St. Cloud’s First Fall Fest Takes Center Stage as a Spooktacular Replacement for Pumpkinfest

Originally published October 4th, 2023

Updated 10:46 a.m. October 20th, 2023

(KNSI) – Little goblins and ghouls are encouraged to dress up in Halloween costumes during St. Cloud’s inaugural Fall Fest.

St. Cloud Park and Recreation Programmer Cassie Woischke tells KNSI News this was one of her top priorities when she took the job. “I came into this position about a year ago, and we didn’t do anything in the fall of last year. So, I was excited to look at an opportunity for this fall. This is a spin-off of Pumpkinfest with a lot of the same stuff, but still doing our own unique thing.”

The fall fun replaces Pumkinfest, which ended during the pandemic. The new free event will be at Riverside Park on Friday, October 20th, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Classic activities like the pumpkin patch and pumpkin painting are back, along with hayrides, trick-or-treat stations, inflatables, face painting and more. New activities include carnival games, a petting zoo, a story stroll, and an obstacle course made from police caution tape. The St. Cloud Fire Department is getting in on the action with a fire truck for kids of all ages to explore.

Woischke explained she’s a fan of gatherings like Fall Fest because “[Your’re] creating those lifelong memories and providing opportunities that families might not necessarily get to have. So, creating a free event where everyone can come to the park for some free family fun. You can’t go wrong with Halloween themed activity.”

The event will also feature ten kids’ organizations on-site, allowing families to connect and learn more about community resources. They include Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Minnesota, Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Minnesota, Girl Scouts Lakes and Pines, Great River Regional Library, Pathways 4 Youth, St. Cloud School of Music, Skatin’ Place, St. Cloud Area YMCA and Sylvan Learning Center.

For more information on Fall Fest, click here.

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