8 Cool Things to do in Metro Detroit This Halloween

Child’s Play
The Fun on the Farm Halloween Party Looking for something tot-friendly this Halloween? If the haunted houses are a little too scary, there’s plenty of tricked-out, treat-filled and, most importantly, toddler-tailored entertainment to choose from. One good example is Kensington Metropark’s Fun on the Farm Halloween Party, aimed at young children aged 3 to 6. This farm party offers numerous opportunities for the little ones to scream — in amusement, of course! The park will provide children with candy bags, followed by a safe, daytime round of trick-or-treating. Additional festivities include a hayride, wild Halloween games, a (somewhat) haunted barn, and an animal parade where children can walk beside and interact with the farm’s dressed-up animals. The little ones are strongly encouraged to come in costume. The fun will wrap up just in time for lunch, just in time to recover from any sugar crashes.

Where the Wet and Wild Things Are
Devil’s Night: Paint vs. Foam Party More than 1,400 people attended the last year’s Foam Shows Tour, and it returns this coming week to Pontiac for Devil’s Night 2013. It’s foam vs. paint — and participants will get wet! We’re talking 50,000 gallons of foam, 250 gallons of red neon paint (for the ultimate vampires’ blood bath) and 100 pounds of blasted confetti. There will be dancers on stage, performers and DJs, and wild lighting for a wild night. Be sure to come in costume attire and prepare to get blasted. Of course, glow sticks and bang sticks will be available at the venue. The Devil’s Night: Paint vs. Foam Party takes place 9 p.m.-2 a.m. the night of Wednesday, Oct. 30, at Elektricity Nightclub, 15 S. Saginaw St., Pontiac; 248-599-2212; elektricitymusic.com; $12.

Mother of all Horror
Psycho at the Redford Theatre Say “horror movie junkie” and most people will think of those who keep their eyes glued to torture porn, Japanese ghost gore or the latest grindhouse splatters. But, every once in a while, usually around October, your classic horror junkie gets a hankering for such classics as The Blob or Rosemary’s Baby. In that vein, Detroit’s Redford Theatre has a treat for scare addicts with that seasonal craving for classic terror. The theatre that gives you real butter on your popcorn presents Alfred Hitchcock’s Psycho, starring Anthony Perkins in the infamous role of Norman Bates. According to the theater’s website, there are two rules: you must see the movie from the beginning, and no spoiling the ending — because “it’s the only one we have!” ,i>Psycho plays at 2 and 8 p.m. on Oct. 26, at the Redford Theater, 17360 Lahser Rd., Detroit; 313-537-2560; redfordtheatre.com; $5.

Club Dead
St. Lucifer’s Asylum for the Mentally Insane Here’s the story: Now it sits, boarded up, abandoned, left for dead: St. Lucifer’s Asylum for the Mentally Insane. Once there were more than 12,000 patients and a staff of 700, with a cutting-edge psychiatric hospital specializing in electroshock therapy. But things were far from normal. Reports survive of patients chewing their tongues off, or running off into the five miles of underground tunnels beneath the complex, never to return. For years, people whispered that the madhouse was evil and haunted. Finally, the state ordered it close in 1974. Or so the story goes. Then again, it’s quite possible that somebody made this all up. (That whole “St. Lucifer” thing seems a bit on-the-nose, doesn’t it?) That said, it seems a sufficiently rich backstory for an immersive experience with enough scares and shivers for the Travel Channel to name it “The No. 1 Haunted House in Michigan.” Saint Lucifer’s Haunted Asylum is open to visitors starting at 8 p.m. Sundays and 7 p.m. Wednesdays-Saturdays on Oct. 25-27, Oct. 30-31, and Nov. 1-2, at Playland Park, 5290 S. Dort Hwy., Flint; 810-695-8200; michiganhauntedhouse.com; $18 and up.

