(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. Thanks!
EVERY DAY: Get The Works Museum Discount Tickets!
- Regular admission is $11.00 per person, but you can get admission for $9.00 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.
September 2023
Immersive Disney Experience. Minneapolis. March 23 – October 9. Get discounts!
The Rock and Rock Playhouse: Concerts for Kids!. First Avenue & 7th St Entry, Minneapolis.
September 2023
Events by Date
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 1
End of Summer Celebration. 6:00 – 10:00pm. Veterans Park, New Brighton.
Fire & Ice Cream – End of Summer Family Beach Social. 6:45pm. Hidden Beach, Minneapolis. Come join the Kenwood Community in celebrating the end of summer with our 2nd annual Fire & Ice Cream Family Beach Social. Free Sebastian Joes Ice Cream – 6:45 p.m.
Hula-hoop Dance Party – 7:00 p.m.
Sunset Fire Dancing Performance – 8:00 p.m.
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 2
Bluey’s Big Play. September 2-3. State Theatre, Minneapolis.
Free First Sunday. Minnesota Children’s Museum, St. Paul.
Free First Sunday. Spark Children’s Museum, Rochester.
FREE Kids Workshop. 9:00am – 12:00pm. Home Depot locations.
Saturday Morning on the Farm. 9:30am – 12:00pm. Gale Woods Farm, Minnetrista. Join in seasonal farm activities to explore the barn, meet animals, discover what’s growing in the garden and more! Wear farm clothes and get ready to dig in and be active. Drop in anytime. Program runs rain or shine! Avoid the line and purchase your tickets ahead of time. $6.
Free First Saturday: So Long Summer. 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.
FREE Community Showing of Spongebob Squarepants Movie! 10:00am. CineMagic Hollywood 12, Rochester.
Storytime Trolley. 10:30am. Valley Bookseller, 217 Main Street North, Stillwater MN 55082.
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 3
Bluey’s Big Play. September 2-3. State Theatre, Minneapolis.
Sensory-Friendly Sundays at the Plymouth Community Center. 8:30 – 10:30am.
Sensory Friendly Sundays at Science Museum of Minnesota. On the first Sunday of the month, the Science Museum hosts Sensory Friendly Sunday, where visitors who learn best in a calmer environment can experience a lights-up, sound-down Omnitheater show at 10 a.m.
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 4 LABOR DAY
Many Labor Day Sales! Check your local thrift store for sales.
Labor Day at the Farm. 9:00 – 3:00. Red Barn Learning Farm, Hayfield. You are off, we are open! Spend a day at the farm. We are open to the public from 9am -3pm. Regular farm admission applies. $8 (+ tax) per person age 1 and over.
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 5
FREE First Tuesday at Washington County Parks. On the first Tuesday of every month (non-holiday), visit any Washington County Park FREE. No Vehicle Permit required.
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 6
Games Galore. 10:00am – 8:00pm. Union Depot, Waiting Room, 214 4th Street East, Saint Paul, MN.
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 7
Just Between Friends Andover Kids Consignment Sale. September 7-10. Andover YMCA Community Center.
Free Lil’ Explorers Thursdays. 10:00am. Como Zoo. Lil’ Explorers is a FREE program from 10:00AM-noon on Thursdays in the Visitor Center in the Winter and on the zoo grounds in the Summer. Perfect for the 1-3 year old (but every age is welcome) to meet animal and plant visitors, see story time, play games and many other fun activities. Different theme each week!
Free Thursday Nights at American Swedish Institute. Admission is FREE 3-8pm. 2600 Park Ave, Minneapolis, MN. 55407
Summer Nights in Rice. 5:00 – 7:00pm. Rice Park, St. Paul. Reggae, jazz, Big Band, Latin, Salsa and blues rock – there’s something for everyone’s musical tastes at the second year of great music at Summer Nights in Rice. Summer Nights in Rice is a free outdoor summer concert series occurring on select Thursdays from 5:00pm -7:00pm, June through September. Visit local downtown Saint Paul restaurants for happy hour, then head to Rice Park for live music, community connections, and dancing!
