Fall Events

Minnesota Renaissance Festival

Now - September 30th, 2018 (only weekends)

King Henry and his royal court invite one and all to his 16th Century European village featuring 16 stages of live 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.

Mill City Night Market

Every Tuesday through September
Starts at 4:00pm
The Commons

Minneapolis’ trusted source for healthy and local groceries is at The Commons, Minneapolis park for a Tuesday Night Market! Enjoy a unique outdoor shopping experience enhanced by food trucks, local farmers & food makers, artists and more--remember your shopping list and a picnic blanket! At our Tuesday Night Market we continue to offer “can do” cooking and wellness activities and live entertainment, such as: live music, outdoor yoga, monthly beer & wine nights, lawn games and more.

Origami in the Garden

Daily through October 21st, 2018
8:00am-8:00pm
Minnesota Landscape Arboretum

This monumental outdoor sculpture exhibition captures the delicate paper-folding artform of origami, and then blows it up to a giant size rendered in metal. “Origami in the Garden” includes 25 displays of 40 sculptures crafted in bronze, aluminum, and steel by Santa Fe artists Kevin and Jennifer Box. Cranes, bison, horses, butterflies, and other animals are occupying the lawns and garden. Inside the visitors’ center are two related exhibitions.

HAMILTON

Now - October 7th
Showtimes differ
Orpheum Theatre

Got your tickets to HAMILTON? Perfect. If not, it might be good to know that HAMILTON holds a ticket lottery before every show! The lottery details are not yet confirmed, so for the most accurate information, sign up for the email list at http://bit.ly/HTTSignUp or follow Hennepin Theatre Trust on Twitter and Facebook.  Download the official HAMILTON app for additional information.

Stumped on what to do before and after the show or while you're in town? We've got some recommendations we think you'll love!

Opening of the Minnesota African American Heritage Museum and Gallery

Opens on September 8th, 2018
1256 Penn Ave N, Minneapolis, MN

The new Minnesota African American Heritage Museum and Gallery is set to open its doors on September 8th. The Museum will tell the stories of African Americans in Minnesota through creative exhibitions, unique programming and exciting events. The inaugural exhibit features African American pioneers who settled in the state, and women who made their mark on Minnesota and the nation, It also highlights the impact of the "Great Migration" on Minnesota, and pays tribute to African Americans who served in WWI and other wars.

Admission is free.

Museum hours will be:
1:00-5:00pm on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays
1:00-7:00pm on Thursdays
9:00am-12:00pm on Saturdays

In the words of founders and local residents Coventry Cowens and Tina Burnside, "African Americans have a long and rich history in Minnesota that needs to be told and shared with everyone. African American history is American history."

The Great Pumpkin Fest

September 22nd-October 28th, 2018
Saturdays & Sundays only
Valleyfair

During the day, tiny terrors can join Snoopy and the rest of the PEANUTS gang for some not-so-scary Halloween activities for kids at The Great Pumpkin Fest! Enjoy your favorite rides, live entertainment and great fall activities at The Great Pumpkin Fest including Trick or Treat Street, Peppermint Patty's Haybale Maze, Sally's Craft Corner, the Great Pumpkin Parade and more!

"We, The Revolution" ft. Hamilton Company Members: A Rock Revue

September 24, 2018 
6:00pm
First Avenue Main Room

Members of the touring company of HAMILTON and First Avenue are pleased to present We, The Revolution featuring HAMILTON Company Members: A Rock Revue, with special guest Ashley Támar Davis. The performance on Monday, September 24 at First Avenue benefits Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS.

The revue features a live band, with HAMILTON company members singing and dancing their way through an array of their favorite rock songs. Grammy-nominated singer and Prince protégé Ashley Támar Davis will join the cast for a special performance.

Tickets on sale September 10th at 10:00am.

Minnesota Orchestra at the Commons

September 25th, 2018
6:00-7:00pm
The Commons Park

Music Director Osmo Vänskä and the world-renowned Minnesota Orchestrareturn to The Commons for the 2nd annual free outdoor concert. Vänskä and the Orchestra will perform a dramatic mix of classical and popular works. 3,500 people gathered for the Orchestra's inaugural concert at the park in September 2017. The performance included powerful symphonic works, from Sibelius’ Finlandia to John Williams’ Raiders of the Lost Ark.

