(Please note: This list is updated as events become known. Be sure to check with the event host/venue in advance as there may be changes or cancellations at any time.)
Have an event to add to this list? Please email me at twincitiesfrugalmom@gmail.com. Submissions are not guaranteed – if you would like guaranteed placement, paid advertising packages start at $200. Thanks!
EVERY DAY: Get The Works Museum Discount Tickets!
- Regular admission is $13.00 per person, but you can get admission for $11.00 per person with my special code! (Children 2 and under are free.) For $2 Off Admission: Use code TCFMB$2OFF in the “promo code” field on the shopping cart page. (Not valid for special events) Purchase via THIS LINK.
- Discounts are offered for special events if you buy tickets in advance. Follow their website and social media pages for updates.
- 50% off admission for limited income families through their Gateway program
EVERY DAY: Get Minnesota Children’s Museum Discount Tickets!
EVERY DAY you can get DISCOUNTED tickets for the Minnesota Children’s Museum in St. Paul with my special code TCFM! Save $3 per admission!
- Just go to mcm.org and use my code TCFM to save $3 per admission on tickets both online and in person. You can also use that code to save $20 on a membership either in-person or online.
- There’s so much to do at the Minnesota Children’s Museum! Check out my review here.
Also, be sure to check my Twin Cities Discount Guide for Families for how to save (and get FREE admission!) at places all around the Twin Cities! (Note that many locations are closed right now.)
And check out my list of Free or Discounted Admission Programs for Limited Income Families in Minnesota! Note: Check before you go as many have updated their offerings since COVID began.
October
Ongoing Events
The Rock and Rock Playhouse: Concerts for Kids!. First Avenue & 7th St Entry, Minneapolis
Game On! at the Minnesota Children’s Museum. Through January 4, 2026. Save $3 per ticket with my code TCFM.
Treasure Island. Children’s Theatre Company, Minneapolis. September 9th – October 19th.
Anoka County Farms Fall Festival. September 20 – October 31.
Sever’s Fall Festival. Shakopee. Through October 26th.
The Dead End Hayride. Pinehaven Farm, Wyoming, MN. Through November 2nd.
The Great Pumpkin Trail. Pinehaven Farm, Wyoming, MN. October 3rd through November 2, 2025. Save with my exclusive codes!
Jack O Lantern Spectacular. Minnesota Zoo. September 26th and goes through November 2nd.
Charlotte’s Web. Stages Theatre, Hopkins. September 26 – October 26, 2025.
We Are Water MN. Bloomington. October 9 – December 1. Free.
Save 50% on tickets at Zero Gravity! Mounds View.
October 2025
Events by Date
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 1
Games Galore. 10:00am – 8:00pm. Union Depot, Waiting Room, 214 4th Street East, Saint Paul, MN.
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 2
Fall Warehouse Sale. October 2-4. Sota Clothing, St. Louis Park.
Free Lil’ Explorers Thursdays. 10:00am. Como Zoo. Lil’ Explorers is a FREE program from 10:00AM-noon on Thursdays in the Visitor Center in the Winter and on the zoo grounds in the Summer. Perfect for the 1-3 year old (but every age is welcome) to meet animal and plant visitors, see story time, play games and many other fun activities. Different theme each week!
Free Thursday Nights at American Swedish Institute. Admission is FREE 3-8pm. 2600 Park Ave, Minneapolis, MN. 55407
Free Thursday Nights at the Minnesota History Center. 4:00 – 8:00pm. Minnesota History Center, St. Paul.
Target Free Thursday Nights. Walker Art Center, Minneapolis. 5:00 – 9:00pm. Gallery admission is free from 5 to 9 pm every Thursday night. Reserve your ticket online in advance.
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 3
Fall Warehouse Sale. October 2-4. Sota Clothing, St. Louis Park.
The Great Pumpkin Trail Opening Day! Wyoming, MN. Save on tickets!
Experience the Northern Lights Glow Party. 6:00 – 9:00pm. Zero Gravity, Mounds View. Fridays and Saturdays.
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 4
Fall Warehouse Sale. October 2-4. Sota Clothing, St. Louis Park.
Viking Fest. October 4-5, and October 11-12. Farmington, MN.
FREE Museum Admission for Bank of America cardholders. October 4-5. First weekend of each month.
FREE Kids Workshop. 9:00am – 12:00pm. Home Depot locations. This month: Haunted Candy Box.
