Haunts & Happenings in The Brainerd Lakes Area
October in the Brainerd Lakes Area comes with a little extra BOO. Pack the costumes and bring the whole crew Up North for haunted trails, trick-or-treating, pumpkin fun and Halloween events in Brainerd, Baxter, Crosslake, Pequot Lakes and beyond all month long.
Bookmark this page! We’ll continue adding Halloween events as they’re announced throughout the Brainerd Lakes Area.
Get Spooked: Haunted Houses, Trails & Experiences
Creepy experiences and a few good scares.
Friday and Saturdays in October, 2026. Gates open at 7 PM, Final Tickets sold at 10 PM
Looking for a serious scare? Hidden Hollows at Paul Bunyan Land brings the fright with a three-story haunted house, a 14-acre corn maze after dark and select carnival rides with a spooky twist. Expect suspense, jump scares and plenty of chilling surprises around every corner. Grab your bravest friends and see if you have what it takes to make it through the Hollow!
- Venue: Paul Bunyan Land, 17553 State Highway 18, Brainerd, MN
- Cost: $12-41 Per Person
- Fright Level: Moderate to Intense
Now through October 31, 2026 | Fridays 4-9 PM, Saturdays 10 AM-9 PM, Sunday 10 AM-3 PM
Mini golf gets a spooky makeover at Whistling Wolf! Play your way through 18 holes filled with eerie lights, creepy creatures and plenty of Halloween atmosphere—all without the jump scares. You can hit the course during the day, but stop by around dusk to see the haunted effects at their best.
- Venue: Whistling Wolf Mini Golf | 36006 Co Rd 66, Crosslake, MN 56442
- Cost: $13 Per Adult, $11 Per Child 10 & Under
- Fright Level: Family Friendly, No Jump-scares
October 15, 16 & 17, 2026 | 7–9 PM
Choose your own level of fright at the Northland Arboretum Haunted Trails! Start with the Low Scare trail for spooky fun that’s easier on the nerves, or keep going into High Scare for bigger thrills. Feeling especially brave? Take on Insane High Scare, where the monsters may even chase you. With detailed sets, creepy characters and plenty of Halloween surprises, this annual event also supports the Northland Arboretum’s largest fundraiser of the year.
- Venue: Northland Arboretum | 14250 Conservation Dr, Baxter, MN
- Cost: $20 Per Person
- Fright Level: Low, High, or Intense
Friday, October 16, 2026 | 7:30-9:30 PM
This FREE event is open to everyone! Bring a chair or blanket, gather your family and friends, and enjoy a great night at the park.
- Venue: Lyman P White Amphitheater | 484 E River Rd, Brainerd, MN
- Cost: Free
- Fright Level: Family Friendly
Saturday, October 17, 2026 | 12-4 PM
Want to experience Hidden Hollows without all the scares? For one special afternoon, families can explore the haunted house and corn maze with the lights on, animatronics running and no live actors waiting around the corner. Add in select rides, and it’s a fun way for younger visitors to enjoy a little Halloween atmosphere without the jump scares.
- Venue: Paul Bunyan Land | 17553 State Highway 18, Brainerd, MN
- Cost: $14 Per Person
- Fright Level: Family Friendly
October 22–25, 2026 | Thursday & Friday at 7 PM, Saturday & Sunday at 2 PM
A mysterious family curse, a legendary detective and plenty of laughs await at Stage North Theatre in Brainerd! This entertaining adaptation of The Hound of the Baskervilles follows Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson as they investigate a string of suspicious deaths on the eerie English moors. With five actors bringing more than 40 characters to life, this fast-paced mystery blends suspense, comedy and theatrical fun for a unique Halloween-season outing.
