Halloween in Minneapolis 2025 | Events, Haunted Houses & Ghost Tours

Halloween in Minneapolis 2025: Events, Parties & Haunted Fun

Family-Friendly Halloween in Minneapolis

Halloween in Minneapolis is packed with kid-friendly activities and seasonal magic.

Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular at the Minnesota Zoo
Every October, the Minnesota Zoo transforms into a glowing wonderland filled with thousands of illuminated pumpkins. It is a must-see before exploring the city’s nighttime haunted attractions and ghost tours.

Howl-O-Ween at Great Wolf Lodge
Families love this indoor waterpark Halloween celebration. Kids can join trick-or-treat trails, costume contests, and themed crafts while enjoying the resort’s pools.

Free Kids’ Halloween Events in Minneapolis
If you’re on a budget, Minneapolis offers plenty of free community events, including:

• Neighborhood pumpkin carving nights
  
• Costume swaps at local libraries
  
• Outdoor trick-or-treat festivals at local parks
  
  

After sunset, older kids and parents looking for something different can join American Ghost Walks for a light introduction to Minneapolis’ haunted history.

Minneapolis Halloween Parties and Bar Crawls

Minneapolis nightlife comes alive during Halloween with themed bar crawls, drag shows, raves, and brewery parties.

Official Minneapolis Halloween Bar Crawl
Downtown Minneapolis becomes a playground of costumed revelers hopping between top bars. Expect drink specials, DJs, and contests, or pair your night out with a late-night ghost tour to experience the city’s haunted side.

Horror on Hennepin at Skyway Theatre
One of the city’s biggest Halloween EDM parties featuring DJs, light shows, and elaborate costumes.

Drag and Costume Parties
Minneapolis has a thriving drag and brewery scene. Look out for:

• Sociable Cider Werks’ Spooky Drag Show
  
• Fulton Beer’s Halloween Bash
• Modist Brewing’s Costume Party and DJ Night
  

Haunted Houses and Spooky Attractions in the Twin Cities

Thrill-seekers have plenty of haunted options near Minneapolis.

Haunted Basement Minneapolis

A local tradition known for its immersive and terrifying performances, best suited for adults.

ValleySCARE at Valleyfair
Minnesota’s biggest Halloween amusement park combines rides with haunted mazes and scare zones.

Dead End Hayride (Pine City)
For the ultimate haunted hayride, head north to Pine City and enjoy movie-level effects and frights.

Mall of America – Onionhead’s Revenge
Mall of America often hosts large-scale indoor haunted attractions. In 2025, Onionhead’s Revenge returns as a fan favorite.

If you prefer real haunted history over jump scares, American Ghost Walks offers authentic ghost tours in Minneapolis that reveal eerie tales tied to local landmarks and true stories.

Cultural Halloween Experiences

For those who love theater, film, and the arts, Halloween in Minneapolis offers cultural events that blend storytelling, history, and atmosphere similar to a ghost tour through the city’s old streets.

Twin Cities Horror Festival
A multi-day showcase of independent horror theater, dance, and film.

Silent Film with Live Orchestra
The classic Phantom of the Opera screens with live orchestra accompaniment, creating a hauntingly beautiful tradition.

Local Theater and Music Specials
Watch for venues like the Guthrie Theater and First Avenue, which often feature Halloween-themed performances inspired by gothic tales and ghostly legends.

Nearby Halloween Destinations

Anoka – Halloween Capital of the World

Anoka, just 30 minutes from Minneapolis, has been celebrating Halloween since the 1920s. Events include:

• Grand Day Parade
  
• Pumpkin contests
  
• Historic ghost tours
  
  

Twin Cities Suburban Festivals and Parades
Suburbs like Bloomington, St. Paul, and Maple Grove host parades, bonfires, and family-friendly festivals. Many visitors combine these daytime celebrations with evening Minneapolis ghost tours for a complete Halloween weekend.

FAQs About Halloween in Minneapolis

What to do on Halloween in Minneapolis?
Attend a bar crawl, haunted house, or family-friendly pumpkin event. If you love real ghost stories, join a local ghost tour with American Ghost Walks.

Are there Halloween bar crawls in Minneapolis?

Yes. The official Minneapolis Halloween Bar Crawl is one of the most popular nightlife events in the city.

What haunted houses are near Minneapolis?
Some top choices include Haunted Basement, ValleySCARE, Dead End Hayride, and Mall of America’s Onionhead’s Revenge.

What is the biggest Halloween event in Minnesota?
ValleySCARE and Anoka’s Halloween Festival draw the largest crowds each year.

Why is Anoka called the Halloween Capital of the World?
In 1920, Anoka hosted the first large-scale Halloween parade to stop local pranks, earning its official title.

Are there free Halloween events in Minneapolis?
Yes. Many neighborhoods, libraries, and parks host free pumpkin carvings, trick-or-treats, and community celebrations.

What Halloween shows or concerts happen in Minneapolis?
You’ll find performances at Skyway Theatre, First Avenue, and drag shows at local breweries. You can also experience live storytelling during a ghost tour downtown.

Discover Haunted History with American Ghost Walks

When you’ve had your fill of parties and parades, explore a side of Minneapolis most people never see with Ghost Tours in Minneapolis by American Ghost Walks. Step into the city’s haunted past, listen to real ghost stories, and walk through historic streets where legends come to life.

See why guests love our tours. Check our Minneapolis Ghost Tour reviews and find out what people are saying!