By Claire Noack

Legend has it that Anoka, Minnesota, is the first city in the U.S. to throw a Halloween celebration. The festivities were planned as a way to divert kids from pulling pranks in the name of All Hallows’ Eve, such as letting cows loose in town, soaping up windows and tipping outhouses. Starting in 1920, when more than a thousand children dressed up in costumes and paraded around town, Anoka’s plans have grown grander by the year and now include house decorating contests, royal coronations and celebrity appearances. Officially named the Halloween Capital of the World in 1937, Anoka is not giving up their crown anytime soon.

If you plan to make the half hour drive northwest of the Twin Cities this weekend to get in the Halloween spirit, we can assure that you won’t be disappointed. Everyone from schools to local businesses chip in to keep Anoka’s events up to a bewitching standard. Check out the festivities happening this weekend in the list below, and take a peek at our Anoka itinerary if you want some suggestions on what else to see in the city of spooks.

Friday, Oct. 27

• 7 p.m. | Keep an eye out for goblins and ghosts at the Knights of Columbus Haunted House at Anoka County Fairgrounds. Tickets cost $10 for adults and $8 for children 10 and under.
• 7:30 p.m. | Party like the undead at Anoka Lions Tent Party with live music by Wicked Garden and Uncle Chunk. The event is 21+ and tickets cost $10.

Saturday, Oct. 28

• 10 a.m. | Spooktacular Carnival by Women of Today has games, face painting, crazy hair, tacos and beverages for purchase. Games cost 25 cents or five for $1; get one free game ticket per donated food shelf item.
• 12:50 p.m. | 32nd Annual Gray Ghost 5K and 1 mile walk begin at Franklin Elementary School. Tickets cost $25.
• 1 p.m. | Grand Day Parade is the largest parade in the state with local businesses decked out in Halloween garb. Free.
• 6 p.m. | See who is crowned the 2018 Anoka Royal Ambassadors at the Coronation at Anoka High School. Tickets cost $10.
• 7 p.m. |  Knights of Columbus Haunted House is at Anoka County Fairgrounds. Tickets cost $10 for adults and $8 for children 10 and under.
• 7 p.m. | Do the monster mash with live music from Crank Shaft Trio and Johnny Holmes Band at the Anoka Lions Tent Party. Event is 21+ and tickets cost $15.

Sunday, Oct. 29

• 7:30 a.m. | Be enchanted by all the tasty treats at the 58th Annual Kiwanis Pancake Breakfast and bake sale. All proceeds are returned to the Anoka community. Tickets cost $7.
• 7 p.m. | Grab your ghoul-friends for a walk through Knights of Columbus Haunted House at Anoka County Fairgrounds. Tickets cost $10 for adults and $8 for children 10 and under.