Anoka Halloween

Fall festival · Anoka · Minnesota

Anoka bills itself as the Halloween Capital of the World, home to a 106-year-old civic celebration that fills historic downtown through October. The Grande Day Parade of more than 100 units marches down Main Street, joined after dark by the illuminated Light Up the Night Parade.

Best for: Twin Cities families wanting small-town Halloween

Don’t miss

  • Halloween Capital of the World
  • Grande Day Parade on Main Street
  • Month-long downtown festival

Plan your visit

2026 season: Sep 11 – Oct 24.

Light Up the Night Parade Oct 17; Grande Day Parade Oct 24

Dates from the official announcement, checked August 20, 2026. Always confirm before you go.

2026 Forecast

Color nearby peaks: September 30–October 4

Color builds from September 22 · mostly bare by October 22

Color starts: September 22Peak: October 2Bare: October 22AugustDecember

Sampled at Anoka Halloween’s own coordinates and elevation (253 m) rather than a regional average.

48 weather points cover Minnesota, and the model shifts their answer 9 days earlier, which is what it takes to match 2 published peak dates from smokymountains.com. Minnesota is running 4 days earlier than its own average this year. How the forecast works

When to go to Anoka Halloween

Good color holds through about October 11, giving you roughly 19 days from the first turn to past peak. Against Minnesota overall, that is 3 days later.

This one is within Minneapolis itself, which makes it an easy half day.

Anoka Halloween on the map

Drag the date slider to see when color reaches this corner of Minnesota, or tap a pin for that stop’s own peak window.

More things to do in Minnesota

See all things to do in Minnesota

Plan from a city

Frequently asked

When is Anoka Halloween open in 2026?
The 2026 season runs Sep 11 – Oct 24. Light Up the Night Parade Oct 17; Grande Day Parade Oct 24. Dates can shift, so check the official site before you go.
When does Anoka Halloween peak in 2026?
Peak color is predicted for September 30–October 4 (best estimate October 2). Color starts around September 22 and is mostly bare by October 22.
How do I get to Anoka Halloween?
Anoka Halloween is in Anoka. The closest city is Minneapolis, about 16 mi away (it's right in town). It's part of Minnesota's fall lineup.

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