Oct 29

Oct 29 10 ways to celebrate Halloween in Rochester this weekend

There are a number of spooktacular events scheduled for this weekend. From outdoor activities for families to live music and costume parties, here's our list of some of the best ways to celebrate Halloween in the Med City:

Children

1. Looking for a safe environment to take the little ones trick or treating? The Minnesota Children's Museum of Rochester is hosting a daily costume parade at 11 a.m. now through Sunday. Admission to the museum is $5.50 per person; kids under 1 get in for free.

2. On Friday, the Boys and Girls Club of Rochester is cerebrating Halloween with a dance party and haunted house. There will also be games, a photo booth and plenty of candy to go around. The free event runs from 5-8 p.m. and is open to all ages.

3. Before heading out on Saturday night, kids can head over to Hobby Lobby to make their own custom Halloween containers and treat bags. The workshop goes from 1-4 p.m. Containers cost $5 each or 5 for $20.

4. Also on Saturday, Willow Creek Middle School will host "Boo Fest" from 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. The day of tricks and treats will be led by local students. All proceeds from the benefit local student groups, as well as the Rochester Public Schools Foundation.

Family

5. Halloween will be the last outdoor event of the season for the Rochester Downtown Farmers Market. Families are encouraged to come in costume to collect treats from some of the vendors. And if you haven't purchased a pumpkin yet, this is an opportunity to buy one directly from a local farmer.

6. Families are encouraged to participate in the Rochester Family YMCA's "Not-So-Scary Spooktacular Family Fun Run & Walk" Saturday afternoon. You can either choose the 1-mile family walk or the 5K run. The event is raising money and awareness for the LiveSTRONG program at the local Y. Register here.

7. Rochester Trolley & Tour Company is deploying all five trolleys this Saturday morning for its first-ever trick-or-treating tour. Guides will take families on a cruise through the city, making five to six stops at places like Sekapp's Orchard and Quarry Hill Nature Center. Kids are encouraged to come dressed up in their costumes. Tickets are $10 per seat.

8. The annual "Day of the Dead Poets Slam" will be held Friday night at the Rochester Art Center. This is a free, family-friendly event in which you can watch competitors take on their favorite dead poets. Show starts at 7 p.m.

Nightlife

9. There are too many bars with costume contests in town to name. But a few that stand out downtown are La Vetta and Dooley's, both of which will have live DJs and awards for the best costumes. On the Saturday night music circuit: Igcognito will perform at Wicked Moose, the The Fattenin' Frogs at Kathy's Pub, and Driven by Rhythm at the The Redwood Room.

10. There's a party happening on "The Farm" Saturday night. There will be four bands performing at this year's "Halloween Hootenanny", including Suite and The Listings. The festivities start at 5 p.m. with the first band taking the stage at 6:30 p.m. Admission is $10.

About Sean Baker: Sean is the founder and editor of the Med City Beat. Under his direction, the site has transitioned from a small news blog to one of the most widely-read publications in the city. Prior to launching the site in 2014, Sean spent about two years producing television news in Green Bay and Rochester. His office is above a brewery, so please excuse any typos. Twitter.