Tricks and Treats in Anoka, the Halloween Capital of the World
Anoka: A Spooktacular Halloween Destination
Anoka, Minnesota, proudly claims its title as the Halloween Capital of the World, and for good reason! This vibrant city embraces the spooky season with an all-ages celebration that includes mesmerizing parades, creative costume contests,and spine-chilling ghost tours.
But how did Anoka earn this prestigious title? It’s believed that Anoka was the first city in the United States to host a citywide Halloween celebration back in 1920. The goal? To divert kids’ attention from Halloween pranks and encourage them to participate in festive activities instead. The inaugural Halloween parade and a community bonfire were a huge success, and Anoka’s love affair with Halloween has only grown stronger over the years.
Whether you’re a Halloween enthusiast or just looking for a fun and unique fall getaway, Anoka is the place to be! So come join the festivities and discover why this charming city has captured the hearts of Halloween lovers everywhere.
Here’s the lineup of the 2025 Halloween events.
Ghosts of Anoka Walking Tour
Multiple dates through October 31, 2025
Held by the Anoka County HIstorical Society, this tour is described as “60 percent history, 40 percent folklore.” A costumed guide will take you on a family-friendly walking tour of Anoka’s historic neighborhoods and regale you with stories of odd happenings and eerie encounters. Bring a flashlight and plan to walk about one mile over the tour’s one to one-and-half hour running time. Tickets are $18 and can be purchased in advance online and note that tours are held rain or shine.
Children’s Costume Contest
Saturday, October 18, 2025, 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Tiny ghosts and ghouls ages 0-5 can participate in a free costume contest and celebration in the basement of Anoka City Hall. The event will include kid-friendly Halloween music, a balloon arch for photo opportunities, and a treat bag for all participants. Register in advance online or at the door.
Children’s Pumpkin Carving Contest
Saturday, October 18, 2025, 1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Held at Riverfront Memorial Park, the free pumpkin carving contest is open to kids ages 3-12.
Light Up the Night Parade
Saturday, October 18, 2025, 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Get in the spooky spirit with a nighttime parade down Anoka’s Main Street. Street lights will be dimmed so that spectators can appreciate the colorful illuminated floats.
Medallion Hunt
October 19, 2025
Join us for the thrilling Anoka Halloween Capital of the World Medallion Hunt, where a $400 reward awaits the lucky finder! To participate, you’ll need a 2025 Anoka Halloween Button, available for just $3. We’re hosting two separate hunts: first, a Family and Children Hunt from 12 PM to 2 PM, perfect for kids 12 and under (no group size restrictions, but a maximum of 2 adults per group). Then, an Open Hunt for all ages will take place from 2:30 PM to 4:30 PM (the winner of the first hunt is ineligible for this one). The grand prize of $400 will be awarded to the winner of the 2025 Medallion Hunt. Don’t miss out on this exciting adventure!
House Decorating Contest Public Viewing
October 24-25, 2025, 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Take a self-guided tour of the entries in the annual house decorating contest to see elaborate scenes that are creepy, whimsical, and everything in between.
Big Parade of Little People
Friday, October 24, 2025, 1:15 p.m. to 2:15 p.m.
Anoka’s original Halloween tradition features local elementary students in costumes parading through downtown, accompanied by marching bands.
Gray Ghost 5K Run and One Mile Fitness Walk
Saturday, October 25, 2025, 12:45 p.m.
Kick off the Grande Day Parade with a one-mile fitness walk or chip-timed 5K run. The one-mile walk finishes near the end of the parade route, and 5K participants will continue their race along residential streets. All finishers receive a long-sleeved technical shirt based on the Halloween button design and are invited to enjoy refreshments and a costume contest at the end of the race. Register in advance online (pricing varies depending on registration date).
Grande Day Parade
Saturday, October 25, 2025, 1:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Anoka’s Halloween celebration culminates with a parade that follows a 1.5-mile route starting on Main Street, featuring costumed participants and festive floats.
For additional information and to register for events, visit the official Anoka Halloween website.
Conveniently located to Minneapolis and Saint Paul, the ten communities of the Twin Cities Gateway (Anoka, Arden Hills, Blaine, Coon Rapids, Fridley, Ham Lake, Lino Lakes, Mounds View, New Brighton, and Shoreview) offer trails and parks, recreational facilities, cultural attractions, and affordable hotels with free parking. Book your stay in the Twin Cities Gateway today!
