Don’t Miss These Family-Friendly Fall Festivals Happening in the Twin Cities
As crisp autumn air arrives and leaves begin their colorful dance, it’s the perfect time for families in the Twin Cities to dive into the magic of fall festivals! With the scent of fresh apples, pumpkins aplenty, and cozy flannels, Minnesota comes alive with vibrant fall events and celebrations for families with kids that make the most of this enchanting season.
From corn mazes that twist and turn to hayrides that ramble through golden fields, there’s no shortage of fun fall activities in Minnesota for kids and parents alike. Whether sipping on warm apple cider or gathering gourds for your doorstep, these local festivals offer the ideal backdrop for creating cherished family memories this season.
So grab your sweaters, bundle up the kiddos, and prepare to embrace the best fall festivals in the Twin Cities for families!
Slattengren Farms Corn Maze + Fall Festival, Shafer
For an unforgettable autumn adventure, head to Slattengren Farms in Shafer. Here, you can find some of the best fall things to do near Minneapolis with kids. Known for its rich history of maple syrup making, this locally owned hidden gem transforms into a vibrant wonderland from September through October.
The highlight! A 15-acre corn maze that promises excitement for all ages! With two sections, families with young kids can tackle the shorter, simpler maze, while thrill-seekers can brave the entire challenge, which takes about 90 minutes. Plus, prizes can be won with fun scavenger hunts and a hidden medallion! In fact, it’s one of the best corn field mazes near the Twin Cities for kids of all ages.
After conquering the maze, enjoy yard games, a cozy hayride, and browse the farm’s gift shop for artisanal maple syrups and seasonal treats. Slattengren Farms is the perfect place to soak in vibrant colors and flavors in fall!
Sever’s Fall Festival
Sever’s Fall Festival in Shakopee is where fall fun reaches epic proportions! As the Midwest’s original fall festival, Sever’s has been delighting families since 1997 with its legendary corn maze—the first and one of the largest in Minnesota.
Each year, this hand-cut maze draws thousands of visitors eager to tackle its twists and turns. No wonder it’s one of the best corn field mazes near the Twin Cities. But the fun doesn’t stop there! With over 30 attractions, Sever’s is a fall playground for the whole family. There’s no shortage of excitement, from bouncing on giant jumping pillows and zooming down zip lines to exploring the improved petting zoo and tackling obstacle courses. And let’s remember the delicious, chemical-free apples grown on their nearby Chaska farm, ready for you to take home.
Whether you go for the corn maze challenge, live music, or soak in the autumn vibes, Sever’s Fall Festival is a must-visit for Minnesota families searching for the top Twin Cities fall festivals!
Great Pumpkin Chase at Lake Elmo Park Reserve, Lake Elmo
2025 Dates: Sunday, October 12
Looking for unique fall events near Minneapolis for families? Celebrate fall with the Great Pumpkin Chase at Lake Elmo Park Reserve! This festive trail run is the perfect way to embrace the season with your family. With 10k, 5k, and Fun Run options, there’s something for everyone, whether you’re a seasoned runner or just looking for a fun way to enjoy the autumn colors.
The scenic course winds through the beautiful wooded trails of Lake Elmo Park, where you’ll be surrounded by vibrant fall foliage. After crossing the finish line, gather around a cozy bonfire and enjoy a delicious pancake breakfast. As one of the best fall activities in Minnesota for active families, it’s a day of outdoor adventure, community spirit, and autumn joy you won’t want to miss!
Apple Festival at Afton Apple Orchard, Hastings
Visit Afton Apple Orchard in Hastings for its annual Apple Festival and make unforgettable memories with your loved ones! This fun-filled event offers something for everyone. Hop on a hayride into the orchard for apple picking or to enjoy the crisp autumn air. The kids will love conquering Straw Mountain or hitching a ride on the Moo Moo Choo Choo train. Remember to stop by the petting zoo for hands-on fun with the animals. If you’re up for a challenge, tackle the 15-acre corn maze, with three sections designed for all skill levels. Watch a pressing demonstration for a more relaxed experience and taste the freshly made cider.
Then, pick your apples from pint-sized trees or stock up on bushels at the orchard store, which also offers Minnesota-grown honey, jams, maple syrup, and more. And, of course, treat yourself to apple donuts, caramel apple sundaes, and other seasonal goodies! With so many fun things to do and eat, this is undoubtedly one of the best Twin Cities fall festivals for families!