FREE Community Showing of Hotel Transylvania. 10:00am. Odyssey Century 9 Theatre, Hutchinson.
Free First Saturday: Express Yourself! 10:00am – 3:00pm. Walker Art Center, Minneapolis. Free First Saturday also features free gallery admission on the first Saturday of every month. Gallery admission tickets are available online in advance and on-site on the event day from the Main Lobby desk.
Fall Chairlift Rides. 11:00am – 6:00pm. Hyland Hills Ski Area, Bloomington. Ticket Price: $10/person, 2 and under free.
PawPADs Fall Fest Fundraiser. 12:00 – 4:00pm. Casperson Park in Lakeville. Bring your family, friends, and neighbors for a memorable day filled with music by Tim Howe, food, and festivities—all for a great cause. Kids will love meeting our puppies and service dogs in training, and there will be plenty of opportunities to play, learn, and connect with the PawPADs mission. Whether you’re a dog lover, a parent, or just looking for a fun fall afternoon, there’s something for everyone!
Blaine Oktoberfest. 12:00 – 8:30pm. Tom Ryan Park, Blaine.
Experience the Northern Lights Glow Party. 6:00 – 9:00pm. Zero Gravity, Mounds View. Fridays and Saturdays.
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 5
Viking Fest. October 4-5, and October 11-12. Farmington, MN.
FREE Museum Admission for Bank of America cardholders. October 4-5. First weekend of each month.
Fall Chairlift Rides. 11:00am – 4:00pm. Hyland Hills Ski Area, Bloomington. Ticket Price: $10/person, 2 and under free.
Culture in the Commons: Danza Ketzal Aztec Dance. 3:00pm. 4580 Victoria St N, Shoreview.
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 7
FREE First Tuesday at Washington County Parks. On the first Tuesday of every month (non-holiday), visit any Washington County Park FREE. No Vehicle Permit required.
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 8
Games Galore. 10:00am – 8:00pm. Union Depot, Waiting Room, 214 4th Street East, Saint Paul, MN.
Costume and Party Supply Swap. 11:00am – 2:00pm. Public Works Solid Waste & Recycling Facility (60 W Sycamore St) First Floor Lobby, St. Paul. Every Wednesday in October.
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 10
Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity Restore GRAND OPENING. October 10 – 11. 9:45am Ribbon Cutting. 10:00am Open. 9300 Winnetka Ave N, Ste. 200, Brooklyn Park. The first 50 customers who make a purchase get a FREE swag bag!
Indigenous People’s Weekend. October 10-12. Indigenous Roots Cultural Arts Center, 790 7th St E, St Paul, MN.
Costume and Party Supply Swap. 4:00 – 6:00pm. Public Works Solid Waste & Recycling Facility (60 W Sycamore St) First Floor Lobby, St. Paul.
Experience the Northern Lights Glow Party. 6:00 – 9:00pm. Zero Gravity, Mounds View. Fridays and Saturdays.
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 11
Viking Fest. October 4-5, and October 11-12. Farmington, MN.
Indigenous People’s Weekend. October 10-12. Indigenous Roots Cultural Arts Center, 790 7th St E, St Paul, MN.
Stillwater Harvest Fest. October 11-12.
FREE Community Showing of Hotel Transylvania. 10:00am. Odyssey Century 9 Theatre, Hutchinson.
Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity Restore GRAND OPENING. October 10 – 11. Today: 10:00am – 4:00pm. 9300 Winnetka Ave N, Ste. 200, Brooklyn Park. The first 50 customers who make a purchase get a FREE swag bag!
The Great Pumpkin Giveaway. 10:00am. Logan Ave S, Minneapolis.
Great Hallow-Green Costume Exchange. 10:00am – 11:30am. Kaposia Library | 131 7th Ave N, South St Paul.
Fall Fest. 10:00am – 4:00pm. Gale Woods Farm, 7210 County Road 110 W., Minnetrista. October 11-12. Join us for Fall Fest, a free annual event celebrating the beautiful nature in Minnesota while highlighting some of Gale Woods Farm’s unique offerings.
50th Birthday Bash. 10:00am – 4:00pm. Bakken Museum, Minneapolis. FREE ADMISSION!
Haunted Roundhouse. 10:00am – 4:00pm. Minnesota Transportation Museum, St. Paul. Saturdays in October.
Costume and Party Supply Swap. 11:00am – 2:00pm. Public Works Solid Waste & Recycling Facility (60 W Sycamore St) First Floor Lobby, St. Paul.
