Tricks and Treats: New Halloween Event at Valleyfair
This fall, Valleyfair is launching a brand-new Halloween celebration: Tricks and Treats, an all-ages event that playfully observes the season with fun activities and delicious eats at the largest amusement park in the upper Midwest.
“Valleyfair is a fan of bringing new experiences and entertainment to our guests,” says Raul Rehnborg, Valleyfair’s general manager. “We envisioned a new, immersive experience that didn’t include the scary part of Halloween, with something for visitors of every age.”
Valleyfair’s Halloween transformation will be apparent from the moment visitors enter the park, where they are greeted by a grove of maple trees. From there, they can choose to enter the Land of Tricks, with gross-out Ickyville and the 1920s-themed village of Spooky Spires, or the Land of Treats, featuring autumn-themed Everfall and candy-centric Sweet Tooth Acres.
“Each area has special entertainment, games, activities, and its own featured food items and drinks,” says Rehnborg. “It’s four different experiences in one.”
He notes that the level of immersiveness makes Tricks and Treats a unique Halloween event. “We have midway characters inspired by the four lands, entertainment all over the park, and programming that transports you. I really like the broad appeal, from kids to grandparents and everyone in between, and I hope it creates memories for all of them.”
Visitors can enjoy a classic autumn experience at Everfall, which features a pumpkin decorating station and a wagon story stroll through pumpkins and hay bales. Sweet Tooth Acres offers a trick-or-treat trail and a lollipop stand. In Ickyville, create a monster mask and challenge your family members to taste gross flavors of BeanBoozled jelly beans. Visit Spooky Spires for midway games and a paint-by-numbers mural activity.
Tricks and Treats will also feature a lineup of live entertainment in each themed land, from cozy seasonal storytelling to all-zombie pop punk band The Snots. Rehnborg encourages visitors to check out The Incantation, a nightly celebration at the main stage that marks the arrival of Halloween.
“It happens at dusk, with a gigantic, festive jack-o-lantern that takes on a fiery presence,” he explains. “I think it will be an iconic part of the overall event and very memorable to kids especially.”
Rehnborg is also excited about the event’s themed food offerings, from hearty chicken pot pies and bean chili to desserts like pumpkin swirl buns and worms in dirt funnel cake. He recommends that visitors try the Blood Bags, seasonal alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages served in unforgettable ways.
“The visual of the Blood Bags is a very Instagrammable moment, make sure to try those! They’re fun to drink and they’re fun visually.”
Tricks and Treats will be held September 30 through October 30, 2022, on Fridays from 5:00 p.m. to 10 p.m., Saturdays from noon to 9:00 p.m., and Sundays from noon to 8:00 p.m. The event is included with daily admission to Valleyfair or the use of a season pass (save by purchasing tickets in advance online). Rides will be open, and visitors are encouraged to come in costume.
After experiencing Tricks and Treats at Valleyfair, treat yourself to a comfortable stay in Shakopee. Shakopee is home to Valleyfair, Canterbury Park, and the Minnesota Renaissance Festival, and is conveniently located to area attractions including Mystic Lake Casino, the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum, and Chanhassen Dinner Theater.
Book your stay in Shakopee today!
