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**Updated 1st of October, 2025
When October hits Metro Detroit, it’s never quiet. There’s fog in the air, pumpkins on porches, and a full-blown festival vibe from the first weekend to the last. This isn’t just costume season—it’s concerts, haunted forests, bar crawls, and barn parties, and much more packed into 31 days. Whether you’re chasing full-contact frights, family hayrides, or Detroit’s most over-the-top Halloween parties, this is your complete guide to everything worth doing in Metro Detroit this spooky season.
Halloween Concerts
Halloween Theatre & Musical Shows
Halloween Parties & Bar Crawls
Halloween Pop-Up Bars
Haunted Houses & Scare Parks
Immersive Walks & City Displays
Kids Halloween Events
Main Halloween Event
Halloween Concerts
Alice Cooper & Judas Priest
Date: October 2, 2025 (6:45 PM)
Pine Knob Music Theatre | 33 Bob Seger Dr, Clarkston, MI 48348
Ticket: Starting at $50 (varies by seating)
Website: Alice Cooper & Judas Priest
Shock rock meets metal royalty in this one-night-only double-headliner show. Alice Cooper and Judas Priest share the stage to kick off October with high-volume theatrics and classic heavy metal anthems. Special guest Corrosion of Conformity opens the evening, so expect a full night of headbanging. Fans are encouraged to bring their leather jackets and maybe some throat lozenges, you’ll be shouting along to “School’s Out” and “Breaking the Law” under the autumn stars. It’s a can’t-miss concert for Metro Detroit rockers, set in the iconic outdoor amphitheater of Pine Knob.
Insane Clown Posse - Hallowicked 2025
Date: October 31, 2025 (6:30 PM)
Masonic Temple Theatre | 500 Temple St, Detroit, MI 48201
Ticket: Starting at $40 (All Ages show)
Website: Insane Clown Posse - Hallowicked 2025
Detroit’s most infamous Halloween tradition returns as ICP hosts their 32nd annual Hallowicked clown show. This Halloween night concert is a spectacle of face paint, Faygo soda showers, and full-blast chaos, if you know, you know. The historic Masonic Temple provides an appropriately eerie backdrop for the hardcore hip-hop duo’s theatrical performance. Juggalos and curious locals alike can expect over-the-top horror-core antics, surprise guest performers, and an absolutely wild crowd. It’s one part concert, one part Halloween costume party, and all parts Detroit, a legendary night that always sells out. Pro tip: Dress to get messy (Faygo will be flying) and be ready to shout along, because on this night in Detroit, the clowns run the show.
Halloween Theatre & Musical Shows
Evil Dead in Concert
Date: October 8, 2025 (7:00 PM)
Masonic Temple Theatre | 500 Temple St, Detroit, MI 48201
Ticket: $31
Website: Evil Dead in Concert
A cult horror staple gets a live-score upgrade in this unique cinematic concert experience. Sam Raimi’s original Evil Dead film will play on the big screen while the score is performed live by composer Joe LoDuca and orchestra. Expect all the campy gore – chainsaws, “deadite” demons, and Bruce Campbell’s iconic screams – but with the added dimension of a booming live soundtrack. The Masonic’s ornate theatre will be full of horror fans who likely know every line, so don’t be surprised if the crowd yells out famous catchphrases. It’s a one-night blend of horror cinema and musical performance that’s equal parts scary and thrillingly fun for fans of the Evil Dead franchise.
The Rocky Horror Picture Show: 50th Anniversary Tour
Date: October 18, 2025 (8:00 PM)
Masonic Temple Theatre | 500 Temple St, Detroit, MI 48201
Ticket: Gen Ad $15
Website: The Rocky Horror Picture Show: 50th Anniversary Tour
Rocky Horror is turning 50, and it’s coming to Detroit for a single outrageous evening. This special anniversary tour features original cast members Barry Bostwick and Patricia Quinn joining the festivities, along with a live shadow cast. Fans will arrive in costume – expect to see a lot of fishnet stockings, corsets, and creative Dr. Frank-N-Furter looks. Prop bags will be in play (get ready to throw toast and do the Time Warp), and audience callbacks will ring through the hall all night. The Masonic Temple will transform into Dr. Frank-N-Furter’s castle with a raucous, participatory atmosphere. Whether you’re a long-time Rocky Horror devotee or a first-timer, this 50th anniversary show promises a night of nostalgia, debauchery, and absolute fun. Don’t dream it – be it!
Looking beyond Halloween? See our October guide to concerts, theatre, sports, and festivals.
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Halloween Parties & Bar Crawls
Royal Oak Official Halloween Bar Crawl
Date: Saturday, Oct 11, 2025 (2:00–7:00 PM)
Downtown Royal Oak check-in at Bar Louie | 510 S Main St, Royal Oak, MI 48067
Ticket: $24.01
Website: Royal Oak Official Halloween Bar Crawl
Downtown Royal Oak turns into a costumed block party for this afternoon bar crawl. Participants check in at one of several venues (Bar Louie, Tequila Blue, or Royal Oak Taphouse) to receive a wristband and digital crawl map. That wristband is your ticket to free cover at 4+ bars, drink specials, and entry into costume contests as you hop between pubs. Hundreds of ghosts, witches, and pop culture characters will be roaming Main Street, creating a fun and friendly daytime Halloween vibe. Organizers provide spooky swag, a photo booth, and even an after-party to keep the festivities rolling. It’s a great way to sample multiple Royal Oak hotspots in one go, all while showing off your costume and making new friends along the way. Remember to drink responsibly and maybe plan a rideshare, since the drinks will be flowing!
Monster’s Ball Detroit
Date: Saturday, Oct 18, 2025 (8:00 PM–2:00 AM)
The Russell Event Center | 1600 Clay St, Detroit, MI 48211
Admission: $24.30
Website: Monster’s Ball Detroit
Billed as Detroit’s largest annual Halloween party, Monster’s Ball is an over-the-top costume gala and club night all in one. The Russell Industrial Center’s event space will be transformed with multiple stages and themed areas: you’ll find live DJs spinning on the main stage, roaming circus performers and illusionists interacting with the crowd, and even tarot readers and fortune tellers tucked into eerie corners. High-end costumes are the norm – there’s a VIP balcony for those who splurge on Ultra VIP tickets, offering a prime view of the dance floor and access to exclusive performers (like burlesque “vampire mistresses” in a private lair). General admission gets you into the massive main floor where you can dance under blacklights and lasers with thousands of fellow partygoers. Cash bars (including premium bars in VIP areas) serve up cocktails all night. 21+ only, of course, and ID is required. If you’re looking for a Halloween experience on a club scale – part rave, part masquerade – Monster’s Ball is the place to be in Detroit on this night.
Detroit Official Halloween Bar Crawl
Date: Oct 25, 31, & Nov 1, 2025 (Sat 3:00–11:00PM & Friday 6:00PM–1:30AM)
Greektown, Detroit (check-in at Exodos Rooftop), 529 Monroe St, Detroit, MI 48226
Ticket: General Admission $20.00
Website: Detroit Official Halloween Bar Crawl
This Halloween bar crawl in Detroit’s Greektown is so big, it’s happening on two nights. On Saturday 10/25 and again on Halloween night 10/31, Bar Crawl Live invites costumed revelers to tour some of Downtown’s best bars and clubs. Check-in is at Exodos Rooftop in Greektown, where you’ll receive a wristband that grants no-cover entry at each participating venue and unlocks drink specials throughout the night. From there, you’re free to bounce between hotspots – one minute you might be sipping a witch’s brew cocktail at a pub, the next dancing in a nightclub with a hundred other people dressed as movie characters. The crawl has a suggested route that rotates through several bars (so each location isn’t over capacity at once), keeping the party on the move. You can expect DJs, costume contests, and a high-energy crowd at every stop. On Halloween night itself, the crawl goes extra late (past 1 AM) to cap off the season with a bang. It’s a safe, social way to experience Detroit nightlife in full costume – and a great option if you prefer a DIY pace rather than staying at one themed party.
