9 free things to do in the Twin Cities this week

Spooky season is here with a pumpkin walk, candy crawl and trunk or treat.

The Minnesota Star Tribune
October 21, 2024 at 6:00PM
The Northernettes synchronized skaters will perform a showcase Sunday at Ridder Arena in advance of the upcoming competition season. (Northernettes Synchronized Skating)

1. Northernettes Kickoff Exhibition

Skaters take to the ice to show off their new competitive programs for the upcoming season. Seven synchronized teams will perform. (4-6 p.m. Sun. Ridder Arena, 1815 SE. 4th St., Mpls. northernettessynchro.org)

2. Fabulous Fall Boutique

Ditch fast fashion and shop locally at Barn on the Hill’s autumn market. Vendors inside and outside the barn will showcase handmade, vintage, garden decor and repurposed items. (8 a.m.-6 p.m. Thu.; 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Fri.-Sat.; 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Sun. 2290 233rd St. E., Prior Lake. barnonthehill.com)

3. Griggs Laboratory: Dead Zone

The Z Virus has spread and zombies have taken over a St. Paul recreation center, and it’s up to brave citizens to expel them. Follow a video diary made by missing scientists to find a vaccine and save the day. (6-8 p.m. Fri. Griggs Recreation Center, 1188 Hubbard Av., St. Paul. stpaul.gov)

4. Metro State Theater

Four actors embark on a creative process filled with self-doubt in the staging of “(this is) the play.” Written and directed by Jonathan Beller, the production is a co-presentation with Theater Underground. (7 p.m. Fri.-Sat.; 2 p.m. Sat. Whitney Fine Arts Theatre, 1424 Yale Place, Mpls. metrostate.edu)

5. Pumpkin Walk

Head to the park in full costume to fill your bag with candy at a trunk or treat. Watch a master pumpkin carver turn plain pumpkins into works of art and do the monster mash as a DJ spins tunes. (5-8 p.m. Fri., Veterans Park, 803 Old Hwy. 8, New Brighton. newbrightonmn.gov)

6. Halloween in Hopkins

Businesses and organizations turn into treat stops for costumed children. Enjoy games and activities throughout Hopkins, including a haunted jail tour and spooky story readings. Contests will be held for group and pet costumes. (11 a.m.-2 p.m. Sat. Mainstreet (between 8th and 11th avenues, downtown Hopkins. thinkhopkins.com)

7. Twin Cities Pride Trunk or Treat

Little goblins and ghouls can safely receive candy from decorated cars and participate in activities. (2-5:30 p.m. Sun. Loring Park Community Art Building, 1382 Willow St., Mpls. tcpride.org)

8. Halloween Candy Crawl

Get your sack filled with sweets and treats from downtown Hastings businesses as well as at a trunk-or-treat. Jump out the consumed sugar in a bounce house, play mini-golf and see balloon art. (2-5 p.m. Sun. Downtown Hastings. hastingsdba.com)

9. Paula Hawkins

Valley Bookseller hosts a Q&A with author Paula Hawkins. She will discuss and sign her new book, “The Blue Hour.” (6 p.m. Tue. Southdale Library, 7001 York Av. S., Edina. hclib.org)

Free tickets! Sign up for the Star Tribune Going Out newsletter to enter a drawing to win free tickets to Twin Cities events at startribune.com/goingout.

Have a free event? Email events@startribune.com three weeks in advance of publication for consideration.

about the writer

Melissa Walker

News Assistant

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