Target Free Thursday Nights. Walker Art Center, Minneapolis. 5:00 – 9:00pm. Gallery admission is free from 5 to 9 pm every Thursday night. Reserve your ticket online in advance.
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 8
James J. Hill Days. September 8-10. St. Paul.
Just Between Friends Andover Kids Consignment Sale. September 7-10. Andover YMCA Community Center. It’s FREEBIE FRIDAY! Get these deals:
Buy 3 Books Get the 4th Book Free
Buy 3 DVDs Get the 4the DVD Free
Buy a Halloween Costume & Get a Free Pumpkin Bucket
Buy a Backpack and Get a Free School Supply
Spend 100$ or More Get a Free JBF Bag
Andover YMCA Community Center | 15200 Hanson Blvd NW in Andover MN 55304Andover Sunflower Field Opening Weekend. September 8-10. Andover Sunflower Field, 14861 Prairie Rd NW, Andover, MN 55304. Andover Sunflower Field is expected to be open September 8-24. The field and all activites are free. Donations are appreciated to help with costs. Field hours will be 5:30am-8:30pm, 7 days a week
Community Resource Event. 12:00 – 3:00pm. Midtown Global Market, Minneapolis. Attendance is FREE and open to the public.
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 9
James J. Hill Days. September 8-10. St. Paul.
Community Pop-Up. 9:00am – 12:00pm. Hollydale Neighborhood, Plymouth. Part of Parade of Homes tour. Each Saturday during the tour, join us at a different development across the metro for pop-up celebrations. Wake up with Coffee Cart, community fitness, family activities, and puppy parties!
Saturday Morning on the Farm. 9:30am – 12:00pm. Gale Woods Farm, Minnetrista. Join in seasonal farm activities to explore the barn, meet animals, discover what’s growing in the garden and more! Wear farm clothes and get ready to dig in and be active. Drop in anytime. Program runs rain or shine! Avoid the line and purchase your tickets ahead of time. $6.
Grand Opening of The Little Gym (Eagan). 10:00am – 1:00pm. The Little Gym, Eagan. The Little Gym of Eagan is the worlds premiere enrichment and physical development center for kids 4 months through 12 years.
15th Annual Monarch Festival – Festival de la Monarca. 10:00am – 4:00pm. Lake Nokomis, Minneapolis. The Festival celebrates the monarch butterfly amazing 2,300 mile migration from Minnesota to Mexico with music, food, dance, hands-on art, native plant sales and plenty of opportunities to get up close with monarch butterflies, learn about their habitats, and what you can do to make a difference.
Archaeology Day at Fort Snelling. 10:00am – 4:00pm. Fort Snelling, St. Paul. You’re invited to Archaeology Day at Historic Fort Snelling! Join archaeologists to be detectives of the past and find out how our stories get richer and more complex with each thing we learn.
Storytime Trolley. 10:30am. Valley Bookseller, 217 Main Street North, Stillwater MN 55082.
Free JcPenney Kids Zone Craft. 11:00am – 12:00pm at participating JCPenney locations. Parents get a 10% off.
Super Hero Time at Little Roos – Featuring Spider-Man with Royal Princess Party. 11:00am. Little Roo’s MN, Chaska.
Mac-Grove Fest. 11:00am – 3:00pm. Edgcumbe Recreation Center, St. Paul. Join us on September 9 from 11:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. at the Edgcumbe Rec Center Fields (320 Griggs St S) to celebrate the businesses, organizations, artists, and residents that make Saint Paul a great place to live, work, learn and play. Attendees are encouraged to walk, take public transit, or bike to Mac-Grove Fest.
25th Annual Happy Days. 11:00am – 10:00pm. Ramsey City Hall, Ramsey, MN. Fun Run, Car Show, Inflatables, Car Show, Food Vendors, Music & Fireworks! Family Fun all Day!
