Twin Cities weekend guide: Pumpkin boats, Oktoberfest, Posters for Parks
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The 2024 Pumpkin Regatta. Photo: Stillwater Harvest Fest
How fast can you kayak down a river — in a giant pumpkin?
Paddling the news: Stillwater Harvest Fest, a celebration of all things pumpkin, returns this weekend with some of the most unique fall activities you'll find on this side of the St. Croix.
What to expect: Saturday's schedule begins with a pumpkin weigh-off and ends with a giant pumpkin drop from a 100-foot-tall crane. (Check out our Instagram to see a previous smash.)
- Before the big river race on Sunday, this year's "pumpkin pilots" will compete in a friendly tournament at noon to see who gets first choice of pumpkin for the main event.
- The official race, aka the "Pumpkin Regatta," begins at 2:30pm.
Plus: Downtown Stillwater will host other free activities, including a Ferris wheel, chili cook-off, pie-eating contest, live music, kids costume parade and bingo.
📍Details: Saturday 10am-8pm, Sunday 10am-5:30pm. Free, but expect major crowds.
More things to do…
🍻 Twin Cities Oktoberfest returns to the Minnesota State Fairgrounds with local brews, German food, live music, dance troupes and stein holding competitions. Friday, 5-11pm; Saturday, 12-10pm. Free entry but a $13.06 wristband is required to purchase alcohol.
🌳 Snag nature-themed decor at Posters for Parks, the annual art sale featuring 40+ limited edition, high-quality prints from local artists inspired by Minneapolis' green spaces.
- Designs aren't released in advance, and while popular pieces sell out within hours, you can snag the leftovers online from Oct. 12-17. Saturday, 2-6pm. $50 per print.
- 💭 My thought bubble: I've gone every year since 2022 and have never left without an amazing piece. Even if you don't find a design you love, you're at a beautiful park on a gorgeous fall day. It's a win-win!
🍁 PSA: St. Paul's historic Highland Water Tower is open to the public this weekend! Climb the 151-step spiral staircase for views of Highland Park and the Mississippi River only available twice a year. Saturday and Sunday, 9am-5pm. Free.
🏀 The third annual Indigenous People's Weekend kicks off in St. Paul this Saturday in combination with the Native American Food Truck Festival.
- Activities include Minnesota's largest Native-led basketball expo, an art and vendor market, free public health programs and plenty of food. Saturday-Monday, times vary. Free.
🌊 Learn ways to care for the lands and waters of Mni Sóta Makoce (Minnesota) at a water blessing in St. Louis Park on Monday.
- Indigenous advisors will lead the ceremony at Ȟaȟá Wakpádaŋ (Bassett Creek) and celebrate the holiday through song and land acknowledgement. Monday, 10am-11:30am. Free, registration optional.