The Official Halloween Bar Crawl
Date: Oct 31 & Nov 1, 2025 (Check-in 4:00–6:00 PM)
Check-in at Bookie’s Bar & Grille | 2208 Cass Ave, Detroit, MI 48201
Ticket: $25 (covers one night; includes 2-3 free drinks and after-party)
Website: The Official Halloween Bar Crawl
For those who want two nights of crawling, Crawl With Us is organizing a Halloween Bar Crawl that spans Halloween night and the following Saturday. Centered around the Downtown/Core Detroit bar district, this crawl kicks off at Bookie’s, where participants will get a wristband, a map, and some Halloween swag. Your ticket includes a couple of drink vouchers to use at select bars, so you might start with a free spooky shot or beer at check-in to get things rolling. The route typically includes 5+ venues ranging from sports bars to dance clubs, all within walking (or quick Uber) distance. An exclusive after-party is advertised, meaning one of the venues turns into the final gathering point with a late-night DJ or live music set. Because it’s a two-night event, some die-hards will go out on Oct 31 in full costume, then rally again Nov 1 for a “Halloweekend” reprise – but you can choose either night. Expect a lively, friendly crowd and plenty of costume variety. This crawl also tends to have a scavenger hunt or photo contest component (for example, taking pictures with certain props or at certain landmarks), which can make the night even more interactive. It’s a great way to experience Detroit’s bar scene while celebrating the holiday with a fun-loving group.
Jerk × Jollof: Halloween Edition
Date: Friday, Oct 31, 2025 (10:00 PM–2:00 AM)
Big Pink | 6440 Wight St, Detroit, MI 48207
Ticket: $22.66
Website: Jerk × Jollof: Halloween Edition
If you’re looking for a Halloween party with a global music flavor, Jerk × Jollof is the spot. This popular Afro-Caribbean party series is throwing a Halloween Edition at Big Pink, an artsy warehouse-style venue in Detroit. Doors open at 10 PM, and from then on it’s pure vibes: DJs will be spinning Afrobeats, Amapiano, dancehall, soca, and more all night, so expect a high-energy dance floor. True to its name, the event offers free jerk chicken and jollof rice plates while supplies last, a nod to Caribbean and West African culinary staples (and a perfect way to recharge after dancing). Costumes are encouraged, and you’ll see creative takes blending African fashion with Halloween themes. The crowd is 21+ and draws a diverse mix of young professionals and music lovers. Jerk × Jollof is known for a friendly, inclusive atmosphere where everyone’s out to have a great time and celebrate culture. By night’s end, you’ll have experienced one of Detroit’s most unique Halloween parties – complete with great food, great music, and maybe a few new dance moves.
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Halloween Pop-Up Bars
HalloWeiss IV
Date: Sep 4–Nov 8, 2025 | Tue-Thur (5-11pm) | Fri-Sat (5pm-12am)
Weiss Distilling Co | 34 E 14 Mile Rd, Clawson, MI 48017
Website: HalloWeiss IV
Distilling Co. turn their craft distillery’s speakeasy into an immersive haunted tavern each fall. This year’s HalloWeiss IV features elaborate set designs (think smoke, gothic furniture, and plenty of skeletons) and a menu of theatrical Halloween cocktails and mocktails. It’s an intimate space, so reservations are highly recommended to get a table. No cover charge; you pay for drinks, which come with names like “Scream Saver” and “Witch of Delray” featuring Weiss’s house-made spirits. This pop-up has developed a cult following – it’s perfect for a date night or small group looking for a classy yet spooky lounge vibe.
Wicked ‘Shop Shop
Date: Oct 1–31, 2025 | Mon-Thur (4-9pm) | Fri (4-10pm) | Sat (11am-10pm) | Sun (11am-9pm)
Union Woodshop | 18 S Main St, Village of Clarkston, MI 48346
Website: Wicked ‘Shop Shop
The cozy upstairs bar of Union Woodshop (a famous BBQ spot in downtown Clarkston) becomes the “Wicked ‘Shop Shop” for the month of October. All month long, they serve Halloween-themed cocktails – imagine smoky bourbon drinks with dry ice or rum punches in tiki skull mugs. The room is decked out with fake cobwebs and vintage Halloween decor, giving off a fun haunted saloon feel. On weekends, they often have tarot card readers and other pop-up entertainment, and near Halloween, they host a costume contest for patrons. It’s a laid-back, small-town haunt with big personality (and great food downstairs if you need to soak up the spirits).
Black Lagoon
Date: Oct 1–Nov 2, 2025
The Skip | 1234 The Belt, Detroit, MI 48226
Website: Black Lagoon
The Skip, a popular open-air bar in The Belt alley downtown, descends into darkness each October as it hosts Black Lagoon, a nationally-touring Halloween pop-up bar. This is the fifth year of Black Lagoon’s spooky takeover, and it’s known for its haunted house-inspired decorations and goth-cocktail menu. Past signature drinks have included the “Midnight Forever” (a black vodka sour) and “Widow Maker,” served with dramatic garnishes. The ambiance is moody and theatrical – dim red lighting, cobwebbed chandeliers, and maybe a zombie or two lurking. Reservations are available (and recommended, as it gets very popular), but they also welcome walk-ins if space allows. If you want to sip something spooky under the night sky in downtown Detroit, Black Lagoon is the spot.
Nightmare on Bagley
Date: Sep–Oct 31, 2025
Southwest Detroit | 2545 Bagley St, Detroit, MI 48216
Website: Nightmare on Bagley
In-Laws Hospitality has once again turned a storefront bar on Bagley Street into Nightmare on Bagley, a full-on Halloween lounge open nightly in October. The address is 2545 Bagley, right in the heart of Mexicantown/Corktown’s fringe. Inside, you’ll find seasonal cocktails (last year’s favorites included mezcal concoctions and pumpkin-spiced old fashioneds) and campy horror decor in every corner. They show classic horror movies on a projector in a back room, and the entire place is one big photo-op with its elaborate sets. No cover charge; just come early if you want a seat. It’s 21+ and has a playful vibe – one moment you might be sipping a drink from an IV bag, the next you’re posing in front of a “blood-spattered” wall for the ’Gram. Nightmare on Bagley has quickly become a local Halloween hangout where you can be as low-key or as extra as you want. (Fun fact: This same space will flip to a Christmas pop-up bar after Halloween, but for October it’s all about the scares.)
Spookeasy
Date: Oct 2-Nov 1, 2025 | Thur (5pm-11pm) | Fri-Sat (5pm-12am)
Royal Park Hotel | 600 E University Dr, Rochester, MI 48307
Website: Spookeasy
The Royal Park, a luxury hotel in Rochester, converts its lobby bar into a “Spookeasy” each Halloween season. This pop-up leans into a vintage haunted mansion theme: imagine a Prohibition-era lounge but with cobwebs, floating candelabras, and maybe a friendly ghost bartender. The cocktail menu offers classy takes on spooky drinks (e.g., a black gin martini, a smoky bourbon cider). There are also light bites themed for the season – you might find deviled egg “eyeballs” or pumpkin cheesecake on the menu. It’s first-come, first-serve seating for the Spookeasy, and it tends to draw a well-dressed crowd, including hotel guests and locals out for a festive evening. If you’re in the Rochester area and want a more refined Halloween drink experience (perhaps before or after a trip to nearby haunted houses), the Royal Park’s Spookeasy is worth a stop.