- Venue: Stage North Theatre, Franklin Arts Center, 1001 Kingwood Street, Brainerd, MN
- Cost: Ticket prices available online
- Fright Level: Mild | Mystery & Comedy
Friday, October 23, 2026 | 5–9 PM | Guided Tours at 6, 7 & 8 PM
Step inside the historic Linden Hill Estate in Little Falls for a Halloween experience filled with Victorian mysteries, eerie folklore and literary suspense. Explore the Weyerhaeuser Mansion by candlelight, discover spooky traditions from the past and enjoy a dramatic reading of an Edgar Allan Poe classic. Your ticket also includes admission to Halloween Happy Hour, where food and beverages will be available for purchase. Costumes are encouraged!
- Venue: Linden Hill Historic Estate, 608 Highland Avenue, Little Falls, MN
- Cost: $25 per person
Trick-or-Treat events & Family Fun
Costumes on. Candy buckets ready.
Saturday, October 17, 2026 | 4 PM
Trick-or-treating through a display of heavy machinery like garbage trucks, fire trucks, and bulldozers. Attendees are encouraged to bring non-perishable food donations for the local food shelf.
- Venue: Waste Partners | 2928 Minnesota 371, Pine River, MN
- Cost: Free (donations encouraged)
Tuesday, October 20, 2026 | 5–7:30 PM
Grab your costumes and candy bags for a fun-filled evening of trick-or-treating at Camp Confidence in East Gull Lake! Families can travel from cabin to cabin collecting treats, playing Halloween games with camp staff and enjoying a festive evening together. It’s a great opportunity for kids to celebrate Halloween in a unique camp setting.
- Venue: Confidence Learning Center, 1620 Mary Fawcett Memorial Drive, East Gull Lake, MN
- Cost: Free
Saturday, October 24, 2026 | 9 AM-3 PM
We’ll have candy for the kids and prizes for participants. Come enjoy a fun fall day filled with great vehicles and Halloween spirit. We can’t wait to see you there!
- Venue: Tanner Auto | 620 W Washington Street, Brainerd, MN
- Cost: Free
Saturday, October 24, 2026 | 11 AM-3 PM
Daytime trick-or-treating at participating local businesses, featuring family activities and food vendors.
- Venue: Downtown Brainerd | 523 South 5th Street, Brainerd, MN
- Cost: Free admission
Saturday, October 24, 2026 | 12:30 PM
Bring your little ghouls and goblins to stroll through deocrated campsites at the Cross Lake Campground for a safe, fun place for them to trick-or-treat! Complimentary hot cocoa for all, and one complimentary hot dog for every child dressed in costume!
- Venue: Zorbaz on Crozz Lake | 36215 County Road 66, Crosslake, MN
- Cost: Free
- Prizes: 1st – $300 | 2nd – $200 | 3rd – $100
Saturday, October 24, 2026 | 2-4 PM
Bring the family to the Ideal Fire Department for an afternoon of Halloween fun! See the fire trucks, play games, learn about fire prevention and enjoy Trunk or Treat.
- Venue: Ideal Fire Department & Community Center | 34358 Butternut Point Rd, Pequot Lakes, MN
- Cost: Free
Saturday, October 24, 2026 | 2:30-6 PM
Bring your little ghouls and goblins to stroll through decorated campsites at the Cross Lake Campground for a safe, fun place for them to trick-or-treat! Complimentary hot cocoa for all, and one complimentary hot dog for every child dressed in costume!
- Venue: US Army Corps Crosslake Recreation Area | 35507 County Road 66, Crosslake, MN
- Cost: Free admission
Saturday, October 24, 2026 | 3 PM
Family-friendly outdoor gathering where participants decorate car trunks and hand out treats. Free to attend or sign up in advance to host a trunk.
- Venue: Trinity Lutheran Church | 1420 South 6th Street, Brainerd, MN
- Cost: Free
Thursday, October 29, 2026 | 4–6 PM
Get ready to boo-gie at the Mills Monster Mash in Baxter! Bring the whole family for an afternoon of Halloween games, sweet treats, music and dancing. Show off your best costume in the costume contest, grab a glow bracelet and enjoy plenty of festive fun. It’s a family-friendly Halloween celebration that’s sure to get everyone moving!
