13 Hair-Raising Halloween Events Up North

Scary, spooky, and seasonal activities for all ages (and scaredy-cat levels)

By Rachel Pasche | Oct. 19, 2024

It’s the most wonder-fall time of the year, and the best way to celebrate this fleeting season is with autumnal activities throughout the area. Whether you prefer to be fully frightened or want to soak in the soothing change of the seasons, these fall events offer a little bit of everything. Happy haunting!

1. Photo-Worthy Pumpkins
Through the end of October
Those who stop into the Dam Site Inn near Pellston can enjoy a charming ambiance, spectacular chicken dinners, and some remarkable pumpkin carvings by the Inn’s previous owner, Pam East (pictured). What started as a fun way to use up multiple pumpkins while carving with her daughter has since become an annual tradition, with Pam’s 100+ pumpkins decorating the Inn throughout October.

2. Haunted Trail at the Ghost Farm of Kingsley
Weekends in October
Ready to be scared senseless? Enter Kingsley’s Ghost Farm and take a tour on their haunted trail…if you dare. This frightening foray through the field starts at dusk and includes a tour of the barn, grounds, and greenhouse as actors do their best to give each guest the fright of their life. This year’s theme? School Spirit. (The Ghost Farm’s marketing promises that “class will be a scream this year.”) Those who want a less terrifying experience can check out the Dusk Walk—weekends at 7:15pm—which includes the spooky elements of a haunted house without the actors trying to make you jump out of your skin. Both tours take approximately 25 minutes. Tickets are $18 and can be bought online or with cash at the door. hauntedtraverse.com/ghostfarm

3. Autumn Floral Design Class at Lavender Hill Farm
Wednesday, Oct. 23
Try your hand at some festive fall florals in Boyne City at Lavender Hill’s fall floral class. This workshop teaches guests how to craft a stunning autumnal arrangement, with floral designers giving out instruction and pointers to help guide the class. Tickets are $50 and include the materials to design your arrangement, snacks and refreshments, and instruction from flower professionals. The class starts at 6:15pm and is expected to run about two hours. lavenderhillfarm.com/calendar

4. Spooky Silent Disco
Thursday, Oct. 24
The Dennos Museum Center in Traverse City is hosting a spooktacular silent disco for groovin’ ghosts this October, with costumes and your best dance moves encouraged. This event is 18 and up, and IDs will be checked at the door. Upon entry, each gruesome guest is given a set of wireless headphones with three channels to jam to. Surprise DJs will be running each spine-chilling soundtrack so werewolves and poltergeists can rock to their beat of choice. The dance runs from 7-9pm. Tickets are $10 and available online or at the door. simpletix.com/e/spooky-silent-disco-tickets-179249

5. Halloween Open House at the Governmental Center
Friday, Oct. 25
The City of Traverse City and Grand Traverse County are hosting a Halloween Open House from 3–5pm at the Government Center (400 Boardman Avenue, Traverse City). Kids can meet local heroes of the community and explore police trucks, fire trucks, and other equipment. Families are encouraged to come in costume and can expect festive activities and trick or treating.

6. The Phantom Carriage Organist Accompaniment
Friday, Oct. 25
The Music House Museum in Acme is hosting two viewings of the 1921 Swedish silent film The Phantom Carriage. The film follows a man who encounters the figure of Death one night and is compelled to reflect on his past mistakes. Accompanying the film is organist Andrew Rogers, a Detroit native who plays for the Michigan Theater in Ann Arbor. Rogers will be performing on the museum’s Wurlitzer theater organ, ensuring a hauntingly memorable evening. Shows are at 2pm and 6pm on Friday. Tickets are $25 online or $30 at the door. mynorthtickets.com

7. Fright Night at the Castle
Friday, Oct. 25
Do the Monster Mash on Friday night at Castle Farms at the annual Charlevoix Children’s House fundraiser. This adult-only Halloween party includes dinner by Pigs Eatin Ribs, an open bar, silent and live auctions, and a DJ that will have you dancing almost as much as the Sanderson sisters would. Tickets are $100 at charlevoixchildrenshouse.org/fright-night-fundraiser.html.

8. Haunted Bluffs
Oct. 25 and 26
Alpen Bluffs Resort of Gaylord is now officially haunted! Friday and Saturday, they are all about the scares with their Haunted Bluffs haunted house, open from 8pm-midnight. Costumes are encouraged, and food and drink specials will be available at Mulligan’s tavern. Adults tickets are $20; kids 12 and under $10.

9. Grandpa Shorter’s Puzzling Party
Oct. 25 and 26
Calling all puzzle aficionados—this event is the missing piece for a perfect fall day. Participants enter in teams of four and compete against other teams to complete a 500-piece puzzle in the shortest time. The first three teams to finish will win a cash prize of up to $500. Costumes are encouraged; the event includes heavy refreshments and apps, a costume contest (best team costume wins a prize), swag bags, and more. Entry is $150 per team, and the contest begins at 6:15pm at Stafford’s Perry Hotel in Petoskey. Register online at grandpashorters.com/product/halloween-puzzling-party-10-25-24.

10. Traverse City Zombie Run
Saturday, Oct. 26
Whether you stagger, chase, or lumber, there’s no wrong way to participate in the Zombie Run. This 5K race starts and ends at Right Brain Brewery, where runners can enjoy a post-run beer. Costumes are strongly encouraged, and there’s no pace too slow—in fact, being in character as your worst zombie self is part of the fun. The race starts at 9am. All participants will receive a T-shirt, post-race refreshments and entertainment, professional timing, and a bib. Registration is $30. runsignup.com/Race/MI/TraverseCity/TCTCZombieRun

11. Downtown Traverse City Trick or Treat
Saturday, Oct. 26
Keep the costumes on post Zombie Run and head to downtown Traverse City for the annual Halloween Walk. From 10–11:30am, participating businesses downtown will be passing out candy and other goodies to little goblins and ghouls. Join the parade of other costumed creatures and stop in to local shops to fill your bag.

12. Halloween Party at Olde Mill
Saturday, Oct. 26
The Olde Mill Venue in Marion is hosting a hopping (and family-friendly) Halloween party and costume contest for a great cause. Doors open at 6pm, and tickets are $5 per person, $10 per couple, $15 per family. All ticket sales will go toward helping victims of the recent hurricanes. Expect a fully decorated venue (thanks to Tammy from Wacky Wilson Farm), a DJ, Eric’s Wraps food truck, and drinks from the Olde Mill bar. Learn more at facebook.com/Oldemillvenue.

13. Manistee Fall Festival
Saturday, Oct. 26
For a full day of Halloween revelry, the Manistee Fall Festival boasts activities for all ages. The fun starts at 12pm with trick or treating, after which ghastly guests and ghosts can enjoy cornhole and other games, live music, costume contests, and more. The main area will have free books and donuts for kids, a whipped cream pie toss with local celebrities, and a stage. Other businesses are participating in additional festivities for kids and adults alike, including beer and brats at the Elks Club and karaoke at Taco ‘Bout It. The full lists of events and happenings can be found at manisteelibrary.org/fall-festival.