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Best Halloween-Themed Events In Minnesota

Halloween only come around once a year, and with it comes a time of fun activities that get everyone in the mood for the colder weather. Whether it's dressing up, eating candy or just finding something to be afraid of, there are a wealth of options in Minnesota to help celebrate. All ages can enjoy a carefully crafted haunted house or a festive stage production that revolves around a Halloween theme. This year, pick out your costume early or just make plans to do something fun for Halloween. Check out these suggestions or return to your favorite attractions and make it a Halloween tradition!
The Soap Factory Haunted Basement
514 Second St. SE
Minneapolis, MN 55414
(612) 623-9176
www.soapfactory.org

Through Nov. 1

The Haunted Basement at the Soap Factory is much more than your typical haunted house experience. Artist-designed and staffed by trained actors, this event is almost as close to authentic as you can get. The visual displays and special effects will make you forget you are at an attraction and are designed to scare the pants off of you. Recommended only for those 18 and over, the haunted basement brings you through your choice of a yellow (more mild) path or a red (absolutely scary) path, and again through a "maze" of terror. The Haunted Basement will scare and delight all lovers of Halloween and is an experience everyone should have at least once.

Scream Town
7410 US Highway 212
Chaska, MN 55318
(612) 562-6409
www.screamtown.com

Through Nov. 1

One of the most extensive and horrific Halloween events in Minnesota, Scream Town takes visitors through eight attractions of Halloween-themed fun. Located in the "middle of nowhere," Scream Town makes use of a vast cornfield and acres of forest to create an atmosphere of fear and excitement. Each attraction has its own theme, and each year new ones are created to add variety to the event. Most popular are the "Redneck Resort" and the "Circus Asylum," two attractions that are welcomed back each year. Come for the scary fun and enjoy great food and chills. Be sure to wear comfortable shoes, however, as there is a lot of walking and wandering to be had.

Twin Cities Horror Festival
Southern Theatre
1420 S Washington Ave.
Minneapolis, MN 55454
(612) 293-9671
www.tchorrorfestival.com

Oct. 22 - Nov. 1

Go to a live stage performance or two during the Twin Cities Horror Festival. This event takes place over 11 days and includes 12 different Halloween-themed shows that range from funny to scary to musical. Each one is a different take on the season and they are all performed by professional actors and include talented effects and guaranteed entertainment. Choose to see a specific show or buy tickets to the entire event if it becomes too hard to decide on just one. Head downtown this season and get in the Halloween spirit at the Horror Festival.

Related:  Best Halloween-Themed Shows In Minnesota

Victorian Ghost Stories
James J. Hill House
240 Summit Ave.
St. Paul, MN 55102
(651) 259-3000
www.mnhs.org

What better way to get in the mood for Halloween than ghost stories? At the historic James J. Hill House in St. Paul, 19th-century ghost stories will be told to all those that care to listen. Actors dressed in traditional 19th-century fashions will be reading classic horror stories from authors such as Edgar Allen Poe and Edith Warton. Other "true" stories will be relayed to the audience as well. Enjoy the spooky atmosphere and treat yourself to a cup of cider after the event, when a tour of the historic building will be offered.

Dia De Los Muertos
Midtown Global Market
920 E. Lake St.
Minneapolis, MN 55407
(612) 872-4041
www.midtownglobalmarket.org

The Latin festival to celebrate those who have died takes place every year on Nov. 1st. After Halloween, this traditional celebration is a fun way for families to learn about different cultures and enjoy remembering ancestors who have done great things. At the Midtown Global Market, a festival is celebrated all day to include crafts, music and food sampling. Kids will enjoy the activities and have fun celebrating other cultures with costumes and stories.

Related: Best Places For Halloween Decorations In Minnesota

Andrea Wodele is a freelance writer who has lived in the Twin Cities for the last 10 years. Her hobbies include exercising, driving kids around, watching Minnesota sports, and reading self-help literature. Examiner.com.

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