Tricks and Treats in Anoka, the Halloween Capital of the World

Anoka, Minnesota, proudly claims its title as the Halloween Capital of the World, and for good reason! This vibrant city embraces the spooky season with an all-ages celebration that includes mesmerizing parades, creative costume contests, and spine-chilling ghost tours.

Whether you’re a Halloween enthusiast or just looking for a fun and unique fall getaway, Anoka is the place to be! Come join the festivities and discover why this charming city has captured the hearts of Halloween lovers everywhere. Here’s the lineup of the 2024 Halloween events:

Ghosts of Anoka Walking Tour:

Multiple dates through Oct. 31, 2024

Held by the Anoka County Historical Society, this tour is described as “60% history, 40% folklore.” A costumed guide will take you on a family-friendly walking tour of Anoka’s historic neighborhoods and regale you with stories of odd happenings and eerie encounters. Bring a flashlight and plan to walk about 1 mile over the tour’s one- to- one-and-a-half-hour run time.  Tickets are $18 and can be purchased in advance online, and note that tours are held rain or shine.

Children’s Costume Contest:

Saturday, Oct. 19, 2024, 10 a.m.-noon

Tiny ghosts and ghouls ages 0-5 can participate in a free costume contest and celebration in the basement of Anoka City Hall. The event will include kid-friendly Halloween music, a balloon arch for photo opportunities, and a treat bag for all participants. Register in advance online or at the door.

Light Up The Night Parade:

Saturday, Oct. 19, 2024, 7-8 p.m.

Get in the spooky spirit with a nighttime parade down Anoka’s Main Street. Street lights will be dimmed so that spectators can appreciate the colorful illuminated floats.

Medallion Hunt:

Oct. 20, 2024

Join us for the thrilling Anoka Halloween Capital of the World Medallion Hunt, where a $400 reward awaits the lucky finder! To participate, you’ll need a 2024 Anoka Halloween Button, available for just $3. We’re hosting two separate hunts: First, a Family and Children Hunt from 12-2 p.m., perfect for kids 12 and under (no group size restrictions but a maximum of two adults per group). Then, an Open Hunt for all ages will take place from 2:30-4:30 p.m. (The winner of the first hunt is ineligible.) The grand prize of $400 will be awarded to the winner of the 2024 Medallion Hunt. Don’t miss out on this exciting adventure!

House Decorating Contest Public Viewing:

Oct. 25-26, 2024, 6:30-9:30 p.m.

Take a self-guided tour of the entries in the annual house decorating contest to see elaborate scenes that are creepy, whimsical, and everything in between.

Big Parade of Little Ones:

Friday, Oct. 25, 2024, 1:15-2:15 p.m.

Anoka’s original Halloween tradition features local elementary students in costumes parading through downtown, accompanied by marching bands.

Gray Ghost 5K Run & 1 Mile Fitness Walk:

Saturday, Oct. 26, 2024, 12:50 p.m.

Kick off the Grande Day Parade with a 1-mile fitness walk or chip-timed 5K run. The 1-mile walk finishes near the end of the parade route, and 5K participants will continue their race along residential streets. All finishers receive a long-sleeved technical shirt based on the Halloween button design, and are invited to enjoy refreshments and a costume contest at the end of the race. Register in advance online (pricing varies depending on registration date).

Grand Day Parade:

Saturday, Oct. 26, 2024, 1-3:30 p.m.

Anoka’s Halloween celebration culminates with a parade that follows a 1.5-mile route starting on Main Street, featuring costumed participants and festive floats.

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