Top 11 Family-Friendly September Events & Festivals in the Twin Cities

Crisp air, cozy sweaters, vibrant autumn foliage, and a calendar packed with incredible neighborhood celebrations—September in the Twin Cities is pure magic! Whether you are a lifelong Minnesotan looking for new weekend adventures or planning a move from across the country, diving into local festivals is the absolute best way to experience the energy, warmth, and lifestyle of our incredible Twin Cities communities.

At the Cari Ann Carter Group, we don't just help you buy or sell houses—we help you step into a lifestyle you love. As your full-service real estate and relocation experts serving clients both locally and nationally, we walk with you through every step of your journey.

Here is your ultimate guide to the Top 11 Family-Friendly September Events & Festivals across the Minneapolis–St. Paul metro area, complete with dates, times, and local neighborhood insights!

1. Afton Apple Festival

Kick off autumn at one of Minnesota's most beloved orchards along the scenic St. Croix River Valley!

• Dates: Late September weekends (Sept 26–27, 2026)

• Hours: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM

• Location: Afton Apple Orchard (14421 90th St S, Hastings/Afton, MN)

• Family Highlights: 15-acre corn maze, apple picking, tractor hayrides, cider donuts, petting zoo, and outdoor playground zones for kids.

• Neighborhood & Relocation Insight: The East Metro river valley offers breathtaking acreage estates, quiet equestrian properties, and charming small-town communities like Afton and Hastings—perfect for buyers wanting space and serenity within an easy drive of the Twin Cities.

2. Minnesota Renaissance Festival

Step back in time to a 16th-century kingdom filled with entertainment, food, and artisan treasures!

• Dates: Weekends through October 4, 2026 (including Labor Day)

• Hours: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM (Rain or Shine)

• Location: 12361 150th St W, Shakopee, MN

• Family Highlights: Live jousting knights, juggling acts, royal parades, artisan craft booths, and dog-friendly theme weekends like "Woofstock."

• Neighborhood & Relocation Insight: Shakopee and the Southwest Metro feature master-planned subdivisions, top-rated school districts, and miles of regional trail systems.

3. Sever's Fall Festival

A legendary autumn tradition packed with farm-style fun for every generation.

• Dates: Saturdays & Sundays in September 2026 (Starting Sept 12)

• Hours: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM

• Location: 3121 150th St W, Shakopee, MN

• Family Highlights: A massive themed corn maze, giant corn pit, pumpkin patch, obstacle courses, hayrides, and extreme tire climbs.

• Neighborhood & Relocation Insight: Nearby communities in Scott County offer custom single-family homes with generous lot sizes and fantastic park amenities.

4. James J. Hill Days

Celebrate lakeside living on the shores of Lake Minnetonka at Wayzata’s signature community street festival!

• Dates: Friday, September 11 – Sunday, September 13, 2026

• Hours:

  • Friday: 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM

  • Saturday: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM

  • Sunday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM

• Location: Downtown Wayzata (Lake Street & Wayzata Depot)

• Family Highlights: Open-air artisan street market, Lake Minnetonka carnival, live music, food truck alley, fireworks, and the iconic dachshund races.

• Neighborhood & Relocation Insight: Wayzata offers world-class lakefront living, boutique shopping, and premier luxury estates near the shores of Lake Minnetonka.

5. Burnsville Festival & Fire Muster

A long-standing South Metro favorite featuring one of the largest displays of emergency vehicles in the region.

• Dates: Thursday, September 10 – Saturday, September 12, 2026

• Hours:

  • Thursday: 5:00 PM – 8:30 PM (Nicollet Commons Park Kickoff)

  • Friday: 5:00 PM – 11:00 PM (Civic Center Park; Drone Show at 9:30 PM)

  • Saturday: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM (Parade at 11:00 AM; Fireworks at 9:30 PM)

• Location: Civic Center Park & Nicollet Commons Park, Burnsville, MN

• Family Highlights: Fire truck parades, giant inflatables, ninja obstacle courses, petting zoo, live concerts, and drone/fireworks light shows.

• Neighborhood & Relocation Insight: Burnsville provides exceptional highway convenience into both Minneapolis and St. Paul alongside accessible suburban housing styles.

