Halloween in the Twin Cities: A mix of chills & thrills

 

See: Creeps, crawls, candy and more: Halloween highlights in the Twin Cities for 2014 Halloween festivities.

Are you one of the 158 million people that the National Retail Federation (NRF) estimates will celebrate Halloween this year?  The number is down from last year’s high of 170 million, but Halloween is widely celebrated, second only to Christmas in terms of spending. The NRF also found that traditional costumes — zombies, witches, princesses, superheroes and the like — reign supreme this year.

There’s no shortage of costume parties and Halloween fun to be had in and around the Twin Cities. Below is a list of of some of the events that are a bit off the beaten path, along with the more popular haunts. Feel free to leave a suggestion in the comment section if you know of an event that you feel TC Daily Planet readers should know about! (Go here if you’re strictly looking for fall events)

Click to go directly to sections for:

Movies & Theatre

Haunted Houses, Trails & Museums

Not-So-Scary Thrills

Dîa de los Muertos Celebrations

Movies & Theatre

Carrie the Musical, October 4 -27 

Presented by Minneapolis Musical Theater & Hennepin Theatre Trust

New Century Theatre

615 Hennepin Avenue, Street Level, Minneapolis

$24 to $29 ($15 Students via Student/Educator Rush)

From the website:

“Based on Stephen King’s bestselling novel, Carrie The Musical tells the tale of Carrie White, a misfit bullied at school by the popular crowd and at the mercy of her loving, but cruelly over-protective mother. But Carrie’s just discovered she’s got a special power, and if pushed too far, she’s not afraid to use it.”

 On a related note, be sure to check out Morgan Halaska’s review of “Carrie the Musical.” Hot off the presses!

Cinema in the Cemetery: Dracula, Wednesday, October 9

(1931 Spanish Language Version, English subtitles)

Minneapolis Pioneers and Soldiers Memorial Cemetery

2945 Cedar Ave. S. Minneapolis

$5 (Tickets are not required for children 12 and under, but donations are  accepted) Get your tickets here.

 From the Facebook page:

In 1931, as Tod Browning was shooting Dracula with Bela Lugosi, George Melford was shooting from the same script on the same sets at night with a Spanish language cast and crew. Long thought lost, the film was re-found in the 1970s, showing how wildly different the films are. Many now argue Melford’s film is the better version. 

Take-Up, in conjunction with All-Star Video, is proud to present Melford’s classic monster film as a benefit for the Pioneers and Soldiers Cemetery (intersection of Cedar Avenue and Lake Street), one of the oldest integrated cemeteries in the country with prominent abolitionists, civil war veterans and founders of Minneapolis buried side by side.”

The Heights Theater & The Trylon Microcinema Presents Universal Horror: Monsters, Murder & Madness! Thursdays, from October 10 – October 24

Do you like classic films? If so, this classic horror film series is sure to satisfy!

The Heights Theater

3951 Central Avnenue NE, Columbia Heights

$8 General Admission; $6 Matineess Before 6pm; $5 Senior 62+; $5 Children 12 and Under

Schedule of movies as listed on the website:

October 10; 7:30 pm – Islands of Lost Souls (1932)

October 17; 7:30 pm &  9:00 pm  – The Bride of Frankenstein (1935)  & The Raven (1935);  Double Feature (see both shows for the price of one!)

October 24; 7:30 pm – The Uninvited (1944)

Get a Clue! A Musical Mystery, October 24 – 26

Nonna Rosa’s Ristorante Italiano

 4168 W. Broadway Ave., Robbinsdale

Thursday, October 24; 7 pm

Friday & Saturday, October 25-26; 8:30 pm

$40; reservations, 763-537-3700

Information from the website:

“Based on the classic board game Clue, this musical production follows the Columbo family as they search for a murderer. Tickle your taste buds with a four-course meal while enjoying the show.”

The Heights Theater & Jazz88 Presents Rosemary’s Baby, Monday, October 28

$8 General Admission; 7:30 pm

More information from the website: 

“The Heights teams up again with Jazz88 to bring you Roman Polanski’s classic ROSEMARY’S BABY in a fun filled evening you will never forget!  Enter our Halloween costume contest and win fun prizes!! Pre show ORGAN CONCERT! 

