Halloween in Anoka, Minnesota, has a rich history. It’s often called the “Halloween Capital of the World.” The tradition started in 1920 when Anoka hosted one of the first documented Halloween parades in the United States, aimed at curbing Halloween pranks and promoting a safer celebration.
Anoka’s Halloween festivities have evolved over the years, including parades, costume contests, and various community events. The city’s commitment to Halloween led to the establishment of the Anoka Halloween Committee, ensuring the celebration’s continued success.
Throughout the decades, Anoka has embraced its Halloween identity, with residents and visitors participating in a wide range of spooky activities. The city’s dedication to Halloween has made it a unique destination for anyone looking to experience the holiday in a special way.
Here’s an overview of family-friendly Halloween events you can enjoy in Anoka:
Anoka Halloween Parades
Anoka is known as the Halloween Capital of the World, and their Halloween parade is a must-see. It features creative floats, costumes, and a vibrant atmosphere.
October 18 at 7pm – Anoka Light up the Night Parade and Bonfire
October 24 – Big Parade of Little People
October 25 at 1pm – Gray Ghost Run & Grand Day Parade
The Anoka Grand Day Parade route is along Main Street Anoka. The Anoka parade starts West of Highway 169 and runs east through Downtown Anoka along Main Street.
Spooktacular Festivals
The Fall Festival: Hosted by the Anoka County Fairgrounds, this event runs from October 4 to October 4 from 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM. All activities listed below are free with gate admission:
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- Not-So-Scary Haunted House Walk Through
- Hay Rides
- A free pumpkin (while supplies last)
- Live Entertainment
- Mini Midway (inflatables)
- Games
- Kids’ Activities
Many local schools and organizations host Halloween carnivals with games, prizes, and candy for kids of all ages. Check out Anoka-Hennepin School District events.
Haunted House Tours
Anoka offers several haunted house experiences that are family-friendly. These provide just the right amount of spookiness for kids and parents. You can visit the Anoka Haunted House starting Friday the 11th of October!
Pumpkin Patches and Corn Mazes
Visit local pumpkin patches like Waldoch Farm in Lino Lakes or Anoka County Farms in Ham Lake for pumpkin picking, hayrides, and corn mazes.
Trick-or-Treat on Main Street
Anoka’s Main Street becomes a pedestrian-friendly trick-or-treat zone, called Monster Mash, and it’s perfect for kids to dress up and collect candy.
Costume and Halloween Window Display Contests
Many venues host costume contests with prizes for different age groups, allowing kids to showcase their creativity. You can also vote for your favorite window display in Downtown Anoka during Monster Mash. Pre-Kindergarten children are invited to show their best Halloween costume, homemade or store-purchased, on October 19 at 10:00 AM
Spooky Storytelling
Check out the local libraries and retail stores, like Three Pesky Penquins, who organizes spooky storytelling sessions to get everyone in the Halloween spirit.
Anoka Haunted House
This is the Anoka Community haunted house that has been operating in Anoka, Minnesota for over 30 years. The Haunted house is located on the Anoka County Fairgrounds and runs from October 10th – October 25th, 2025.
Halloween-themed Workshops
Participate in arts and crafts workshops where kids can create their own Halloween decorations. Check out Appleberry Attic and their Halloween cookie decorating class!
Glow-in-the-Dark Mini Golf
Enjoy a round of Halloween-themed mini golf with the whole family. Lilli Putt hosts Haunted mini-golf through October.
Giant Pumpkin Expo
Join us as we kick off our 2025 festival season with gigantic pumpkins, food trucks, merchandise vendors and classic car expo!! October 5th, 11a-3p.
Anoka Halloween Movie Nights
Some parks and community centers host outdoor movie nights, screening family-friendly Halloween classics. Check out our calendar to find them here.
Pumpkin Decorating Contests
Join local contests to showcase your family’s pumpkin decorating skills. On October 19 join in on the fun at the children’s pumpkin carving contest! Check out the Anoka Halloween Great Pumpkin Expo to find out how big is the biggest pumpkin this year! Children’s Pumpkin Carving Contest: Little ones are welcome to join in the fun on October 19 from 1:00 PM to 2:30 PM.
Preschool Costume Contest
October 18 @ 10:00 AM
Get ready to share your spooktacular costumes!
This long standing annual costume contest is all about fun! Get out those scary good creative minds. We can’t wait to see what you will come up with! Kid friendly Halloween music, balloon arch, and special treat bags for each participant. This event will be open to ages 0-5. Afterwards head over to the Riverside Memorial Park and do some pumpkin carving (ages 3-12)!
Children’s Pumpkin Carving Contest
October 18 @ 1:00 PM – 2:30 PM
Come with a creative mind and have a fun afternoon in the Halloween Capital of the World!
Perfect event for children ages 3 to 12. All the Pumpkins will be displayed on a float during the light up the night parade later that day. Awards will be given out for best carved pumpkins. (Pumpkins are gutted beforehand for your convenience)
Light Up the Night Parade
October 18 @ 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Join us and Light Up the Night!
With a full line-up of colorfully lit floats, this parade is always a crowd favorite. The parade starts at 7 PM at the corner of 1st Ave and Main Street.
Bonfire
October 18 @ 8:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Thank you, Anoka Fire Department for the fire and safety!
Join us after the Light Up the Night Parade at Anoka City Hall to warm up your tootsies and buy some Anoka Halloween merchandise. Bonfires, food, and music for all ages to enjoy!
Halloween Paint Night – Hosted by the Rumriver Art Center
October 21 @ 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
$45
Rumriver Art Center presents a special fundraising event for Anoka Halloween Inc™!
Always a big hit each year – come have a scary fun night painting and help raise money for Anoka Halloween! A step-by-step method will be used to create your own painting.
Big Parade of Little People
October 24 @ 1:15 PM – 2:15 PM
Free
Local school children march through our historic Main Street
Join us in celebrating our elementary students participation in Anoka Halloween’s oldest tradition. Marching bands and costumes for all to enjoy. Click HERE to view the 2025 parade map.
Grande Day Parade
October 25 @ 1:00 PM – 3:30 PM
Free
The parade starts at 1 pm at the corner of State Street and West Main Street. Route follows Main Street to 5th Avenue and finishes at South Street/ Military Road. The parade length is 1.5 miles long.
Anoka Historical Tours
Learn about the history of Halloween in Anoka with guided historical tours. Check out the Ghosts of Anoka Walking Tour, now through October 31st.
House Decorating Contest: Public Viewing
Click here to find the full list of address for public viewing between October 25 – October 26th
Anoka Pumpkin Smash
Smash it! Don’t trash it! On Saturday, November 2 from 9 a.m. to noon at Rick Sorenson Park (2015 State Avenue), Anoka’s Waste Reduction & Recycling Board is hosting a Pumpkin Smash. Bring your pumpkins/jack-o’-lanterns to be composted (instead of placing in the garbage).
These family-friendly Halloween events in Anoka, Minnesota, offer a wide range of activities for all ages to enjoy and celebrate the spooky season together. Whether you’re picking pumpkins, parading in costumes, or enjoying spooky stories, Anoka provides a vibrant and fun-filled Halloween experience for families.