Twin Cities Arab Film Fest

September 27th-30th
Times Vary (check out full schedule here)
St. Anthony Main Theatre

Show up for the opening night of the 2018 Twin Cities Arab Film Fest at 7pm on September 27th and come back for the rest of the fest! View over 30 films, meet with local and visiting filmmakers, enjoy workshops, post-film discussions and debut screenings. The event features independent Arab cinema from Syria, Egypt, Tunisia, Lebnon, Iraqi Kurdistan and more - with a spotlight on  Palestine to mark the 70 years of occupation and dispossession with films, filmmakers, and events. 

Adult Night at the Zoo, Oktoberfest

September 28th, 2018
4:30pm
Como Zoo

The Minnesota Zoo’s Adult Night Out is celebrating Oktoberfest! A night of German entertainment, beer, cocktails, and fun awaits. Come explore a kid-free zoo while participating in a fall favorite. Food and beverage will be available for purchase. Enjoy music by the Joey Johnson Band, animal trivia, and more. Purchase tickets now!

5th Annual Schwandtoberfest

September 29th, 2018
Starts at 12:00pm 
Bauhaus Brew Labs

Bauhaus is at it again! Join them for their 4th Annual Schwandtoberfest. You’ll find a buffet with authentic German fare including brats, Bavarian pretzels from Aki’s Breadhaus and a variety of vegetarian options, and a fantastic line-up of brews. It wouldn’t be Schwandtoberfest without a polka band, and you certainly must wear your Lederhosen!

Open Streets 2018, University of Minnesota

September 30th, 2018
11:00am-5:00pm
14th Ave SE, University Ave SE, and Oak St SE

Open Streets Minneapolis is a free event bringing together community groups and local businesses to temporarily close major thoroughfares to car traffic, opening them up for people walking, biking, rolling, and playing.

Residents and visitors explore their neighborhood in a safe, fun, family-friendly environment. Each event encourages people to use active modes of transportation, engage in healthy living, and rethink our streets as public space. Open Streets Minneapolis is a unique opportunity to promote healthy living, local businesses, sustainable transportation, and civic pride in Minneapolis.

Festival of Giving

September 30th, 2018
12:00-4:00pm
Nicollet Island Pavilion

Join Doing Good Together as we celebrate kindness and generosity this fall! We are collaborating with a variety of local organizations to offer fun activities focused on “giving back" in a unique festival for big-hearted families. It's an opportunity to #sharekindness in big and small ways together as a family.

Nitro Circus: You Got This

October 3rd, 2018
7:30pm
Target Center

Nitro Circus: You Got This Tour will feature the best athletes in FMX, BMX, Scooter and Inline, including multiple X Games medalists and several Nitro World Games champions. Travis Pastrana will both lead this all-star international roster and challenge it to push the envelope in true Nitro high-risk, high-reward fashion. With all this plus a slew of new outrageous contraptions and more, You Got This is the Nitro Circus show you’ve been waiting for.

Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular

October 4th-31st, 2018
Sunday - Thursday: 7pm-10pm 
Friday and Saturday: 7pm-11pm
The Minnesota Zoo

The acclaimed Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular will make its debut at the Minnesota Zoo this October 2018! An enchanted forest, nestled in the heart of the Zoo, plays host to this strolling exhibit. The trail features over 5,000 illuminated pumpkins of all different sizes, shapes and faces creatively carved and displayed from ground to tree-top. A variety of musical vignettes and fog make the perfect back drop for a special date night or family-friendly, fall outing! Tickets range from $12-$18.

Twin Cities Oktoberfest

Friday October 5th, 2018 from 5:00-11:00pm
Saturday October 6th, 2018 from noon-11:00pm
Minnesota State Fairgrounds, Historic Progress Center building

Twin Cities Oktoberfest brings together food, fun and beer at the Minnesota State Fairgrounds Progress Center. This two-day event features Summit Brewing Company’s Oktoberfest Marzen-style lager, a selection of other Summit beers, wines, hard ciders, authentic German food, live music, traditional German entertainment, great people watching, festival games, shopping and more. Buy tickets now!

