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Roundabout: Out & About
Wednesday, October 15, 2025
Good morning!
This week in Out & About, Hollywood comes to Minnesota as the Twin Cities Film Fest rolls out the red carpet. Meanwhile, The Haunted Oaks lights up October nights, and Woodbury’s fall calendar is packed with films, festivals and Halloween fun.
Get your popcorn ready, and maybe a pumpkin, too.
Editor: Chuck Nowlen
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Top Story
Image courtesy of Twin Cities Film Fest
Twin Cities Film Fest Brings Hollywood To Minnesota
By Hunter Friesen
From late August through mid-September, the fall film festival season reaches its apex of influence with the overlapping of the Venice International Film Festival, Telluride Film Festival and Toronto International Film Festival.
Dozens of A-list movie stars and auteurs debut their newest projects, walking the red carpet and shaking hands to attract as much attention as possible. It’s all a game, with the victor being showered with praise in the form of box office earnings and industry awards.
While those headlining festivals are mostly exclusive events, a democratization of this process begins in October with the blitz of the regional festivals. All across the country and the world, smaller festivals gather a collection of the best that world cinema has to offer, curating for local tastes and building narratives that carry on throughout the rest of the year.
Highlighted Events
 | The Haunted OaksAll throughout October | Royal Oaks NeighborhoodElaborate Halloween decorations in the Royal Oaks neighborhood draw hundreds of trick-or-treaters each year. Organizers continue adding new displays throughout October, with updates shared on their Facebook page for visitors planning a night to see the lights and spooky sights. |
 | Come by Here: Songs of Hope and HealingOctober 19, 3-4:30 p.m. | King of Kings Lutheran Church, 1583 Radio DrA free concert of inspiring music, including works by Kyle Pederson, Ysaye Barnwell, Jeffrey Ames, Alice Parker and Carol King. A free will offering will benefit the Annunciation Catholic School Greatest Need Fund. |
Events Calendar
Halloween Costume Swap
Wednesday, October 15, 4:30-6:30 p.m. | Washington County Environmental Center, 4039 Cottage Grove Dr.
Free swap of costumes and accessories for spooky times ahead. Costume donations to be recycled can be dropped off until October 11.
Woodbury Green Talks
Thursday, October 16, 4:30-6:30 p.m. | Eagle Valley Golf Course, 2600 Double Eagle Lane.
Hear from top professionals in the field of climate sciences about local issues impacting water quality and the environment, and chat with other concerned citizens. Sponsored by the City of Woodbury and South Washington Watershed District. Free.
Toastmasters
Thursday, October 16, 6:30 p.m. | Davanni’s, 1905 Donegal Drive.
The King’s Speakers invite you to join them for speeches, table topics, and fellowship. Pizza and beverages available for purchase.
Courthouse by Candlelight
Thursday, October 16, 7 p.m. | Washington County Historic Courthouse, 101 West Pine St., Stillwater.
Spooky — but not-too-scary — Halloween tours through hidden areas with eerie stories and creaky stairs. $10 with registration required.
Stay Safe Online
Friday, October 17, 1-2:30 p.m. | R.H. Stafford Library.
Learn about safe browsing tools and techniques, password management, social media privacy, and device maintenance. Registration required.
Costume Drive
Friday, October 17–Friday, October 24 | East Ridge High School, Main Office.
Donate gently used costumes. Sponsored by the ERHS Sustainability Club and SoWashCo to help families in need across the community.
Mix a Custom Seed Blend: Blue Jay Style! & Make a Pinecone Feeder
Saturday, October 18, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. | Wild Birds Unlimited, 8390 Tamarack Village, #517.
Create your own seed blend for $3 per bag, plus enjoy a free pinecone feeder craft and coloring contest.
Kids Spooktacular
Saturday, October 18, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. | Cub Foods, 8432 Tamarack Village.
Trick or treat around the store, decorate cookies and pumpkins, and get your face painted. Free.
Hilltop Pumpkin Party and Rotary Halloween Parade
Saturday, October 18, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. | Camp St. Croix, 345 Riverview Dr., Hudson, Wis.
Costume contests with cash prizes, horse-drawn wagon rides, pumpkin decorating, a petting zoo, games, and treats. Sponsored by the Rotary Club. Free.
No Kings Stillwater
Saturday, October 18, 12-2 p.m. | Oak Park Crossing Park, 15125 60th St N., Stillwater.
March with signs and friends to the bridge over Highway 36 in this peaceful demonstration.
Intro to Improv for Adults
Saturday, October 18, 2-4 p.m. | R.H. Stafford Library.
An introduction to improv fundamentals like “Yes, And,” active listening, group play, and character creation. No experience necessary. Registration required.
Diwali Mela Celebration
Saturday, October 18, 3-7 p.m. | M Health Fairview Sports Center, 4125 Radio Dr.
Celebrate Diwali with colorful lights, cultural performances, festive music, and delicious food. Sponsored by the Hindu Society of Minnesota. Tickets available.
Fun & Games
Fun Fact
Minnesota is the only market with the “Big Four” professional sports leagues (MLB, NFL, NBA, NHL) where all four teams are named after the state, not the city they're in.
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