Viking Lakes Fall Festival. 11:00am – 9:00pm. Viking Lakes Plaza, St. Paul. Enjoy local craft beer, seasonal foods, and live music while the kids explore the hay maze, pumpkin patch, llama petting zoo, face painting, and balloon twisting. Test your skills with corn hole and football toss.
Diwali Festival at Midtown Global Market. 12:00 – 3:00pm. Midtown Global Market, Minneapolis.
Fall is Fun Festival. 12:00pm. CHS Field, St. Paul. Saturdays and Sundays in October.
Free Halloween Costume Swap. 2:00 – 4:00pm. Waite Park, 1810 34th Ave Northeast, Minneapolis.
7th Annual Community Trunk or Treat. 3:00 – 6:00pm. Morris Nilsen Funeral Chapel, 6527 Portland Ave, Richfield, MN. Join us for a FREE family-friendly event packed with fun and community spirit! Connect with local businesses, non-profits, teams, and groups.
Annual Halloween Spectacular. 4:00 – 7:00pm. 12976 S Robert Trl, Rosemount.
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 12
Viking Fest. October 4-5, and October 11-12. Farmington, MN.
Indigenous People’s Weekend. October 10-12. Indigenous Roots Cultural Arts Center, 790 7th St E, St Paul, MN.
Stillwater Harvest Fest. October 11-12.
Family Day. 10:00am – 3:00pm. Minneapolis Institute of Art, Minneapolis. Join us for our free monthly event for families, kids, and the young at heart. On the second Sunday of every month, the museum is filled with hands-on art activities, live music, dance performances, artist demonstrations, family tours and more — all inspired by Mia’s incredible collection.
Minnesota STEM Book Fest. 10:00am – 4:00pm. The Bakken Museum, 3537 Zenith Ave S, Minneapolis.
Fall Fest. 10:00am – 4:00pm. Gale Woods Farm, 7210 County Road 110 W., Minnetrista. October 11-12. Join us for Fall Fest, a free annual event celebrating the beautiful nature in Minnesota while highlighting some of Gale Woods Farm’s unique offerings.
Pizza Day. 11:30am – 4:00pm. $10 per pizza. Alpha & Omega Farm, Princeton.
Fall is Fun Festival. 12:00pm. CHS Field, St. Paul. Saturdays and Sundays in October.
Blippi: Join The Band Tour! 2:00pm. Orpheum, Minneapolis.
Edina Halloween Costume Swap. 2:00pm – 4:00pm. 5280 Grandview Square # 101, Edina.
MONDAY, OCTOBER 13
Ruby’s Pantry Food Distribution. 4:30pm. Bring $26 and 2 large totes for an ABUNDANCE of food. No income or residency required. ALL WELCOME! Doors open at 4:30. Read about my experience here!
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 14
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 15
Games Galore. 10:00am – 8:00pm. Union Depot, Waiting Room, 214 4th Street East, Saint Paul, MN.
Costume and Party Supply Swap. 11:00am – 2:00pm. Public Works Solid Waste & Recycling Facility (60 W Sycamore St) First Floor Lobby, St. Paul. Every Wednesday in October.
- Every Wednesday in October: 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
- Friday, October 10 from 4 p.m. – 6 p.m.
- Saturday, October 11 and 25 from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. (National Costume Swap Day!)
Free Halloween Costume Swap. 4:30 – 6:30pm. Two locations in Forest Lake:
6065 Headwaters Pkwy., Forest Lake, MN 55025
4039 Cottage Grove Drive, Woodbury, MN 55129
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 16 MEA WEEKEND (No School)
Free Lil’ Explorers Thursdays. 10:00am. Como Zoo. Lil’ Explorers is a FREE program from 10:00AM-noon on Thursdays in the Visitor Center in the Winter and on the zoo grounds in the Summer. Perfect for the 1-3 year old (but every age is welcome) to meet animal and plant visitors, see story time, play games and many other fun activities. Different theme each week!
Free Halloween Costume Swap. 2:00 – 6:00pm. Chanhassen Recreation Center, 2300 Coulter Blvd, Chanhassen.
Free Thursday Nights at American Swedish Institute. Admission is FREE 3-8pm. 2600 Park Ave, Minneapolis, MN. 55407
Free Thursday Nights at the Minnesota History Center. 4:00 – 8:00pm. Minnesota History Center, St. Paul.
Target Free Thursday Nights. Walker Art Center, Minneapolis. 5:00 – 9:00pm. Gallery admission is free from 5 to 9 pm every Thursday night. Reserve your ticket online in advance.
