6 Things in Minnesota to Still Look Forward to in 2025

When we get to this point in the summer, we tend to think that "it's over" nothing but back to School, Winter and the Holidays coming up.

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But, there are several things that are scheduled to happen in Minnesota - and none of them are those things mentioned above.

One of my favorites is Oktoberfest

There are a few of those celebrations coming in the next couple of months.  Lots of places celebrate Oktoberfest, and usually it's at the end of September.  There is a reason for that.  It's really not that complicated.  It's simply because the end of September generally has nicer weather than in October.  Makes sense.

Flannel Fest

There are still a couple of events that happen in October, however.  The Ledge Amphitheatre in Waite Park celebrates their annual "Flannel Fest" which is very Oktoberfest-like.  This year, it's scheduled for October 4th.  It's the first Saturday in October.  You can get ticket now for this event.

Oktoberfest in New Ulm

This one lasts for two weekens in October!  October 3-4 and also October 10-11.  This event is has free admission.

This traditional festival is modeled after one of the world’s largest celebrations, held each year for several centuries in Munich, Germany. New Ulm’s version takes place during the first two full weekends in October, with festivities happening all over town!

The main locations for Oktoberfest in 2025 are Historic Downtown, Best Western Plus, Schell’s Brewery, and Morgan Creek Vineyards.

 

Spend a night in a luxury treehouse

Fall seems like the perfect time to check out a tree house.  But how about a LUXURY tree house?  Sounds intriguing, doesn't it?

This house is a guest favorite airbnb.  It's located at the Hope Glen Farm in Cottage Grove, which is also a wedding venue.  So the tree house, which is 7 rooms, 2 bedrooms and 1.5 bathrooms, can be used at any time during the year, but it many times is used as the Honeymoon suite for couples who get married on the grounds.

Road Trip for Fall Colors

If you want to stick around the area and see some gorgeous fall colors, going hiking around the St. John's University grounds is pretty amazing.  Otherwise, watch the fall color map that the DNR usually puts out each autumn to see when the best time to drive North would be.

Minnesota State Fair and the Ren Fest

These two events are basically the marking of the end of summer and welcome to fall.  The state fair starts on August 21st and runs through Labor Day.  The Renaissance Festival starts on August 16th and runs weekends through September, and also on Labor Day, and one Friday.  Make sure to check parking for each event.  The state fair has a lot of places where you can park, hop a bus, and it drops you off right at the entrance.  The Ren Fest is limiting how many people can park on the grounds.  Most will have to park in a nearby parking lot, and take the shuttle to the grounds.

There are also plenty of hikes and climbing and waterfalls to see before it gets too cold to do many activities outside.