10 Fun Fall Festivities in Southern Minnesota

The air is crisp but we aren’t yet buried in snow. The leaves are turning. It is time for harvesting. You know what that means!

That’s right. Fall is upon us, and that means there are plenty of fun things to do in Southern Minnesota. Whether you’re overdue for a date night, you’re seeking a fun ladies’ weekend out, or you need to soak up these last sunny days with the kids - there are tons of choices in our surrounding communities! Here are ten to choose from.

Festival Fun for Everyone

Fall festivals are fun for all ages. Check out some of the Southern Minnesota offerings this season.

Field and Festival Holiday Market

If you are looking for festival food favorites or the extensive offerings of a makers market, you are in luck. This fest has it all.

The family-run business, Wagner’s Garden Center, has been in the city for over 100 years. Hosted in their cozy, warm greenhouses, this is a perfect place to get a jump start on that holiday shopping (no matter the weather).

The Field and Festival Holiday Market will be held on Saturday, October 15 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Wagner’s Garden Center, 6024 Penn Ave. South, in Minneapolis.

Apple Festival

Afton Apple, located in Hastings, Minn., is gearing up for its October 9 Apple Festival. From 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. this orchard will be buzzing with apple-picking, but that’s not all.

The festival will also include magic shows, music, yard games, and, of course, the 15-acre corn maze! All ages are welcome to this event.

Fall Fest

The History Center of Olmsted County will put its own spin on seasonal fun. The Fall Fest, slated for October 20, will include exciting events for all ages. Children are invited to paint pumpkins or play a game of baseball with the rules from the 1860s.

The cost for Fall Fest is just $5 per child, but free for adults. The fest will run from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Date Night, Anyone?

Sometimes, mom and dad just need to get away. Or perhaps you’re looking for a unique date night idea for that recent dating app match. There are some very fun ideas coming up this fall. 

Who Killed the Super?

This might not sound like date-night material, but trust me. You’ll love it. The Indian Island Winery will host a dinner murder mystery called “Who Killed the Super” on October 22 from 5:00 to 9:30 p.m.

Guests are invited to dress in their “favorite school attire” or as a favorite teacher, and join winery staff in helping them solve the mystery. Tickets include the meal and show. Happy hour begins at 5:00 p.m., with the show starting at 6:00 p.m.

Park Picnic: Couples Date Night

If you are looking for something new, this concept is amazing. These pop-up picnic events structure the date for you, but since they can be done at any time, you can fit them into your schedule. 

The date nights are self-guided and include fun incorporation of local parks, delivered foods, and couples’ apps, games, and prompts to direct the evening (or lunch date).

Park Picnic: A Couple Date Night will be hosted throughout the Mankato area, and guests are welcome to select the time and date that works for them. For more information on registration, visit the website here.

Paws for a Cause

If you are seeking some fun for RIGHT NOW, act fast! The Makato Brewery is hosting Paws for a Cause on Saturday, October 8 from 12:00 to 4:00 p.m. This great date idea can also include your favorite furry friend.

The brewery will host $1 pints, with proceeds being donated to support BENCHS, the blue Earth Nicollet County Humane Society. There will also be door prizes and raffles. 

This Is Halloween, Southern Minnesota Style

What would fall festivities be without the holiday of the season: Halloween?

Whether you’re seeking to dress-up yourself, or are seeking fun places to bring the children, you have many options in Southern Minnesota!

Trunk or Treat

Let’s face it. Despite the fall season, Minnesota weather can be tough. Thankfully, Snell Motors Indoor Showroom will host a Trunk or Treat event on October 28, from 2:00 to 6:00 p.m.

This fourth annual event is free to attend, and local businesses will provide the activities, treats, and candy. While all ages are welcome, families are asked to leave pets at home.

Halloween Camp ‘Er Treat

On October 15, a fourth annual Halloween Camp Er’ Treat at the campgrounds at Lake Washington Regional Park, in Kasota, Minn. Campsites will be decorated by local campers, as they create a “safe and fun environment” for families. Get an early jump on your trick-or-treating with this free event, open to all campground guests and the general public!

In addition to trick-or-treating through campsites, guests are welcomed to check out the Haunted House in the Community Building, too.

Halloween Hustle 5K

If all the candy and treats from Halloween have you worried, you can always find active fun in the Southern Minnesota offerings, too. The Lake Crystal Area Rec Center will host a Halloween 5K Fun Run for all ages. Cost is just $25 and all participants get a T-shirt.

The race will begin at 9:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 29 at the CLARC. You can register for the event here.

If you hit it up the day before, LCARC will also host a Trunk or Treat Street in Lake Crystal.

You have plenty of options for fall fun in Minnesota this year. Enjoy!