Good morning, St. Cloud.

The Tri-County Humane Society will host a free 'Paws and Pumpkins' open house Friday, October 24, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at 735 Eighth St. NE—inviting community members to enjoy a pet photo booth, vendors, treats, and adoption fee discounts of up to 50% off on dogs and select cats.

St. Cloud is gearing up for Halloween with events planned for this weekend.

FACT Fest runs tonight from 5:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m., Granite City Ink Fest is held from Friday through Sunday at River’s Edge Convention Center, and family activities like Pumpkin Mania take place Saturday—each event offers music, contests and local fun.

The St. Cloud Zoning Board of Appeals unanimously approved a permit on Tuesday night—a milestone for Stride Academy—to expand its program from serving kindergarten through eighth grade to offering kindergarten through 12th grade.

The school will accept ninth graders in 2027-2028 and add upper grades gradually through 2031 while using a parking bank provision to add up to 100 parking spaces if needed.

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources update shows that in St. Cloud, many trees are still turning while others remain green, and a report from Lake Maria State Park found fall color to be between 25 and 50 percent.

Cooler temperatures have not boosted the change in central Minnesota—areas near the southern border show only 50 to 75 percent change.

Metro Bus will offer free rides on Election Day, November 4th, for all voters and on Veterans Day, November 11th, for veterans and active military—riders must show proper ID on Northstar Link and Fixed Route services and mention military status for Dial-A-Ride calls.

St. Cloud is planning a major downtown makeover that will add bike lanes, improved lighting, and modern bus shelters along 5th Avenue and may move the project date from 2029 to 2027 if state bonding money is approved (the city is asking for $3.4M with a 50 percent local match).

The city is also renewing a plan for a new riverwalk near Cathedral High School (with a bonding request of $3.15M) to offer better access to the river.

Realtor.com data shows that in September the median listing price in Stearns County was $329,900, unchanged from the previous month and slightly lower than $332,400 last September.

Homes were on the market for a median of 46 days and 194 new listings were posted—a 26% increase from last September.

Tuesday night, Sauk Rapids-Rice upset Brainerd as the Storm led 31 to 16 at halftime and won with key plays from running back Carter Riedeman and quarterback Spencer Ackerman—setting up a showdown against #1 seed Alexandria on Saturday night.

High school playoff football games in central Minnesota were played Tuesday night in windy conditions that led to big wins and shutouts.

Cathedral won 63 to 0 and will face Redwood Valley Saturday—other teams like Kimball and Sauk Rapids-Rice secured wins as they prepare for next matchups.

The Phantom of the Opera (1925) Live Score by Quarkestra

7:30-9:30 p.m. — Gnarly Bard Theater — Ticketed event — Experience the haunting romance of a silent classic with an original live score.

A Tribute to 90's Alternative Rock

7:30-9 p.m. — Pioneer Place On Fifth — Cost info not provided — Relive the iconic sounds of the 90's with hits from your favorite bands in a nostalgic celebration.

A Choral Community Celebration

4-6 p.m. — Stewart Hall — $5 max for parking — Experience a celebratory concert showcasing the choral talents from Central Minnesota's finest ensembles.

Project Connect

10 AM – 3 PM — St. Cloud River’s Edge Convention Center — Free entry — Access community services from local agencies at this beneficial event.

Mall-O-Ween Spooktacular

4-7 p.m. — Crossroads Center — Free entry — Enjoy a fun-filled evening of Halloween activities with trick-or-treating, pumpkin painting, and more.

Born On The Bayou: The Music of John Fogerty & Creedence Clearwater Revival

7:30-9 p.m. — Pioneer Place On Fifth — Ticketed — Experience the classic hits of CCR and John Fogerty performed by Mason Dixon in a rocking tribute.

Granite City Train Show 2025

9 a.m. – 3 p.m. — St. Cloud River’s Edge Convention Center — Admission details not specified — Explore model trains, interactive exhibits, and family fun activities.

Stained Glass & Agate Mosaic Workshop

6-8 p.m. — Rock and Art Shop — Cost varies — Create your own beautiful glass and agate mosaic in a fun, colorful evening.

Zonta Christmas House 2025

2-8 p.m. — 1408 Antler Creek Ct — Entry fee supports a good cause — Explore stunning holiday décor while supporting women’s education and empowerment.

Cathedral's Winter Gala 2025

5-10 p.m. — The Park Event Center — $115 individual tickets, $1,500 for a table — Experience a vibrant evening filled with dining, entertainment, and a live auction supporting student programs.