Top 10 festivals in Minnesota this fall

This fall staple’s new attraction is an action- and stunt-packed BMX Mega jump during opening weekend. The fest features more than 30 family-friendly attractions including an obstacle course, corn maze, corn pits, pig races, pumpkin blasters and magic shows. (10 a.m.-7 p.m. Sat.-Sun. through Oct. 26 & Oct. 16-17. $16-$26. 3121 150th St. W., Shakopee. seversfestivals.com)

Crunchy, sweet apples are in season and visitors can pick their own or purchase prepicked ones. Pumpkins and squash are also available. Meander about the grounds for a truck or sunflower photo op, animal feeding, pirate and tractor playground and critter bounce. For an extra fee, wind through the corn maze, ride pedal carts, a wagon and the cow train. (10 a.m.-6 p.m. Thu.-Sun. through Oct. 26. Free, though tickets required for some attractions. 9048 Ahern Av. SE., Delano. fallharvestorchard.com)

This year, the family-operated farm’s event is bigger, with a pumpkin patch, petting zoo, corn mazes, and corn cannon and pit. Fall decor will be available for sale and there will be plenty of food options. (11 a.m.-4 p.m. Fri.; 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Sat.-Sun.; 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Oct. 16-17 through Oct. 26. $13, ages 4 and under free. 8102 72nd St. NE., Monticello. freshacresmn.com)

Make your way through the Twin Cities’ largest corn maze and hunt down all 15 trivia questions for a chance to enter a drawing for a gift card. Free attractions include yard games, live music, magic shows, farm market and pumpkin patch. The maze and activity area includes a train ride, corn pits, giant and mini corn mazes, playground and more. This year, the fest honors first responders, so EMS personnel, firefighters and police officers can get in free with an ID.(10 a.m.-6 p.m. Sat.-Sun. through Oct. 27 & Oct. 17-18. $14. 8001 109th Av. N., Brooklyn Park. twincitiesmaze.com)

A lively dance party and a workshop by the Cheremosh Dance Ensemble promise to get the crowd on its feet on the first day of the festival. A varenyky (dumpling) eating contest will be held on Day 2. Throughout the weekend enjoy Ukrainian street food, a beer garden, craft vendors and cultural exhibits. Donations collected will be used toward sending medical supplies to Ukraine. (6-9 p.m. Sept. 19; noon-8 p.m. Sept. 20. Ukrainian Community Center, 301 NE. Main St., Mpls. ukrainianfestivalmn.com)

Wabasha, the small town along the Mississippi, claims to showcase fall like no other with artistic displays of pumpkins, flowers, straw bales, cornstalks and gourds. Held over two weekends, the fest includes a pumpkin derby, porch pot workshop, live music, pottery wheel demonstrations and yoga in the park. (Sept. 27-28 & Oct. 4-5. Various locations throughout Wabasha, Minn. wabashamn.org )

In its 41st year, the festival kicks off with Dožínky Zero K at Giesenbräu Bier Co., followed by bingo. Festivities throughout the weekend include a car cruise, street dance, opening ceremony at the Czech Heritage Village, kids Czech tour, food and merchandise vendors. At the Little Harvest Hustle, kids race down Main Street. Parents can join their little ones in this fun run. Entertainment includes the parade of farm pride and a variety show. (5:30 p.m. Sept. 18; 6:30 p.m. Sept. 19; 9 a.m. Sept. 20 Free. Various locations throughout New Prague. newprague.com)

Nothing says the harvest season like time on the farm. Gale Woods Farm will feature a festival village where guests can listen to live music and grab food. They also can explore the farm, interact with animals, watch sheepdog herding trials, walk through the gardens and learn to cook with farm-fresh foods. See how cider is pressed and try a sample. There’s also opportunities to purchase fresh produce and items from fiber arts vendors. (10 a.m.-4 p.m. Oct. 11-12. Free. Gale Woods Farm, 7210 Cty. Rd. 110 W., Minnetrista. threeriversparks.org)