Where to Celebrate Fall in Minnesota 2025: Ren Fest, Oktoberfest, and Harvest Events

Minnesota is known for its stunning fall foliage and vibrant festivals that celebrate the beauty of the season. From the Twin Cities to the scenic North Shore, there are plenty of family-friendly events and activities to enjoy.

As a Minnesota native, I eagerly anticipate fall every year. My weekends are packed with fun activities. I love celebrating everything about the season.

I’m sharing my favorite fall festivals in Minnesota, including where to find family-friendly fall activities, details about the best fall festivals, and the events happening around the Twin Cities you don’t want to miss.

What are the Best Fall Festivals in Minnesota?

If you’re looking for a fun and festive way to experience the fall season around the state, you won’t want to miss these top fall festivals:

Minnesota Renaissance Festival

Late August through early October (weekends)

The Minnesota Renaissance Festival is a popular annual event that takes place in Shakopee, Minnesota. It is a time when people can travel back in time to experience life in a medieval village.

This festival is so much fun. Some years I take the kids. Other years, I go for the adult-themed shows.

Festival-goers can enjoy jousting tournaments, period food and drink, live entertainment, and browsing vendors selling costumes, swords, pottery, crafts, and more.

This seven-week event is a blast. Eat turkey legs, catch great performances, and enjoy some top-tier people watching.

Harvest Moon Festival (Ely)

Early to mid-September (Fri–Sun)

In Ely, they host a sweet celebration to welcome the fall season called the Harvest Moon Festival. It is a fun event with lots to do for the whole family.

Explore the farm market, shop arts and crafts, and enjoy live entertainment.

Kids love the pony rides and petting zoo. There are also craft demos by local artists and the Ely Folk School.

This long-running festival brings the whole town out. Grab the crew and enjoy Ely in peak color.

Sever’s Fall Festival (Shakopee)

Mid-September through late October (weekends)

The Sever’s Fall Festival has one of the best corn mazes in Minnesota. Expect live entertainment, face painting, a corn pit, and more.

Catch a magic show and enjoy solid fair-style food. One jump into the corn pit and you’ll feel like a kid again. I speak from experience.

I went to the very first corn maze in 2001 and I’ve taken my kids year after year. It all takes place in Shakopee, MN, with multiple weekends to choose from.

Twin Cities Harvest Festival & Corn Maze (Brooklyn Park)

Mid-September through late October (weekends)

The Twin Cities Harvest Festival is one of the most popular fall stops in the metro. Held in Brooklyn Park, it is perfect for families.

Tackle the corn maze, bounce in inflatables, pick pumpkins, zoom the giant slide, and try the corn pit. Say hi to the animals at the petting zoo.

Food highlights include mini donuts and hot cider. Easy parking and access. When my kids were little, they loved it. We did, too.

Boats and Bluegrass Festival (Winona)

Late September (Thu–Sun)

Love music? Visit the Boats and Bluegrass Festival in Winona. It blends live bluegrass with river time.

On Friday and Saturday, join backwater canoe trips on the Mississippi River. Boats are provided. Then enjoy an evening of music.

Grape Stomp Festival (Hutchinson)

Late September (Sat)

There is only one thing better than attending a grape stomp festival, and that’s stomping in one. The annual grape stomp in Hutchinson has grown to include live music, goat snuggling, axe throwing, a corn maze, and more.

Kids and adults can enter the main event. Stomp grapes, and the winner takes home a giant bottle of red wine.

The tasting room is open for samples, and food trucks are onsite. The first year we learned how it feels to squish grapes. The second year, we took home the trophy. Check out these tips so you can, too.

Tricks and Treats at Valleyfair (Shakopee)

Late September through late October (select days)

A theme park and family Halloween fun in one place, Tricks and Treats at Valleyfair is just a few miles from Minneapolis in Shakopee.

They swapped the scary vibes for all-things fall fun. Kids can trick-or-treat and jump into Halloween activities throughout the park. It is all included with admission.

Wear your best costume and join the fun. There is music, entertainment, and seasonal snacks.

Anoka Halloween (Anoka)

All October (key events mid-to-late month)

Anoka is the Halloween Capital of the World. The city hosts a month-long celebration with a Light Up the Night parade, the Big Parade of Little People, and a Grand Day Parade.

Expect contests, parties, and even an ambassador coronation.

There is everything from pumpkin carving to haunted house tours and a pumpkin bowl.

People come from all over to enjoy the spooky fun in Anoka.

New Ulm Oktoberfest

Early to mid-October (two weekends)

If you only have time for one Oktoberfest, make it this one. New Ulm has deep German roots.

The fun spreads across four spots: the Best Western Plus, Downtown, Morgan Creek Vineyards, and Schell’s Brewery.

Look for a grape stomp, parade, sauerkraut eating, and stein-holding competitions. Kids’ games, too.

Catch performances from Alpensterne, Schell’s Hobo Band, and the Däin’s Dutchmen. Multiple beer wagons and plenty of food trucks keep you fueled.

Twin Cities Oktoberfest (St. Paul)

Early October (Fri–Sat)

Twin Cities Oktoberfest celebrates German heritage at the Minnesota State Fairgrounds.

Enjoy traditional music, food, and beer, plus dancing and games.

Grab brats and German potato salad from Gerhard’s, or pretzels from Aki’s Breadhouse.

Shop German clothing and collectibles. Check the current year’s admission details before you go.

Big Island Rendezvous and Festival (Albert Lea)

Early October (Sat–Sun)

If you’re into history and culture, this is your stop. Step back into the fur trade era with reenactments, live music, and traditional crafts. It is a unique glimpse into Minnesota’s past.

Stillwater Harvest Fest

Mid-October (Sat–Sun)

This river town favorite is known for its giant pumpkin weigh-off. A world record was set here in 2010.

Cheer during the pumpkin drop. It is exactly what it sounds like. The pumpkin regatta is a riot. Watch racers paddle across the water in huge hollowed-out pumpkins.

Shop fall vendors and enjoy Stillwater in peak color.

Moose Madness Family Festival (Grand Marais)

Late October (Fri–Sat)

Head to Grand Marais for live music, arts and crafts, and great local food.

Join the Moose Madness fun. Kids can try a scavenger hunt. There is usually a medallion hunt and family activities across town.

Enjoy peak North Shore color along the way.

Where can I find family-friendly fall activities in Minnesota?

Minnesota offers tons of family-friendly fall activities perfect for making memories. Try these:

Corn Mazes

Get lost in the twists and turns and see who finds the exit first. Many farms across Minnesota offer corn mazes for all ages.

Pumpkin Patches

Pick the perfect pumpkin and snap photos. These pumpkin patches often add hayrides, petting zoos, and cider stands.

Apple Orchards

Visit apple orchards to pick Honeycrisp, SweeTango, and more. Many offer hayrides, corn mazes, and farm animals.

Looking for something scarier?

If your perfect fall includes a haunted house, check out the scariest haunted houses in the Twin Cities. Verify current hours and ticketing.

Minnesota Fall Festival Favorites

Minnesota is a fall lover’s paradise, with festivals and activities every weekend.

Whether you’re exploring the Twin Cities or the countryside, there is something for everyone. Don’t miss the best fall festivals in Minnesota.