Pikachu Appearance at the Just Between Friends Andover Fall Kids Sale! 2:00 – 4:00pm.
Waite Park Fall Festival. 3:00 – 7:00pm. 1810 34th Ave NE, Minneapolis, MN 55418. We’re looking forward to a beautiful Fall day in Waite Park to enjoy live music, local vendors and artisans, kids games, a fire truck, food trucks, and free food options from the grill.
Family Board Game Night. 4:00 – 8:00pm. Highlander Games, Coon Rapids.
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 10
James J. Hill Days. September 8-10. St. Paul.
Sensory Friendly Sunday. 8:00 – 11:00am. Walker Art Center, Minneapolis. Sensory Friendly Sunday is a monthly event designed for kids, teens, and adults with sensory processing differences, autism spectrum disorder, or developmental disabilities.
Family Day. 10:00am – 5:00pm. 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.
Hay There! 2:00 – 5:00pm. 5265 Woodland Trail, Greenfield, MN. Hay There! Join us for an immersive experience at the farm filled with family-friendly activities and a chance to support our healing work. Tickets available online (thru 9/9) and in-person the day of the event (9/10). Showstopper activities include: petting zoo, tractor rides, summer food, and live music provided by the Potluck String Band! Bring your smart phones and checkbooks for the Lucky Auction, Lily Plop Bingo, and special HYH swag. Tickets are just $10 for adults and $5 for kids. Bring your checkbook for the lucky auction, costume photo booth, and Lily Plop Bingo.
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 11
Bargain Monday! St. Michael Cinema 15. $5 movie tickets all day. $5 snack packs.
Ruby’s Pantry Food Distribution. 4:30pm. Bring $25 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, SEPTEMBER 12
Toddler Tuesdays LIVE: Blue’s Clues and You. 10:00am – 12:00pm. Huntington Bank Rotunda, Mall of America. Get ready for a great play date with Blue and Rainbow Puppy! Step inside to explore Blue’s world with crafts, meet & greets, and of course, clues!
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 13
Games Galore. 10:00am – 8:00pm. Union Depot, Waiting Room, 214 4th Street East, Saint Paul, MN.
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 14
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
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, SEPTEMBER 15
Arb Glass Pumpkin Patch. September 15 – 17. Minnesota Landscape Arboretum, Chaska. Don’t miss this gorgeous display and sale of more than 5,000 handblown glass pumpkins and glass garden art made by 12 award-winning, professional glass artists, who will offer free glass-blowing demonstrations daily.
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 16
Arb Glass Pumpkin Patch. September 15 – 17. Minnesota Landscape Arboretum, Chaska. Don’t miss this gorgeous display and sale of more than 5,000 handblown glass pumpkins and glass garden art made by 12 award-winning, professional glass artists, who will offer free glass-blowing demonstrations daily.
Ball-o-Rama Opens at the Minnesota Children’s Museum! Save $3 per ticket with my exclusive code TCFM every day.
Hispanic Heritage Day. 11:00am – 7:00pm. Maplewood Mall.
11 am – DJ and vendor set up!11:30 am – Kids dance party!12 pm – Mariachi Performance + dancing!1 pm – Zumba class (freeee!)2 pm – Ribbon cutting for GuanaMexi Tropical!2:15 pm – Pinata fun for the kiddos and music!3 – 5 pm – Dos Coronas performance!5:30 pm – ELOTE EATING CONTEST! Sponsored by Maya Cuisine!Sensory Friendly Saturday at Bell Museum. 8:00am – 10:00am. Bell Museum, St. Paul.
Peekabooboo’s Play Cafe Grand Opening. 9:00am – 1:00pm. Peekabooboo Play Cafe, Albertville. Come join us for the GRAND OPENING of Peekabooboo’s Play Café! Special Grand Opening pricing: $10 admission for kids (adults and children under 1 are free). Face painting, Tattoos, Special Guest at 11:00-11:30, FIRST 50 people through our doors get a swag bag with tons of goodies! Drawing for 1 FREE birthday party package valued at $299, drawings for free single day passes.
