Explore Minnesota’s Fall Festivals Featuring Local Flavors, Crafts and Activities
Minnesota’s fall festival scene comes alive with the crisp autumn air and vibrant foliage, offering a mix of family-friendly activities, cultural celebrations, and culinary delights. From the Twin Cities to the North Shore, these festivals showcase the state’s rich harvest, artistic talents, and community spirit.
Annual Highlights and Traditions
Sever’s Fall Festival
Location: Shakopee, MN
Dates: September 14 to October 27, 2024
Theme: Family Fun & Harvest Celebration
Sever’s Fall Festival in Shakopee is a beloved autumn tradition, drawing families from across the state. Known for its expansive corn maze, which features a new theme each year, the 2024 maze is robot-themed, offering a fun and challenging experience for all ages. Beyond the maze, visitors can dive into the corn pit, enjoy pig races, and take a hayride through the scenic countryside. The festival also features a petting zoo, giant slide, and pumpkin patch, where you can pick your own jack-o’-lantern.
On weekends, live entertainment, including music and magic shows, adds to the festive atmosphere. Food stands serve fall favorites like caramel apples, kettle corn, and hot cider, making Sever’s a must-visit for anyone looking to embrace the season’s spirit.
Twin Cities Harvest Festival
Location: Brooklyn Park, MN
Dates: September 21 to October 27, 2024
Theme: Largest Corn Maze in Minnesota & Family Activities
The Twin Cities Harvest Festival in Brooklyn Park is a premier fall destination. It boasts Minnesota’s largest corn maze, which spans an impressive 20 acres. The 2024 maze design will feature intricate paths that challenge visitors to navigate. This family favorite festival offers a wide range of activities, from hayrides and pumpkin picking to a giant slide and corn pit.
Kids can enjoy interactive fun in the petting zoo, while adults might indulge in seasonal treats like apple cider donuts and pumpkin-flavored goodies. The festival also hosts a farmers market where local vendors sell fresh produce, handmade crafts, and delicious baked goods.
Moose Madness Family Festival
Location: Grand Marais, MN
Dates: October 18-20, 2024
Theme: Celebrating Minnesota’s Majestic Moose
The Moose Madness Family Festival in Grand Marais is a unique event celebrating one of Minnesota’s most iconic animals—the moose. This festival offers moose-themed games and activities that are fun for all ages. Visitors can participate in a moose-calling contest, join a scavenger hunt, or enjoy arts and crafts inspired by the majestic creature.
Local businesses in Grand Marais embrace the theme, offering special “moose menu” items and discounts. The festival also includes guided nature walks, where visitors can learn about moose habitats and behaviors, making it both an educational and entertaining experience.
As the festival coincides with the peak of fall colors along Minnesota’s North Shore, it’s also an excellent opportunity to enjoy the stunning natural beauty of the area.
Authentic Culinary Experiences
Minnesota’s fall festivals are as much about food as they are about fun. Visitors can savor local specialties, explore the craft beer scene, and enjoy exciting cooking competitions that highlight the state’s rich culinary heritage.
Savor Local Minnesota Flavors
Location: Various
Dates: September to October 2024
Theme: Seasonal Foods & Local Treats
Fall in Minnesota is synonymous with hearty, comforting foods, and the state’s festivals offer plenty of opportunities to indulge. The Twin Cities Harvest Festival in Brooklyn Park features a wide array of food trucks and vendors offering everything from wild rice soup and tater tot hotdish to apple cider donuts and pumpkin spice treats. Local farms set up stands selling fresh produce, homemade jams, and maple syrup, offering visitors a true taste of Minnesota.
In Wabasha, the SeptOberfest hosts a chili cook-off, where amateur and professional chefs compete for the title of best chili. Visitors can sample a variety of recipes, ranging from traditional to creative, and vote for their favorites.
Explore the Craft Brew Scene
New Ulm’s Oktoberfest
Location: New Ulm, MN
Dates: October 4-5 and 11-12, 2024
Theme: Oktoberfest & Local Brews
New Ulm’s Oktoberfest is a celebration of the town’s German heritage, offering an authentic Bavarian experience right in Minnesota. The event features a large beer garden where visitors can enjoy both local and German-style beers. Breweries like Schell’s Brewery, one of the oldest in the state, play a central role, offering seasonal brews that pair perfectly with traditional German fare such as bratwurst, sauerkraut, and pretzels.
Many other festivals across the state also showcase Minnesota’s burgeoning craft beer scene, with tastings and special releases of fall-themed brews like pumpkin ales and Oktoberfest lagers.