The Black Salt (Witch Bar)
Date: Open Year-round
The Black Salt | 2764 Florian St, Hamtramck, MI 48212
Website: The Black Salt
Salt is a permanent bar in Hamtramck that embraces witchcraft and the occult 24/7 – but naturally, October is its time to shine. Located at 2764 Florian St in the heart of Hamtramck, this cozy bar is decorated with apothecary bottles, ritual candles, and Tarot cards all year. In spooky season they amp it up with extra Samhain/Halloween décor and host special events like seances, spell-themed cocktail nights, and costume parties. Their drink menu reads like a potion book – look for “spell cocktails” featuring herbal liqueurs and dramatic presentations (they’re known to light drinks on fire or garnish with rosemary that looks like little broomsticks). There’s no cover and it’s a smaller space, so it can fill up on weekends – but that intimate vibe is part of the charm. Patrons often come dressed in their witchiest attire, and the crowd is a welcoming mix of goth, punk, and curious neighbors. If you truly want to “drink a potion” and feel the witchy spirit of the season, The Black Salt is the place.
Erebus Haunted Attraction, Facebook
Haunted Houses & Scare Parks
Erebus Haunted Attraction
Date: Sept 19-Nov 3, 2025
18 S Perry St, Pontiac, MI 48342
Admission: $25-$30
Website: Erebus Haunted Attraction
Erebus is the granddaddy of Michigan haunted houses – a four-story tower of terror that held the Guinness World Record for longest walkthrough haunt for years. The half-mile indoor route plunges you into movie-quality scenes: expect giant monsters, a swamp you have to trudge through, shifting walls, and even a section where it feels like you’re being buried alive. The creators of Erebus are special effects pros, so the animatronics and set pieces are top-notch. It’s an intense experience (they will startle you and maybe even “eat” you with a prop or two!). The haunt is designed to be linear, sending groups through in intervals – but lines can be long, especially closer to Halloween, so purchasing a timed ticket or Fast Pass online is wise. Erebus also occasionally offers a “Lights Out” night after Halloween for hardcore fans. If you consider yourself a haunted house connoisseur, Erebus is a must-visit, as it consistently ranks among the best in the nation.
Azra Chamber of Horrors
Date: Opens Sept 26; runs select nights in Oct & early Nov (7:30-10pm)
31401 John R Rd bldg 2, Madison Heights, MI 48071
Admission: Gen Ad $31.80
Website: Azra Chamber of Horrors
Azra is a newer addition to the scene (opened a few years ago) but has quickly gained a reputation as one of Metro Detroit’s most high-impact, in-your-face haunted houses. It’s a multi-level indoor haunt that used to be a laser tag arena, which means maze-like hallways and lots of dark corners. The scares at Azra come fast – live actors will get very close, some might follow you a while, and the sets are loud and intense (strobe lights, fog, and jump scares galore). They do something cool for families: on certain days they offer No Scare or “No Monster” nights, where they turn down the fright (no live actors, lights on) so younger kids or timid adults can walk through just to see the decorations. Also, watch for the Kids’ “Boo Bash” event – usually a daytime trick-or-treat experience at Azra that’s family-friendly. But on a regular night, Azra is hardcore: the clowns, demons, and creatures inside will leave you screaming. If you survived Erebus and want more, Azra is your next challenge.
Hush Haunted Attraction
Date: Sept 27-Nov 2, 2025 | Fri & Sun (7-10pm) | Sat (7pm-12am)
37550 Cherry Hill Rd, Westland, MI 48185
Admission: Gen Ad $27.99 | Fast Pass 1-hr Skip $39.99 | Immediate Entry 5-Minute $51.99
Website: Hush Haunted Attraction
Hush has evolved into a massive haunted destination, featuring three distinct haunted houses under one roof, plus an outdoor “Hush Falls” scare zone and even hidden haunted bars for 21+ guests. One ticket gets you into all three themed houses back-to-back (in 2025, the themes include a cursed Bayou, a creepy Manor, and an experimental Laboratory). The sets are Hollywood-quality – Hush spares no expense on making you feel like you’ve stepped onto a horror movie set. As you weave through, you might find a secret doorway that leads to a bar (for example, a speakeasy-themed bar in the middle of the haunt) where you can pause and catch your breath with a cocktail in a souvenir cup. Actors at Hush are top-notch and love to improvise if you engage with them (just don’t touch them and they won’t touch you). For families, Hush offers a Kids’ Trick-or-Treat afternoon (this year on Sunday Oct 26 from 2–5 PM) where they open the haunted houses with full lights, no actors, and pass out candy – a great way to let little ones see behind the scenes without the scares. On regular nights, lines can get very long (Hush’s popularity has soared), so consider a Fast Pass if you’re impatient. Hush provides a well-rounded haunted experience: part ultra-scary haunted house, part Halloween festival (there are food trucks, fire pits, and photo ops outside). It’s quickly become a must-visit in Metro Detroit’s haunt circuit.
Eloise Asylum
Date: Sept 29-Oct 31, 2025 | Wed-Thur (4-10pm) | Fri (4-11pm) | Sat (11am-11pm)
30712 Michigan Ave, Westland, MI 48186
Admission: Gen Ad 34.99 | VIP $64.99
Website: Eloise Asylum
Set inside a real abandoned asylum, Eloise is an immersive horror experience that blurs the line between haunted house and interactive theater. The building itself is the famed Eloise psychiatric hospital, which gives an extra layer of creepiness (many say it’s actually haunted by spirits). For the haunt, they’ve built a 35-40 minute walkthrough that spans multiple floors of the facility. You’ll encounter patient cells, medical labs, dark boiler rooms, and a host of deranged characters (the scare actors here really commit to the insane asylum theme). Eloise uses a timed entry system – you buy tickets for a specific hour – to manage wait times and group flow. As one of the newer haunts (launched 2019), it has invested in high-tech effects: expect digital projections, sophisticated animatronics, and some very gruesome makeup. This year is their 5th anniversary, so they’ve hinted at new scenes and surprises to mark the occasion. Important tips: dress warmly (parts of the building can be cold), wear good shoes (lots of walking and some stairs), and don’t plan on cell phone use inside (the signal is bad and you’ll want to stay alert anyway). Eloise is rapidly becoming a legend in Michigan haunt circles – it’s genuinely terrifying and a love letter to the horror history of its location.
Wiard’s Night Terrors
Date: Fridays/Saturdays in Oct, plus some Sundays
5565 Merritt Rd, Ypsilanti Township, MI 48197
Admission: $59.50
Website: Wiard’s Night Terrors
Night Terrors is a haunted theme park built on the grounds of Wiard’s Orchard, combining the fun of a country fair with the fear of haunted attractions. Your ticket options range from single haunt tickets to a full-park combo. The lineup includes: The Asylum (a haunted insane asylum house), The Barn (filled with murderous hillbillies), MindShaft (an underground mine-themed haunt), Alien Caged Clowns in 3D (yes, killer clowns and blacklight 3D glasses), and the famous Hayride of the Lost. Survive all those and you can also venture through the Haunted Corn Maze. In total, Wiard’s offers 6 attractions, so hardcore haunt fans will spend a solid evening here. Between scares, there’s a midway with food and warm drinks (hot cider and donuts, naturally, since it’s also an apple orchard by day). They also have bonfire pits and a big screen playing horror movies outdoors to give you a break from screaming. Because it’s mostly outdoors, dress for the weather – haunted hayrides on a chilly Michigan night can get cold. Night Terrors is great for groups, because you can split up and tackle different haunts then regroup at the fire pit to compare notes on what made you scream the loudest. It’s a bit of a drive (Ypsilanti Township, near Willow Run), but the breadth of attractions makes it worth it for a full night of Halloween fun.