“ROSEMARY’S BABY” (1968) – DCP Presentation. 

Starring MIA FARROW, JOHN CASSAVETES, RUTH GORDON. Directed by ROMAN POLANSKI. Roman Polanski’s classic film that details the trials of a not so happy blessed event. A young couple move into a new apartment, only to be surrounded by peculiar neighbors and occurrences. When the wife becomes mysteriously pregnant, paranoia over the safety of her unborn child begins controlling her life. “

The 20th Annual Barebones Halloween Extravaganza! Carry On! A Requiem for 20 Years, October 26, 27, 31 & November 1, 2

Hidden Falls Regional Park, North Gate

Mississippi River Blvd. S. at Magoffin (3/4 mile south of Ford Parkway, St. Paul)

 $5 – $20 suggested donation upon entry to show; 7pm

 More information:

“With a haunting mix of artistic abandon and contemplative story, BareBones promises an unforgettable nighttime spectacular in the best traditions of community theater, public pageantry, and seasonal celebration.  The Halloween Extravaganza features “extreme outdoor” puppetry, stilting, aerialism, music, and fire presented by a cast and crew of over 100 people and a 20-piece live orchestra. This year’s story was crafted from the wild imaginations and personal experiences with loss of members of the BareBones Puppet Collective. A giant vulture-inhabited cuckoo clock gives way to herds of ancient predators, tea-sipping spiders, and a mountain of grief that promises to swallow us all– either that, or to bloom into a field of marigolds.”

Twin Cities Horror Festival II: The Revenge, October 31 – November 9

The Southern Theater

1420 Washington Avenue South, Minneapolis

Go here for ticket and schedule information

From the website:

“Ten terrifying days of tantalizing performance return to the Southern with theater, dance, music, and storytelling.

The Twin Cities Horror festival returns to its old haunt at the Southern Theater for 10 days this fall. Following its successful initiation in 2012, the festival once again sets the stage for seven accomplished local performance groups to present seven new works exploring the theme of horror through theater, music dance, and storytelling. More than 30 performances will take place over two weekends with a bonus Recycle-Your-Halloween-Costume party the night of Friday, November 8th.” 

Ghost Brothers of Darkland County, Presented by Hennepin Theatre Trust, Thursday, October 31

State Theatre

805 Hennepin Avenue, Minneapolis

7:30pm;  Ticket prices: $39.50     $56.50     $69.50

Go here to see the trailer for the musical

More details from the website:

“Ghost Brothers of Darkland County is the southern gothic, supernatural musical written by Stephen King, with music by John Mellencamp and T Bone Burnett. This extraordinary collaboration, 13 years in the making, is a haunting tale of fraternal love, lust, jealousy and revenge, which will be performed by an ensemble cast of 15 actors and a four-piece live band. The album of the musical will be released on June 4 via Hear Music and the Concord Music Group.

The Ghost Brothers of Darkland County saga began when Mellencamp told King about a cabin on his land in Indiana where two brothers had gotten in a fight over a girl; one brother accidentally killing the other, only to die along with the girl in a car crash a short time later. King came up with an outline for a play in a matter of days. And then off and on, back and forth, they began to develop it into a full-length musical.

The superb blues ‘n’ roots music of Ghost Brothers reflects the wide range of styles and influences needed for a work that jumps back and forth across decades. Rather than use the songs to propel the play’s narrative, as in a conventional musical, Mellencamp chose to make them a way to reveal the emotions and inner workings of the characters.”

Haunted Houses, Trails & Museums

The Haunting Experience on Highway 61, September 27- November 2

10900 E Pt. Douglas Rd, Cottage Grove

Starts at Dusk and runs until 10pm weekdays and 11pm weekends.

 $17; Groups rates are available.

Cheap Chills Night: October 16, 17, 23, and 24. Price of admission on these nights is $15. More information from website:

“Free Movies And Bonfires Nightly

Admission Includes:
~Manor House
~Schummo’s 3D Nightmare
~The Hayride

~New for 2013: Big Zombie Hunter Paintball Adventure Ride: Hop on our outfitted trailer, grab a weapon, and start plugging away at the Zombies. Big Zombie Hunter Paintball Ride is a trailer outfitted with affixed guns in a controlled shooting environment. 50 balls – $10 or 100 ball package -only $13

Grab a bite at our Ghoulish Grill or come have a frosty one in our Beer Tent.”

