Halloween is some people’s favorite holiday, a time to dress up and be someone or something other than yourself. Sometimes though, it’s difficult to know where to celebrate the spooky season. So, focus on creating a great costume and leave the event searching for us. Whether you’re an adult into nightlife fun or a parent who is looking for family-friendly events, we’ve compiled a list of upcoming things to do for Halloween in Detroit.
Zoo Boo
Oct. 20-22 at the Detroit Zoo; zooboo.detroitzoo.org
The third and final weekend of Zoo Boo is happening with the theme of “Movies, Books, & Make Believe.” Attendees are encouraged to dress up as their favorite characters. Tickets can be purchased online for $17-$24. Credit:Instagram, @detroitzooCider in the City
Oct. 21 & 22 from 1-5 p.m. at Beacon Park; ciderinthecity.com
This event, presented by the DTE Beacon Park Foundation and programmed by The Downtown Detroit Partnership, aims to offer visitors a taste of classic fall traditions. Guests can enjoy a variety of seasonal treats, including hot cider, pumpkins, and caramel apples, courtesy of Blake’s Farm. Food trucks will be on-site to provide a range of meal options, and Lumen Detroit will serve fall cocktails, craft beer, and cider selections. Preorders for event items are available, and it is recommended to order online in advance to ensure availability. Credit: Courtesy photoHalloween Science
Oct. 21 & 22 from 12-4 p.m. at Cranbrook Institute of Science; science.cranbrook.edu
This interactive family event includes pumpkin launchings, a spooky selfie station, stage shows, and more. Activities are free with the purchase of general museum admission. Credit:Instagram, @cranbrookscienceHarry Potter Brunch
Oct. 22 from 12-3 p.m. at the Detroit Shipping Company
Dress up in your best wizard attire and celebrate the world of wizardry for Halloween. This free event will offer brunch and cocktails inspired by the world of Harry Potter, as well as games and prizes for all ages. No reservations are needed. Credit:Facebook, Detroit Shipping CompanyTreats in the Streets
Oct. 22 from 1-5 p.m. at the Detroit Historical Museum; detroithistorical.org
From 1-2 p.m., a sensory-friendly Halloween experience will happen indoors with dim lights and limited sound. Then from 2-5 p.m., there will be trick-or-treating in two exhibits: The Street of Old Detroit and Origins: Life Where the River Bends. The event will also feature a dance party, cider, donuts, games, and prizes. There will also be a craft area. Admission is free with registration and the museum will be closed to the public except for this event. Credit:Facebook, Detroit Historical MuseumArt Night (Halloween Edition)
Oct. 25 from 7 p.m. – 2 a.m. at Make Art Work/Dreamtroit; 21+; instagram.com/artnightdetroit
Mingle with fellow Detroit artists in the upstairs of the Lincoln Street Art Park for a Halloween-themed Art Night. Make an addition to the community drawing, watch other people create, or just jam out to the music. Credit: Randiah Camille GreenFamily Halloween Party Parking Lot Takeover
Oct. 26 from 4-8 p.m. at Detroit Fleat; facebook.com/events
Head to Ferndale’s food truck park for an evening with the family. The large lot will be turned into a Halloween wonderland with activities, food, a bounce house, and tons of candy. Children will also be able to compete for the title of “Best Costume.” Credit:Facebook, Detroit FleatCandlelight Concert – A Haunted Evening of Halloween Classics
Oct. 26 from 6-8:30 p.m. at The Redford Theatre; redfordtheatre.com
If you’re looking for a unique way to celebrate the spooky season, see the Listeso String Quartet perform Halloween-inspired music under the glow of candlelight. Songs will include classics such as “Thriller” by Michael Jackson and theme songs from The Addams Family and Stranger Things. Credit:Facebook, Redford TheatreSober October Halloween Party
Oct. 26 from 6:30-9:30 p.m. at SPKRBX; 21+
Absence of Proof is hosting this spooky celebration with music and unlimited non-alcoholic cocktails included with your ticket purchase. Credit:Instagram, @absenceofproof_detroitThe Monster Hash
Oct. 27 from 6 p.m. – 12 a.m. at 2 West Ypsi; 21+
Riverside Roll Up presents this spooky cannabis-filled event. There will be a costume contest with a grand prize presented by Herbology. The event will also include music from DJ Icee and DJ Medusa. Tickets are $5 online or $10 at the door. Credit: Mo WilliamsDetroit Is Spooky