Light on Fright, Full of Fun
Haunted Halloween Family Party The Arab American National Museum is throwing a party to celebrate a “merry, not scary Halloween” this season. The institution’s Haunted Halloween Family Party presents an appealing mixture of culture and candy, an environment in which children can participate in a special trick-or-treating experience that takes place among the museum’s galleries. The youngsters can also expect creative fall-themed crafts and games, a chance to sing with Kid Karaoke, and a sit-down meal included in the price of admission. Costumes are encouraged, as there will be a costume contest, awarding fun prizes for the best costumes. All children at the event must be accompanied by a parent; adults can attend for free. Haunted Halloween Family Party is 4-6:30 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 26, at the Arab American National Museum, 13624 Michigan Ave., Dearborn; 313-582-2266; $7 in advance, $8 at the door; adults free.

Out of the Past
Hallowe’en in Greenfield Village Step back in time to a turn-of-the-20th century Hallowe’en as spirits of Greenfield Village come to life. Follow a path of hand-carved jack-o’-lanterns, and meet colorful characters along the way. Feel the whoosh as the Headless Horseman rides by, banter with a clever witch, and make stops at several treat stations spread throughout the village. It’s frightfully fun for the whole family! Come in costume or as yourself, either way be sure to bring an umbrella in case of rain. Members of the Henry Ford receive discount admission and an exclusive opportunity to purchase tickets in advance. Hallowe’en in Greenfield Village takes place 6:30-9 p.m. Fridays-Saturdays, 6:30-8 p.m. Sundays, on Oct. 25-27, at 20900 Oakwood Blvd., Dearborn; 313-982-6001; thehenryford.org; $12.75 for members, $15 for nonmembers, children 2 and younger free.

Party Like It’s 1849,br> Masquerade of the Red Death If your ideal Halloween party involves bowls of candy corn, lightly spiked cider and pumpkin-and-cornstalk decor — then this party is not for you. Inspired by Edgar Allan Poe’s short story “Masque of the Red Death,” the Crofoot in Pontiac presents the Masquerade of the Red Death, a dark 19th century live re-creation of Poe’s classic gothic tale of a decadent masquerade ball. Poe himself describes that party as “voluptuous,” and this night’s list of performing acts should dazzle the senses, including post-industrial and psychobilly shows, burlesque, belly dancing, fire performers, magic, hypnosis, psychics, tarot and palm readings, mentalism, aerialists, side shows, roving performers and more. For diehard Poe fans, actors will perform scenes from the story, transporting partygoers to specific scenes in the text. Colored light will set the scene for each room in Prince Prospero’s multicolored castle. In conjunction with all things 19th century, a midnight absinthe tasting will play into the ritual of the green fairy, and if guests last until 1 a.m., they’ll cross paths with the Red Death. What will happen after that is shrouded in mystery, tantalizing guests to speculate upon what horrors await. There are two important rules; masquerade attire must be worn, and the color red is absolutely forbidden. The Masquerade of the Red Death will take place at 7 p.m. on Oct. 26, at the Crofoot, 1 S. Saginaw St., Pontiac. For tickets, see MasqueradeOfTheRedDeath.com.

One for the Tots
Canton’s 13th Annual Trick or Treat Parade Parade participants will enjoy seeing the Summit all decked out for the event, as well as dozens of themed stations which will be set up for ages 12 and under. Two “path” options will again be offered giving trick-or-treaters even more age-appropriate themed stations to choose from. Younger trick-or-treaters will enjoy visiting with friendly characters, including the Disney Princesses, Pete the Cat and Bartlett the Township Beaver. For those who dare, visit the spooky trail — you may just spot a wicked witch along the way or a zombie on the prowl. All the great photo opportunities practically demand that a camera be brought along. New this year is a costume contest for the cutest, scariest and best group costumes. To avoid waiting in line, organizers urge attendees to buy tickets in advance. The Trick or Treat Parade takes place 4-7 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 30, at Summit on the Park, 46000 Summit Parkway, Canton; 734-394-5460; cantonfun.org; $2 in advance, $5 day of; Canton residents only.