Things To Do

18 must-see Halloween events in Michigan (Oct 29-Nov. 1, 2026)

Haunted celebrations, bar crawls, music, and more.

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(The 'Gander)

Michigan knows how to do Halloween right, and there is no shortage of events to get ghoulish around the state.

This week’s highlights include haunted celebrations, bar crawls, and Día de los Muertos festivities.

As always, I’d love to hear your suggestions! If you know of an upcoming event you’d like me to highlight, please send me a note here (suggestions should be submitted at least one week before the event).

West Michigan

1. Halloween Weekend at Haunted Henderson Castle

Oct. 29-31

100 Monroe St., Kalamazoo

“Step into a weekend of mystery, magic and Halloween fun at Henderson Castle! Enchanted Forest tours, Haunted tours inside Henderson Castle, Face painting, Bobbing for apples, Donuts and cider, Spooky drinks inside the Castle – Dinner at h Chophouse—reservations required, And a hidden speakeasy…if you shall find it!”

2. Monsters, Magic & Martians – A Halloweekend Costume Party

Oct. 30-31

20 Monroe Ave. NW, Grand Rapids

“The B.O.B. present Monsters, Magic & Martians – A Halloweekend Costume Party at The B.O.B., because one night of Halloween Horror just isn’t enough! Join us Friday, October 30, and Saturday, October 31 (or both!) as each floor transforms into immersive scenes inspired by Fairytales, Myths, Sci-fi, and more. Enjoy themed drinks, live entertainment across five venues, access to Eve Nightclub, and a photo booth to capture your killer look. Both nights feature massive Costume Contests–if you don’t win Friday, come back Saturday for another shot!”

3. Big Rapids Fall Fest

Saturday, Oct. 31, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

Downtown Big Rapids

“Celebrate autumn in the heart of downtown Big Rapids at the annual Big Rapids DBA Fall Fest, one of the most anticipated fall events in West Michigan. This year, the festival lands on Halloween, making it the perfect way to enjoy seasonal traditions with kids, friends, and neighbors.”

4. Douglas Halloween Parade for Adults

Saturday, Oct. 31, 10-11:30 p.m.

30 Center St., Douglas

“Join Us for the 28th Annual Douglas Halloween Parade for Adults! Get ready to experience a Halloween event like no other! This parade takes “adulting” to a whole new level of fun with vibrant lights, concert-quality sound, and jaw-dropping costumes that turn Downtown Douglas into a dazzling stage of creativity and performance.”

5. Día de los Muertos at City Built Brewing

Sunday, Nov. 1, 12-7 p.m.

820 Monroe Ave. NW, Suite 155, Grand Rapids

“Join us for a day of music, food, culture, and community as we honor and celebrate loved ones who have passed. Our community ofrenda will be at the heart of the celebration! Bring a photograph of someone you’d like to remember and add it to the altar—a shared space for their stories and memories.”

Northern Michigan/UP

6. Halloween Spooktacular and Parade of Frights

Friday, Oct. 30, 4-7 p.m.

Downtown Sault Ste. Marie

“We are so excited to present Lock City Home Center’s Halloween Spooktacular and Parade of Frights!!! We look for to seeing all the ghouls and frights on October 30th!”

7. Halloween Party at Silver Spruce

Friday, Oct. 30, 6-10 p.m.

439 E Eighth St., Traverse City

“Our spooky party has returned! Come in costume to enter our prize raffle. This is for sure one of our most fun parties of the year. We can’t wait to see you all! A spooky event with a live DJ, beer tapped from a pumpkin, food specials, a costume contest, raffles, games, and more!”

8. 18th Annual Zombie Run

Saturday, Oct. 31, 9 a.m.-12 p.m.

225 E Sixteenth St., Traverse City

“The Traverse City Zombie Run is a Halloween tradition! Over the years we’ve seen zombies from all walks of life, or should we say death. Who or what will show up this year? Right Brain Brewery will be hosting the run as always. Zombies and beer have always been a winning combination! Make sure to stick around after the race for the medal ceremony, costume prizes, music, post-race refreshments, and most of all zombie socializing!”

