Anoka, Minnesota
Sitting just outside Minneapolis, Anoka is known as the “Halloween Capital of the World.” This vibrant community puts on an array of events, including pumpkin competitions, a house decorating contest, a kid-friendly Halloween movie screening, and a costume parade.
It’s considered the first city in the US to put on a Halloween celebration to redirect its youngsters from Halloween pranks. When Anokans woke up to find their cows roaming Main Street, windows soaped, and outhouses tipped over, they decided enough was enough.
A costume parade and block party seemed like the perfect idea! Halloween became an excellent distraction for this town for ages to come. It has evolved into a much-beloved time of year where visitors of all ages can enjoy scarecrow contests, balls, bonfires, and parades.
