On Halloween, the Twin Cities have more to offer than the expected haunted houses, costumes, and trick-or-treating. Something we do well is food, and many local restaurants, breweries, and other establishments are getting into the spirit of the season with special themed events. Should you want to spend your Halloween weekend away from all things murderously spooky, here are a few food-and-drink-based options for a new kind of Hallows’ Eve experience.
Oct. 30: Scotty Munster Halloween Art Party at Glam Doll Donuts: You won’t find these kinds of treats by ringing your neighbors’ doorbells. Scotty Munster, Glam Doll’s artist of the month, will show a magical and delectable Halloween art show. Munster is a tattoo artist at Olde Town Tattoo in St. Cloud specializing in vibrant pieces (as you’ll see on his Instagram page). As you tour the art, indulge in scary good donuts and wickedly mixed cocktails by Bittercube with music by DJ Bits Bits. Proceeds will benefit No Kid Hungry. Costumes encouraged, of course. (7p.m.-11p.m., 2605 Nicollet Ave., Minneapolis, facebook.com)
Oct. 30-Nov. 1: Halloween Weekend at Hell’s Kitchen: The below ground Minneapolis restaurant known for its from-scratch offerings is hosting an elegant Halloween event. Opting for candles and twinkle lights rather than cobwebs and skeletons, the restaurant will be serving its full menu and themed cocktails Friday through Sunday. Head here for a subtle and modern celebration and some seasonal treats. (80 S. 9th St., Minneapolis, hellskitcheninc.com)
Oct. 30-31: Halloween Bash at Brit’s Pub: In honor of its 25th anniversary, the authentic British pub is celebrating its heritage with a Halloween twist. While you enjoy $4.50 beer specials, rock out to live music from Queen tribute band The Crown Jewels on Friday and Beatles tribute band The Revolution 5 on Saturday. Dress in UK-themed fashion or come in costume as your favorite Brit. No cover charge. (8p.m., Friday and Saturday, 1110 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis, britspub.com)
Oct. 31: Films at the Fitz: Little Shop of Horrors & Gremlins: The Films at the Fitz events are notable for their open bar, and these Halloween-themed flicks go down great with a liquid refreshment. Audience participation, whether vocally or in dress, is encouraged, and these cult classics call for active viewing. Local band Bad Bad Hats will supply live music for the occasion. Tickets are $10-$15 here. (Doors at 8p.m., event at 9p.m., 10 E. Exchange St., Saint Paul, fitzgeraldtheater.com)
Oct. 31-Nov. 1: Halloween Roadtrip with Surly and Doomtree: The trendy brewery has created a travel package that any locavore would envy—an all-inclusive trip to the Turner Hall Ballroom in Milwaukee for local rap collective Doomtree’s Halloween show. On Saturday morning you’ll travel to the show from Surly Brewery by coach bus, then enjoy a box lunch and Surly brews, followed by a pre-show meal in Milwaukee. Catch the show with special guest local rapper Lizzo and hang out with members of Doomtree—all before heading back Sunday morning in a zombie-like state. All of the weekend’s events are included the $199 ticket price here. (Noon departure from Surly, 520 Malcolm Ave. SE, Minneapolis, surlybrewing.com)
Oct. 31-Nov. 1: Northern Grade at the Solar Arts Building: Though not Halloween-themed, this traveling all-American marketplace makes its annual Minneapolis stop this year on Halloween weekend. Hosted by Chowgirls catering, the event traditionally features local brews from Fulton, Bauhaus, and more, alongside hot drinks from Spyhouse and Peace Coffee. Local fashion will also be featured. Having originated in Minneapolis, Northern Grade celebrates all things local, whether that’s fashion or food. The event is free and open to the public. (11a.m.-7p.m. Saturday, 11a.m.-5p.m. Sunday, Solar Arts Building, 711 15th Ave. NE, Minneapolis, northerngrade.com)
