Compiled by Kathy Henderson

Fall brings a feast of flavors and festivities to our community. From harvest fundraisers and pie tastings to family carnivals and cultural celebrations, the season offers many ways to enjoy food, fun and local traditions.

Spirited tours lead the curious through haunted landmarks, while farmers’ markets, craft fairs and special events celebrate the season’s bounty. Families, food lovers and history buffs alike will find reasons to explore. Browse the lineup for food, drink, fundraisers and fall fun.

FOOD & DRINK

Holy Childhood

Holy Childhood parking lot, 1435 Midway Parkway

Holy Childhood church is hosting its annual Oktoberfest from 5:30 to 10 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 27.

Food options include roasted pork shank baskets, bratwurst, hot dogs, spaetzle, chips, giant pretzels with cheese, desserts, plus beer, wine and hot cider. Ages 21+. $10 admission includes one beverage. Tickets at maternityofmarychurch.org/events/oktoberfest.

Twin Cities Oktoberfest

Eco Experience Building, 1621 Randall Ave. Minnesota State Fairgrounds

The 15th annual Oktoberfest runs from 5 to 11 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 3, and from noon to 10 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 4.

Food and drink vendors offer authentic local German-heritage foods and 20 varieties of beers and ciders, including two non-alcohol options, many from familiar local breweries. Enjoy music, entertainment and merchandise sales.

A free, all-ages event, but $11.89 wristband required for 21+ alcohol purchases. Band schedules and other details at tcoktoberfest.com.

Bloody Mary Festival

Union Depot, 14 4th Street East

The 7th Annual Bloody Mary Festival from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 4. Experience unlimited tastings of creative Bloody Marys from top local bars, restaurants and craft mixers. Enjoy food and beverage samples from local vendors. Must be 21+ to enter. Tickets: thebloodymaryfest.com/twin-cities-mn-10-4-25.

Fundraisers

Up and Autumn

Matthew’s Episcopal Church, 2136 Carter Ave.

Silent auction and desserts fundraiser supporting social justice ministries from 7 to 9 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 11. Families with young children who need early bedtimes are invited to come at 5:30 p.m. to bid on special auction items and enjoy kid-friendly treats.

Enjoy refreshments while bidding on goods, services and experiences donated by parishioners, friends and neighboring businesses. $10 individual; $25 family. Register: stmatthews.ccbchurch.com/goto/forms/33/responses/new.

Roseville Gift and Craft Shoppe

Anpetu Teca Education Center, 1910 County Road B W., Roseville

Annual gift and craft sale featuring handmade items crafted by Roseville Area Schools Community Education volunteers. Time: 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Thursday and Friday, Oct. 23 and 24, and 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 25. Credit cards are not accepted.

Tours & Events

Ramsey County Historical Society

Gibbs Farm Annual Steampunk Halloween Trick-or-Treat Trail

Gibbs Farm, 2097 Larpenteur Ave. W., Falcon Heights

40-minute timed entries from 3 to 5 p.m. and 5:30 to 7:15 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 15. Live music by Light of the Moon. $5–$15. Register at rchs.com/event/gibbs-farm-halloween-trick-or-treat-trail-3.

Society History Revealed: Oakland Cemetery

Oakland Cemetery, 927 Jackson St.

Two walking tours will run from 1 to 3 p.m. on Wednesdays; the north end tour on Oct. 15 and the south end tour on Oct. 22. The tour, led by veteran tour guide and historian Denise Dunnell Wells, includes legends and locations of the final resting places of notable citizens. $10 per tour. Register: ramsey-county-historical-society.square.site.

St. Paul Community Education

Register at commed.spps.org or call 651-767-8178.

Ghosts & Gables Haunted Summit Avenue

Summit Overlook Park, 418 Summit Ave.

Walking tour from 3 to 4 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 5. $31.

Haunted Dayton’s Bluff

Departs from Hamm’s Brewery parking lot, 704 Minnehaha Ave.

Bus tour from 6 to 7:45 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 15. $49.

Union Depot ghost tour

St. Paul Union Depot, 214 Fourth St. E.

Walking tour from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 19. $30.

Minnesota History Center

Shadows & Spirits of the State Capitol

Minnesota State Capitol, 75 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.

Tour the Capitol under its original 1900s lighting. One-hour tours run Thursdays, Oct. 16 & 23; Fridays, Oct. 17, 24 & Nov. 14; and Saturdays, Oct. 18 & 25. Explore the rotunda, hallways and chambers with historical “spirits” who share stories of the Capitol’s past. $14–$16. Reservations: mnhs.org/events.

Ramsey After Dark: Victorian Superstitions

Alexander Ramsey House,
65 Exchange St. S.

One-hour tours at 5:30 and 7:30 p.m. on Fridays, Oct. 10 & 24 and Nov. 14. Explore 19th-century superstitions, hear chilling Ramsey family letters, try Victorian fortune-telling games and see how superstition endured in an age of reason. $18–$20. Reservations: mnhs.org/events.

Landmark Center

Great Pumpkin Halloween Celebration

Landmark Center, 75 Fifth St. W.

1 to 3 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 26. Family carnival with games, fishing for prizes, cake walk, costume parade, face painting, crafts, plus a DJ spinning tunes. Free.

Romanian Dark Legends: Monsters, Vampires and the Undead

Landmark Center, 75 Fifth St. W.

3 p.m. on Sundays, Oct. 5, 12, 19 and 26. The Heritage Organization of Romanian Americans presents a free session every Sunday in October.

A Romanian folk arts workshop, “Masks and Dances,” will be held from 1 to 3 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 26. Create a folkloric character mask and learn the basic steps of regional Romanian dances.