The Scream Machine
Date: Opens September 26, 2025 | Fri-Sat (7-11pm)
25710 Northline Rd, Taylor, MI 48180
Admission: $33-$45
Website: The Scream Machine
A downriver Halloween staple, The Scream Machine has been scaring Metro Detroiters for years with its classic haunted house approach. Now located in a shopping center in Taylor, this haunt focuses on quality over quantity – one tight, intense walkthrough that takes about 15 minutes, but will leave you breathless. Inside, it’s a winding maze of tight corridors and pitch-black rooms. Many scenarios are claustrophobic by design (you might squeeze through a hallway of hanging body bags, or duck under low beams). The actors here are masters of the startle scare: silent one second, then shouting right behind you the next. Don’t be surprised if a chainsaw revs up when you least expect it. Scream Machine also offers a couple of add-ons: they often have 5-minute escape rooms in the lobby (for an extra $5, try a mini-puzzle adventure like a “Big Top Escape” or “The Void”). And for 2025, note their special event nights: on October 19, they have a “Lights On” family event (no scares, $10 entry), and on the weekend after Halloween, they do a total blackout night where you go through with just a glowstick – only for the bravest souls. The Scream Machine is a great choice if you’re in the Downriver area and want that traditional haunted house adrenaline rush. It’s also a bit more affordable than the mega-haunts, making it perfect for a casual scary night out.
Scarefest Scream Park
Date: Sep 19-Nov 2
34111 28 Mile Rd, Lenox, MI 48048
Admission: Starts at $22.60
Website: Scarefest Scream Park
Scarefest is the ultimate haunted hayride and haunted house combo in northern Macomb County. This outdoor scream park offers multiple attractions on its sprawling property. Highlights include a Haunted Hayride that meanders through the woods (with scenes and actors attacking the wagon), a walk-through Haunted House with a different theme each year, and a Haunted Forest Walk that takes you onto dark trails where creatures lurk behind the trees. One ticket can be bought for each individually, or you can get a combo wristband to do everything. What sets Scarefest apart is the festival feel: there’s a beer tent and live entertainment near the entrance, plus bonfires where you can hang out between attractions. They screen horror movies on a big inflatable screen, and there are food vendors selling cider, donuts, and carnival eats. Scarefest is also known for its special options like “VIP Haunted Hayride Wagons” you can rent for a private group (great for parties – you get your own wagon with no strangers, often with extra perks). The atmosphere here can be a little rowdy (think lots of excited teenagers and groups of friends), but that’s part of the fun. If you’re out toward New Haven/Lenox and want a one-stop haunt night, Scarefest offers a little bit of everything: a house, a hayride, a trail, plus booze and bites.
Rotten Manor
Date: Sep 12-Nov 1, 2025 | Thur & Sun (7-11pm) | Fri-Sat (7pm-12am)
13245 Dixie Hwy, Holly, MI 48442
Admission: $25-$35 per person
Website: Rotten Manor
Rotten Manor has quickly become a favorite for serious haunt enthusiasts due to its incredible detail and length. It features two main attractions: the Rotten Manor (a giant haunted house built to look like a crooked Victorian mansion facade in the woods) and Rotten Forest (an outdoor trail through the woods with its own storyline, which in 2025 includes sections like an Asylum and a “House of Wax” experience). Each of these is a long haunt – it can take 20–30 minutes each to get through, far longer than average. In addition, Rotten Manor offers a haunted hayride on site and a “midway” area with carnival games, a theater screen, and concessions. The creativity here is top-notch: every room in the Manor is heavily themed (one might be a circus with evil clowns, the next a swamp that “sinks”), and the actors stay in character with impressive costumes. It’s also out in a rural area, which means the dark surroundings add to the ambience (no traffic noise or city lights – just the sound of wind in the trees and screams in the distance). Important: Rotten Manor is cash only for tickets and merch, so hit an ATM before you go (they usually have ATMs on-site but lines can form). Also, wear shoes or boots you don’t mind getting muddy, especially if it’s rained – that forest trail can be slick. If you’re the type who loves to get lost in a haunted world, Rotten Manor’s combined haunts deliver nearly an hour of scares, making it well worth the drive up to Holly.
Deranged Haunt
Date: Sep 26-Nov 2, 2025 | Fri-Sat (8-11pm) | Sun (8-10pm)
35560 Goddard Rd, Romulus, MI 48174
Admission: GEN AD $26 | FAST PASS Tier 1 $36 | CAULDRON QUEST +$12
Website: Deranged Haunt
Deranged is an outdoor haunted trail that proves you don’t need animatronics and million-dollar sets to scare the heck out of people. Set in a wooded area not far from Detroit Metro Airport, this haunt leans into a “gritty and real” atmosphere. As you walk the dark path through the woods, it feels like a horror movie where you’re trying to escape a deranged killer in the wilderness. There are shacks and scenes constructed along the trail – maybe you’ll stumble upon a gruesome campsite, or a creepy cabin with flickering lights – but a lot of the fear comes from the unknown of the dark forest and the actors stalking within it. They have some 18+ adults-only nights (usually one night each weekend) where the actors are allowed to touch you (within stated limits) and the content is more extreme – absolutely not for kids or the faint of heart. Regular nights are still pretty scary, but the actors will keep a slight distance. Because it’s outdoors, Deranged is at the mercy of weather; a rainy night might make it even more eerie, but bring a poncho if drizzle is in the forecast. The haunt isn’t as long as some bigger ones, but it’s very intense. And the fact it raises your heartbeat without fancy props is a testament to how well they use the environment. Deranged Haunt is a favorite for those who want a back-to-basics scare and love the idea of a “haunted hike” through the woods.
Past Tense After Dark
Date: Sept 19-Oct 31, 2025 (7pm-12am)
1965 Farnsworth Rd. Lapeer, MI 48446
Admission: Corn Maze of Fear $10 | Hayride of Despair $10 | House of Horrors $15 | Combo Package $30
Website: Past Tense After Dark
Past Tense After Dark is a trio of haunted attractions tucked behind an apple orchard and cider mill, giving you a perfect blend of fall flavors and fear. The three main haunts here are the Hayride of Despair, the Corn Maze of Fear, and the House of Horrors. Each can be done separately or you get a combo ticket for all three. The Hayride of Despair is a tractor-pulled wagon through fields and woods – family-friendly at first glance, except creatures and scenes play out in the dark around you (and occasionally on the wagon!). The Corn Maze of Fear is exactly that: a winding maze in tall corn, but infested with scares (there’s nothing quite like the rustling of corn stalks behind you when you’re not sure if it’s the wind or something else). The House of Horrors is a traditional walk-through haunt with multiple themed rooms – it’s not as long as some big city haunts, but they pack in some great effects and classic jump scares. One nice aspect of Past Tense: before or after your haunted adventures, you can pop into the cider mill or bakery on site for fresh donuts, caramel apples, or hot cider. It gives a wholesome touch to balance the horror. Friday and Saturday nights the haunts run until midnight, and lines are usually reasonable (Lapeer is a bit off the beaten path, so it’s perfect for those in the Thumb or north Oakland County). If you’re looking to make a day of it, you could pick pumpkins and enjoy the farm during daylight, then face the haunted attractions after dark – a full fall experience all in one place.
