Halloween lands on a Saturday this year, and that means a full day of celebrating around Lake Minnetonka. Little ones can trick-or-treat from car trunks in the morning and eat free at lunch. Grown-ups have three costume parties with live bands to choose from at night. Here’s where to go, from Friday’s kickoff through Saturday night.
At a Glance
Friday, Oct 30: Rebel Queens at Excelsior Brewing Co.
Saturday, Oct 31: Kids eat free at Birch’s, Trunk or Treat at Back Channel, and costume parties at Birch’s, Excelsior Brewing Co. and the Narrows Saloon
Friday, October 30
Rebel Queens Almost Acoustic Show
7:30 to 10:30 PM · Excelsior Brewing Co., 421 Third St, Excelsior · $5 cover
Get Halloween weekend started a night early in downtown Excelsior. The Rebel Queens bring their big vocals and rock and roll energy to the taproom in a slightly stripped-down, almost acoustic set. Tickets are $5, online or at the door.
Saturday, October 31: For the Kids
Trunk or Treat at Back Channel Brewing
11:00 AM to 2:00 PM · Back Channel Brewing, 4787 Shoreline Dr, Spring Park · Free
Back Channel’s annual Trunk or Treat has become one of the biggest Halloween gatherings on the west side of the lake, drawing hundreds of local families. Kids show off their costumes and collect candy from decorated trunks hosted by more than 20 local businesses and sponsors. Parents can grab a beer outdoors, and leashed dogs are welcome too.
Kids in Costume Eat Free at Birch’s on the Lake
All day · Birch’s on the Lake, 1310 W. Wayzata Blvd, Long Lake · Ages 12 and under
Before the evening candy run, feed the crew at Birch’s. Kids 12 and under who come dressed up eat free from the kids menu all day on Halloween. With a Wisconsin-style supper club, a brewhouse and views of Long Lake, it’s an easy stop for the whole family between trick-or-treat stops.
Saturday, October 31: Costume Parties
Three venues are hosting live bands at 8 PM, so pick your decade and your crowd.
All Hallows’ Eve Brewhouse Party with Stereo Kitchen and Costume Contest
8:00 to 11:00 PM · Birch’s on the Lake Brewhouse, Long Lake · 21 and over
Twin Cities rock and roll band Stereo Kitchen returns to the Brewhouse with covers from the ’70s, ’80s and ’90s. There’s a costume contest with prizes for the best guy and gal costumes. Seats go fast, so come early, have dinner and settle in for the night.
Jacuzzi Puma Halloween Night
8:00 to 11:00 PM · Excelsior Brewing Co., 421 Third St, Excelsior · $5 cover
If you want the loudest party on the lake, head to Excelsior. Jacuzzi Puma takes over the taproom for a high-energy night of dancing, and the brewery is all in on costumes. The weirder, the better. Cover is $5, online or at the door.
Shredding Flannel and Halloween Costume Contest Party
8:00 to 11:30 PM · The Narrows Saloon, Navarre
Shredding Flannel brings ’90s rock, grunge and alternative covers to the Narrows, along with a Halloween costume contest. Dig out the Doc Martens and the plaid. If you can’t decide on a costume, flannel fits the theme perfectly.
Trick-or-Treating Around the Lake
Minnesota cities don’t set official trick-or-treat hours. Kids typically head out after dark on Halloween, and a lit porch light is the universal signal that a house is handing out candy. Since Halloween falls on a Saturday this year, expect an earlier start and busier streets than usual.
For younger kids, daytime events like Back Channel’s Trunk or Treat offer a well-lit, crowd-friendly alternative to going door to door.
Local Halloween Traditions
A few lake-area traditions kick off the season the weekend before Halloween every year. Both ran on October 24 this year, so put them on next year’s calendar.
Trick or Treat the Street, Excelsior. Downtown Excelsior businesses along Water Street open their doors to costumed trick-or-treaters. It’s a great way for kids to get some practice, and an extra chance to wear the costume.
Wayzata Boo Bash Dash. This Halloween-themed race through downtown Wayzata offers a 10K, 5K, a one-mile race and a family fun run, with costumes encouraged.
Details can change, so check with each venue before heading out. For everything happening around the lake this week and beyond, visit the Tonka Insider Events Calendar.