6 Last-Minute Ways to Celebrate Halloween in the Twin Cities

Many Twin Cities D.C. bars and restaurants sat out of Halloween festivities in 2020 because they had to enforce restrictions on capacity and last call during the the height of the COVID-19 crisis. With regulations much more relaxed this year, themed parties and costumes contests are returning in all their gory glory.

Here’s a list of last-minute ways to celebrate Halloween before and on Sunday, October 31.

Fun-sized adult treats from Tattersall Distilling

1620 Central Avenue NE

Tucked inside the historic Thorpe building, the Northeast Minneapolis spirits maker gets into the spooky spirit by bringing its latest ready-to-drink cocktail to life. The Corpse Reviver #2, made with Tattersall Gin, citrus and a touch of Tattersall Absinthe, just hit retail store shelves and hotel minibars nationwide.

Tattersall Distilling/official photo

Industry party at Constantine

1115 2nd Ave S., Minneapolis

The creative cocktail bar in the depths of the Ivy Hotel hosts an “Unholy Spirits” Halloween party on Sunday, October 31, from 5 p.m. to midnight, with DJ Grant Mayland spinning at 9 p.m. Service industry workers can show their clock-out slips to receive cocktail specials. Constantine’s costume contest rewards the best dressed with $100 in cash and a $100 gift card, and $100 or $75 gift cards for runners-up, with winners announced at 10 p.m.

Dance party at Mortimer’s Bar

2001 Lyndale Ave S., Minneapolis

The dive bar kicks off Halloween weekend with an “intimate goth dance party” on Friday, October 29, from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m., with DJ Q (Gothess) and guest DJ Gwiingwans spinning spooky tracks. Proof of vaccination or negative COVID-19 test within 72 hours are required; $10 cash cover.

Apple everything at Minneapolis Cider Co.

701 SE 9th Street

The Northeast cidery that just doubled in size to accommodate more beer drinkers, events, and pickleball players kicks off Halloween weekend with free s’mores on the patio from 7 p.m. to close on Friday, October 29. Weekend-long offerings include crêpes in fall flavors like pumpkin spice and apple pie, mugs of hot mulled cider, an apple pie craft cocktail, and costume contest for the chance to win a round of pickleball with friends and a $50 taproom gift card. An apple-themed weekend brunch from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. brings cidermosas, brunch cocktails, and crêpes to the table.

VIP bottle service at Seven Steakhouse & Sushi

700 Hennepin Avenue, Minneapolis

Downtown’s swanky spot for steaks and sushi throws a “Nightmare on 7th Street” bash on Halloween night, with tickets still available for $25 per person. It pays off to dress to impress, with costume contest winners receiving prizes valued at $300, $500, and $800. DJ Ones and DJ Challo start spinning at 10 p.m. Make a dinner reservation online or book VIP bottle service via VIP@7mpls.com.

$5 pours at Brit’s Pub

1110 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis

For a pint-filled Halloween pregame, head to the beloved U.K. pub on Saturday, October 30, for drink deals like $5 beer from Minneapolis’s Sociable Cider. Channel nineties vibes with Oasis tribute band Nicollet & Alcohol, which plans to also throw in Brit pop and rock classics. Guests are invited to don their “best British clobber” or “come as your favourite Brit” to stay on theme. Doors at 6 p.m. and music at 8:30 p.m. up in its clubhouse lounge.