Spooky Trails Farm
Date: SEP 26-OCT 26, 2025 | Fri-Sat (7-11pm) | Sun (12-5:30pm)
8266 Baldwin Rd, Swartz Creek, MI 48473
Admission: $9-$25
Website: Spooky Trails Farm
Spooky Trails is a family-owned farm that offers tame fall activities by day and spooky thrills by night. On Friday and Saturday evenings in October (7pm–11pm), they operate three main haunt attractions: 1) The Haunted Hayride with Rockin’ Roll Halloween Light Show (a wagon ride through fields featuring not just scares but a fun light-and-music display), 2) The Zombie Hunter Hayride (here you actually get to shoot paintball or blaster guns at targets/zombies from the wagon), and 3) The UnDead Field of Fear (a haunted cornfield trail). The hayride/light show is unique because it blends traditional hayride scares with a synchronized Halloween music light show – so one minute you’re startled by a ghost, the next you’re grooving to “Thriller” under strobes. The Zombie Hunter Hayride is more interactive and great for kids or anyone who likes a little less scare and more game. If you want the scariest part, the Cornfield (UnDead Field) is where live actors will chase and surprise you among the rows. Sundays during the day (noon–5:30pm), Spooky Trails switches to non-scary mode: pumpkin-picking hayrides, a corn maze (no monsters), and an apple cannon range for fun. It’s a clever split that lets them cater to both families and thrill-seekers. The farm is near Flint (Swartz Creek), so it’s convenient for Genesee County folks. If you go at night, bundle up (Michigan fall nights out in the country can get chilly) and consider getting the combo pass to enjoy all the experiences at a value. Spooky Trails manages to be welcoming and spooky at the same time – a testament to how a small farm can do Halloween big.
The Howling Haunted Trail & Party
Date: Oct 10–11, 17–18, 24–25, 2025 | Fri-Sat (7-11pm)
13575a Fenton Rd, Fenton, MI 48430
Admission: Gen Ad $25-$30 | RIP Pass $50
Website: The Howling Haunted Trail & Party
The Howling is a pop-up haunt with a heart: it runs only three weekends and proceeds benefit Adopt-A-Pet of Fenton (an animal rescue). But don’t let the charitable aspect fool you – this haunt is consistently rated among Michigan’s scariest. The setup: you arrive at a farm property where there’s a Halloween “party” area with bonfire, music, and snacks. From there, small groups are sent onto The Howling Trail, a winding path through dense woods and fields. The organizers pour their creativity into this short run – they claim to redesign and amp it up every year. You’ll encounter scenes ranging from horrific hillbilly shacks to werewolf lairs (fitting the “Howling” name) and who knows what else. The trail is intense and not recommended for kids (in fact, they make it 16+ or with parent, and they explicitly warn it’s not for those who scare easily). What makes it fun is after you “survive” the trail, you end up back at the party zone, where you can grab a warm cider or donut, share ghost stories by the fire, or enjoy a live band or DJ (some nights they have entertainment like a local rock band or a Halloween costume contest). It’s like a mini-festival with one really scary attraction at its core. And since it’s only open 6 total nights, it often sells out – buying tickets in advance online is smart. The Howling has a great community vibe (lots of volunteers, since it’s for charity) and at the same time delivers professional-grade scares. Plus, your screams help support homeless pets – a win-win in our book!
Blake’s Haunted Big Apple
Date: October 3, 2025 (5-10pm)
71485 North Ave, Armada, MI 48005
Admission: Free Entry
Website: Blake’s Haunted Big Apple
Blake’s Orchard is famous for U-pick apples and cider, but when night falls in October, their Big Apple farm turns into a Halloween adventure park. The signature attraction is the Haunted Hayride, a 30-minute wagon ride through dark orchards and fields filled with elaborate sets (you even stop halfway at a bonfire for a free cup of cider and a donut – a sweet pause amid the scares). Then there’s the 3-Story Haunted Barn, known as “Spookyland,” which is a huge haunted house structure where each level brings new frights. Blake’s also offers Zombie Paintball Safari, where you ride on a bus and shoot paintball guns at live actors dressed as zombies – a ton of fun, especially for kids and teens (and it lasts ~20 minutes). For 2025 they have multiple combo packages: for example, Combo #3 gets you all attractions (Hayride + Barn + Zombie Paintball + Spookyland admission) for around $62. If you want to skip lines, there’s a VIP combo with line-skipping for about $84. The atmosphere at Blake’s is great for families and groups – it’s scary but a bit lighter in tone than the goriest of haunted houses (plus you can always hang in the common areas if someone in your party chickens out). They also have live music or DJs on weekends and plenty of food options (their on-site bar serves hard cider, and there are food tents). Blake’s Haunted Big Apple is a perfect choice if you want a mix of spooky and cozy: you’ll scream on the hayride, but then you’ll have a cider donut to calm your nerves. It’s a quintessential Michigan fall evening.
Glenlore Trails, Facebook
Immersive Walks & City Displays
Glenlore Trails: Witching Hour
Date: Sep 25 to Nov 2, 2025 (7:45-9:30pm)
3860 Newton Road, Commerce Township, MI 48382
Admission: $15-$25
Website: Glenlore Trails: Witching Hour
Glenlore Trails is an illuminated night walk through the woods, and for Halloween it becomes Witching Hour. This is a family-friendly enchanted forest trail about one mile long, filled with lights, lasers, and interactive art installations themed around witches and woodland spirits. Time slots are ticketed (most nights 7–10:30 PM). Kids will be mesmerized by the talking trees and glowing jack-o’-lanterns, and adults will appreciate the artistry (it’s also a great date night idea). They often have an Adults-Only night on a Friday in October (this year on Oct 10) where 21+ can get cocktails and no kids are allowed after a certain hour, adding a more mature vibe. Glenlore Trails is not scary – it’s atmospheric and great for photos.
Hallowe’en in Greenfield Village
Date: Thurs–Sun evenings in Oct (6-10pm)
20900 Oakwood Blvd., Dearborn, MI 48124
Admission: $27.00
Website: Hallowe’en in Greenfield Village
This is a beloved annual tradition at The Henry Ford’s Greenfield Village. The historic village is lit by 1,000+ hand-carved jack-o’-lanterns lining the roads, and costumed characters from classic literature and history wander the streets. You might meet the Headless Horseman galloping by, or see witches bonfires, and even interact with classic movie monsters. The event is all-ages and not meant to be a jump-scare haunt – instead it’s a charming, old-fashioned Halloween experience. There’s a Hallowe’en Express train ride, live music, and treat stations for kids. Many families (and staff) dress in Victorian or vintage costumes, adding to the atmosphere. Tickets often sell out in advance because capacity is limited for the stroll times; if you haven’t gone, it’s truly like stepping back into a Halloween night from the 1920s.
Skeletons Are Alive!
Date: October 4, 2025 (5-9pm)
Downtown Northville, Michigan | 215 W Main St., Northville, MI 48167
Admission: free to attend for viewing the skeleton vignettes
Website: Skeletons Are Alive!
Downtown Northville gets invaded by over 100 life-sized skeleton displays all month long. This fun, walkable exhibition features skeletons doing all sorts of activities – there’s a skeleton rock band, skeletons practicing yoga in storefronts, a skeleton wedding scene, and more. It’s free to stroll and see them. They kick it off with a Launch Party on Saturday, Oct 4 (5–9 PM) that includes street performers, live music, food trucks, and a kids’ costume contest. On any given day, you can grab ice cream or coffee in town and take a self-guided “skeleton tour.” It’s great for younger kids (nothing is gory, it’s all humorous) and Instagram-worthy for teens and adults. In the evenings, the displays are lit up, so it’s fun to see at night too.
