When is Trick-Or-Treating in Rochester, MN This Year? Here’s What You Should Know

If you’ve been wondering what time little ghosts, goblins, and superheroes will be making their candy rounds in Rochester this Halloween, you’re not alone. Every year, parents ask the same question: Is there an official time for trick-or-treating?

🎃 What Day Is Trick-or-Treating in Rochester, MN?

Rochester doesn’t have a set, city-wide schedule for trick-or-treating. That said, the community tradition is to go door-to-door on Halloween night, October 31. So, whether you’re suiting up your kids or stocking the candy bowl, plan for that evening.

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⏰ What Time Does Trick-or-Treating Usually Start and End in Rochester?

Expect the first wave of candy seekers to arrive around sunset (5:30–6:00 p.m.), when the sky’s getting spooky but it’s still light enough for safety. Most families wrap up their rounds by 8:00 p.m., though a few older kids may keep the hunt going until about 9:00 p.m.

🚓 Don’t Forget About Curfew

If you have teens heading out, remember that Olmsted County does have curfew laws for anyone under 18, so it’s smart to make sure everyone’s home (and sugared up) before the times listed below.

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Olmsted County Curfew Times:

Costumes

1. Costumes, wigs, trick-or-treat bags/containers, should be flame retardant or resistant

2. Costumes should be short enough to avoid tripping

3. Reflective material should be on the front and back of the costume

4. Choose makeup over a mask but if using a mask make sure it has eye holes that do not obstruct vision, ear holes that allow for normal hearing and a hole for the mouth to allow for normal breathing

5. Do not carry sharp objects

6. Costumes should fit loosely to allow for freedom of movement

Trick or Treating

1. Adults should always accompany children

2. Trick or treat in groups

3. Establish a return time for children old enough to trick or treat without a parent

4. Plan a route in well-known areas

5. Stay in well-lit areas, do not allow children to take shortcuts through alleys, fields…etc.

6. Children should carry flashlights, have reflective material on their costumes and/or use light sticks so they will be seen by motorists

7. Children should only knock on the door of a house that has lights on

8. Never enter the house of a stranger

9. Never enter the vehicle of a stranger

10. Observe all traffic signs and laws

11. Stay on the sidewalk

12. Walk; do not run from place to place especially when crossing the street, do not cross the street between parked cars

13. Carry a cell phone

14. Do not eat treats until home and inspected by an adult

15. Report any suspicious activity to the Police Department

Drivers

1. Drive slow, very slow, with lights and flashers on if in a neighborhood with trick or treaters

2. Watch carefully for children crossing the street between cars and from obstructed areas

Once Home

1. Inspect all candy for signs of tampering: small holes, re-wrapping or torn packaging

2. Throw out any suspicious candy

3. Homemade goodies should only be consumed if given by friends or relatives