From chilling haunted attractions to family-friendly Halloween events, West Michigan has something for everyone seeking the thrill of the season. Join us in learning about the best-haunted happenings and eerie experiences that West Michigan has to offer. Whether you're a fearless thrill-seeker or looking for family-friendly festivities, there is something for everyone.
South West Michigan
Join Binder Park Zoo every weekend in October for festive fall activities included with your admission. Enjoy exciting events like Kid's Adventure Weekend, our vibrant Fall Festival, and more seasonal surprises for the whole family. Don’t miss out on the autumn adventure.
Bring your furry friend and come to River Saint Joe for their 5th Annual Dog Halloween Costume Contest on Sunday, October 27th, from 2 - 3 p.m. for a fun-filled afternoon benefiting Homeward Bound. Categories include Best Dog Costume and Best Owner & Dog Duo, so grab your pet, dress to impress, and strut your stuff for a great cause. Don’t have a dog? No problem. Come enjoy the adorable costumes and cheer on your favorites—it’s an event too cute to miss. Rain or shine, they’ll see you there.
October in Lansing is packed with fun, starting on October 5th with three exciting events, all within walking distance: the Zombie Walk, How-To Halloween at the Impression 5 Science Center, and the Skeleton Invasion scavenger hunt at the R.E. Olds Transportation Museum. For more fall fun, head to Boo at the Zoo at Potter Park Zoo, running the weekends of October 12th, 19th, and 26th. The zoo transforms into a vibrant autumn wonderland with colorful displays, hay bale mazes, a Boo Tunnel, candy stations, and fascinating creatures, offering a perfect family-friendly Halloween experience.
Get ready for a spooktacular time at Monster Fest on October 12th at Tibbits Opera House. The night starts with a fang-tastic performance by synth-punk band Loser Candy at 8:30 p.m., as they conjure up a wicked mix of Joy Division, blues, and folk to get you grooving in your Halloween best. At 9 p.m., they’ll be screening the 1986 cult classic “The Lost Boys,” where the legendary Coreys Haim and Feldman face off against a horde of vampires in a delightfully dark blend of horror and humor. With its creepy thrills and gory thrills, this event is set to be a howling good time. Don’t miss out on the ultimate Halloween bash full of eerie excitement and nostalgic chills.
Halloween in the Saugatuck/Douglas area offers unique events like spooky trails and costumed cruises. Highlights include Ox-Bow's family-friendly event on October 19th, a Bloody Brunch, and a Haunted Spirits Cocktail Class on October 25th. The weekend of October 26th features a family parade, the Ox-Bow Cavern Tavern pre-party, and the Douglas Halloween Parade for Adults, followed by a party at The Dunes Resort. New attractions include paranormal investigations at the Felt Estate from October 25th - 27th and a Museum of Campfire Stories in Allegan Forest.
Looking for a family-friendly Halloween event? Check out Allegan Event's "Halloweekend" on Friday, October 25th, and Saturday, October 26th, just 30 minutes from Grand Rapids, Kalamazoo, and Holland. Enjoy exclusive member access on Friday or join the public event on Saturday for indoor attractions, a scare maze, face painting, and more. Tickets are limited, so book online now to secure your spot for an unforgettable Halloween adventure.
Celebrate the fall season at Virtue Cider’s Apple Fest on Saturday, October 12th, from 12 - 9 p.m., and Sunday, October 13th, from 12 - 7 p.m. Enjoy an array of delicious ciders while taking in live music performances that set the perfect autumn vibe. Feast on a mouthwatering pig roast, join in fun outdoor games and explore the beautiful surroundings with guided tours of the orchard and cidery. With plenty of fall-inspired activities, food, and drinks, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Central West Michigan
Every fall, Downtown Ludington merchants open their doors for a daytime trick-or-treating experience for young children. At the same time, a portion of Ludington Avenue is closed to traffic for trunk-or-treating and family-friendly activities. Put on your best costume and join this safe and fun holiday event.
Just outside Mt. Pleasant, you’ll find the Shepherd Pumpkin Display, a beloved annual tradition in the Village of Shepherd. Over 1,000 intricately carved and creatively designed pumpkins will be on display behind the Shepherd Bar, offering a stunning spectacle of artistry and autumn spirit. Running throughout the last week of October and leading up to Halloween, this event is perfect for families, friends, and anyone looking to get into the Halloween mood.
