Your Guide to October 2025 in Minneapolis: Events Worth Leaving the House For
This October, the Twin Cities are packed with events that go beyond the typical pumpkin patch photo-op (though we love those too). We're talking horror theater festivals that'll keep you up at night, Diwali celebrations that light up Midtown, and drag shows at cideries that remind you why this city's queer community is one of the best in the country.
At Pao, we believe the best way to experience a city is through the events that bring communities together - the pasta-making classes run by local chefs, clothing swaps hosted by sustainable fashion companies, film festivals showcasing voices that deserve to be heard. So grab your calendar and start marking dates, because Minneapolis is about to show you what fall is really about!
Limited-Time Pop-ups
October 4, 2025 • 11AM-3PM
1228 NE 2nd St Suites 2 & 3, Minneapolis, MN 55413
Popping up at the home goods store, Curiosity, Daughters and Suns will be painting stunning portraits for walk-ins. Get ahead of holiday shopping while also treating yourself to a portrait to take home!
October 4, 2025 • 9AM-11AM
Lakeville Donut Star
Donuts at Donut Star are handcrafted fresh every morning (and often sell out!). On October 4th the Lakeville location will see a takeover of 4 local businesses. So go try some donuts, grab a coffee/tea, and shop some locally-owned goods!
Mi’aawaa Bakery Oktober Fest pop-up
October 4, 2025 • 11AM-6PM
1623 Park Place Blvd St. Louis Park, MN 55416
Stop by this adorable coffee shop for their fall-inspired drinks, fresh-baked cookies, and truly the coziest vibes. We love an excuse to try a new coffee shop, don’t you?!
Nightlife & Performances
The Party Of a showgirl (18+)
October 3, 2025 • 9PM
Fine Line Music Cafe. 318 1st N Ave.
Swifties, this one's for you! Celebrate Taylor's newest album with themed drinks, friendship bracelet swaps, and a room full of people who will absolutely scream-sing "All Too Well" with you. Sometimes the best parties are the ones where everyone's there for the same reason.
Sociable Cider Werks x Twin Cities Pride: Tricks & Treats (18+)
October 5, 2025 • 6PM - 10PM
Sociable Cider Werks, 1500 Fillmore St NE
Halloween gets the queer treatment it deserves at this 18+ celebration featuring a drag show, drag bingo, a bull ride competition (yes, really), and food trucks. Sociable Cider Werks' collaboration with Twin Cities Pride creates the inclusive, joyful, slightly chaotic Halloween party you didn't know you needed.
October 25, 2025 • 6PM Onwards
Sheraton Minneapolis West Hotel
DJs, live music, laser light shows, and spooky ballroom vibes converge for a Halloween party that goes all out. Expect production value, creative energy, and a crowd that came to dance. Whether you go full costume or just throw on some vampire teeth, you're in for a night that captures Halloween's theatrical spirit.
Festivals & Cultural Gatherings
October 4, 2025 • 8:30am-1:30
Hold the Wheat Parking Lot
Mingle, shop and network with 8 fabulous female-owned businesses while eating delicious gluten-free fried food. Local businesses include permanent jewelry, fresh seasonal flowers, fresh sourdough bread and more.
October 3-4, 2025 • Fri: 5-11pm, Sat: Noon-10pm
1621 Randall Ave, Saint Paul, Minnesota 55108
Fifteen years strong and still pouring! Twin Cities Oktoberfest brings an authentic German celebration with a local twist - every single beer comes from Twin Cities breweries. Beyond the 100% local beer lineup, you'll find traditional German food, live entertainment, and the communal atmosphere that makes you want to raise your stein and toast to new friends!
October 4, 2025 • 11AM - 7PM
China Friendship Garden, Phalen Regional Park, 1624 Phalen Drive, St. Paul
This full-day celebration honors the harvest moon with a beautiful blend of tradition and community. Start with the 5K Fun Run, then enjoy artistic performances, try your hand at calligraphy, taste traditional mooncakes, and explore cultural booths. It's family-friendly, free, and the perfect way to connect with the Twin Cities' vibrant Asian American community.
October 8–12, 2025 • Various times
Film Society venues
Five days of powerful storytelling in Spanish and Portuguese, featuring special guests, post-screening discussions, and food trucks serving up authentic flavors. Between the films, you'll find fiestas that turn movie-going into a full cultural experience - this is what community cinema should look like!
October 11, 2025 • 12PM - 3PM
Midtown Global Market
The Hindu Society of Minnesota presents a vibrant celebration of Diwali, the festival of lights that symbolizes the victory of light over darkness. Expect mesmerizing music and dance performances, colorful traditional attire, and an atmosphere that radiates joy. It's free, family-friendly, and takes place at one of the Twin Cities' most culturally rich destinations.
October 16–30, 2025 • Various times
Crane Theater in Minneapolis, MN
America's longest-running horror theatre festival returns for two weeks of artist-driven terror. This isn't your typical haunted house - expect original musicals, experimental performances, and creative storytelling that'll genuinely unsettle you. The Crane Theater supports bold, independent artists, and this festival showcases exactly why Minneapolis's theater scene punches above its weight.
Food, Drink & Hands-On Experiences
October 4, 2025 • 4PM – 9PM
Seattle Art Museum, 1300 First Ave
Apple bobbing, carnival games, live music, and the debut of their special-release Hot Mulled Cider - fall in a glass. Minneapolis Cider Company knows how to throw a party that captures everything great about October. Bring friends, embrace the nostalgic carnival vibes, and toast to the season with local cider.
October 5, 2025 • 3PM - 7PM
Insight Brewing, 2821 E Hennepin Ave, Minneapolis, MN
Craft beer, adorable adoptable kittens, and Potter's Pasties food - the perfect Sunday afternoon. This fundraiser for Rainbow Whiskers lets you snuggle kittens while supporting a great cause. Whether you leave with a new furry friend or just a heart full of kitten cuddles, you're helping cats find forever homes.
October 20, 2025 • 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM
Salt & Flour Kitchen, 350 North 5th Street
Learn to create fresh Italian pasta from scratch with a chef who knows their stuff. Salt & Flour Kitchen's hands-on classes are intimate, informative, and end with you eating the fruits of your labor. It's the kind of skill that'll impress your friends and taste infinitely better than anything from a box.
October 20, 2025 • 6PM
Baba’s, 2220 Lyndale Ave S, Minneapolis
Candle-making meets dinner and drinks in this cozy workshop. Baba's provides the ambiance and the meal, Onyx Candle brings the expertise, and you craft a custom candle while enjoying great food. Hands-on without being stressful - basically the perfect fall evening.
Tare Market Clothing Swap with LUUM Collective
October 11, 2025 • 12PM - 3PM
Tare Market - 945 Broadway St NE,
Did you know, you can refresh your wardrobe without spending money or contributing to fast fashion waste? Bring pre-loved clothes and swap them for someone else's treasures. LUUM Collective and Tare Market have created a sustainable fashion community that makes it easy to shop your conscience.
Ready to experience everything October has to offer? These events are just the beginning - Minneapolis is packed with community gatherings, cultural celebrations, and creative experiences happening all month long.
Download the Pao App to discover even more local events and never miss out on the moments that bring this city to life.
