Moody music, gnome-ification and ghosts of gangsters’ pasts: 13 Halloween happenings in the Twin Cities
While Halloween falling on a Monday this year might feel like the scariest part of the season, don’t let the holiday pass you by. Seize the opportunity to engage in one of these frightening festivities across the Twin Cities this year.
Minnesota Zoo Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular: Bring the family along for a stroll past thousands of meticulously carved jack-o-lanterns. Through Nov. 5; $18-24; Minnesota Zoo, 13000 Zoo Blvd., Apple Valley; mnzoo.org
Rocky Horror Picture Show:Calling all cult-classic-obsessed film buffs for this 18+ outdoor showing at Harriet Island. Dress warm, pack an extra blanket and enjoy a snack or two from one of the food trucks onsite. Dusk, Oct. 21; Harriet Island Target Stage 110 Harriet Island Road, St. Paul; 651-292-7010
Twin Cities Paranormal Society Cocktail Party:Listen to the Twin Cities Paranormal Society with a drink in hand as they reveal their findings regarding the Lexington and other spots’ haunted pasts. Tickets include two cocktails and assorted appetizers. 6-9 p.m. Oct. 23; $75; The Lexington, 1096 Grand Ave. S, St. Paul; 651-289-4990; thelexmn.com
Gangster Ghost Tour:Get in, guys and ghouls; it’s time to greet some ghosts. Once a year, the ghosts of infamous gangsters come to life at the Landmark Center. Head on over for a tour of the space through their eyes. 6 p.m. Oct. 26; $10; Landmark Center, 75 5th St. W., St. Paul; 651-292-3225; landmarkcenter.org
Barebones’ Halloween Extravaganza: Bundle up and bring your own chair to sit down and enjoy Barebones Puppets 29th annual extravaganza. The puppet pageant will feature stilting, dance, music, fire and an array of puppets. 7-8 p.m. Oct. 28-31; $20; Midtown Greenway, 2828 11th Ave., Minneapolis; barebonespuppets.org
Gnomefest:Garden gnomes might not be your thing, but you’d be hard-pressed not to find something that is at The Gnome Pub’s Gnomefest with La Chouffe beer. Party in the parking lot, taste-test a yet-to-be-released beer and listen to live music while you’re there. Gnome costumes optional but encouraged. 3-8 p.m., Oct. 29; The Gnome Pub, 498 Selby Ave., St. Paul; 651-219-4231; thegnomepub.com
Monster Bash Halloween Music Fest:Sip on a warm apple cider ale and have a guaranteed good time at this event presented by Lake Monster Brewing and The Current. Musical lineup includes Ellis Cleve, Run Westy Run, Lazer Beak, NUR-D and DJ Joshua Berwald. 12-11 p.m. Oct. 29; $9; Lake Monster Brewing, 550 Vandalia St. #160, St. Paul; 612-808-8662; vitalculture.com
All Hallows Eve:Join Jeremy Messersmith for a musical celebration of life, love and death at the Fitzgerald. All ages welcome. 8 p.m. Oct. 29; $25; The Fitzgerald, 10 East Exchange St., St. Paul; 612-338-8388; axs.com
Creep and Crawl:Between unlimited food and beer, a costume contest, a cemetery-dirt-pie-eating competition and more, you won’t want to miss this 21+ evening. Co-hosted by Travail Kitchen and Nouvelle Brewing, other food vendors include Dream Creamery and Pig Ate My Pizza. 5-10 p.m. Oct. 29; $79; Nouvelle Brewing, 4124 W. Broadway Ave., Robbinsdale; 763-537-7267; travailkitchen.com
BOOnion Depot:Grab the family, toss on your best costumes and head to Union Depot’s Waiting Room for a day of spooky fun. Activities include pumpkin crafts, face painting, a DJ and dance zone, concessions via Deb’s Hot Dogs and Spinning Wylde Cotton Candy and trick-or-treat opportunities. The first 500 kids under 12 will receive a complimentary candy tote. 10 a.m.- 2 p.m. Oct. 30; 214 4th St. E., St. Paul; 651-202-2700 uniondepot.org
Halloween Spooktacular:All ages are welcome at the Minnesota Children’s Museum Halloween extravaganza. Explore the museum, trick-or-treat, play some carnival games, take part in themed crafts and more. Tickets include museum admission and a trick-or-treat bag. 6-9 p.m. Oct. 30; $18; Minnesota Children’s Museum, 10 W. Seventh St, St. Paul; 651-225-6000; mcm.org
Great Pumpkin Halloween Festival:A costume parade, crafts, a DJ just for the kids and treats await at this daytime celebration at the Landmark Center. All ages welcome. 1-3 p.m., Oct. 30; Landmark Center, 75 5th St. W., St. Paul; 651-292-3225; landmarkcenter.org
Haunted Disco: Take a stab at winning one of multiple cash prizes at First Ave’s annual costume contest. Or just let loose and get your boo-gie on to some live entertainment, including DJ Rowsheen, DJ Michael Grey, Izzie Pi, Chico Chi and DJ Smitty. 8 p.m. Oct. 31; $15; First Avenue, 701 N. First Ave., Minneapolis; 612-338-8388; first-avenue.com
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