Things to do in Minneapolis-St Paul this weekend!
September 21-22, 2019
September is that glorious month in Minnesota where it’s still possible to run around in shirtsleeves, enjoying the sunshine. We like to make every early fall day count – and prove it with weekends packed full of festivals, craft fairs, farm fun and other reasons to run around in the outdoors. We’ve listed our picks for this weekend below; for more ideas hop over to our September Family Events Guide or our Family Fun Calendar.
APPLE ORCHARD PICKS
Most smaller orchards are thrilled just to get you in the door (with the hope that you’ll purchase the privilege of picking their fresh apples, of course) and offer free admission. And our favorites are the ones that not only don’t charge to enter, they don’t nickel-and-dime you for activities as soon as you’re in. Some highlights from the orchards we recommend:
- Deardorff Orchards, Waconia | Wed-Sun, 10am-6pm | Take a tractor wagon ride out to pick-your-own apples and let the kids play freely in their own space with hay bales and farm animals.
- Pleasant Valley Orchard | Taylors Falls | Daily, 10am-6pm | Pick-your-own apples on weekends, hayrides ($3.50/pp) and music.
- Fall Harvest Orchard, Delano | While there are several attractions that require a fee, there is quite a lot to do for free here, especially if your kids are into animal encounters. Let them roll around in the corn boxes and play on the tire hills, too. It won’t cost any extra.
APPLE FESTIVAL PICKS
Sat, Sept 21: Excelsior Apple Day | Downtown Excelsior
Tots will love the Happy Apple Kids Corner, parents may like the artisan vendors, music and street dance. 9am-10pm. FREE admission.
Sat, Sept 21: Apple Festival | Gibbs Farm, Falcon Heights
All things apple! Treats, games, crafts, a tour through the orchard, and all food included. 10am-4pm. $5-$8/pp.
There are more apple galas ahead! Check our calendar of Twin Cities Apple Festivals to plan.
WEEKEND FALL FESTIVAL PICKS
We can’t get enough of the fresh outdoor fall festivals that populate every corner of the Twin Cities this time of year. Here are two we think are worth your time this weekend; find a dozen more on our Fall Family Festival Calendar.
Sat & Sun, Sept 21-22 : Lone Oak Days, Eagan
Located at the historic Holz Farm Park, there’s lots of old-fashioned farm fun to be had here and most of it included in your ticket: explore the chicken coop, do outdoor laundry, play in the corn box and churn some fresh butter in the farmhouse. $2/pp.
Sun, Sept 22: Open Streets on 50th | W 50th Street, Edina
Visit the shopping district for food samplings, free fitness activities, music, games and more. 1-5pm.
OPEN STREETS
Sun, Sept 22: Open Streets Mpls – Nicollet
Between 11am & 5pm three main thoroughfares around the Minneapolis campus – 14th Ave SE, University Ave SE, and Oak St SE- will be completely closed to traffic in order to let families and individuals explore on foot or bike. Along the route, local businesses will host family-friendly activity tents and showcase their wares. This is a wonderful chance to slow down and get to know the neighborhood. Visit the link to get a vendor map or download a free Metro Transit ride to the U – for my kids, taking the light rail is half the fun!