minnesota and Superior Wisconsin – Two beer tents, exhibitors and vendors, plus games and activities for children and families, live entertainment, the Foo Foo Choo Choo, drag show, block party, family picnic, Fruit float, 5K, Pride Parade, White Breakfast, worship service, and more!

Pierz Oktoberfest - Pierz, MN - Aug 26 to Aug 27, 2023
Organized by the Pierz Lions Club, it is generally held on the last Sunday in August unless it falls directly before Labor Day. Start the day with the fun run at Pierz Healy High School for a 2 mile or 5K run for the whole family. Parade generally starts around 11 AM. Following the parade, they hold a festival in the park which includes petting zoo, exotic animals, inflatables, bingo and children’s game. Purchase and wear their button to win one of the prizes in their giveaways. There are also brats & kraut, kettle corn, homemade pie and beer garden. Free shuttle bus transportion to the park from various parking lots – no unauthorized vehicles are allowed on Park Ave near the park. Related events take place for the week prior to the event. On Saturday night, for example, there will be a concert and fireworks. And don’t miss their famous Medallion Hunt, with a $500 award to the winner.

Tribute Fest - Duluth, MN - Aug 25 to Aug 26, 2023
Raising funds to help homeless veterans. Active duty and veterans, and their families, can get in free.

Minnesota State Fair - St. Paul, MN - Aug 24 to Sep 4, 2023
Grandstand shows, live entertainment, food, shopping, agricultural exhibits and competitions, and more! Started as a territorial fair in 1854, it changed its name in 1859 after Minnesota became a state. Always the 12 days leading up to and including Labor Day. Nearly 2 million people attend the event. Held at the Minnesota State Fairgrounds.

Art in Bayfront Park - Duluth, MN - Aug 19 to Aug 20, 2023
Over 100 artists will be set up at Bayfront Harvest Park

Minnesota Renaissance Fest - Shakopee, MN - Aug 19 to Oct 1, 2023
King Henry and his royal court invite one and all to his 16th Century European village featuring 16 stages of exciting entertainment. Over 250 artisans fill the Festival marketplace to display and sell their handcrafted wares for a truly unique shopping experience. Patrons can interact with hundreds of memorable characters roaming the village streets as well as view live armored jousting throughout the day. Weekends and Labor Day Monday, Festival Friday (final weekend)

Holidazzle - Minneapolis, MN - Nov 25 to Dec 18, 2022
2023: “Holidazzle is hibernating in 2023. This is a one-season decision that does not impact plans for the 2024 Holidazzle.” Normally: Holidazzle is a mpls downtown holiday tradition that creates a community gathering place and holiday destination for people of all ages to come together and celebrate winter. Holidazzle focuses on featuring local people, places and products that showcase the local food and art scenes, active lifestyle, local entertainers, and community groups that make the city and region unique and special.

Walk to End Hunger 5K - Bloomington, MN - Nov 24, 2022
Discontinued. Formerly: Make the Walk to End Hunger your Thanksgiving tradition! Raise money for an organization of your choice, or support 7 Twin Cities-based hunger relief organizations.

Great Pumpkin Festival - Brainerd, MN - Oct 15, 2022
This annual event runs from 1-4 PM with free admission. Pie throwing, pie eating, sack races and a variety of other kids and parent/children activities. Small fee for horse rides.

Black Forest Inn Oktoberfest - Minneapolis, MN - Sep 23, 2022
Ten days of alphorns, live music, food and beer, and more!

Gluek’s Bar and Restaurant Oktoberfest - Minneapolis, MN - Sep 23 to Oct 8, 2022
Live music as the Golden Keg is tapped on 9/26 and festivities begin! Free Oktoberfest appetizers, a pint from the Golden Keg, and live polka music, and a closing party on 10/24 with specials, drawings, and a surprise giveaway. In between, enjoy an exclusive traditional Oktoberfest menu, daily specials, and a variety of Oktoberfest beers – and get a FREE giant pretzel for group reservations of 12+ during Oktoberfest!

Blue Moose Oktoberfest - East Grand Forks, MN - Sep 17, 2022
The biggest celebration of beer in the Valley! Weiner dog races, free beer tastings, stein holding competitions, a pretzel toss, German food and a HUGE selection of Oktoberfest beers are all on tap for the outdoor Oktoberfest celebration at The Blue Moose Bar and Grill! Bring the family as this event is family friendly with lots of games for the kids too!

Oktoberfest Pub Crawl - Grand Forks, MN - Sep 17, 2022
Visit Downtown Grand Forks on Saturday for the second annual Downtown Oktoberfest Pub Crawl! 2-10 PM. Up to 13 participating locations.

Holiday Tree Lighting - Saint Paul, MN - Dec 4, 2021
Tree lighting and movie night at Union Depot. The tree will be lit throughout December

Holiday Music Festival at Mall of America - Bloomington, MN - Nov 29 to Dec 26, 2021
Live performances on select dates

Giving Thanks 5K - Maple Grove, MN - Nov 25, 2021
Run or walk a timed 5k or 2k fun walk ‘round Arbor Lake on USATF certified 5k course with family & friends at the ThanksGiving Day – GivingThanks 5k (15th Annual) presented by Charities Challenge. Check in and other areas are in the parking lot behind the closed Claddagh Irish Pub & Restaurant

Crookston Fall Show - Crookston, MN - Oct 16 to Oct 17, 2020
200+ booths showcasing baked goods, arts and crafts that all have a touch of being hand made by the vendors.

WinterSkate in Loring Park - Minneapolis, MN - Jan 4 to Feb 29, 2020
Taking the year off. Normally: Free skating with complimentary skates in downtown Minneapolis!

Lake Superior Storm Festival - Grand Marais, MN - Nov 8 to Nov 10, 2019
Learn about Lake Superior and attend the beacon lighting to commemorate the loss of the Edmund Fitzgerald.

Minneapolis Club Oktoberfest - Minneapolis, MN - Oct 5, 2019