Artistic and Cultural Highlights
Minnesota’s fall festivals are rich with artistic and cultural experiences, offering visitors the chance to explore the state’s diverse heritage through music, crafts, and vibrant parades.
Red Wing Arts Fall Festival
Location: Red Wing, MN
Dates: Mid-October 2024
Theme: Art & Craft Exhibitions
The Red Wing Arts Fall Festival is a highlight for art lovers, transforming the charming downtown area into an open-air gallery. The festival showcases over 100 regional artists who display and sell their work, including paintings, sculptures, jewelry, and pottery. Live demonstrations offer a glimpse into the creative process, allowing visitors to watch artists at work.
Local musicians provide a soundtrack of folk and acoustic music, enhancing the festive atmosphere. The event also includes family-friendly activities like interactive art projects and face painting, making it a perfect outing for all ages.
Minnesota Renaissance Festival
Location: Shakopee, MN
Dates: August 17 to September 29, 2024
Theme: Historical Reenactment & Fantasy
Step back in time at the Minnesota Renaissance Festival in Shakopee, where the 16th century comes to life with jousting tournaments, period costumes, and artisan markets. This long-running festival features seven themed areas, each offering unique entertainment from acrobats and magicians to live music and theatrical performances.
Visitors can feast on turkey legs and meat pies while browsing the marketplace for handcrafted goods such as leatherwork, jewelry, and pottery. The festival’s immersive environment encourages attendees to dress in period costumes, adding to the festive and historical ambiance.
Family-Friendly Activities
Minnesota’s fall festivals offer a wide array of family-friendly activities, from interactive games and animal encounters to scenic hayrides and corn mazes.
Pumpkin Palooza
Location: Various
Dates: October 2024
Theme: Fall Harvest & Family Fun
Pumpkin patches and corn mazes are staples of Minnesota’s fall festivals. At Sever’s Fall Festival in Shakopee, families can pick their own pumpkins, navigate a corn maze, and enjoy a variety of kid-friendly attractions, including a petting zoo and giant slide. The festival’s hayrides offer a scenic tour of the farm, providing a perfect opportunity to soak in the autumn colors.
In Stillwater, the Pumpkin Regatta at the Harvest Fest invites participants to carve out giant pumpkins and race them on the St. Croix River. This quirky and fun event is a hit with both kids and adults, adding a unique twist to the fall festivities.
Scenic Fall Experiences
Minnesota’s natural beauty is on full display during the fall season. Visitors can enjoy scenic drives, explore rustic orchards, and experience the magic of autumn through various outdoor activities.
North Shore Scenic Drive
Location: North Shore, MN
Dates: Mid-September to Early October 2024
Theme: Fall Colors & Scenic Tours
The North Shore Scenic Drive along Lake Superior is one of Minnesota’s most picturesque routes, especially during the fall when the trees are ablaze with color. Visitors can stop at Gooseberry Falls State Park to hike the trails and capture stunning photographs of the waterfalls framed by vibrant foliage.
Other popular spots along the drive include Split Rock Lighthouse and Tettegouche State Park, where visitors can enjoy breathtaking views of the lake and surrounding forests.
Pine Tree Apple Orchard
Location: White Bear Lake, MN
Dates: Late August to October 2024
Theme: Apple Picking & Autumn Fun
Pine Tree Apple Orchard in White Bear Lake is a favorite fall destination. It offers apple picking, hayrides, and delicious treats like fresh cider and apple pies. The orchard’s scenic location makes it a perfect spot for a family outing, and weekend visitors can enjoy live music while exploring its many attractions.
Planning Your Getaway This Fall
When planning your trip to Minnesota’s fall festivals, consider accommodations, transportation, and ticketing options to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience.
Accommodation Recommendations
Minnesota offers a range of lodging options, from cozy bed and breakfasts to luxurious resorts. Nearby hotels provide convenient access to the Minnesota Renaissance Festival in Shakopee. Campgrounds like those at Lake Maria State Park or Voyageur’s National Park are great for visitors who want to immerse themselves in nature while staying close to festival activities.
Transportation and Logistics
Most festivals offer on-site parking, but spaces can fill up quickly on busy days. Check event websites for shuttle services or public transportation options. Renting a car is a good choice for exploring multiple festivals across the state.
Ticket Information and Schedules
Many festivals run on weekends from September through October. Purchasing tickets in advance online often provides discounts and ensures entry. Check festival websites for the latest updates on schedules and pricing.