Haunted Basement at the Soap Factory, October 3 – November 3

The Soap Factory
514 Second St SE, Minneapolis 

$27-$25

You know you’re in for an intense experience if it’s recommended that you bring a change of clothes! Celebrating 7 years, the artist-designed Haunted Basement at the Soap Factory will overload and overwhelm the senses.  Also visit the pop-up bar, Spooky Speakeasy, on Fridays and Saturdays to unwind after the hair-raising experience. Go here for more ticket info, if you dare. 

Ramsey County Sheriff’s Fright Farm Haunted House, Fridays & Saturdays, October 4 – 31

2020 White Bear Ave. N., Maplewood

$10 per person

From the website:

“The Ramsey County Sheriff’s Foundation announces the return of the Fright Farm Haunted House. Located at White Bear Avenue and Frost in Maplewood, Fright Farm is a large scale, professional quality haunted house that is constructed and staffed by volunteers from the Sheriff’s Office as well as community members. “

The Wabasha Street Caves, Caves and Graves Tour, October 11, 18, 25, 27-29

Wabasha Street Caves

215 S. Wabasha St., St. Paul

$18 (Ghosts & Graves Tour); $24 (Caves & Graves Tour)

Go here to see the schedule; Call 651- 224-1191 to make a reservation.

From the website:

“Hear the stories of haunted sites and historically famous murders, visit a haunted cave and listen to the history of a local St. Paul cemetery during a two-hour bus tour. “

Frightmares at Buck Hill October 11, 12, 17, 18, 19, 20, 24, 25, 26, 27 

15400 Buck Hill Rd, Burnsville

Opens at 7pm

More information from the website:

“Frightmares at Buck Hill has the creepiest attractions; The Orchard Manor Dead and Breakfast, The Fright Factory, The Haunted Hollow and new for 2013….Under Bellharm. The Bellharm Asylum has burned, but deep below ground madness survives. Barely recognizable as human, generations of descendants of the original inmates still live in the crumbling, damp, and fetid netherworld of the asylum’s forgotten basement level. Subsisting mostly on phosphorescent fungus scraped from the basement walls, their translucent skin glows a sickly green. Come and visit, if you dare, but remember: Sometimes the evil of The Hill has a way of following you home . . .”

Trail of Terror, Thursdays through Sundays; October 11-13, 17-20, 24-27

3525 145th Street West, Shakopee

Open 7 pm – 11 pm, rain or shine

$19.95 for adults; $13.95 for children 5-12; four and under is free; PG-13

Discount tickets available at Walgreens. Free parking.

From the website:

“Trail of Terror, from the producers of the Minnesota Renaissance Festival, is celebrating the twentieth year of terror beginning Friday, Oct. 11, 2013…Trail of Terror is considered the Twin Cities largest and scariest Halloween event with more than 2.5 miles of scares and horror indoors and out. Not only is the Trail of Terror the largest Halloween attraction, it has the newest attractions and frights for all thrill seekers. The Trail of Terror featuring Phantom’s Feast is Minnesota’s largest Halloween event.”

Zombie Pub Crawl IX Quarantine, Saturday, October 12 

Downtown Minneapolis & the West Bank

Go here for tickets 

As advertised:

“The Zombie Pub Crawl starts at 4pm. The Quarantine Zone ends at 10pm; Everything else goes until 2am.

In 2013, the zombie horde will be lured to a giant cage in downtown Minneapolis using such bait as music (Sublime w/ Rome, Flock of Seagulls, and more), amusements (a giant ferris wheel), refreshments (Brain Belt beer), and food (the first-ever Brain-Eating Championships, plus food trucks). We also invited Trick Daddy, Ying Yang Twins, and Bubba Sparxxx to the party, and added a “Trapped in the Closet Sing-Along” and a 6.66K zombie charity run as well.