9. Boos, Brews, & Brats

Saturday, Oct. 31, 12-10 p.m.

432 River St. , Manistee

“This event is open to the public. Admission is a $5 donation at the door and food/beer/seltzer tickets are $5 each. A cash bar will also be available.”

Mid/South Michigan

10. The Ringing

Thursday, Oct. 29, beginning at 8 p.m.

375 W. Circle Dr., East Lansing

“Celebrate Halloween as Beaumont Tower comes to life with music and visuals lighting up the tower. University carillonist Jon Lehrer is joined by Theater Professor Alison Dobbins for a program of eerie favorites, from Saint‑Saëns to modern film scores, accompanied by large-scale animated imagery.”

11. Trick or Treat on the Square

Friday, Oct. 30, 5-7 p.m.

215 South Washington Square, Lansing

“Grab your candy bag, put on your favorite costume, and join us for Trick or Treat on the Square — an evening of treats, tricks and family fun in Downtown Lansing! Stroll historic Washington Square for a family-friendly trick-or-treat experience with neighborhood businesses. Collect free candy, join in games and activities, and enjoy plenty of spooky surprises along the way.”

12. Bridge Street Trick or Treat

Friday, Oct. 30, 5-7 p.m.

213 South Bridge St., Grand Ledge

“Downtown Grand Ledge businesses on both sides of Bridge Street and Bridge Street Plaza welcome children and families in costume for a community trick-or-treating event.”

13. The Halloween Bar Crawl – Lansing

Saturday, Oct. 31, 4-10 p.m.

325 Riverfront Drive, Lansing

“Get ready to celebrate Halloween like never before! Join us for a spooktacular bar crawl featuring creepy cocktails, outrageous costumes, and an electrifying atmosphere. We’re making our way through Lansing’s top bars with exclusive drink deals, Halloween-themed entertainment, and surprises lurking around every corner.”

Southeast Michigan/Thumb

14. Youmacon 2026

Oct. 29-Nov. 1

1 Washington Boulevard, Detroit

“Detroit’s premier celebration of anime, gaming, cosplay, music, art and Japanese pop culture, returns to Huntington Place Oct. 29-Nov. 1 for four days of immersive programming, entertainment and fan experiences.”

15. Halloween at Orchestra Hall

Saturday, Oct. 31, beginning at 11 a.m.

3711 Woodward Ave., Detroit

“Dress up and join the Detroit Symphony Orchestra for a Halloween celebration filled with spooky sounds, magical music, and symphonic surprises! From ghostly dances to mischievous spells, this playful concert brings classical music’s most delightfully eerie moments to life—with a festive costume contest for young concertgoers!”

16. Pride to the Polls

Saturday, Oct. 31, 1-3 p.m.

2937 E Grand Boulevard, Detroit

“Party to the Polls is an LGBTQIA+ community-centered day of civic engagement, music, refreshments and fun on October 31st. We will register voters and hold a march to the Department of Elections to drop off our ballots.”

17. Nightmare in the D: Halloween Bar Crawl

Saturday, Oct. 31, 4-8 p.m.

349 Monroe St., Detroit

“Nightmare in the D is Detroit’s ultimate Halloween bar crawl — a city-wide night of spooky vibes, drink specials, party transportation, and nonstop energy across Detroit’s top nightlife neighborhoods.”

18. Día de los Muertos on the Detroit Riverfront

Sunday, Nov. 1, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.

Robert C. Valade Park (2670 Atwater St., Detroit)

“An event celebrating the cultural traditions of Día de los Muertos on the Detroit Riverfront. Family-friendly event featuring food, live music, ballet folklórico, shop vendors, children’s activities and more! View our community ofrenda honoring and remembering all those we have lost. Participate by leaving a name or message for a loved one. Free Admission!”

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  • Karel Vega is The ’Gander’s newsletter editor. Coming from a long background in public radio, Karel strives to find stories that inform and inspire local communities. Before joining The ’Gander, Karel served as managing editor at WKAR, the NPR affiliate in East Lansing, Michigan.

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