- Venue: Mills Ford Lincoln of Baxter, 14858 Dellwood Drive, Baxter, MN
- Cost: Free
Saturday, October 31, 2026 | 10 AM–5 PM
Get ready for a sweet Halloween celebration in Nisswa! Bring the family out for seasonal fun and Halloween treats at Trick or SWEET.
- Venue: Nisswa, MN | Exact location to be confirmed
- Cost: Free
Saturday, October 31, 2026 | 1–4 PM
Bring the whole family—including your pup—for a Halloween Trunk or Treat at Lakeland Veterinary Hospital!
- Venue: Lakeland Veterinary Hospital | 7372 Woida Rd N, Baxter, MN
- Cost: Free
Saturday, October 31, 2026 | 10 AM–12 PM
Celebrate Halloween in Pequot Lakes! Miss Pequot Lakes Royalty will host a bonfire in town with goodies and refreshments while participating Pequot Lakes businesses hand out candy to trick-or-treaters.
- Venue: North Trailside Park | 31078 Government Dr, Pequot Lakes, MN
- Cost: Free
Halloween After Dark: Adults-Only Fun
Costumes, games and grown-up Halloween fun.
October 16–18 & 23–25, 2026 | Performance Times Vary
Experience the darkly thrilling, Tony Award-winning musical Sweeney Todd, where a vengeful barber and a struggling pie shop owner serve up a wickedly twisted tale of murder and revenge in 19th-century London. This chilling production contains mature themes, violence and strong adult language.
- Venue: Central Lakes College – Chalberg Theatre | 501 W College Drive, Brainerd, MN
- Cost: Ticket prices vary; select discounts available
Saturday–Sunday, October 17–18, 2026 | Sessions Begin at 4 PM
Get ready for bewitching wins at Grand Casino Mille Lacs Bingo Hall, with a chance to win the $5,000 Jackpot Coverall with a $100 buy-in. Enjoy authentic Mexican favorites from Taqueria Katrina food truck, serving outside the bingo hall from 2–6 PM.
- Venue: Grand Casino Mille Lacs | 777 Grand Avenue, Onamia, MN
- Cost: $100 buy-in
Sunday, October 18, 2026 | 1 PM
Enjoy a Halloween-themed afternoon of bingo featuring 16 games, a meat raffle and complimentary lunch. Costumes are encouraged!
- Venue: The Center | 803 Kingwood Street, Brainerd, MN
- Cost: $10 per card for 16 games
Thursday, October 29, 2026 | 6–8 PM
Get into the Halloween spirit with a spooky edition of Music Bingo featuring songs about ghosts, monsters, devils, werewolves, zombies and more. Sing along, mark your card and compete for prizes. Costumes are welcome!
- Venue: Jack Pine Brewery, 15593 Edgewood Drive N, Baxter, MN 56425
- Cost: Free to play
Friday, October 30, 2026 | 9–11 PM
Get ready for a wild night of musical mayhem with The Rocky Horror Picture Show, the iconic cult classic starring Tim Curry, Susan Sarandon and Barry Bostwick. Follow Brad and Janet as they stumble into a bizarre castle filled with outrageous characters, unforgettable music and plenty of spooky surprises in this R-rated film.
- Venue: Central Lakes College – Chalberg Theatre | 501 W College Drive, Brainerd, MN
- Cost: Ticket purchase required; price not specified
Saturday, October 31, 2026 | 8 PM–12 AM
Celebrate Halloween at The Legacy Grill with a costume contest, festive drink specials, bobbing for apples and plenty of spooky fun! Dress to impress for a chance to win prizes, try your luck at the Trick or Treat Bar and enjoy a night out with friends.
- Venue: The Legacy Grill at Cragun’s Legacy Courses | 11000 Cragun’s Drive, Brainerd, MN
- Cost: Admission not specified; food and drinks available for purchase
Halloween Crafts & Workshops
Make Something Spooky
Tuesday, October 6, 2026 | 1–5 PM
Create a fall holiday signboard with just enough spooky style for October, but versatile enough to display through November. This workshop is for ages 18+.