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 17 MEA WEEKEND (No School)
Just Between Friends Kids Consignment Sale. October 17-19. White Bear Lake.
Spooktacular. 4:30 – 8:00pm. 1845 49th Avenue Northeast, Columbia Heights.
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 18
Just Between Friends Kids Consignment Sale. October 17-19. White Bear Lake.
Sensory Friendly Saturday at Bell Museum. 8:00am – 10:00am. Bell Museum, St. Paul.
October Fix-It Clinic. 10:00am – 1:00pm. 508 3rd St, Farmington, MN.
The Great Pumpkin Festival. 10:00am – 1:00pm. The Shops at West End, 1621 West End Blvd, Saint Louis Park.
Haunted Roundhouse. 10:00am – 4:00pm. Minnesota Transportation Museum, St. Paul. Saturdays in October.
October-Fest. 11:00am – 4:00pm. Fleet Farm.
Owámni: Falling Water Festival. 11:00am – 4:00pm. Mill Ruins Park, 4 West River Pkwy, Minneapolis.
Fall is Fun Festival. 12:00pm. CHS Field, St. Paul. Saturdays and Sundays in October.
Free Halloween Costume Swap. 2:00 – 4:00pm. Waite Park, 1810 34th Ave Northeast, Minneapolis.
Spooky Trains. 3:00 – 7:00pm. Twin City Model Railroad Museum, St. Paul. (Spooky Trains admission is only $10 per person)
Experience the Northern Lights Glow Party. 6:00 – 9:00pm. Zero Gravity, Mounds View. Fridays and Saturdays.
Light Up the Night Parade. 7:00pm. 2005 2nd Ave, Anoka, MN.
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 19
Just Between Friends Kids Consignment Sale. October 17-19. White Bear Lake.
Pizza Day. 11:30am – 4:00pm. $10 per pizza. Alpha & Omega Farm, Princeton.
Fall is Fun Festival. 12:00pm. CHS Field, St. Paul. Saturdays and Sundays in October.
MONDAY, OCTOBER 20
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 21
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 22
Games Galore. 10:00am – 8:00pm. Union Depot, Waiting Room, 214 4th Street East, Saint Paul, MN.
Costume and Party Supply Swap. 11:00am – 2:00pm. Public Works Solid Waste & Recycling Facility (60 W Sycamore St) First Floor Lobby, St. Paul. Every Wednesday in October.
Halloween Costume & Prop Swap. 5:30 – 7:00pm. Wescott Library, 1340 Wescott Rd., Eagan.
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 23
Free Lil’ Explorers Thursdays. 10:00am. Como Zoo. Lil’ Explorers is a FREE program from 10:00AM-noon on Thursdays in the Visitor Center in the Winter and on the zoo grounds in the Summer. Perfect for the 1-3 year old (but every age is welcome) to meet animal and plant visitors, see story time, play games and many other fun activities. Different theme each week!
Free Thursday Nights at American Swedish Institute. Admission is FREE 3-8pm. 2600 Park Ave, Minneapolis, MN. 55407
Free Thursday Nights at the Minnesota History Center. 4:00 – 8:00pm. Minnesota History Center, St. Paul.
Target Free Thursday Nights. Walker Art Center, Minneapolis. 5:00 – 9:00pm. Gallery admission is free from 5 to 9 pm every Thursday night. Reserve your ticket online in advance.
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 24
Downtown Trick or Treat. 2:00 – 6:00pm. 679 Main St, Elk River.
Pumpkin Walk. 5:00 – 8:00pm. Veterans Park, 803 Old Hwy 8 NW, New Brighton.
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 25
Triple T Alpaca Open House. 10:00am – 3:00pm. Foreston, MN.
Haunted Roundhouse. 10:00am – 4:00pm. Minnesota Transportation Museum, St. Paul. Saturdays in October.
Trunk or Treat. 10:30am – 12:00pm. 3900 Winnetka Avenue N, New Hope. Free hot dog lunch, iced coffee while supplies last. Free bouncy house.
Costume and Party Supply Swap. 11:00am – 2:00pm. Public Works Solid Waste & Recycling Facility (60 W Sycamore St) First Floor Lobby, St. Paul.
Free Days at the Weisman Art Museum. 11:00am – 5:00pm. Weisman Art Museum, Minneapolis.
Pizza Day. 11:30am – 4:00pm. $10 per pizza. Alpha & Omega Farm, Princeton.