6. Fall Family Days at Como Park Zoo & Conservatory

Enjoy a budget-friendly autumn day out in central St. Paul surrounded by lush gardens and wildlife.

• Dates: Open daily throughout September 2026

• Hours: Visitor Center & Zoo: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM daily | Como Town Amusement Park: Weekends 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

• Location: 1225 Estabrook Dr, St. Paul, MN

• Family Highlights: Free admission to the zoo and tropical botanical conservatory, animal chats, historic carousel rides, and vibrant fall flower displays.

• Neighborhood & Relocation Insight: The Como Park neighborhood boasts charming, character-filled historic homes on tree-lined streets within steps of green spaces and lake trails.

7. Autumn Festival at the U of M Landscape Arboretum

Immerse yourself in 1,200 acres of changing fall colors, gardens, and apple orchards.

• Dates: Open daily throughout September 2026

• Hours: Grounds open 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM daily (Apple House open 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM)

• Location: 3675 Arboretum Dr, Chaska, MN

• Family Highlights: Pumpkin tree sculptures, scarecrow displays, apple tasting at the Apple House, and interactive children's play zones.

• Neighborhood & Relocation Insight: Chaska and Carver County blend small-town charm with vibrant new residential developments, offering a fantastic lifestyle transition for growing families.

8. Mill City Farmers Market & Riverfront Fall Market

Gather near the historic Stone Arch Bridge for fresh fall harvest produce, artisan goods, and river views.

• Dates: Every Saturday in September 2026

• Hours: 8:00 AM – 1:00 PM

• Location: 704 S 2nd St (Adjacent to Mill City Museum), Minneapolis, MN

• Family Highlights: Farm-fresh local treats, live outdoor chef demonstrations, acoustic music, and riverfront walking trails.

• Neighborhood & Relocation Insight: The Downtown East and North Loop neighborhoods cater to buyers seeking luxury loft living, high-end dining, and walkable urban convenience.

9. Selby Avenue JazzFest

Experience premier jazz, rich community history, and delicious local food in St. Paul's Historic Hill district.

• Dates: Saturday, September 12, 2026

• Hours: 11:00 AM – 7:30 PM

• Location: Selby & Milton Avenues, St. Paul, MN

• Family Highlights: Mainstage live jazz performances, interactive family art hubs, local food trucks, and community artisan vendors.

• Neighborhood & Relocation Insight: St. Paul’s historic neighborhoods feature stunning Victorian, Tudor, and Craftsman architecture along grand, historic avenues.

10. Taco Tour on Lake Street

Taste your way through South Minneapolis during a flavor-packed celebration of local Latino-owned businesses!

• Dates: Saturday, September 26, 2026

• Hours: 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM

• Location: East Lake Street (Nicollet Ave to 42nd Ave S), Minneapolis, MN

• Family Highlights: A self-guided walking taco tour, live street music, cultural dance performances, and youth art stations.

• Neighborhood & Relocation Insight: South Minneapolis neighborhoods feature classic bungalows, storybook architecture, and easy walkability to the Minneapolis Chain of Lakes.

11. Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular at the Minnesota Zoo

Kick off early Halloween fun along an enchanted walking trail lit by thousands of glowing pumpkins!

• Dates: Select nights starting late September through early November 2026

• Hours: 6:30 PM – 10:00 PM (Timed entry tickets required)

• Location: 13000 Zoo Blvd, Apple Valley, MN

• Family Highlights: Thousands of artistically carved, glowing pumpkins set to music along an accessible outdoor forest pathway.

• Neighborhood & Relocation Insight: Apple Valley offers established suburban neighborhoods, top-performing public schools, and exceptional community parks.

Relocating to the Twin Cities? Partner with Your Local & National Experts!

Whether you are relocating across the country or making a local lifestyle transition right here in the Twin Cities, having a full-service, dedicated real estate team makes all the difference.

At the Cari Ann Carter Group, we offer full-concierge service support—from professional home staging, decluttering, and property preparation to personalized neighborhood matching and relocation strategies across the metro.

Ready to explore homes in your dream neighborhood or learn more about moving to Minnesota? Reach out to the Cari Ann Carter Group today—we’re here to make your home transition seamless, exciting, and completely tailored to you!