It’s the time of year when ghosts, monsters, and fairies, superheroes and costumed creatures prowl the local streets in search of treats and goodies.

 

But before Halloween night, the communities of Becker, Clearwater, Monticello, Big Lake, St. Cloud and Elk River are loaded with events that will make the little ones burst with joy or perhaps even give them a little fright.

 

 

 

The BHS Robotics team is hosting their annual Trunk or Treat event at the Becker Furniture World parking lot Oct. 27 from 3- 5 p.m. It’s a safe environment for kids to do trick-or-treating during the day. Businesses and groups decorate the trunk of their cars or truck to hand out candy from. A prize is given to the best decorated trunk, based on the kids’ votes.

 

The BCC is holding a special Barktober Fest at the community center Sat., Oct. 27 from 11 am to 2 p.m. The event encourages dog owners to dress up their “fur” kids for a costume contest as well as their “non-fur” kids. A kiddo parade will take place at noon and a pet parade at 1 p.m. Crafts and activities, vendors, concessions, prizes and giveaways make for a howling good time!

 

Becker High School National Honor Society students are hosting a fun night of games and candy for pre-K- 5th grade students Mon., Oct. 29 from 5:30-8:30 p.m. The event is in the lobby outside of the Performing Arts Center and the high school gym. Students are invited to wear their costumes.

 

 

Molitor’s Haunted Acres in Sauk Rapids is THE scariest plot of land in Central Minnesota, and has been for decades!  Gates open at 7 p.m. on Oct. 27 at 3571 5th Ave NE in St. Augusta. 

 

Ghouls, ghosts and creatures of the night flock to our woods, inhabiting the darkness in every corner. Your haunted experience will take you on a haunted hayride through the Woods of Doom where killers, madmen and your darkest fears come to life. Experience all your favorite classic horror icons on the hayride, along with many others.

 

This year's Harvest of Horror begins with a hayride through ​​the fields of St. Augusta. If you make it through alive, you will be terrorized in the timbers where "life forms" lurk in the forest. If you're lucky, you will be thrust into the darkness of a corn field where creepy beings exist.

 

Dates for the event are Friday and Saturday, Oct. 26-27 from 7-11 p.m. It’s located at 4108 200th St. in St. Augusta.

 

Next you will be plunged into the total darkness of a haunted house where you will encounter bone chilling vermin. Still alive... then come back into the forest where mutants will gladly welcome your visit. Is your heart still pumping? If yes, come and find your way though the tall and elusive cornstalks trying not to be plucked out and dragged into the darkness in order to be consumed! Come, if you have the guts! 

 

Horror at Huntfield presents a Gothic experience in fear and horror, sorrow and superstition, revenge and remorse. 

 

Enter the gates of Craven Cemetery and descend into the tragic realm of the Grim Reaper.  Guard your soul against the denizens of the dead and undead. Face your fears along this high scare haunted trail. Explore the twisted passageways of the Catacombs - a medium scare excursion into the depths of the grave.  Open Friday and Saturday, Oct. 26-27 from 7 - 11 p.m. in Foreston, MN.

 

Get your frights at Monster Manor in its 38th season with new scares every year and no need to wait in line in the cold, there is an indoor heated waiting area. Held at the Stearns County Fairgrounds, the Manor is open Friday and Saturday, Oct. 26-27 from 7 to 10 p.m.

 

 

Ghastly Acres is holding their Food for Fright event at 6757 East Oak Drive in Monticello. Take a stroll through their haunted forest for a ghoulishly good time! The event is Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 6:30 - 9 p.m.. Admission is a food or clothing donation!

 

 

Spooky Creations Halloween Party is being held this Saturday! Face painting, witches lair, mad scientist, haunted playground, photo booth, pumpkin painting and a costume contest! The event is being held at 16547 Marketplace Drive in Big Lake from 5-8 p.m. First 100 kids will receive a goodie bag!

 

For adults, the Friendly Buffalo in Big Lake will be holding a Halloween Bash Oct. 27 from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. and will feature a live band downstairs (Outside Recess) and a DJ playing top dance hits upstairs all night. The night will be highlighted by a costume contest and no cover charge.

 

 

Don’t miss the 19th annual Halloween Spooktacular Sat., Oct. 27 at Lion John Weicht Park (1104 Lions Park Drive). Toddlers to teens are invited to dress up in their best costume for a night of trick-or-treating from participating businesses and organizations, games, a DJ and hay ride, bounce houses, bingo, and more! There will be individual costume contests for kids up to age 4, another for ages 5 to 13, as well as a group/family category for three or more people.

 

Spooktacular is from 5 to 8 p.m., and people are encouraged to register online for early bird ticket pricing of $3 per person, or stopping by Elk River Parks and Recreation during regular business hours. Tickets will also be available at the event for $5 per participants. Please note, tickets are only needed for those partaking in the activities - parents/adults accompanying children are free of charge.

 

 

The Halloween Barnyard Bash (Part 3) is being held Saturday, Oct. 27 from 7 p.m. to 4 a.m. at “The Farm”, located at 4583 Co. Rd. 33 in Buffalo. A $10 entry fee and proper ID  gets you on the grounds to the heated indoor facility where games, food, beverages and door prizes will be featured. Music will be provided by DJ North Star & S Dot.

 

Clearwater Travel Plaza will have six stations set up through the Plaza and are giving away free kids cones to every child on Halloween night. Keep the kids warm this Halloween and trick or treat at the Plaza! 

 

Flinstones Bar is holding their annual Halloween Bash Sat., Oct. 27, starting at 8 p.m. Show up in a Halloween costume and get a free drink! Drink and shot specials all night and a sober car is expected to be arranged for those who may need it. Flinstones is located at 945 Hwy. 24 in Clearwater.

 

The Clearwater Library will be holding their “Spooky Storytime” event Sat., Oct. 27 from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. where Halloween stories will be read, wicked crafts made and everyone will eat a yummy, healthy snack. Costumes and tricks encouraged and the event is open to children of all ages.

 

Have a spooktacular Halloween!