Fall Model Railroad Show and Sale. 9:00am – 2:00pm. Minnesota State Fair. Admission is $7.00 for ages 8 and up! Ages 7 and under are FREE! Tickets are purchased at the door.
Saturday Morning on the Farm. 9:30am – 12:00pm. Gale Woods Farm, Minnetrista. Join in seasonal farm activities to explore the barn, meet animals, discover what’s growing in the garden and more! Wear farm clothes and get ready to dig in and be active. Drop in anytime. Program runs rain or shine! Avoid the line and purchase your tickets ahead of time. $6.
Wild Rice Festival. 10:00am. Harriet Alexander Nature Center, Roseville. The 19th annual Wild Rice Festival returns to Harriet Alexander Nature Center for a celebration of wild rice, the fall season, and Dakota and Ojibwe culture! FREE.
Community Resource Fair & Family Fun Day. 10:00am – 1:00pm. Mounds View Community Center, Mounds View. Everything is free (lunch, inflatables, food market, resources, etc.). Many vendors (non-profits and government services) will be present for people to learn about resources and sign-up.
Storytime Trolley. 10:30am. Valley Bookseller, 217 Main Street North, Stillwater MN 55082.
Rockin’ Robins Kids Music. 11:00am – 11:45am. Midtown Global Market, Minneapolis.
STEM Saturday – Biodiversity. 11:00am – 1:30pm. Soujourner Truth Academy, 2027 W Broadway Ave Minneapolis, MN 55411. Lunch provided. Register in advance.
Ice Cream Social and Park Opening. 2:00 – 5:00pm. 717 Berry St, St Paul, MN. Join community organizations and neighbors for an ice cream social and the opening of Westgate Commons Park! Come anytime from 2-5 p.m. on Saturday, September 16 for a sweet treat and community conversation. Free.
Family Board Game Night. 4:00 – 8:00pm. Highlander Games, Coon Rapids.
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 17
Arb Glass Pumpkin Patch. September 15 – 17. Minnesota Landscape Arboretum, Chaska. Don’t miss this gorgeous display and sale of more than 5,000 handblown glass pumpkins and glass garden art made by 12 award-winning, professional glass artists, who will offer free glass-blowing demonstrations daily.
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 18
Bargain Monday! St. Michael Cinema 15. $5 movie tickets all day. $5 snack packs.
FREE tickets now available for Free First Sunday at the Minnesota Children’s Museum, October 1st.
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 19
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 20
Games Galore. 10:00am – 8:00pm. Union Depot, Waiting Room, 214 4th Street East, Saint Paul, MN.
Home Maintenance. 6:00 – 8:30pm. Landmark Center, St. Paul. Brand new homeowner? Looking for a home maintenance refresher? Home Sweet Home: Maintenance101 is the place to begin. In this class, you’ll learn tips and tricks for taking care of your house.
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 21
2023 Anoka County Sheriff’s Office Open House. 4:00 – 7:00pm. Anoka County Sheriff’s Office. Outdoor demonstrations, displays, and opportunities to interact with our public safety partners will be available as well. Food and drinks will be available for purchase from Mansetti’s, Eggroll Queen, PJs Grill, and Original Hockey Mom Brownies food trucks.
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 22
“Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix” FREE Drive-in Movie at Union Depot. 6:00pm – 11:00pm.
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 23
Como Quest. 9:00am – 11:30am. Como Park Zoo & Conservatory, St. Paul. Dive into a global adventure in the heart of Como Park Zoo & Conservatory and discover more to learn—and love—about the animals and plants in our care.
Alpaca Open Farm Event. 9:00am – 3:00pm. September 23 – 24. Triple T Alpaca, Foreston.
Saturday Morning on the Farm. 9:30am – 12:00pm. Gale Woods Farm, Minnetrista. Join in seasonal farm activities to explore the barn, meet animals, discover what’s growing in the garden and more! Wear farm clothes and get ready to dig in and be active. Drop in anytime. Program runs rain or shine! Avoid the line and purchase your tickets ahead of time. $6.
