Fall Events in Minneapolis: A Family’s Guide to Autumn

As the crisp air returns and leaves begin to blaze gold, Minneapolis comes alive with autumn charm. For families looking to make the most of fall, this is a season of community festivals, pumpkin patches, art fairs, and outdoor adventures. At Bridge Homes, we believe part of the value in renting a home is the neighborhood experience. And fall in the Twin Cities delivers delight in every corner.

Below is your local guide to 2025 fall events in Minneapolis and surrounding areas, curated with families in mind. Use this as your autumn calendar of must-do experiences, whether you're new in town or looking for weekend plans near your Bridge Homes residence.

What’s Special About Fall in Minneapolis

Minneapolis is sometimes called the “City by Nature” for good reason. During fall, the urban and natural worlds blend beautifully. You can stroll through leafy parks, ride bikes along scenic trails, or pop into local festivals and markets. The city’s official site encourages visitors to enjoy museums, seasonal brews, theatre, and more while the fall colors sparkle. Meet Minneapolis

Because many Bridge Homes tenants are raising young families or settling into their first or second home, events that foster community, creativity, and connection tend to be the most meaningful. From pumpkin trails to local art fairs, fall is your chance to truly feel part of the neighborhood.

Top Fall Events in Minneapolis & the Twin Cities

Here are standout family-friendly fall happenings you won’t want to miss. Be sure to check event websites for updated dates and times:

1. Sever’s Fall Festival & Corn Maze

This Minnesota staple returns from mid-September through late October. Sever’s offers a giant corn maze, pumpkin blasting, hayrides, obstacle courses, petting zoos, magic shows, and more. Mpls.St.Paul Magazine

2. Twin Cities Harvest Festival & Maze (Brooklyn Park)

Claimed as the Twin Cities’ largest corn maze, this fall attraction includes giant and mini mazes, live music, carnival rides, and a pumpkin patch. Twin Cities Maze

3. Glass Pumpkin Patch

Held at Foci, the Minnesota Center for Glass Arts, this event offers handcrafted glass pumpkins, artisan goods, and creative seasonal shopping. A unique twist on pumpkin patch fun.

4. Fall Colors Celebration at Lakewood Cemetery

A quieter, reflective event that invites visitors to enjoy music, cider, and guided walks among fall foliage in a beautifully landscaped cemetery setting.

5. Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular (Minnesota Zoo)

This iconic pumpkin-lit walking trail runs nightly through November 2, 2025. You and your family can stroll through thousands of artist-carved pumpkins, enjoy seasonal sounds, and take in the fall magic under the stars.

6. Autumn Brew Review

In Boom Island Park, this event features autumnal craft brews and beverage tastings along the Mississippi River shoreline. It’s a relaxed daytime outing that pairs well with a riverside walk or local bites.

7. Diwali at Midtown Global Market

Celebrate the Festival of Lights with music, dance, cultural performances, and community gatherings at the Midtown Global Market. This family-friendly event provides a beautiful window into cultural traditions during fall.

Bonus Fall Activities Around the Twin Cities

If you're looking for easy, low-cost ways to soak in autumn, here are ideas you can enjoy any weekend:

• Pumpkin patches & apple orchards – Pick-your-own apples are abundant in area orchards. Explore Minnesota
• Take a leaf-peeping drive – Scenic routes like the St. Croix River Valley or roads around Lake Minnetonka reveal peak colors.
• Outdoor trails & parks – Walk or bike through Minnehaha Park, Boom Island, or along the Mississippi. The fall foliage is stunning.
• Seasonal food & craft drinks – Many local breweries, coffee shops, and restaurants feature pumpkin-spiced, apple, or maple flavors in drinks and desserts this time of year.
• Catch a local sports game or art show – Fall is full of local theater, concerts, and university games that bring life to neighborhoods.

How to Make the Most of Fall as a Bridge Homes Renter

Living in a Bridge Homes rental means you’re part of a community—and fall offers you a chance to connect deeper, explore locally, and usher in cozy new traditions. Here are tips to enjoy the season:

1. Plan ahead – Many popular events sell out or require tickets (for example, Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular).
2. Carpool or use transit – Festivals often bring crowds and limited parking; sharing rides saves stress.
3. Bundle family events – Pair a festival visit with lunch at a local café or ending the day with a cozy firepit or movie night at home.
4. Share with neighbors – Invite friends or neighbors to join seasonal events—especially enjoyable when children play together.
5. Use seasonal decor – Fall is a great time to decorate your rental porch or entryway with pumpkins, mums, and warm lighting—small touches that boost community feel.

One insider tip: check local “open streets” or art walks, such as Greenway Glow, which light up corridors with music, murals, and dance. Also, don’t miss community favorites like Monarch Festival at Lake Nokomis or pop-up markets in neighborhoods around West Broadway. Axios

Fall in the Twin Cities: More Than Just Events

Autumn in Minneapolis is an immersive experience. Renters cite favorite fall experiences like relaxing at a heated rooftop patio with cider, cozying up in local restaurants, or wandering craft markets. 

Whether you’re exploring the Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular, sampling seasonal flavors at a festival, or simply taking in the fall colors on a weekend walk, these events highlight why families love calling the Twin Cities home. For Bridge Homes residents, the beauty of renting here is that you can enjoy all of these experiences right in your own community, without the stress of upkeep or long commutes. This season, take advantage of everything Minneapolis has to offer. You’ll find that autumn here makes your rental home feel even more like home.