Will “ZPC 9: Quarantine” be the greatest zombie pub crawl in history? Come find out. (Spoiler: The answer is yes.)”

Please note: Captain Morgan will join mobile-based taxi service company Uber to provide free rides home for pub-attendees 21 and over, Saturday, October 12 between 7pm – midnight.  You can download the free Uber app ahead of time and redeem a safe ride home at the Captain Morgan tent at the corner of Portland Ave. and 5th Street (Captain Morgan tent). 

Shadows and Spirits of the State Capitol, October 24 -26  

Minnesota State Capitol

75 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd, St. Paul

6:30, 7, 7:30 and 8 pm

Reservations, 651-296- 2881

Information from the website:

“These popular annual tours allow visitors to see the Capitol in a historical setting with lighting similar to what existed when the building opened in 1905. As tour groups move through the shadowy and eerily lit rotunda, hallways and chambers, they will meet historical “spirits” who tell stories of the Capitol’s early history, including a night watchman, Civil War veteran, a woman suffragist, a dome foreman and an artist who decorated the Supreme Court chamber. Tours are 60 minutes and leave every half hour.”

Boos Crawl, Saturday & Sunday, October 26 & 27

201 East 4th Street, St. Paul

As advertised:

Big cash prizes in 5 categories plus late night Bonus Drawing. Hosted by eight of your favorite Lowertown “Haunts” …Barrio, Black Dog, Bulldog, Golden’s Deli, Gopher Bar, Hat Trick, and Trattoria. Advance-purchase PASSPORTS ($20) available at Bulldog Lowertown. Passport holders get 1 FREE DRINK at each “Haunt,” – bar/restaurant as well as Prize Eligibility.

Participants “crawl” around amongst Lowertown’s finest drinking establishments and eateries all night long in their best costumes earning stamps on their Event Passports for a chance to win the $500 Grand Prize, as well as compete for costume contest prizes in the categories below.  Last year over 700 “crawlers” participated.

7pm: Boos Crawl Begins
8pm: Best GROUP (minimum of 3 people) Costume Contest @ Golden’s Deli ($250 Prize)
9pm: Best ORIGINAL Costume Contest @ Black Dog ($150 Prize)
10pm: SCARIEST Costume Contest @ Gopher Bar ($150 Prize)
11pm: SEXIEST  Costume Contest @ Senor Wong ($150 Prize)
Midnight: Grand Prize Drawing for all participants @ Hat Trick ($250 Prize or $500 Prize w/Passport stamped from all 8 locations)

Go here for more information

Not-So-Scary Thrills

Halloween Lights on York Ave/Schultz Family Lights October 3 – November 2

1500 Block of York Avenue, St. Paul

Each day at dusk; Free.

More information from the website:

“The show will be up & running, bigger & better than ever, 4 houses worth soon. The show will be running from October 3rd – November 2nd this year. Starting each day at dusk – 10:00. Again this year we are collecting food for the Merrick food shelf.”

The Bakken Musuem’s Monster Mash, Saturday, October 12

Bakken Museum

537 Zenith Ave. S., Minneapolis; Free

As advertised:

“On Saturday, October 12th, we will be celebrating Halloween at The Bakken Museum! Throughout the day, guests can visit with Frankenstein’s monster, have their hair-raising photograph taken, make a monster mask and listen to an eerie story. The Kitchen Pantry Scientist will be here in the afternoon doing spooky science, and the University of Minnesota’s IGERT group will be showing off brains and singing cockroaches! This is also a great time to check out our new exhibit in the Great Hall, Barry Moser’s Frankenstein – a spooky collection of wood engravings. Wear your costume and get ready for a fun day at the museum! Monster Mash: Free Second Saturday at The Bakken Museum, Saturday, October 12^th”

Blackout 2013 at Nickelodeon Universe, October 25 & 26 

Nickelodeon Universe

5000 Center Court, Bloomington
5 – 10 pm each night 

Blackout Unlimited Ride Wristbands: $20.99 + tax

Information from the website:

First 1,000 ride ticket purchases made after 5 p.m. will receive a FREE treat bag. Valid on event nights only

Experience Nickelodeon Universe in a whole new way with unlit rides, black lighting, fog effects, a live DJ, costume contests, black light t-shirt making, glow in the dark airbrush tattoos and more!