Archaeology Day at Snake River Fur Post. 10:00am – 4:00pm. Join us for family fun and discover the cultural, global, and economic story of life along the Snake River through imagination and exploration with hand-on activities, demonstrations, and displays. Learn how new archaeological techniques and creativity work together to interpret the past. Participate in pottery making, flint knapping, learn about archaeological technology, and more. Hope to see you there September 23, 10 am – 4 pm! Included in regular site admission.
Storytime Trolley. 10:30am. Valley Bookseller, 217 Main Street North, Stillwater MN 55082.
Autumn Fest. 11:00am – 3:00pm. 19435 Granada Ave N, Forest Lake. Bring your family and friends out for a fun day on the farm! From 11-3, Autumn Fest at Autumnwood Farm will have numerous opportunities to learn more about the milk you drink and the journey it takes to become “Milk from Grass to the Glass.” There will be many fun activities including creamery tours, dairy cows and calves, other farm animals, cattle barns, hayrides, kiddie train rides, an agriculture trivia scavenger hunt, and more! This event is free to attend, but be sure to bring money if you’d like to grab lunch from a food truck, purchase items from our farm store, or get your fall pumpkins.
Heavy Metal Dine-In. 4:00 – 8:00pm. Extreme Sandbox, Hastings. Tickets are only $5.00 in advance. Save 50% with my code frugalmom.
Family Board Game Night. 4:00 – 8:00pm. Highlander Games, Coon Rapids.
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 24
Alpaca Open Farm Event. 9:00am – 3:00pm. September 23 – 24. Triple T Alpaca, Foreston.
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 25
Bargain Monday! St. Michael Cinema 15. $5 movie tickets all day. $5 snack packs.
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 26
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 27
Games Galore. 10:00am – 8:00pm. Union Depot, Waiting Room, 214 4th Street East, Saint Paul, MN.
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 28
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 29
Saturday Morning on the Farm. 9:30am – 12:00pm. Gale Woods Farm, Minnetrista. Join in seasonal farm activities to explore the barn, meet animals, discover what’s growing in the garden and more! Wear farm clothes and get ready to dig in and be active. Drop in anytime. Program runs rain or shine! Avoid the line and purchase your tickets ahead of time. $6.
Family Board Game Night. 4:00 – 8:00pm. Highlander Games, Coon Rapids.
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 30
Shakopee Food Truck Event. 4:00 – 11:00pm. 50 Food Truck Event — Come and Eat, Eat and Eat! (Pending)
Kids eat FREE Sundays at Dickey’s Barbecue Pit locations. 1 Free Kid’s Meal per paid adult meal of equal or greater value. 12 and under. Must order from Kid’s Meals. Not valid with other offers or promotions.
EVERY MONDAY
Tail Time at Wild Rumpus. Wild Rumpus Books, 2720 West 43rd Street, Minneapolis. 10:30am. Stories for the wee!
EVERY TUESDAY
Toddler Tuesdays.11:00am. Mall of America Live event. Check their website for each week’s schedule. Purchase your Toddler Tuesdays Wristbands for $14.99 + tax Every Tuesday on-site only.
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 Nature Rocks! Outdoor Center Open House. Eden Prairie. 9:00 – 12:00. Enjoy free family-friendly activities such as hiking, hands-on interaction with live animals, craft projects and more! Every Saturday!
Free Kids Club Workshops at Michael’s stores. 10:00am.
SELECT SATURDAYS
Saturday Vibe at the George Latimer Central Library. FREE. 11:00am – Noon. Every OTHER Saturday.
Free children’s craft activity at Lakeshore Learning Stores. 11:00am to 3:00pm. Ages 3 and up. No reservation necessary.
MORE FUN & RESOURCES
Science Museum Learn at Home. The museum IS OPEN but also has a website with many at-home learning activities.
For online Minnesota fun, see my guide, Free Minnesota Printables, LiveCams and Activities to Do at Home.