Experience a spooky getaway with the Amway Grand Plaza’s Haunted Tour Room Package. Enjoy an overnight stay in the Hotel District, complete with tickets to an eerie and thrilling ghost tour through Grand Rapids' most haunted locations. Package includes: Overnight accommodations in a luxurious guest room featuring plush bedding with pillow top mattress and cozy linen sheets, Tickets for 'Ghost Tour Grand Rapids' presented by Tours Around Michigan, $50 food and beverage credit for use at any hotel restaurant or lounge, Self or valet parking for one vehicle included with your stay. Available October 1st - 31st. For more information on the Ghost Tour Grand Rapids, please visit the Tours Around Michigan website.
Holland has Halloween happenings all month long. The first weekend in October, jack-o-lanterns come alive when thousand-pound pumpkins are reshaped into eerie art by the nation’s best carvers. The Holland Museum offers Slightly Spooky Cemetery Tours, and New Holland Brewing will teach guests the art of creating Haunted Cocktails. Kids will love Boo at the Barn, Downtown Trick or Treating, and Dia De Los Muertos festivities, while adults can rock it out at the Park Theatre’s Rockoween party.
Get ready for another thrilling season of Halloween fun at the Tri-Cities Museum in Grand Haven. Enjoy games, crafts, and indoor trick-or-treating, perfect for all ages. Don’t miss the return of the fan-favorite mini Creepy Museum exhibit, where eerie artifacts and spine-tingling displays will give you chills. It’s a family-friendly fright fest you won’t want to miss on October 26th.
Hop aboard the Pumpkin Train by Coopersville & Marne Railway every weekend in October, with departures at 1 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. During the ride, the Famous Pumpkin and his goofy sidekicks will entertain you with their silly antics. At the end of the journey, each child gets to pick their very own pumpkin from the pumpkin patch. Kids and parents are encouraged to wear their Halloween costumes to add even more festive fun.
Northern West Michigan & Upper Peninsula
Every Saturday in October, Crystal Mountain offers the perfect chance to experience the beauty of fall. Take a relaxing chairlift ride for stunning views, or get your adrenaline pumping on the new dual Crystal Coaster Alpine Slide. For even more thrills, try the new Crystal Bungee Trampoline or rent a bike and explore over 12 miles of scenic mountain biking trails. Whether you come for the day or stay overnight, there’s plenty to do, including scarecrow walks, pumpkin carving, outdoor laser tag, and more. With a variety of accommodations available, Crystal Mountain is your go-to spot for autumn adventure.
Halloween on Mackinac Island is a unique and magical experience. While the island may be known for its historic charm and tranquil setting, they embrace the spooky spirit of Halloween with a range of fun events and activities for all ages. Halloween Weekend falls on October 25th - 27th and includes the final footrace of the year, downtown trick or treating, and adult costume parties in the evenings. Mackinac Island in the fall is a truly enchanting place, and Halloween adds an extra layer of charm and excitement.
Get ready for a spooktacular evening on Wednesday, October 23rd, as Downtown Cadillac transforms into a Halloween wonderland. Main Street will be closed to traffic, creating a safe and fun environment for families and friends to enjoy. Everyone is invited to dress up in their best Halloween costumes and participate in this festive celebration. Explore the charming downtown area as local businesses open their doors to hand out treats, creating a delightful trick-or-treating experience for all ages.
Check out annual Halloween events in the Petoskey area like Trunk-R-Treat in Bay Harbor and the annual Downtown Trick or Treat in Petoskey. Adult-centered events like Gypsy Distillery’s annual Halloween Bash are another great one to make a note of. Also, if you’re looking for a haunted tour check out Petoskey Yesterday’s Haunted Petoskey tours.
Marquette County boasts a rich history dating back to the mid-1800s and is known for its famous supernatural tales. For decades, thrill-seekers have flocked to Marquette in hopes of encountering lingering spirits. Notable haunted locations include the Lilac Room at the Landmark Inn, where the ghost of the Lilac Lady is said to wait for her lost lover, and the Marquette Maritime Museum, which offers the family-friendly Ghosts of Lighthouse Point Tour in October. From October 10th - 12th, visitors can explore ghostly tales intertwined with the area’s maritime history, providing a captivating glimpse into the past.
Statewide
Bring your ghost stories home through the pages of Michigan’s Haunted Lighthouses by Dianna Higgs Stampfler’s Promote Michigan. This historic title features stories from 13 of Michigan’s most spirited beacons, including White River Light Station, Marquette Harbor Lighthouse, Old Presque Isle Lighthouse, and Fort Gratiot Lighthouse—all open for seasonal tours. Or, check out one of the live presentations from the book at libraries and other locations around the state throughout the fall season.