Go here to see the schedule of events

 ZooBoo at Como Zoo, October 19, 20; and October 25 – 27

1225 Estabrook Drive, St. Paul

$6 advanced tickets $7 at the gate. Children under 2 are free

As advertised:

“For 26 years, ZooBoo has offered a family friendly, non-scary environment to celebrate Halloween. Como Zoo’s grounds are transformed into a storybook paradise where flowers can talk, pirates offer hugs and the tigers can dance. This year’s spooktacular fundraiser is scheduled the weekends of October 19-20 and 25-27. Gates are open from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. each evening.

We encourage ZooBoo guests to use our free park and ride shuttle service during ZooBoo. The park and ride lot is a MN State Fair lot located on the south side of Como Avenue across from the State Fair’s Warner Coliseum. The shuttle runs from approximately 4-8:15pm each evening.”

Woof ‘n Treat Annual Halloween Party & Fundraiser, Saturday, October 26

Excelsior and Grand, St. Louis Park

11 am – 2pm; Free

Halloween at the Art Park Saturday, October 26 

Caponi Art Park

1220 Diffley Road, Eagan

Free with a suggested donation of $5 per person

From the website:

“People of all ages are welcome to jump in the giant leaf pile and explore the sculpture garden during the Art Park’s last open weekend of the season.
Hot apple cider and popcorn will be available near the park’s studio. Face painting will be available for $2 per child. An obstacle course will also take place in the woods.
Short family-friendly tours will depart from the star-shaped sculpture near the private driveway in the sculpture garden every 20 minutes. Each stop along the tour will include information about the work of art and a piece of candy that relates to the sculpture. The tour is for children 5 years old and up; children must be accompanied by an adult. There is a 15 child maximum for each tour. Due to space limitations, we invite organized groups to schedule a tour separate from the Halloween event.”

Halloween Party, Saturday, October 26  

Community Center

6301 Shingle Creek Parkway, Brooklyn Center

1 pm – 3 pm

Ages 3-12; Fee is $5.00 per child
Includes: one chance at each game booth, treats, prizes, and a pass to swim and use the water slide. Game booths include Pumpkin Patch, Bowling for Goblins, Feed the Cat, Spider Pops and more. 

Children are encouraged to wear their costume. 
Pre-registration by October 25 is recommended.

Monster Dash Race, Saturday, October 26

More information:

“MonsterDash, the “spooktacular” Half Marathon and 10 Mile race, is coming to the Union Park District Council’s area the morning of October 26th, 2013.  It is important you are aware that you could encounter temporary road closures around your residence as well as amplified sound:

For residents off Summit Avenue:

All lanes of Summit Avenue will be closed between Nina Street and John Ireland Boulevard starting at 6:30 a.m. and will be closed until 9:30 a.m. All lanes of Summit Avenue between Nina and Lexington will be closed between 7:30 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. The Westbound lanes of Summit Avenue will be closed from Lexington to Mississippi River Boulevard from 7:30 a.m.-11:00 a.m. However the Eastbound lanes will be open for traffic from Lexington to Mississippi River Blvd.  The St. Paul Police will open roads after the last runner has gone past.  The amplified sound will begin around 8:00 a.m. and will end as the last runners pass.

For residents off Mississippi River Boulevard South:

Summit Avenue to West 7th/Highway 5 will be closed from 7:30am-11:30am. The amplified sound will begin around 8:45 a.m. and will end as the last runners pass.”

Como-Harriet Trolley Rides: 

Ghost Trolley, Friday & Saturday, October 18 & 19, 25 & 26

42nd Queen Avenue South, Minneapolis

6:00 pm to 9:00pm

$4 per passenger

(may be too intense for young kids)

“Actors board the streetcar for a Halloween adventure. Some of the ride takes place in the dark and things do go bump in the night. It’s fun and not too scary, but may not be suitable for the youngest children. The trip is about 20 minutes. This annual event has become a real family favorite and you should plan on a moderate to long wait to board. To view a poster with more information, click here. There are no advance tickets or reservations.”