25th Annual Minneapolis Print & Drawing Fair

October 5th, 2018 from 5:30-9:00pm (Preview Party)
October 6th-7th, 2018 (Event)
11:00am-5:00pm both days
Minneapolis Institute of Art

A quarter-century strong, the fair is fresher than ever! That’s because top dealers and publishers from around the country bring their latest finds and collaborative creations. Hundreds of original works of art on paper for your enjoyment—and perhaps your walls. Featuring masters of the past to greats of the future. Need some direction or a second opinion? Mia curators are happy to assist. Plus, pop-up talks and activities all weekend.

Fall Flower Show O

October 6th & 7th
10am-4pm each day
Como Park Zoo & Conservatory

While many Minnesota gardens are winding down for the winter season, the Sunken Garden at the Marjorie McNeely Conservatory will be in full bloom!

Hocus Pocus Bar Crawl

October 6th, 2018
10:30am-5pm
Starts at The Pourhouse and continues to other bars as the day goes on

A muck? A muck, a muck! Spend the first Saturday of October celebrating one of the most widely-favorited movies of all time! Pick a team (Sarah Sanderson, Winifred Sanderson, Mary Sanderson, or Thackery Binx), dress up as your favorite character and hit downtown bars. Drag performances, trivia and dance parties are sure to make an appearance at one bar or another. Tickets are 21+!

Indigenous Peoples' Day Festival

October 6th, 2018; 11:00am-7:30pm
October 7th, 2018; 12:00pm-5:00pm
American Indian Cultural Corridor

All My Relations Arts (AMRA), and Native American Community Development Institute - NACDI are hosting an Indigenous Peoples' Day Festival to raise awareness, and provide education of Native American Arts!

The festival’s focus is to provide the people of the Twin Cities, greater Minnesota, and beyond consistently high-quality exposure to Native American Arts. The festival will provide the public with education about American Indian history, culture, and contemporary experiences through the arts. Workshops will encourage artists to interact with attendees to create a broader understanding of Native communities.

Indeed Hullabaloo 2018

October 6th-7th
12:00 both days
Indeed Brewing Company

Pumpkins and sweaters, crunching leaves and a cool breeze, Hullabaloo is back for another kick-off to all your favorite fall festivities! Come on down for special beer releases, live music, delicious grub, and good autumn vibes. Pull out your beanies and flannels from the back of the closet and get ready for a Hullabaloo-ing good time!

Women Mean Business

October 12th, 2018
11:00am-3:00pm
Minneapolis Convention Center

Each fall, over 1,000 business professionals, community leaders, and other individuals come together to invest in the economic success of women and hear the inspiring stories of our Nothing Ventured, Nothing Gained award winners. Gather your colleagues and friends and join us at our 23rd annual luncheon and marketplace! Registration necessary.

Historic Riverfront 5K Run/Walk

October 13th, 2018
9:00-11:00am
Boom Island Park

Historic Riverfront 5K Run/Walk will take you through historic Northeast Minneapolis, along the Mississippi River and over the Stone Arch Bridge! This is perfect time of year to see the fall colors and the beauty of the tree canopy, river, and cityscape. Race starts/ends at Boom Island Park (700 Sibley Street NE). Prizes are awarded to top finishers as well as prize drawings for all that register and attend! Register today.

SurlyFest 2018, ft. The Hold Steady

October 13th, 2018
10:00am-10:00pm
Surly Brewing Co.

SurlyFest is back. As with every SurlyFest, 2018's is a little bit different. For example, this is the first time it's hosting a homecoming: Minneapolis' own The Hold Steady. That's correct. The Hold Steady's long-awaited return to the 612 area code falls on Saturday, October 13th, at Surly's Festival Field. They're the exclamation point on our annual off-kilter spin on a traditional German Oktoberfest. Tickets available now!

