Twin Cities weekend events: Halloween parties, last call for HUGE, cannabis cultivation class

Driving the news: Fans of live performances can start at Twin Cities Horror Fest XIII, the longest-running horror theatre festival in the country with dozens of shows now through Nov. 3. Tickets start at $15.

• 📣 Anoka, AKA the Halloween Capital of the World, is putting on its popular 1.5-mile Grande Day Parade on Saturday; stop by Friday afternoon for an additional parade featuring costumed elementary school kids.
• 🔮 Take part in a seance at Beyond the Veil in Minneapolis Saturday night, an art show featuring 25 artists and three different seances for various age groups. Reserve a spot with a $5 deposit.
• 👻 For a kid-friendly option, Union Depot is hosting "BOOnion Depot" on Sunday, a free family day with Halloween face painting, crafts, dance zone, Disney character meet-and-greets and more.

Audrey's pick: I'll be checking out the Nokomis SUP Costume Paddle Saturday afternoon, where stand-up paddlers will take a spooky spin around the lake dressed in their Halloween best.

• (Keep an eye on our Instagram for the highlights.)

In other entertainment news...

🎭 Last call for HUGE Theater shows — the lauded Minneapolis improv nonprofit is shutting down at the end of the month. Remaining shows include an improvised "Star Trek" episode, two shows in the style of "The Twilight Zone" and a pirate adventure.

• 🧙 Audrey can personally recommend Swords & Sorcery. It's a Dungeons & Dragons-inspired show where the events are partially controlled by rolls of a 20-sided die.

🧪 Adult nights are "back from the grave" at the Minnesota Science Museum, starting with Friday night's "Howl-o-ween: After Dark." The 21+ event features open access to the museum, performances from mad scientists, a '90s-themed candy bar, scavenger hunts and "boo-ze." $50

🍃 No nearby dispensaries, no problem. Learn how to grow your own cannabis at Brunch & Blaze Cannabis Cultivation, a free class at Heal Mpls Saturday morning open to beginners and seasoned growers. Attendees will receive step-by-step guidance, free cannabis seeds and other swag. Free

🦇 Explore a (replica) bat cave at the 2024 Minnesota Bat Festival in Bloomington on Saturday afternoon. The event features bat-themed activities, panels with bat experts and opportunities to meet live bats after each talk. Costumes encouraged. Free

🌼 Wander Como Conservatory without crowds at An Insider's Look, a behind-the-scenes event Sunday morning exploring the St. Paul zoo and gardens before they open to the public. (But will we get to pet Chloe the Sloth?) $30, advance tickets required