Stillwater Harvest Fest, Stillwater
2025 Dates: October 11-12
Get ready for a smashing good time at the Stillwater Harvest Fest, one of the Midwest’s biggest fall events! Held the second weekend of October, this free, family-friendly festival is fun for all ages. The festival’s highlight is the Giant Pumpkin Weigh-Off, where world-record-breaking pumpkins take center stage. But the excitement doesn’t stop there!
Watch in awe as these massive pumpkins are dropped from a 100-foot crane, or cheer on the pumpkin pilots as they paddle their giant gourds down the St. Croix River in the Pumpkin Regatta. With live music, a beer and wine garden, a chili cook-off, and a bustling vendor market, there’s something for everyone. Kids will love the activities, costume parade, and pie-eating contests, making this a perfect fall outing for the whole family. Take advantage of this iconic Stillwater tradition, hailed as one of the best fall festivals in Minnesota for families with kids!
Minnesota Renaissance Festival
Huzzah! Behold one of the best Twin Cities fall festivals for families: the 53rd Annual Minnesota Renaissance Festival in Shakopee! Bring the whole family to experience the magic of a 16th-century European village, complete with 16 stages of thrilling entertainment. Watch live armored jousting, interact with colorful characters, and explore a bustling marketplace with over 250 artisans showcasing their handcrafted treasures. Afterward, feast like royalty on turkey legs, shepherd’s pie, and other fall festival favorites.
Then, the Minnesota Renaissance Festival also offers a series of themed weekends that add extra excitement to your fall visit! Bring your furry friend to Woofstock, where pups can join the fun with contests, races, and tasty treats. If you’re an art lover, Experience Love for the Arts weekend will captivate you with live performances, classic paintings, and expressive movements celebrating creativity’s beauty. And make sure to attend the final weekend, Oktoberfest, where you can raise a stein and enjoy Bavarian cheer with plenty of beer, music, and merriment. Each weekend promises unique experiences that make the Renaissance Festival unforgettable!
St. Paul Oktoberfest, Saint Paul
2025 Dates: September 12 – 13
Celebrate German culture and heritage at the St. Paul Oktoberfest, held annually on the scenic grounds of the Germanic-American Institute! This two-day festival is packed with family-friendly fun, delicious German food, and plenty of beer.
Modeled after the Munich original, it’s held in September to celebrate the beautiful fall weather. It’s the perfect way for many local families to kick off fall in Minnesota. Enjoy non-stop entertainment, including performances by the Bavarian Musikmeisters, Turkish Dancers, and the Polka Police. As one of the best fall things to do in the Twin Cities with kids, admission is free (and for just $10, adults 21 and over can purchase a wristband for beer and wine with a valid ID). With free parking nearby and activities for all ages, St. Paul Oktoberfest is a must-visit event to experience the best German food, music, and culture!
Twin Cities Fall Festivals: Edina Fall Into the Arts Festival, Edina
2025 Dates: September 6 – 7
Immerse your family in a world of creativity and enjoy fun fall activities in Minnesota at the Edina Fall Into the Arts Festival, held at the picturesque Centennial Lakes Park! This beloved annual event, now celebrating its 20th year, benefits the Edina Crime Prevention Fund, helping to keep the community safe and vibrant.
Stroll through the beautiful park while exploring the work of over 200 original artists showcasing everything from photography and pottery to sculpture and wearable art. With a diverse array of media and exciting new and returning artists, there’s something to captivate everyone. Enjoy delicious food from various vendors and enjoy the artistic atmosphere as you support a great cause. The festival offers a perfect blend of art, community spirit, and fall fun in one stunning location, making it one of the best fall festivals near Minneapolis for families!
Grape Stomp Festival at Saint Croix Vineyards, Stillwater
2025 Dates: September 6 – 7
Get ready to stomp grapes the old-fashioned way at Saint Croix Vineyards’ Annual Grape Stomp Festival, one of the best fall events near Minneapolis for families. This free, family-friendly event is packed with grape-stomping fun for everyone. Take a turn stomping grapes, or let the kids join in and try their stomping skills.
Then, cheer on competitors in the grape-stomping contests, with prizes awarded for the best style based on audience applause. Enjoy live music, free vineyard and winery tours, and delicious food from local food trucks. Afterward, parents can relax with a free mini massage and savor award-winning wines. With grape stomps at 12, 2, and 4 PM and activities throughout the day, it’s a perfect fall day of fun and celebration for the whole family! Unsurprisingly, Grape Stomp Festival ranks highly among the best Twin Cities’ fall festivals for families!
Harriet Alexander Nature Center Wild Rice Festival, Roseville
2025 Dates: Saturday, September 27
Families seeking the best fall festivals in Minnesota with kids can celebrate fall flavors and cultural heritage at the Harriet Alexander Nature Center’s Wild Rice Festival in Roseville! This free, family-friendly event celebrates wild rice, Dakota and Ojibwe culture, and the vibrant harvest season.
