Fall is officially here. This means apple orchards, corn mazes, and cozy sweaters. If you’ve already gone apple-picking, however, and also frustratingly navigated your way, finally, out of a corn maze after an unexpected extra hour and a half, I think you may be ready for a change with these upcoming, entertainment-filled fall events happening in the heart of the Twin Cities.
Fashionopolis
Wednesday, October 3 | 7:30pm at ARIA
Join Editor in Chief Jayne Haugen Olson and Style and Trend Editor Madeline Nachbar, both of Mpls.St.Paul Magazine, as they present the 6th annual Fashionopolis. This massive event premieres the latest fall fashion trends from local boutiques, retail shops, and local designers while also showcasing the newest trends on the national scale.
Fashionopolis is a full production: 25 models walking the runway, video, music, drinks, and appetizers. Some of the trends you’ll see are plaids, animal prints, avant funk, and utopian fever. I’m not exactly sure what those last few styles mean so you’ll have to attend the event to find out for yourself. Tickets start at $25 which includes two drink tickets or splurge with the V.I.P. package for $200. Dress to impress my friends.
Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular
Thursday, October 4 – Wednesday, October 31 | Sun-Thurs 7-10pm, Fri & Sat 7-11pm at the Minnesota Zoo
This event is perfect for a date night or a family night where both you and the little ones will be in awe of this amazing and magical display. You’ll walk through an enchanted forest tucked away in the depths of the Minnesota Zoo on a trail lined with over 5,000 illuminated and intricately carved pumpkins of all shapes and sizes that are artfully arranged from the ground to the treetops. And impressively, the Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular will use over 20,000 pumpkins throughout the entire run of the event continuously carving new designs to enhance the display and keep the pumpkins fresh.
It will take you around 30-40 minutes to stroll through this incredible pumpkin patch depending on how many pictures you’re definitely going to want to take. The Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular runs until Halloween night with ticket prices ranging from $12-$18 depending on your age and the night you attend.
HocktoberFest
Saturday, October 6 | 2-11pm on West 7th in St. Paul
Minneapolis usually gets all the attention, but this time you’re going to want to head to St. Paul for this FREE street party. Come out to celebrate the first-ever Minnesota Wild home opener street party. HocktoberFest will shut down the streets from Walnut to Kellogg where you’ll be able to watch the Wild game on two gigantic outdoor jumbotron screens and eat hot food from Zamboni’s, Burger Moe’s and Tom Reid’s and drink up tasty beverages from outdoor bars.
Ride MN will also perform insane stunts with the MegaJump, you’ll be able to enter raffles to win Wild prizes, try your skills on the Wild mechanic bull, enjoy music, partake in German Beer Hall games, and you even might win tickets to the Wild game for that night.
Open Streets – University of Minnesota
Sunday, September 30 | 11am-5pm
Head out to the University of Minnesota for the final Open Streets event for the year. They will shut down the streets to cars and traffic from 14th Ave SE to University Ave SE, and Oak St SE so you can explore local vendors, shops, and businesses all around the ever-changing U of M campus and Dinkytown. I hadn’t been in the area for a while and was stunned at the rapid expansion and growth of businesses around University Ave. You’ll be able to play games, eat great food, and truly explore the University of Minnesota area. The event is completely free and open to everyone. Be aware that parking can be tricky so it might be the perfect opportunity to ride the Light Rail, grab a Nice Ride, or try out the new electric scooters.
Twin Cities Startup Week
Sunday, October 7 – Sunday, October 14
This is the 4th annual Twin Cities Startup Week that showcases some of the most talented, creative, new up-and-comers of the Twin Cities working in the realms of business, arts, technology, health + wellness, startups, and more. And if you haven’t been, I highly recommend going to at least one event during the week. Events range from networking parties and free workout classes to talks about how to expand your brand and work with investors. Whether you’re an entrepreneur yourself, dabbling in starting your own side gig, or simply curious, Twin Cities Startup Week is the place to learn from the best.
Read next: Grape stomping will be your new favorite fall activity for 2018
