By Claire Noack

Fall is a bustling time in Minneapolis and St. Paul. Whether you’re cheering on our favorite sports teams, getting spooked at Halloween events, rocking out to local and national bands, or watching your favorite stories come to life at one of our award-winning theaters, there’s a fall activity for everyone to enjoy. For more ideas on how to enjoy autumn in the Twin Cities, check out our pages on fall festivals, family friendly Halloween events, haunted houses and free seasonal activities.

Eyewitness Views: Making History in 18th-Century Europe

Through December 31
Back in the 1700s, there were no camera phones; there were painters. Gaze at historic events both witnessed and imagined, immortalized through commissions by princes, popes and ambassadors. The latest exhibit at the Minneapolis Institute of Art is the first exhibit of its kind, taking you through more than 50 historic events through the style called view painting.

Minnesota Vikings

Through December 31
Cheer your heart out this season while enjoying all the amenities U.S. Bank Stadium offers. State of the art roofing that allows natural light, more than 400 concession stands and front-row seats only 41 feet away from the gridiron provide a thrilling experience Vikings fans will never forget.

Twin Cities Oktoberfest

Oct. 6 & 7
Beer, brats and lederhosen come together during this two-day festival at the Minnesota State Fairgrounds. Nonstop fun and games are in store, including traditional music and dancing during this celebration of German culture where all are welcome to enjoy the fun.

Minnesota Wild

Oct. 13–April 8
It’s easy to see why Minnesota is often referred to as “the Hockey State.” Each season, this high-intensity, fast-paced sport gets fans buzzing with excitement as the Wild take to the ice at the world-renowned Xcel Energy Center.

William Shakespeare’s Hamlet

Oct. 13–Nov. 11
Discover how far the devastated mind of Denmark’s Prince Hamlet will go to avenge the death of his father. Park Square Theatre presents Shakespeare’s enchanting murder mystery with a contemporary twist as female leads take on traditionally male roles, giving new life to this classic.

Twin Cities Film Festival

Oct. 18–28
Break away from the formulaic blockbuster films of Hollywood for this festival of independent filmmakers. Watch creative films, regaling documentaries and memoirs during the 11-day festival where big budget movies take a backseat to independent Midwestern talent.

Twin Cities Horror Festival

Oct. 26–Nov. 5
Terrifyingly amazing artists display their talents at the Twin Cities Horror Fest at the Southern Theater in Minneapolis. Hold on tight for 11 nights of thrilling hauntings and interactive plays sure to get everyone in the Halloween spirit.

Minnesota Timberwolves

Oct. 26–April 12
Unstoppable post moves, three-pointers and half-court shots against the buzzer get Timberwolves fans howling with excitement each season at the newly remodeled Target Center. Watch the game up close with your pack or be the mysterious lone wolf cheering on the NBA team nicknamed after one of the state’s fiercest hunters.

Finding Neverland

Oct. 31–Nov. 5
Broadway comes to the Orpheum Theatre in Minneapolis with this musical about the family that inspired the beloved story of the boy who wouldn’t grow up, Peter Pan. Laugh, cheer and learn about the lives of four young brothers and their swashbuckling adventures through the land of make-believe.

The Marriage of Figaro

Nov. 11-19
In what some call “the perfect opera,” Mozart creates a light-hearted plot of love triangles, old debts and farces that takes place just before the French Revolution. The Minnesota Opera performs this classic from 1786 in Italian with English subtitles displayed above the Ordway Center for the Performing Arts stage so everyone can root for the servant Figaro and his fiancé Susanna as they try to outwit his master and make it to the altar.