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).

El-Sayed leads Rogers in new poll (ClickOnDetroit): A new WDIV/Detroit News poll finds Democrat Abdul El-Sayed leading Republican Mike Rogers 51.4% to 45.1% in a hypothetical matchup for Michigan’s US Senate seat. Both candidates are widely recognized by voters, but Rogers has a higher unfavorable rating while El-Sayed’s favorability is slightly higher. The survey of 600 likely voters was conducted last week and has a 4-point margin of error.

Northern MI community shares concerns ahead of combat drone testing (WCMU): Community members in Grayling are expressing concern over a planned closure of a portion of Camp Grayling in November for military combat drone testing. Military leaders say the exercise is needed to prepare troops for modern warfare, but some residents argue the community deserves more input into how the land is used as the tests are set to take place during the start of firearm hunting season.

Jury clears MSP trooper who punched jaywalker (MLive): A jury has found a Michigan State Police trooper not guilty of misconduct in office and assault and battery charges stemming from a 2022 incident in which he took a Saginaw pedestrian to the ground and punched him nearly 20 times. Prosecutors had argued Paul E. Arrowood abused his authority, while his defense maintained he had grounds to stop the man. Arrowood remains on unpaid suspension.

Click the map to explore each location. (Google My Maps)

West Michigan

👽 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.”

💀 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

🧟‍♀️ 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!”

🪵 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

🔔 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.”

👻 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.”

Southeast Michigan/Thumb

🎻 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!”

💀 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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Thanks for reading. This newsletter was written by Karel Vega and edited by Crystal Niforos.

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