🔁 MEA Weekend: Pumpkins, Mazes & Chili Cook-Offs

Could your business use a boost? Advertise with us. Find out more here.

Good morning, South Metro!

What's inside:

Who’s running in the ISD 196 School Board Election (and what’s at stake)
A weekend lineup of pumpkin patches, glowing farm nights, and spooky calligraphy
Hockey season hype, chili cook-offs, and a record show worth flipping over

PS - If you find this newsletter valuable, please consider forwarding it to your friends. New to the South Metro Scoop? Sign-up for free.

News

What is the new name for Farmington’s summer festival starting in 2025, previously known as “Dew Days”

Kemps Carnival

Taste of Tater Town

Top the Tater Days

Minnesota Munch Fest

ISD 196 School Board Election: November 4th

District 196 residents will elect four school board members on November 4, 2025, three four-year seats and one two-year term. Voters will choose from five candidates including current board members and a 25-year educator, while also deciding on the district's technology levy renewal.

Thursday (10/16/25)

🎃 MEA Break at Crazy Legs Farm (Farmington from Thursday - Friday)
Ride out to the pumpkin patch for $5 pumpkins, then tackle the 5-acre corn maze and slingshot some gourds at targets—because why not?

🍂 Fall Crafts at Farmington Library (2pm)
Drop in with the kids to make silly caramel apple magnets and hanging bats—no RSVP needed, just show up ready to get crafty.

✒️ Modern Calligraphy Pumpkin Workshop (Rosemount at 6:30pm)
Learn the art of modern calligraphy with a pointed dip pen, then letter your own faux pumpkin to take home—perfect for adding that handmade touch to your fall decor. Secure your spot.

Friday (10/17/25)

🔦 Flashlight Corn Maze at Crazy Legs (Farmington at 7pm)
Navigate the corn maze after dark with just your flashlight—spooky, fun, and way more challenging than you'd think.

🏒 Hockey Day Minnesota 2026 Kickoff at Dugarel's (Hastings at 5pm) Celebrate the 100-day countdown with a Wild watch party, pro player autographs, and official HDMN gear—because nothing gets Minnesotans more fired up than hockey season.

Saturday (10/18/25)

🎃 Hello Pumpkin at Bachman's (Apple Valley at 11am)
Grab any pumpkin from the store and Bachman's will hook you up with everything you need to carve, paint, or bedazzle it into your perfect fall masterpiece. No RSVP needed.

🎵 Twin Cities Record Show at Bald Man Brewing (Eagan at 12pm)
Dig through thousands of vinyl records, CDs, and music memorabilia while you sip craft beer... because that's honestly the perfect Saturday afternoon.

👕 WSI Sports 35th Anniversary & Underwear Museum (Eagan at 9am)
Tour the factory that's made custom performance underwear for Tom Brady and Kobe Bryant, then stick around for music, local vendors, and giveaways celebrating 35 years of American-made gear. RSVP here.

🐕 Rescue Network Adoption Event (PetSmart in Lakeville at 12pm)
Stop by PetSmart to meet adorable adoptable dogs and maybe find your new best friend.

🐾 Animal Ark at Lakeville Fleet Farm (11am)
Meet adoptable (and fosterable) dogs with volunteers who'd love to help you find your perfect match.

✨ Glow at the Farm (Brand Farms in Farmington)
It's everything you love about fall festivals... but at night, glowing, with a live DJ, apple cannons, glow-in-the-dark paintball, and s'mores by the fire. Secure your spot here.

🔮 Theresa Caputo: The Long Island Medium (Prior Lake at 8pm)
The star of TLC's hit show brings her gift to Mystic Lake for an evening of comfort, healing messages, and connections with loved ones who've passed. Secure your spot.

🎃 Trunk-or-Treat at Red's Chop Shop (Apple Valley at 4pm)
Deck out your car in Halloween style, hand out candy to trick-or-treaters, and compete for best display while enjoying free s'mores and hot cocoa by the fire.

🎃 Trunk-or-Treat at The Club House Rosemount (10am)
Bring the kids for a fun evening of trick-or-treating from car to car in a safe, festive atmosphere.

Sunday (10/19/25)

🌶️ First Annual Fall Chili Fest (Bogart’s in Apple Valley at 11am)
Taste 20 different chilis (or enter yours in the competition), watch the Vikings game on the big screens, and help support local military families—all for just $10.

🎨 Paint Night: Blue Moon Halloween Gnome (Farmington at 6pm)
Paint a spooky-cute gnome at Celts Pub with step-by-step guidance, all supplies included, and a full menu available because painting is better with snacks. Secure your spot.

🔁 MEA Weekend: Pumpkins, Mazes & Chili Cook-Offs

Subscribe to our newsletter