Canterbury Village Halloween Stroll
Date: October 3-5, 10-12, 17-19, 24-26, and 30 (6-9pm)
2359 Joslyn Ct., Lake Orion, MI 48360
Admission: $19.98
Website: Canterbury Village Halloween Stroll
Canterbury Village, a quaint shopping village, sets up a delightful Halloween Stroll with themed decorations and live characters. Each weekend has slightly different features, but generally you’ll encounter scenes like a friendly witch’s cottage, a pirate ship with pirates handing out candy, maybe a Star Wars area with costumed characters – it’s an eclectic mix. Kids can meet and greet costumed characters (princesses, superheroes, etc.) and fill their bags at treat stations. The lights and displays make it magical after dark. Time slots are usually between 5–8 PM (earlier for daylight, later for dark). Tickets are required for all ages (under 2 often free) and it often sells out especially close to Halloween. It’s very stroller-friendly and geared toward families – think of it like a controlled trick-or-treat through a storybook village.
Downtown Rochester Trick-or-Treat & Halloween Fest
Date: Oct 18, 2025 (3:30-5pm)
Downtown Rochester, Rochester MI 48306
Admission: Free
Website: Downtown Rochester Trick-or-Treat & Halloween Fest
The city of Rochester throws a big trick-or-treat event downtown in the afternoon where businesses hand out candy to costumed kids along Main Street (last year over 50 businesses participated). Following that, from 4:30–6:30 PM, there’s a Halloween Fest on the East Parking Platform downtown, which includes bounce houses, music, cider and donuts, and games. Essentially, the whole downtown turns into a safe, pedestrian-friendly Halloween carnival for a day. It’s free to attend; some activities might have small fees, but generally the vibe is community fun. If you live near Rochester or want a nice suburban downtown experience, it’s a great way to spend a fall Saturday with the kids.
Planning a fall pit stop between events? Save our Metro Detroit cider mills guide.
Downtown Farmington, Facebook
Kids Halloween Events
Grand Raven Festival
Date: Oct 2, 2025 (6pm)
begins in Riley Park | 33113 Grand River Ave, Farmington, MI 48335
Admission: Free
Website: Grand Raven Festival
Farmington embraces an Edgar Allan Poe theme, with ravens as the mascot. The downtown shops and restaurants feature raven decorations, there are weekly kids’ activities (like story times and a scavenger hunt for raven images), and outdoor installations celebrating Poe’s “The Raven.” It’s more cute than creepy – think whimsical ravens, not gory. On weekends, there might be street performers or popup events. It’s an easy, casual way to get into the spooky spirit just by strolling Grand River Ave in Farmington. And it makes a nice backdrop for shopping or getting a pumpkin spice latte with the family.
Fall Festival Weekends
Date: October 3-25, 2024 | Fri (5-10pm) | Sat (10am-4pm)
1219 E Square Lake Rd, Bloomfield Hills, MI 48304
Admission: $17 per person
Website: Fall Festival Weekends
Bowers School Farm pulls out all the stops in the fall – this working farm becomes an autumn playground. Kids can enjoy a corn maze, take wagon rides around the property, pick pumpkins, and visit the farm animals (they have everything from goats and sheep to llamas). Friday nights are fun because they add campfires and sometimes an outdoor movie on the barn, and you can navigate the corn maze in the dark with flashlights (not scary, just adventurous). Saturday daytime is great for younger kids with pony rides, a farm stand, and harvest games like sack races. Admission is typically charged per person or per activity, but it’s very family-budget friendly (and proceeds support the educational farm). If you’re looking for an old-fashioned farm experience to tire the kids out on a crisp fall day, Bowers Farm is ideal – plus you might go home with cider and donuts from their store.
Zoo Boo
Date: Oct. 4-5, 10-12, 17-19, 24-26 (10am-2pm)
Detroit Zoo | 8450 W 10 Mile Rd, Royal Oak, MI 48067
Admission: $21-$25
Website: Zoo Boo
The Detroit Zoo’s Zoo Boo is a beloved tradition for many Metro Detroit families. The zoo transforms into a half-mile trick-or-treat trail through lighted pumpkin displays and whimsical Halloween decor (nothing gory). Kids (and parents) are encouraged to wear costumes as they stroll. Along the path are stations handing out candy and goodies – all sponsored by local companies, so the treats are safe and the lines move efficiently in timed entry groups. You’ll encounter not-so-spooky entertainment like live music, jugglers or stilt-walkers in costumes, and seasonal vignettes (one area might have glowing skeleton animals, another might have friendly witches dancing). Many of the real zoo animals will be asleep or off-exhibit (since it’s after hours for them), but some habitats are lit so you might catch a glimpse of nocturnal creatures. The Carousel usually is running (with the animals on it wearing silly costumes!), and there’s often a 4D theater show – this year it’s a 4D Halloween short movie that’s included with admission. Zoo Boo requires advance tickets for specific timed entries (to prevent crowding) and it often sells out, especially for the closer-to-Halloween dates. It’s a fantastic, safe environment for little ones to trick-or-treat and enjoy Halloween at their own pace.
Brick-or-Treat: Monster Party
Date: Sept 25 – Oct 31
4240 Baldwin Rd, Auburn Hills, MI 48326
Admission: Starts $21.99
Website: Brick-or-Treat: Monster Party
If you have LEGO-loving kids, this indoor attraction at Great Lakes Crossing Mall puts a Halloween twist on its offerings in October. “Brick-or-Treat” means there’s a Halloween scavenger hunt in the Miniland model exhibit – find all the hidden LEGO monsters or pumpkins and get a prize. They also have spooky LEGO build stations where kids can create a LEGO pumpkin or vampire, and a costume contest on select days. The 4D cinema shows a special Halloween LEGO short film. All of this is included with regular LEGOLAND admission. The Monster Party theme is more cute than scary – picture a giant LEGO Frankenstein for photo ops, and LEGO characters wearing costumes. It’s perfect for younger kids (target ages 3–10). Since it runs all month, you can drop in on a weekday to avoid crowds, or come on a weekend for any extra character appearances (like a LEGO Witch mascot wandering around). And yes, there’s candy – each kid usually gets a small treat bag at the end. It’s a fun add-on if you’re already considering a mall trip or want an indoor activity on a rainy October day.
Oxford Scarecrow Festival & Fun Run
Date: Oct 5, 2025 (10am)
downtown Oxford | 41 S Washington St, Oxford, MI 48371
Admission: 5K RUN/WALK $30 | 1 MILE FUN RUN $20 | LIL PUMPKIN DASH (100 YDS) $10
Website: Oxford Scarecrow Festival & Fun Run
The village of Oxford throws a charming Scarecrow Festival each fall, centered around Centennial Park (5 S Washington St) downtown. The day starts with a “Lil’ Pumpkin” kids’ dash and a 5K Fun Run in the morning, lots of families run in costume or Halloween attire. Then the festival kicks off with hay rides through town, a petting zoo, bounce houses, pumpkin decorating stations, and live music in the park gazebos. Local businesses and vendors line the streets with booths offering games for kids (think ring toss, face painting, and guess-the-candy-corn contests). And of course, there are plenty of fall treats: caramel apples, kettle corn, and cider. The signature element is the scarecrow contest – local groups make creative scarecrow displays that are exhibited around downtown and you can vote for your favorite. It’s a free event and captures that small-town autumn feel perfectly. If you live in north Oakland County, it’s a great Sunday outing with the kids to enjoy some community fun and support local shops (many have sales or free samples during the fest). Don’t forget to take photos with the scarecrows!