Fall is Fun Festival. 12:00pm. CHS Field, St. Paul. Saturdays and Sundays in October.
Halloween Bash. 1:00 – 9:00pm. Omni Brewing, 1495 Stieger Lake Ln, Victoria, MN.
Free Halloween Costume Swap. 2:00 – 4:00pm. Waite Park, 1810 34th Ave Northeast, Minneapolis.
Spooky Trains. 3:00 – 7:00pm. Twin City Model Railroad Museum, St. Paul. (Spooky Trains admission is only $10 per person)
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 26
BOOnion Depot. 10:00am – 2:00pm. Union Depot, St. Paul. Union Depot will transform into a spooky day of fun for families. At this free event, you can create crafts, jam in a DJ dance zone with prizes, enjoy Halloween-themed entertainment, get your face painted, visit with a balloon artist, trick or treat, meet and greet Spiderman and Wicked witches, Elphaba and Glinda and more.
Fall is Fun Festival. 12:00pm. CHS Field, St. Paul. Saturdays and Sundays in October.
Free Winter Clothing Shop Day. 2:00pm. Minnetonka Christian Academy, Minnetonka.
MONDAY, OCTOBER 27
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 28
Toddler Tuesdays Halloween Treat Trail. 10:00am – 12:00pm. Mall of America. Come dressed up in your Halloween costumes + join us a for a toddler friendly treat trail around the Park. Purchase a Toddler Tuesdays wristband and pick up your treat bag at the Nickelodeon Shop to start the fun.
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 29
Costume and Party Supply Swap. 11:00am – 2:00pm. Public Works Solid Waste & Recycling Facility (60 W Sycamore St) First Floor Lobby, St. Paul. Every Wednesday in October.
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 30
Free Lil’ Explorers Thursdays. 10:00am. Como Zoo. Lil’ Explorers is a FREE program from 10:00AM-noon on Thursdays in the Visitor Center in the Winter and on the zoo grounds in the Summer. Perfect for the 1-3 year old (but every age is welcome) to meet animal and plant visitors, see story time, play games and many other fun activities. Different theme each week!
Free Thursday Nights at American Swedish Institute. Admission is FREE 3-8pm. 2600 Park Ave, Minneapolis, MN. 55407
Free Thursday Nights at the Minnesota History Center. 4:00 – 8:00pm. Minnesota History Center, St. Paul.
Target Free Thursday Nights. Walker Art Center, Minneapolis. 5:00 – 9:00pm. Gallery admission is free from 5 to 9 pm every Thursday night. Reserve your ticket online in advance.
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 31
Mall-O-Ween. 3:00pm. Mall of America.
Halloween at Rosedale. 4:00 – 7:00pm. Rosedale Center, Roseville.
Midtown Global Market Trick or Treating. 5:00 – 7:00pm. 920 E Lake St, Minneapolis, MN.
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 1
Spooky Trains. 3:00 – 7:00pm. Twin City Model Railroad Museum, St. Paul. (Spooky Trains admission is only $10 per person)
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 6
Twin Cities Grad Fair. 9:00am – 3:00pm. Minnetonka High School, 18301 Minnesota 7, Minnetonka.
MONDAY, MAY 18
The Hobbit Pay-What-You-Can Night at Theatre in the Round. 7:30pm. Theatre in the Round, Minneapolis.
EVERY WEDNESDAY
Commemorative Air Force Minnesota Wing Hangar and Museum. 310 Airport Rd Hangar 3, South Saint Paul, MN. Museum is open to the public Wednesdays and Saturdays each week from 9:30am to 5:30pm. Please call ahead on all major holidays as the museum may be closed. Admission is free of charge. Donations are always welcome and appreciated when visiting.
EVERY THURSDAY
Walker Art Museum – Gallery Admission is free from 5:00-9:00pm.
EVERY SATURDAY
Commemorative Air Force Minnesota Wing Hangar and Museum. 310 Airport Rd Hangar 3, South Saint Paul, MN. Museum is open to the public Wednesdays and Saturdays each week from 9:30am to 5:30pm. Please call ahead on all major holidays as the museum may be closed. Admission is free of charge. Donations are always welcome and appreciated when visiting.
Free Kids Club Workshops at Michael’s stores. 10:00am.
SELECT SATURDAYS
Free children’s craft activity at Lakeshore Learning Stores. 11:00am to 3:00pm. Ages 3 and up. No reservation necessary.