Fall is almost here!
The weather’s slowly cooling down, pumpkin spice lattes have returned, and the first leaves have begun to change color — fall is right around the corner! Below, we’ve rounded up our picks for the best things to do in Minneapolis this September.
1. Head to the State Fair
Okay, this one isn’t in Minneapolis, but it’s an essential! The State Fair runs until Labor Day, September 6, and with its local plentiful food and beverage offerings to enjoy under the sunshine, it’s a perfect place to spend the last days of summer.
2. Visit a pumpkin patch
There are plenty of pumpkin patches across the state, with a few located close to Minneapolis! Take your pick and remember your camera for an autumnal photoshoot (it’s a classic for a reason!)
3. Head to this unique pinball bar
Tilt Pinball Bar has it all: an exciting tap list including local brews, an extensive bar food menu featuring hot dogs, tacos, and nachos, and — best of all — coin-operated pinball! Further, they’re continually updating their pinball machine selection with rare and hard-to-find machines.
4-13. Soak up the sun on an outdoor patio
From the seafood-heavy Smack Shack to the creative BauHaus brewery, you’re sure to find a spot on this list you’ll love. It’s the perfect time to soak up the sunlight before the long winter sets in, so don’t delay!
14. Try a sake cocktail at this unique drink spot
Also a great spot for open-air dining, moto-i Ramen and Sake House in Lyn-Lake is the first sake brew-pub outside of Japan and Minneapolis’ only sake brewery. Highlights include their house-made unpasteurized sake (on draft!) and sake cocktails incorporating the same home-brewed spirits.
15. Wander through Open Streets Minneapolis
This annual event will close part of West Broadway to car traffic on Saturday, September 11 from 11am to 5pm. The section closed will be between Penn Ave N to Lyndale Ave N. Along the street will be local businesses, artists and other organizations. Go for the novelty of getting to walk in the street and stay for the community-building and fun in the sun.
16. Check out The House of Balls, Minneapolis’ Strangest Art Gallery
This unique spot is an “open window” to creator Allen Christian’s life. Christian, who’s most famous for his bowling ball faces, is a wide-ranging found-object artist who creates whimsical and innovative art. Since relocating to a new space near the Cedar Riverside LRT stop, there’s even more on display in the House of Balls. It’s well worth a visit.
17. Head to the Harvest Festival
On Saturday, September 18, the Harvest Festival at Boom Island Brewing Company will bring together live music, food trucks, and outdoor games along with vendors like Lavish Loon Supply Co. and a build-your-own plant bar. Additionally, they’ll unveil their autumn beer releases, including Punkin’ Pie, a pumpkin spice ale.
18. Treat your pup to a delicious meal at a dog-friendly ‘pawtio’
If you missed National Dog Day, make it up to your pooch by taking them out for a meal at once of these ‘pawtios’ located across Minneapolis and in the Twin Cities area. And bring your camera for an adorable photo opportunity.
19. Check out this newly-opened Italian eatery
EaTo, an Italian eatery which is opening in phases, currently has a takeout window and a small outdoor patio. In the coming months, they’ll open their indoor market for an all-encompassing foodie experience à la Eataly.
20. Check out the Minneapolis Monarch Festival
On Saturday, September 11 from 10am to 4pm, the Monarch Festival will celebrate the 2,300-mile migration of the monarch butterfly from Minnesota from Mexico. The festival will boast music, food, dance, native plant sales, and opportunities to get up-close and personal with monarch butterflies. It’ll take place near the Lake Nokomis Community Center between E Minnehaha Parkway, Woodlawn Blvd, and E Nokomis Parkway. Find more information here.