Enjoy wild ricing demonstrations, apple cider and honey making, and various craft activities. Kids will love the Nashke Native Games and wildflower planting. Explore educational tables, taste wild rice, and shop for unique crafts. Delicious food from Pow Wow Grounds Café and Chip’s Thai Gourmet Kitchen will be available. As a Zero-Waste event, it’s also a fantastic way to support sustainability. The Wild Rice Festival is full of learning, fun, and community spirit!
Twin Cities Harvest Festival, Brooklyn Park
2025 Dates: October 4 – October 26
Embrace the autumn season at the Twin Cities Harvest Festival in Brooklyn Park, one of the top Twin Cities fall festivals for families! This vibrant festival features endless fall fun. Explore the Marketplace with a charming pumpkin patch, apple and honey stands, and photo ops with antique tractors.
For added excitement at one of the best fall events near Minneapolis for families, ticketed activities include the straw bale maze, corn seed pit, inflatables, and the iconic corn maze. Kids will love the petting zoo and giant slide, while everyone can enjoy delicious fair food, from corn dogs to mini donuts. Plus, leashed pets are welcome, so bring your furry friends along. Live music and family-friendly attractions make it the perfect way to celebrate fall in Minnesota!
Gibbs Farm Apple Festival, Falcon Heights
2025 Dates: September 27
Mark your calendars for the Gibbs Farm Apple Festival in Falcon Heights! This all-ages celebration in the Twin Cities is brimming with fall activities for kids, from apple-tasting flights featuring rare varieties to cider-pressing demonstrations.
Wander through the Heritage Orchard, where you can learn about 30 types of apples, including heirloom and U of M-developed varieties. Enjoy live music and face painting. Then, try your hand at native seed cleaning and woodblock printing. Kids will love bobbing for apples, exploring the historic farmhouse, and joining in on apple-themed games and a prairie scavenger hunt. With delicious apple treats and engaging activities, it’s a perfect way to celebrate the harvest season with your family!
Twin Cities Fall Festivals: ROCtoberfest, St. Louis Park
2025 Dates: Saturday, September 20
Get ready to rock and polka at St. Louis Park’s ROCtoberfest! This Bavarian-themed celebration has something for everyone. In fact, as one of the top Twin Cities fall festivals for families, you can enjoy live music, delicious food trucks, and a great selection of German and domestic beers.
Then, try exciting games and challenges for all ages, and take advantage of the chance to win fun prizes! Admission is just $5 per person (ages 5 and under are free), and with each $10 event mug purchase, you’ll get a complimentary beverage. Dance, play, and savor the festivities at ROCtoberfest!
Pinehaven Farm Fall Festival, Wyoming
Celebrate all things fall at Pinehaven Farm’s Fall Festival in Wyoming, just 30 minutes from Minneapolis! Brimming with fall activities in Minnesota for families, from picking pumpkins and ziplining to savoring hot apple cider and snacking on treats, there’s something for everyone at Pinehaven Farm Fall Festival.
Dive into 30+ family-friendly autumn activities like launching pumpkins from a cannon, exploring a giant corn pit, and climbing Straw Bale Mountain. Remember to meet Pinehaven Pete, the farm mascot. Jam-packed with fall things to do and yummy food trucks, you can easily spend a day or more exploring all the activities with your kids. It’s the perfect destination for a memorable autumn day, with vibrant fall colors and bonfires adding to the charm. Families from all over Minnesota love the fun and festive atmosphere at Pinehaven Farm!
Have Fun Exploring These Twin Cities Fall Festivals!
These Twin Cities fall festivals for families are bursting with excitement and thrilling activities this autumn season. Enjoy pumpkin patches, craft fairs, live music, and more while making lasting memories with your kids. Indeed, from exploring vast cornfield mazes and eating apple-themed bites to diving into the myriad of fun fall things to do in the Twin Cities with kids, there’s something for everyone on this list. Whether you’re seeking engaging fall events and festivals near Minneapolis or Saint Paul for families or just looking for a fun-filled day out, discover countless opportunities to celebrate the harvest season together.
We hope you have a blast discovering the best that fall offers here in Minnesota with your family!
Antonia Grant is a Minnesota mom + freelance writer who loves encouraging parents to find ways to connect and make memories with their kids. She’s a firm believer in providing children with experiences over things. You can find more from Antonia and her family adventures on Instagram @knead.to.roam and on her website. She shares all things family travel, outdoor adventures, and their favorite foodie finds.