Kensington Metropark Fall Festival
Date: Oct 11-12, 2025 (12-4pm)
Kensington Metropark Farm Center | 4570 Huron River Parkway, Milford, MI 48341
Admission: Free Entry
Website: Kensington Metropark Fall Festival
Kensington Metropark’s Farm Center hosts a lovely fall festival weekend that’s very kid-friendly. Activities include pumpkin picking (or painting), corn shelling and grinding demonstrations (showing how pioneers prepared animal feed – surprisingly a hit with kids who love cranking the old machines), and candle dipping crafts. There’s a big focus on “living history” demos – you might see blacksmithing, butter churning, or apple cider pressing the old-fashioned way. The resident farm animals are around to meet (the cows, pigs, and horses enjoy extra visitors). They also bring in local folk musicians and storytellers performing throughout the afternoon. A hayride is usually available for a small fee, taking families on a scenic ride along the Huron River in full fall color. This event is more harvest festival than Halloween specifically, so it’s great earlier in the month to kick off the season. It’s low-key, educational, and fun – plus you only pay the Metropark vehicle entry fee (around $10) and most activities are free or just a couple bucks.
Legend of Sleepy Howell
Date: Oct 18, 2025 (3-5pm)
Downtown Howell, Howell MI 48843
Admission: Free to attend
Website: Legend of Sleepy Howell
Howell plays on Washington Irving’s classic tale with their “Legend of Sleepy Howell” event. During the day (3–5 PM) they have free trick-or-treating for kids at downtown businesses and a giant outdoor costume parade. Then into the evening, additional programming rolls out: past years have featured a “headless horseman” 5K run, a hay maze for kids, and carnival rides set up in the city parking lots. They also usually screen The Legend of Sleepy Hollow cartoon on a big screen at dusk. It’s very much a community Halloween celebration, drawing thousands to Howell’s charming downtown, which is decorated with scarecrows and lights. Parking can be busy – plan to come early. The whole thing is free to attend, with some paid extras like food trucks or the 5K entry if you do that. If you’re in Livingston County, this is the Halloween event to hit – safe, festive, and full of hometown pride.
Trick-or-Treat Along the Trail
Date: Oct 18, 2025 (1-3pm)
Kensington Metropark | 4570 D", Milford, MI 48380
Admission: $5 per child, $5 per adult, children under 2 are Free!
Website: Trick-or-Treat Along the Trail
Another gem at Kensington Metropark, this one is all about a non-scary trick-or-treat experience in nature. They set up a marked trail (usually near the Nature Center) where kids follow a path through the woods and stop at various stations to collect candy or small prizes. Along the way, there are themed displays – think friendly costumed characters like woodland animals or pumpkin-headed scarecrows handing out treats. Since it’s spread out in a natural setting, it feels almost like a mini adventure rather than going door-to-door. They require pre-registration for timed slots, with groups of kids heading out every 15 minutes or so. This keeps the trail from getting too crowded and ensures the little ones (recommended ages 3–8) don’t get overwhelmed. At the end of the trail, families are treated to cider and donuts (can’t have a Metro Detroit fall event without those!). It’s a lovely way to combine a nature walk with Halloween fun, and the kids often learn a tidbit about animals or conservation at each station too. Wear costumes that are weather-appropriate since this is rain or shine and October 18 could be warm or could be chilly.
Macomb County HarvestFest
Date: Oct 18-19, 2025
Freedom Hill Park | 14900 Metro Pkwy, Sterling Heights, MI 48312
Admission: Tickets are $8 per person
Website: Macomb County HarvestFest
This weekend festival is relatively new but quickly growing. Freedom Hill’s big pavilion and lawn area turn into a Halloween carnival for two days. Key features include trick-or-treat stations (25+ stations) set up in a loop – many hosted by Macomb County agencies or local businesses, so they’re well-organized with lots of candy. There’s an inflatable zone with bounce houses and obstacle courses for kids to burn energy. Hayrides are running continuously around the park. They also show family-friendly Halloween movies (like Hocus Pocus or Goosebumps) on a giant screen when it gets towards evening. The whole event is geared towards families with elementary-age kids. Entry was free last year, with a suggested donation or small parking fee (check ahead for 2025 pricing). It’s a great centralized event for Macomb County residents, kind of like a one-stop-shop for fall fun: you get the trick-or-treating done, let the kids play, maybe enjoy a cider, and you’re home by dinnertime. The atmosphere is cheerful and safe, with local police and fire departments often participating and letting kids check out fire trucks or decorated police cruisers too.
Trick-or-Treat Trail
Date: Oct 26, 2025 (3-5pm)
Drake Sports Park | 6801 Drake Rd, West Bloomfield Township, 48322
Admission: $9-$11
Website: Trick-or-Treat Trail
West Bloomfield Parks and Rec hosts this adorable trick-or-treat event at Drake Sports Park. Essentially, they convert a walking path in the park into a themed “candy trail”. Local businesses, community groups, and high school clubs set up booths along the trail, each decorated in a theme (some might be a pirate cove, others a superhero lair, etc.) and hand out candy. The event requires pre-registration for a specific time slot for your child, which helps avoid huge lines. Kids show up in costume (parents often dress up too) and follow a map to each station, collecting treats and trinkets. There are usually around 20 stations, and at the end the Parks department often provides cider and donuts (spot the theme here – we love our cider and donuts!). Because it’s during daylight/early evening, it’s perfect for younger kids who might not last long at night on Halloween. This event is very popular – hundreds of families participate – so sign up early when registration opens. It’s a wonderful community alternative to random trick-or-treating, especially for very young kids or for meeting other young families in the area.
Little Goblins Night
Date: Oct 25, 2025
Ford House | 1100 Lake Shore Rd, Grosse Pointe Shores, MI 48236
Admission: Friend Adult $5 | Friend Child (age 3-17) $15 | Public Adult $8 | Public Child (age 3-17) $20 | Child (age 0-2) Free
Website: Little Goblins Night
If you want a picture-perfect backdrop for your kiddos’ Halloween fun, the elegant grounds of the Edsel & Eleanor Ford House host “Little Goblins” – a daytime trick-or-treat and fall festival. Children (recommended under 10) come in costume and get a map to different treat stations scattered across the estate’s beautiful gardens and along the lakefront. Volunteers in costume at each stop hand out candy or small toys. In between, families can enjoy lawn games (think mini pumpkin rolling contests, ring toss, etc.), fall crafts (like making a leaf rubbing or a simple Halloween necklace), and even a hayride that tours part of the estate. The Ford House’s picturesque lakefront, especially with fall leaves, makes this feel like a very upscale trick-or-treat – yet it’s all very welcoming and kid-focused. You do need tickets, and the event often sells out since capacity is limited to keep it enjoyable. It’s a great one for grandparents to join – they’ll enjoy strolling the grounds as much as the kids do collecting candy. And those costumes against the backdrop of the historic mansion? Adorable photos guaranteed.