- Venue: Kicks the Art Place | 36066 County Road 66, Crosslake, MN 56442
- Cost: $80
Friday, October 16, 2026 6 - 7:30 PM
Celebrate the season with a hands-on autumn workshop! Make your own smudge stick and prepare a jar of fire cider to take home and steep. All materials are included, and no experience is necessary.
- Venue: Charboneau Studios | 13027 Happy Trl, Crosslake, MN
- Cost: $50
Friday, October 16, 2026 6 - 7:30 PM
Get crafty for fall during this relaxed workshop featuring plenty of cozy texture and handmade charm. You’ll leave with one finished chunky pumpkin plus the skills to make more at home for gifts, centerpieces or spooky seasonal décor. All materials are included.
- Venue: Charboneau Studios | 13027 Happy Trl, Crosslake, MN
- Cost: $50
Thursday, October 29, 2026 | 5–7 PM
Get creative this Halloween season with a pumpkin-inspired art workshop in Crosby! Join local artist Katy Yenter for an evening of watercolor and ink painting as you bring one of fall’s favorite symbols to life. All supplies are provided, so just bring your creativity and get ready to make something special. This free workshop is perfect for teens and adults looking for a relaxing, hands-on fall activity.
- Venue: Jessie F. Hallett Memorial Library, 101 1st Street SE, Crosby, MN
- Cost: Free | Registration required, limited space
- Age Recommendation: Ages 14+
Looking for More Halloween Fun?
New Halloween events and activities are being added daily! While we do our best to keep this guide up to date, this isn’t a complete list of everything happening in the Brainerd Lakes Area. Be sure to check our Brainerd Lakes Area Events Calendar for the latest events, dates and details. We also recommend confirming event information with organizers before attending.
Frequently Asked Questions About Halloween in the Brainerd Lakes Area
The Brainerd Lakes Area is full of Halloween fun throughout October! From haunted houses and spooky trails to trunk-or-treat events, pumpkin-themed activities and Halloween parties, there’s something for all ages. Explore our guide above for Halloween events happening in Brainerd, Baxter, Nisswa, Pequot Lakes, Crosslake and surrounding communities.
Families can find several trick-or-treating and trunk-or-treat events throughout the Brainerd Lakes Area. Popular community celebrations include Downtown Brainerd’s Spooktacular, Pequot Lakes Trick or Treat and Camp Spooktacular in Crosslake. Check the event listings above for dates, times and locations.
Yes! Hidden Hollows at Paul Bunyan Land is a popular Halloween attraction near Brainerd, featuring a three-story haunted house, a 14-acre corn maze after dark and select amusement rides. Check the attraction’s schedule, admission prices and age recommendations before visiting.
Yes! Many community Halloween celebrations, trick-or-treating events and trunk-or-treat gatherings offer free admission. Browse the family-friendly events listed above to find budget-friendly ways to celebrate Halloween.
Families can enjoy trick-or-treating, costume contests, community festivals, seasonal crafts and other Halloween-themed activities throughout the Brainerd Lakes Area. Whether you’re looking for a daytime event for younger children or an evening of spooky fun, there are plenty of options to explore.
Halloween is just one reason to visit the Brainerd Lakes Area this fall! Explore our Brainerd Lakes Area Events Calendar for upcoming festivals, live entertainment, family activities and seasonal celebrations throughout the region.
Celebrate Halloween on Saturday, October 31, 2026, with family-friendly activities throughout the Brainerd Lakes Area! Enjoy Pequot Lakes Trick or Treat from 10 AM–12 PM, Lakeland Veterinary Hospital’s Trunk or Treat from 1–4 PM, and other spooky celebrations in Brainerd, Baxter and surrounding communities. Whether you’re looking for trick-or-treating, costumes or Halloween fun, explore our event listings above to plan your Halloween adventures!
