The North Metro's Entertainment District
Downtown Anoka
You don't have to wait for October to experience the charm of the Halloween Capital of the World! Come Discover the vibrant small business community of downtown Anoka!
Shop | Eat | Play | Stay
Discover Anoka
Thanks to the Anoka Social District, you can take your favorite adult beverage to go! Visit the Discover Anoka bars and restaurants listed in the tab above to get your official Social District cup so you may sip, shop, and stroll downtown Anoka.
For the last 106 years
The Halloween Capital of the World
Anoka, Minnesota was the first city in the United States to put on a Halloween celebration over 100 years ago to divert its youngsters from Halloween pranks. When Anokans awoke to find their cows roaming Main Street, windows soaped and outhouses tipped over, they decided something had to be done.
A costume parade and block party seemed like the perfect trick! Halloween became a wonderful distraction for our town for generations to come, and we wouldn’t have it any other way. The crisp air of the season, the creativity of the shops, the schools, costumes, laughter, food, fun, and the parties! There are so many reasons to love the month of October.
Where to park
Free Parking
Parking is easy and free. Several ramps, open lots and street parking are available throughout our historic river town. Don’t let the downtown location fool you. There’s plenty of convenient, FREE parking located just footsteps from wherever you want to be. You may also take advantage of the two municipal parking ramps, located on (1.) Jackson Street between 2nd and 3rd Avenues and (2.) 2nd Avenue between Main Street and Monroe Street.