Anoka, MN: Where Spooky Fun Haunts the Streets!

Get ready, ghouls and goblins, because it’s almost time for the most spooktacular celebration of the year! Anoka, Minnesota, proudly known as the “Halloween Capital of the World,” is gearing up for another unforgettable season of frights, delights, and community spirit. From parades to costume contests, ghostly gatherings, and thrilling races, there’s something for everyone to enjoy in this charming town that takes Halloween very seriously!

A Hauntingly Rich History

Anoka’s claim to fame as the Halloween Capital dates back to 1920. Why? To curb mischievous pranks by the town’s youth, community leaders organized a parade and celebration to give the kids a fun, constructive outlet for their Halloween energy. The idea caught on like wildfire, and the tradition has only grown spookier and more elaborate with each passing year! This dedication to all things eerie and exciting has earned Anoka its well-deserved title.

Get Ready for Ghoulish Good Times!

Here’s a peek at some of the spine-tingling events you won’t want to miss during Anoka’s legendary Halloween celebration:

Pumpkin Carving Contest

• Date: October 18, 2025
• Time: 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM
• Location: Anoka City Hall Plaza
• Description: Show off your carving skills! Bring your own pumpkin or purchase one on-site. Tools and stencils will be available, and friendly volunteers will be on hand to offer tips (and maybe a spooky story or two!). Prizes will be awarded for the most creative, scariest, and funniest pumpkins. Get ready to illuminate the night with your jack-o’-lantern masterpieces, creating a glowing gallery of gourd art!

Light Up the Night Parade

• Date: October 21, 2025
• Time: 7:00 PM
• Location: Main Street, Downtown Anoka
• Description: Prepare for a dazzling spectacle as floats adorned with thousands of twinkling lights glide down Main Street! This evening parade features marching bands, community groups, and elaborately lit displays, all competing for the “Brightest and Best” award. Bundle up, grab a hot cocoa, and find your spot along the route for a truly magical (and slightly eerie) illuminated experience. It’s a feast for the eyes and a perfect way to kick off the main Halloween week!

Gray Ghost 5K Run/Walk

• Date: October 26, 2025
• Time: 9:00 AM (Race Start)
• Location: Anoka High School
• Description: Lace up your running shoes and join hundreds of fellow spooks and specters for the annual Gray Ghost 5K! Whether you’re a serious runner aiming for a personal best or a family looking for a fun, active way to celebrate, this event is for you. Costumes are highly encouraged – you might even spot a running vampire or a jogging zombie! All proceeds benefit local Anoka charities, so you can feel good while getting your fright on.

Big Parade of Little People

• Date: October 26, 2025
• Time: 1:00 PM
• Location: Starts at Goodrich Field, ends at City Hall
• Description: This adorably spooky parade is just for the littlest ghosts and goblins! Toddlers and preschoolers, dressed in their most charming (or terrifying!) costumes, will parade through a special route, delighting onlookers with their cuteness. Parents, get your cameras ready – the photo opportunities are endless! After the parade, stick around for some kid-friendly activities and treats.

Grand Day Parade

• Date: October 27, 2025
• Time: 1:00 PM
• Location: Main Street, Downtown Anoka
• Description: The absolute highlight of Anoka Halloween! This massive parade features over 100 units, including spectacular floats, high school marching bands from across the state, costumed characters, and community organizations. Thousands of spectators line the streets, eagerly awaiting the grand display of creativity and spooky spirit. Arrive early to claim your prime viewing spot – you won’t want to miss a single moment of this legendary procession!

Anoka County Farms Fall Festival

• Dates: Weekends throughout October
• Time: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
• Location: Anoka County Farms (check website for specific address)
• Description: While not strictly a “Halloween” event, this local farm offers a fantastic autumn experience that perfectly complements the spooky season. Enjoy corn mazes, hayrides, pumpkin patches, petting zoos, and delicious fall treats like apple cider donuts. It’s a wonderful family-friendly outing to get into the fall spirit before diving headfirst into the Halloween festivities.

Haunted Anoka Ghost Tours

• Dates: Select evenings in October (check schedule for specific dates)
• Time: Various times, usually starting after dusk
• Location: Downtown Anoka (meeting point announced upon booking)
• Description: For those who crave a truly chilling experience, embark on a guided ghost tour through historic downtown Anoka. Learn about the town’s eerie past, its most famous apparitions, and the unexplained phenomena reported in its old buildings. Hear tales of restless spirits, tragic histories, and spine-tingling encounters that will make you look twice at every shadow. This walking tour is perfect for history buffs and paranormal enthusiasts alike!

Plan Your Spooktacular Visit!

Anoka’s Halloween celebrations draw crowds from all over, so it’s wise to plan ahead. Check the official Anoka Halloween website for the most up-to-date schedule, parking information, and any last-minute event changes. Book accommodations early if you’re coming from out of town, as hotels fill up quickly.

Get your costumes ready, your carving tools sharpened, and your spirit uplifted for a season of unforgettable Halloween fun in Anoka, the true Halloween Capital of the World! You’ll be screaming with delight!