Oct. 27 from 9 p.m. – 2 a.m. at Big Pink; 21+; instagram.com/bigpinklovesyou
Local event venue Big Pink is hosting a Halloween party for the city. One of the owners of Big Pink, Munch, will be DJing the event along with Eddie Fowlkes and Silly Girl Carmen, all playing house music with a hint of haunted vibes. The spooky celebration will also include food, drinks, and a costume contest with cash prizes. Tickets can be bought now on Resident Advisor or purchased at the door. Credit: Lee DeVitoCaffeine and Chrome Truck or Treat
Oct. 28 from 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. at Gateway Classic Cars of Detroit
Drink coffee, eat candy, and look at classic cars at this trunk or treat car show. The family-friendly event encourages everyone to dress in spooky attire and enjoy the morning with themed games and activities. Credit:Facebook, Gateway Classic Cars of DetroitHowl-O-Ween Costume Contest
Oct. 28 from 2-4 p.m. at Detroit’s Grand Circus Dog Park; downtowndetroit.org
For the 10th year, owners are encouraged to dress their dogs up for the annual Grand Circus Dog Park Howl-O-Ween Costume Party. Winners will be chosen for a prize in several categories: Best Costume, Scariest Costume, Most Creative Costume, and the Best Pet & Parent combination. There will also be a DJ and snacks for pets and owners. Credit:Facebook, Downtown Detroit PartnershipBrightmoor Trunk or Treat
Oct. 28 from 2-5 p.m. at Brightmoor Artisans Collective; brightmoorartisans.org
The Brightmoor Artisans Collective and A Girl Like Me, Inc. are hosting a free trunk or treat for community youth. Trunks will be decorated and filled with candy and snacks. There will also be music, popcorn, and other goodies for the kids. Credit:Facebook, Brightmoor Artisans CollectiveAll Kids Halloween Parade & Story Time
Oct. 28 at 3 p.m. at Detroit Public Library’s Chaney Branch
Get your kids in great Halloween costumes to march around the library for this event. After the parade, librarians will lead an interactive Halloween-themed storytelling session with fun activities. Credit:Facebook, Detroit Public LibraryMystery Halloween Party
Oct. 28 at 7 p.m. at The Loving Touch
It’s a mystery what this party will entail, but that’s the fun of it. It does seem to be an all-ages event though. Otherwise, grab a $20 ticket and venture into the unknown. Credit: Google MapsJerk x Jollof: Detroit (Halloween Edition)
Oct. 28 from 10 p.m. – 2 a.m. at Big Pink; 21+; instagram.com/jerkxjollof
The famous international Afrobeats party, which started in Michigan in 2014, is back in the city of Detroit for the spooky season. DJ Blakito will be playing music all night and food will be sold by Yum Village. Costumes are encouraged but not mandatory. Tickets are on sale now. Credit: Courtesy photoMarble Bar’s 2nd Annual Booty Ball
Oct. 28 from 9 p.m. – 3 a.m. at Marble Bar; 21+
Sheefy McFly, Nick Speed, and Something Blue will be spinning tracks all night long for Marble Bar’s Halloween party. Tickets are for sale online now on Resident Advisor. Credit:Instagram, @sheefymcflyGhettotech Brunch
Oct. 29 from 12-6 p.m. at The Elephant Room
If you missed them the night before, Sheefy McFly and Nick Speed will be playing a Halloween edition of GhettoTech Brunch, along with Sabre. Entry is free, but brunch and drinks will be available to buy at the event. Credit:Instagram, @elephantroomdetroitLesbian Social Halloween Edition
Oct. 29 from 8 pm.-12 a.m. at Big Pink; 21+; instagram.com/lesbiansocialdetroit
Connect with lesbians and allies in the Detroit area at this Halloween celebration. Show off your costume, get a drink, and have a fun night. Advance tickets are available now on Eventbrite. Credit: Joe MaroonTangent Tuesdays: A HELLOWEEN Party
Oct. 31 from 9 p.m. – 1 a.m. at Tangent Gallery; facebook.com/events
This show will have it all – comedians, spoken word performances, DJs, a live band, and local food. Headlining is comedian Noash Chapp, featured comic Nico Hall, and guest comedians announced the day of the show. 5-minute “lottery spots” will be available for comedians on-site. Costumes are encouraged to celebrate Halloween Detroit-style. Credit:Facebook, Tangent Gallery
Layla McMurtrie is the digital editor of Detroit Metro Times. She's passionate about art, music, food, and Detroit's culture and community. Her work has been featured in the Detroit Free Press, Between...
More by Layla McMurtrie