Hall-Oween
Date: Oct 26, 2025 (10am-2pm)
Meadow Brook | 350 Estate Drive, Rochester, Michigan 48309
Admission: $20 Youth | $18 Youth Members | $10 Adult | $9 Adult Members
Website: Hall-Oween
Meadow Brook Hall, the historic mansion on Oakland University’s campus, opens its doors for a rare trick-or-treat inside a mansion event. They schedule five one-hour sessions where groups of children and parents tour the grand house, stopping in various lavish rooms where costumed characters hand out treats. Imagine trick-or-treating in a ballroom, a library, or a grand staircase hall – it’s a unique experience! In addition to candy stops, they set up craft tables and games on the grounds so before or after your scheduled house tour, kids can play lawn games or do a Halloween craft. The whole estate is decorated for Halloween, but in a fun, non-scary way (lots of friendly ghosts and vintage decorations rather than blood and gore). Kids also get to do a little costume parade on the lawn at the end of each session, with Meadow Brook staff clapping for them. This event requires tickets per person and it usually fills up because capacity inside the mansion is limited. It’s a delightful blend of culture and Halloween fun – parents get to peek at the beautiful mansion (a National Historic Landmark) without a formal tour, and kids get their candy in the fanciest house on the block! Definitely a memory-maker event.
Halloween in the D
Date: Oct 31, 2025 (4-8pm)
Downtown Detroit, Detroit Mi 48226
Admission: Free to attend
Website: Halloween in the D
“Halloween in the D” is the city’s initiative to provide safe and fun Halloween activities across Detroit’s neighborhoods. On Halloween day itself, all Detroit Police precincts host Trunk-or-Treats in their parking lots – officers and community members decorate car trunks and pass out candy to kids, creating safe trick-or-treat zones in every part of the city. Meanwhile, several Parks & Rec centers host Halloween parties with games, costume contests, music, and food for families. These events are all free and typically announced via the City’s social media and website in early October. If you live in the city, it’s a great way to celebrate locally – you can take the kids to the precinct for candy (daylight hours, usually right after school), and then maybe hit a rec center event early evening for more fun. Mayor’s office also partners with community groups to light up and patrol neighborhoods on Halloween night to ensure trick-or-treaters are safe. It’s truly kid-first programming to make sure every child in Detroit can have a happy Halloween. Since details come out close to the date, keep an eye on city announcements – but plan on some accessible community fun, whether you’re downtown, on the east side, or west side, there will be a “Halloween in the D” site near you.
Halloween on Tillson St., Facebook
Main Halloween Event
Terror on Tillson Street
Date: Oct 31, 2025 (6-8pm)
Tillson Street, Romeo, MI 48065
Admission: Free
Website: Terror on Tillson Street
One of Metro Detroit’s most legendary Halloween sights isn’t an organized festival or a ticketed attraction at all – it’s a residential neighborhood that takes Halloween decorating to jaw-dropping levels. Tillson Street, in the village of Romeo (northern Macomb County), is Halloween Town, USA for the month of October.
Tillson Street isn’t just a block with a few inflatables or cute decor – it’s a full-block production put on 100% by the homeowners. Dozens of historic homes on this street coordinate to create elaborate themed displays that rival professional haunted attractions. We’re talking movie-set scale scenes: one yard might become a sprawling graveyard with towering skeleton archways and a crypt with real smoke, another might build an entire pirate ship with mast and cannons, while a neighbor might do a creepy carnival complete with a big top tent and animatronic clowns. These themes change every year or two, so the experience is fresh annually. Homeowners spend months building props and designing their displays, and they often dress in costume and act as “hosts” in their scenes when visitors come by.
Here’s how to enjoy Terror on Tillson like a pro:
- Timing: The displays generally go up by mid-October and are lit nightly from dusk into late evening. Twilight (dusk) is the sweet spot for visiting on a non-Halloween night – you can see details in fading daylight, then enjoy the full effect as darkness falls and everything is illuminated. Weeknights are significantly calmer in terms of crowds. The final week before Halloween and especially Halloween night are extremely busy – expect gridlock of both cars and pedestrians after dark on Oct 31.
- Crowd Tips: On Halloween night, Tillson Street is closed to vehicle traffic (it becomes pedestrian-only) because thousands of people converge there. It’s an amazing atmosphere – literally shoulder-to-shoulder costumed families, and the homeowners not only show off their displays but also hand out ton of candy (some reportedly get 2,000+ trick-or-treaters). If you go on Halloween, arrive early (before sunset) to find parking a few blocks away, and pick a meeting spot in case your group gets split in the crowd. Also, be prepared for a slow exit – traffic leaving Romeo can be jammed late night.
- Parking: There’s street parking on surrounding blocks and a few public lots in downtown Romeo (just a couple blocks west of Tillson). Park as soon as you see a spot, even if it means a 5–10 minute walk, because as you get closer, the roads close or are full. Respect residents’ driveways and lawns. Many local civic groups offer paid parking in lots as a fundraiser – not a bad idea if you want a guaranteed spot.
- Visiting strategy: Plan to spend about 45–90 minutes strolling the street. The displays are all free to view, though donations are accepted by the Tillson Street association for local charities. If one part of the street is very crowded, you can often loop around a block and come from the other side or wait a bit and come back. The displays run the length of one block, but neighboring blocks often have overflow decorations – some houses near (but not on) Tillson also put up impressive shows. So take a spin around adjacent streets like Prospect or Dickenson if you want to see a few bonus houses with more breathing room.
- Vibe: This is a rare event where kids, teens, and adults alike all have a blast. Little kids aren’t typically scared because, while some homes are spooky, the presence of so many families makes it feel celebratory rather than horrifying. Many kids come in costume (even on non-Halloween nights) just because it’s fun. Homeowners are very friendly – they’ll often chat about their theme or pose for photos. It’s essentially one big block party for Halloween lovers.
- Nearby amenities: Romeo has a cute downtown – on busy nights enterprising folks set up food stands (donuts, hot cocoa, etc.) near Tillson. Downtown’s restaurants (and the Dairy Queen) are a couple blocks away if you need to grab a bite or use a restroom; just expect lines on peak days.
In short, Terror on Tillson is a must-see at least once. It encapsulates the community spirit of Halloween – creativity, generosity, and a little macabre humor – all on a neighborhood level. If you’re not into gore but love over-the-top decorations, this is your paradise. And best of all, it’s grassroots and free. Just be sure to bring your camera and your patience, and you’ll walk away amazed at what a group of enthusiastic neighbors can conjure up for the spookiest night of the year.
Love over-the-top yard displays? Here are the top Halloween displays around Metro Detroit.
Happy Halloween, Metro Detroit! That’s a wrap on the biggest and best happenings for October 2025. From rocking out with Alice Cooper in Clarkston, to braving haunted forests in Romulus, to toasting pumpkin ales in a spooky pop-up bar downtown, the Detroit area is absolutely packed with autumn adventures this year. The beauty of our region is you can go from a quiet hayride on a farm to a raging costume party in the city all in one weekend. It’s that mix of big city energy and small-town charm that makes living here so special.
As a local real estate expert (and lifelong Michigander), I not only love helping people find homes here – I love sharing what makes our communities vibrant. Events like these are more than just a good time; they showcase the creativity, culture, and camaraderie in each corner of Metro Detroit. So whether you’re taking your kids to their first Zoo Boo, screaming your head off in a haunted house, or just wandering a neighborhood marveling at decorations, I hope you feel that local spirit.
If you have a favorite Halloween event or haunt I missed, drop it in the comments – there’s always more to discover, and I’d love to check it out and spread the word. In the meantime, stay safe, have fun, and have a very Happy Halloween 2025!
Curious about Metro Detroit neighborhoods or looking for home advice? Feel free to reach out – I’m always here as a neighbor and expert to help you navigate real estate or even just chat about upcoming community events. Enjoy this beautiful fall, and I’ll see you out there (likely in costume)!
For location and Directions, please see the interactive map below
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