Embrace Autumn in Minnesota with These Fall Festivals
Fall in Minnesota often feels energized, as people rush to enjoy as much good weather as they can until the unpredictable arrival of winter. One thing that feeds the energy in the air is the flurry of fall festivals that happen across the state every year. There’s always the Renaissance Festival in Shakopee and any number of Oktoberfests across the state. These are some of our favorite ways to spend a fall weekend day in Minnesota!
New Ulm’s Oktoberfest, New Ulm, MN
Often acknowledged as one of the best Oktoberfests in the United States, New Ulm’s Oktoberfest is certainly one of the most popular in Minnesota. New Ulm has a solid German heritage, settled by folks from the old country more than a century and a half ago. With sponsorship from hometown brewer, Schell’s—the biggest in the state—you can bet the beer flows and the accordions play much like they do in Munich (Ulm, Germany doesn’t really do Oktoberfest).
Stillwater Harvest Fest, Stillwater, MN
The Stillwater Harvest Fest does celebrate the bounties of autumn in many ways, with a marketplace, vendors, beer garden, and live music throughout the weekend. But it's really about the pumpkins: Really (really!) big pumpkins. There's a pumpkin weigh off, a giant pumpkin drop, and most spectacularly, a giant pumpkin regatta in which contestants race giant pumpkins down the St. Croix River. And yes, they do it in the middle of October.
Moose Madness Festival, Grand Marais, MN
Moose are the largest of Minnesota’s mega fauna. And every fall, they’re on the loose in the northern part of the state, looking to find a mate. The fine folks of Grand Marais love their moose so much that they celebrate the craziness of moose in rut with the annual Moose Madness Festival. Races, family activities like scavenger hunts, arts, and a medallion hunt will keep you busy all weekend—and out of the way of the moose.
Mahkato Annual Pow Wow, Mankato, MN
The Mahkato Annual Pow Wow is not a festival per se, but it is an important, educational, and entertaining autumn tradition. The rich Native American heritage in the state we now call Minnesota—as in many other states—was marred by conflict with settlers attempting to populate the region. One instance, in 1862, resulted in the execution of 38 Dakota Sioux men in Mankato by the United States. In the spirit of education and reconciliation, as well as honoring tradition and ancestors, the Mahkato Mdewakanton Association holds an annual pow wow to commemorate the event and to educate, entertain, and bring together people from all cultures.
Big Island Rendezvous and Festival, Albert Lea, MN
If the thought of going back in time and visiting the United States during the frontier era piques your interest, then head down to Albert Lea for the Big Island Rendezvous and Festival. History re-enactors take over a city park, where no vehicles or modern tents are allowed. Blacksmiths, woodworkers and weavers peddle their wares as voyageurs and frontiersmen vie against one another in black powder shooting competitions. There are plenty of activities for the entire family, like tipi tours, visiting the Voyageur Encampment, games, and parades.
SeptOberfest, Wabasha, MN
SeptOberfest takes place in the beautiful Mississippi River town of Wabasha during the height of fall foliage season in the valley. Over the course of six weeks, dozens of events and activities are offered for visitors of all ages. Scarecrow contests, pumpkin contests, carriage rides, and free live music are just a few examples.
Anoka Halloween, Anoka, MN
Anoka is the self-proclaimed “Halloween Capital of the World” and every year, they go to all lengths to prove it. Anoka Halloween spans most of the month of October, and includes events like a scarecrow contest, adult and children’s pumpkin carving contests, a giant pumpkin weigh off, an Orange Tie Ball, and dozens of other activities and events.
Boats and Bluegrass Festival, Winona, MN
The Boats and Bluegrass Festival is a family-friendly celebration of music and river life in Winona. The festival is held in a park on the Mississippi River and a weekend pass includes camping and canoe trips in the river’s backwaters, as well as three days of live bluegrass music. Children are welcome and expected. Kids under 16 get in free when accompanied by an adult.
Harvest Moon Festival, Ely, MN
Every September, the leaves in Northern Minnesota explode into bursts of yellow, orange, and red, mixed with the deep green of North Woods pine trees. Ely celebrates the coming of fall with a Farm Market, arts and crafts, and live entertainment. Family activities like pony rides, a petting zoo, and craft demonstrations from local artisans and the Ely Folk School make the Harvest Moon Festival something the whole family can enjoy.
Key Insights at a Glance
- Popular fall festivals in Minnesota include the Renaissance Festival in Shakopee and Oktoberfests
- New Ulm’s Oktoberfest is one of the best in the United States and features German heritage and plenty of beer
- Stillwater Harvest Fest celebrates autumn with a focus on pumpkins, including a giant pumpkin regatta
- Grand Marais hosts the Moose Madness Festival to celebrate moose in rut with races and family activities
- The Mahkato Annual Pow Wow in Mankato honors Native American heritage and traditions
- Albert Lea’s Big Island Rendezvous and Festival offers a glimpse into the frontier era with history re-enactors and activities
- SeptOberfest in Wabasha offers six weeks of fall events and activities, including scarecrow contests and live music
- Anoka Halloween is a month-long celebration with events like pumpkin carving contests and a giant pumpkin weigh off
- The Boats and Bluegrass Festival in Winona combines live music with river activities for the whole family
- Ely’s Harvest Moon Festival celebrates fall with a farm market, arts and crafts, and family activities
