Anoka – Halloween Capital of the World

If you LOVE Halloween, you’ll definitely want to visit the “Halloween Capital of the World” – Anoka, Minnesota!

Minnesota – the state in which you can find a parade in all seasons. Winter, spring, summer, and yes, even for Halloween! Anoka, The Halloween Capital has a lot of events this time of year. Anoka Halloween events officially kick off October 4th, with events happening regularly until the end of the month.

Great Pumpkin Expo

Kick off the Anoka Halloween festivities with the Great Pumpkin Expo, happening on Sunday, October 4 from 11 am – 3 pm.

You’ll see GIGANTIC pumpkins and have the opportunity to visit food trucks, merchandise vendors, and a classic car expo. There’s a pumpkin carving and decorating contest, a scarecrow contest, and a pumpkin weigh off.

Light Up the Night Parade

Bundle up (if necessary) and make your way to the Light Up the Night Parade on Saturday, October 17 starting at 7 pm!

With a full line-up of colorfully lit floats, this parade is always a crowd favorite. The parade starts at the corner of 1st Ave and Main Street. Afterwards walk over to City Hall for the annual bonfire with food trucks and the Anoka Halloween Merchandise Tent.

Grande Day Parade

One of the more popular and well known events is the Grande Day Parade. This year it’s taking place on Saturday, October 24 starting at 1 pm.

The parade starts at 1 pm at the corner of State Street and West Main Street. Route follows Main Street to 5th Avenue and finishes at South Street/ Military Road. The parade length is 1.5 miles long.

House Decorating Contest

If you love spooky decor, you’ll want to check out the House Decorating Contest happening on two weekends: October 23-24 and October 30-31, both from 6:30 – 9:30 pm.

This is your opportunity to see the entrants to Anoka Halloween’s annual contest and appreciate all the time and effort put into these amazing displays! There is a Scare Zone rating for each house, so you’ll be able to skip or see the houses that fit your family’s fright level.

Take a look at the website for Anoka Halloween and see what events you’ll want to check out! There’s a coloring contest, movie nights, medallion and scavenger hunts, costume and pumpkin carving contests, and lots more.