Zombie Pub Crawl

October 13th, 2018
3:00-10:00pm
Northeast Minneapolis Brewery District

Certified by the Guinness Book of World Records as the “World’s Largest Gathering of Zombies,” the ZPC gathers thousands upon thousands of undead souls into the streets, bars, and taprooms of Minneapolis for a night of pub crawling, dancing, world-class live entertainment, and all sorts of other fiendish fun. Costumes encouraged—the gorier, the better! Featuring three outdoor stages, dozens of food trucks, tons of great live music, the World Brain-Eating Championships, carnival rides and games, and so much more. It all began when 150 zombies got together in Northeast Minneapolis in 2005. In 2018, after more than a decade in other neighborhoods, the horde will crawl back to where it all began. Get your tickets today!

Calaveras Fest Twin Cities Latinx Music Festival

October 13th, 2018
5:30pm-12:45am
La Doña Cervecería

¡Se les invita celebrar el Día de los Muertos con música en vivo y arte! Enjoy live music, a visual arts exhibition, All Taco food truck and other vendors at the new La Doña Cervecería. The event is 18+ with a $10 cover.

Nordeast Big River Brew Fest

October 20th, 2018
1:00-4:00pm
East Side Neighborhood Services, 1700 2nd St. NE

Sample beer from a free tasting mug, munch on mouth-watering food, enjoy live music and be a part of the craft brew community! What better way to spend a beautifully crisp fall afternoon? All proceeds of the Nordeast Big River Brew Fest benefit the East Side Neighborhood Services program. Tickets on sale now!

The Current Presents Ray LaMontagne: Just Passing Through

October 20th, 2018
6:30-11:30pm
State Theatre

Ray LaMontagne returns to the stage on his Just Passing Through acoustic tour, highlighting songs from his vast and varying body of work with a stop at Minneapolis! Joining Ray on the tour will be John Stirratt from Wilco on bass.

50K to Midway

October 21st, 2018
4:00-7:00pm
TCF Bank Stadium

Minnesota United will face the visiting LA Galaxy in a match presented by Star Tribune to close out two years of MLS action at TCF Bank Stadium before moving to Allianz Field for 2019.

Egypt’s Sunken Cities

November 4th, 2018 - April 14th, 2019
Minneapolis Institute of Art

More than 1200 years ago, two ancient cities were lost to natural disasters and the rising tides of the Mediterranean Sea. Two decades ago, underwater archaeologist Franck Goddio and his team discovered those cities, revealing monumental statues, religious images carved in stone, exquisite jewelry, and delicate ceramics—and a greater understanding of life during the age of the pharaohs. Don’t miss this epic story of their discovery at the Minneapolis Institute of Art's new exhibit! Tickets on sale now.

MN Christmas Market 2018 at The Hutton House

November 11th, 2018
11:00am-6:00pm
The Hutton House

The MN Christmas Market is an annual pop-up holiday shopping event that showcases homegrown brands and makers, with a charitable twist. All vendors and The Hutton House bar will donate a portion of sales from the event to three local charities, The Sheridan Story, TreeHouseand The Reel Hope Project.

Jurassic Park - In Concert

November 24th, 2018 at 8:00pm
November 25th, 2018 at 2:00pm
Orchestra Hall

The action-packed adventure pits man against prehistoric predators in the ultimate battle for survival. Featuring visually stunning imagery and groundbreaking filmmaking, this epic film is sheer movie-making magic 65 million years in the making. Now audiences can experience this ground-breaking film as never before: projected in HD with the Minnesota Orchestra performing John Williams’ iconic score live to picture. Welcome… to Jurassic Park!

Jurassic Quest

November 30th - December 2nd, 2018
Friday 3:00-8:00pm
Saturday/Sunday 9:00am-8:00pm
Minneapolis Convention Center

Jurassic Quest is Americas Largest and most realistic Dinosaur Event. Guests will walk through the Cretaceous period, the Jurassic Period and The Triassic period and experience for themselves what it was like to be among living, breathing dinosaurs. Enjoy dinosaur rides, fossil digs, dino scooters, exhibits, tours, crafts and so much more!