 

Transylvania Trolley, Saturday, October 26

42nd Queen Avenue South, Minneapolis

Trick ‘r Trolley, Sunday, October 27

42nd Queen Avenue South, Minneapolis

1:30pm, 2:30pm, and 3:30pm
$5 per passenger

More informatino from the website:”It’s the Son of PJ Party! We’ll take a streetcar ride and stop for a story from a noted children’s author. When we return to the station, each child receives a Halloween treat bag. The event lasts about 45 minutes. In the event of rain the event will be postponed to the following Sunday.”

Tickets are available only at Wild Rumpus Books in Linden Hills. This is a very popular event and typically sells out. “

Check the Wild Rumpus Books website for ticket information.

Ghost Trolley Late Show Sunday, October 27 

42nd Queen Avenue South, Minneapolis

8 pm; $5 per passenger

To  order tickets online, click here. 

More information from the website:

“Why should kids have all the Halloween fun? Take a half-hour trip and hear “The Motorman’s Tale”, an old fashioned ghost story. This event is adult in nature and not recommended for children. “

 

We’re having a party……so come Dressed up 
In your favorite costume or just wear makeup! 
Costume contest, treats, games and fun! 
This invite is for everyone!

Call 612-824-7606 for more information

Dîa de los Muertos Celebrations

Dia de Los Muertos (Day of the Dead) isn’t about scares, but honoring the memory of deceased love ones. Both holidays are celebratory and fun, however.  Check out the listings below for some of the celebrations around the Twin Cities:

Day of the Dead at the Minnesota History Center, Saturday, October 26 

Minnesota History Center

345 W. Kellogg Blvd., St. Paul

$11 adults, $9 seniors and college students, $6 children ages 6-17

Free for children age 5 and under and MHS members.

More from the website:

“For Mexican-Americans Dia de Los Muertos (Day of the Dead) is an important holiday where connections to ancestors are strengthened and a rich cultural heritage is passed on to future generations. The History Center’s annual Dia de Los Muertos family day program includes dancing, music, games, food samples, storytelling, crafts and Ofrenda displays designed by local students and a special commissioned altar created by local artists. Ofrendas will be on display at the History Center Oct. 26 through Nov. 2. “

Dia de Los Muertos, Midtown Global Market, Mercado Central, El Colegio School, Sunday, October 27

From the Facebook Event page:

“Event begins Friday, October 25, 2013 through Friday, November 8, 2013 celebrating Dia de Los Muertos. We will be honoring the art of Posada”

Dia de Los Muertos at , November 1, 2, 3

El Burrito Events 

175 Cesar Chavez Street, St. Paul

Go here for more information

Celebrate Dia de Los Muertos at the Color Wheel Gallery, November 3

319 W 46^th Street (46^th & Grand), Minneapolis

2 pm – 6 pm

As advertised:

“Sunday, November 3rd. 2:00-6:00pm. Join us for a Fun afternoon of Local art, Interesting people, Delicious appetizers, Sweet treats & Mexican folk art themed Art Making. (Art Creation table for the Kids & Kids at Heart) Enjoy the ColorWheel’s selection of Folk Art, Gifts & Treasures inspired by Latin America, Dia de los Muertos & Frida Kahlo. Featuring Artists, Tammy Ortegon, Eileen Espinosa & many more. There will be a creation table that day with lots of supplies to make fun masks, tissue flowers & collage art for the kids & kids at heart. In Mexico, Day of the Dead (or All Souls Day-Nov 1st & 2nd) is a time for families to honor & celebrate loved ones who have passed. Traditions include building altars, called Ofrendas, honoring the deceased, using sugar skulls, marigolds & the favorite foods & beverages of the departed. Honoring the tradition, Cafe Ena (next door) will be celebrating ‘Dia de los Muertos’ (Oct 31-Nov 3) with dinner specials, tarot card readers, servers with painted ‘sugar skull’ faces, a beautiful ofrenda & other surprises that weekend. So after enjoying an afternoon of art at the ColorWheel Gallery, stop over at Cafe Ena for a Delicious & Interesting dinner.“

Go here or call 612-823-5693 for more information.

Last update: 10/21/2013