Top Things to Do in Minneapolis this October
It's officially fall and our event calendar is still jam packed. Between film festivals, football and basketball season, and big name concerts, there's no shortage of things to do. Here are our picks for the top things to do in Minneapolis this October!
1. Flip the Script Queer Festival
October 1-4
Flip the Script Queer Festival is an annual hybrid film event showcasing global 2SLGBTQIA+ cinema. This year's program showcases 4 feature films and 33 shorts films. In-person screenings will be held at the Main Cinema.
2. La Doña Cervecería 8th Anniversary
October 2-3
Celebrate La Doña's 8th anniversary. The weekend will be packed with music, delicious food specials, and all the fiesta vibes as a thank you to everyone for supporting La Doña for 8 years.
3. Twin Cities Marathon
October 2-4
Known as the "Most Beautiful Urban Marathon in America®", the Medtronic Twin Cities Marathon is a can't miss event for many runners. The 26.2 mile race is one of the top 10 largest marathons in the United States. Whether you're there to participate or just cheer on the runners, marathon weekend in the Twin Cities is full of fun events and spectacular fall seasonal views.
5. Mia Exhibit: Paris Couture
October 4
Step into Parisian luxury at Mia. “Paris Couture” brings more than 80 haute couture masterpieces from the Palais Galliera, spanning the late 19th century to today. The exhibition features icons such as Dior, Balenciaga, Schiaparelli, and Grès.
6. Chance the Rapper
October 6
Chance the Rapper will perform at The Armory in Minneapolis as part of his Coloring Book 10 Year Anniversary Tour.
7. Sex Pistols
October 6
The legendary punk band, the Sex Pistols, featuring original members Steve Jones, Paul Cook, and Glen Matlock alongside guest vocalist Frank Carter—is performing at The Filmore after rescheduling their previously postponed 2025 tour. They will play through their classic album Never Mind the Bollocks, Here's the Sex Pistols
8. Cine Latino Film Festival
October 7-11
The 14th Annual Cine Latino Film Festival returns to The Main Cinema, with five days and nights of film screenings, fiestas, flamenco dancing, food trucks, visiting filmmakers, family activities, and more!
9. Return of the Jedi in Concert with the Minnesota Orchestra
October 8-11
In the climactic sixth episode of the Star Wars saga, Darth Vader readies the second Death Star to unleash the final blow to the Rebel Alliance. Luke Skywalker joins R2-D2, C-3PO, and Princess Leia to free Han Solo from Jabba the Hutt and launch a desperate attack upon the entire Imperial Fleet.
Watch the complete film unfold as Sarah Hicks and the Minnesota Orchestra perform John Williams’ legendary score live to picture.
10. Clue
October 9-11
Based on the fan-favorite 1985 Paramount Pictures movie and inspired by the classic Hasbro board game, Clue is the ultimate whodunit that will leave you dying of laughter and keep you guessing until the final twist.
11. Shaboozey
October 10
American country and hip-hop artist Shaboozey comes to The Armory for his Outlaws Never Die Tour.
12. Owamni Falling Water Festival
October 10
The 2026 Owámni Falling Water Festival is a celebration of Indigenous culture, music, food, art, and history in one of the Twin Cities’ most culturally significant places, Father Hennepin Bluff Park. The festival honors the cultural and historical significance of Owámniyomni, the Dakota name for the falls, meaning “turbulent water.”
13. Autumn Brew Review
October 10
Minnesota's oldest annual craft beer celebration, the Autumn Brew Review, features unlimited samples of beer, cider, seltzer, THC beverages, and non-alcoholic options from over 60–80 local craft breweries and brewpubs, plus exclusive collaboration pours. Enjoy live local music, food trucks, local artists, bonfires, and activities like curling
14. City of Lakes Art Fair
October 10-11
The City of Lakes Art Fair takes place in the beautiful backdrop of Bde Maka Ska during peak autumn colors. It will feature 150+ talented artists from across the state, live music, food and drinks, and more. With crisp fall air, vibrant leaves, and stunning lake views, it’s the perfect setting to celebrate art, community, and the season of change.
15. Open Streets Hennepin
October 11
Join the Uptown Association and the City of Minneapolis for Open Streets Hennepin, a free, family-friendly celebration that temporarily transforms Hennepin Avenue into a vibrant public space for people—not cars.
Walk, bike, roll, shop, eat, play and explore along Hennepin Avenue while connecting with local businesses, artists, nonprofits, community organizations and neighbors.
16. Twin Cities Film Festival
October 15-24
Showcases over 110 films, including independent narratives, thought-provoking documentaries, short films, and studio premieres, the Twin Cities Film Festival is an annual film celebration.
17. David Sedaris
October 17
David Sedaris, a master of satire and one of America’s pre-eminent humor writers, returns to the Twin Cities this fall with a show at the Orpheum Theatre.
18. Disney Descendants, ZOMBIES & Camp Rock: Worlds Collide Concert Tour
October 18
Disney Descendants, ZOMBIES, & Camp Rock: Worlds Collide Tour, featuring the music, casts, and theatrical elements from Disney's hit franchises is coming to Target Center.
19. The Sound of Music
October 20-25
A timeless and popular musical for all ages, The Sound of Music hits the Orpheum theater this month.
20. Indigo Girls with Special Guest Linda Perry
October 21-23
With 16 studio albums and over 15 million records sold, Indigo Girls continue to blaze the trail for generations of Queer artists in the mainstream. They will be joined by special guest, Linda Perry, Grammy-nominated songwriter and producer.
21. Zac Brown Band
October 23
"Chicken Fried" and "Knee Deep" artist, Zac Brown Band is bringing their Love & Fear Tour presented by Margaritaville at Sea to Target Center with special guest Brothers Osborne.
22. MSP Squared 2026
October 23-24
ASMP MSP Squared brings together 75 photographers for a 24-hour challenge: photograph your assigned part of the city, discover something unexpected, and share your best work. Then join for the live judging and awards on Saturday.
23. Minnesota Timberwolves Home Opener
October 25
The Minnesota Timberwolves will play their 2026–27 home opener against the Toronto Raptors at Target Center on October 25. Also catch them on October 28th and 30th, when they play the Warriors and Clippers respectively.
24. Attend a Minnesota Vikings Game
October 4 & 25
Get tickets to cheer on the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium! The Vikings host the Miami Dolphins on October 4 and the Indianapolis Colts on November 25.
25. Halloween Events
The month of October is filled with Halloween happenings all over Minneapolis, check out all the events going on all month, including pop-up bars and restaurants.
