From family-friendly trick-or-treating to scary haunted spaces, the region celebrates Halloween

Halloween celebrations go far beyond classic trick-or-treating. In Bay County, you can tour a spooky boat, dance the night away, race a car, or more.

Here’s a glimpse at some of what’s happening around the area:

Family Activities

Whether you’re looking for a trunk-or-treat event, corn maze, or other family-friendly fare this spooky season, then the Great Lakes Bay Parents website has what you need. Click here for a calendar of seasonal events.

Halloween Race at the Bay County Fairgrounds 

On Sat., Oct. 28, kids and adults are invited to the Bay County Fairgrounds, 800 Livingston St., for trick-or-treating and car racing. The event begins at 1:30 p.m. with trick-or-treating with the drivers. At 3 p.m. bump ’n’ grind races begin. Races include power wheels for kids between 3 and 10 years old; youth between 12 and 17 years old; compact stock; compact modified; full-size modified; powder puff; and demolition derby. The day also includes costume contests for cars and people. 

Click here for details.
Graphic courtesy of the Midland Street Management Board
Halloween on Midland Street Bash

This weekend-long event includes candy, dancing, and shopping. From 4 to 9 p.m. Fri., Oct. 27, vendors will be selling their wares under the lights criss-crossing Midland Street.  On Sat., Oct. 28, kids are invited to trick-or-treat and visit a carnival in the district from 1 to 5 p.m. Finally, on Sun., Oct. 29, line dancers take over the street from 1 to 4 p.m.

Even if you don’t take advantage of the special events, take a drive through the area and enjoy the decorations. The Lake Huron Credit Union is sponsoring a business-front decoration contest in the district.

Check Facebook for details.

Run for the WELL Of It Halloween 5K Run/Walk

If the Pamela Pumpkin videos on TikTok have you trying to figure out how to shake off the Skittles, then take a drive up to Standish. The WELL Outreach is sponsoring the 5K race at 4215 Airpark Drive in Standish beginning at 9 a.m. Sat., Oct. 28. Details available here.

The WELL Outreach is a 501c3 non-profit, family-centered organization.
The USS Edson has gained fame in recent years among paranormal investigators—such as Metro Paranormal Investigations from Macomb and the TV show, Destination America’s Ghost Asylum. (Photo courtesy of USS Edson)
USS Edson Ship of Nightmares

This month, thrill-seekers are invited to walk through five levels of stairways and halls of the Vietnam-era U.S. Navy Destroyer as they experience what the website promises to be "the horrifying effects of a military experiment gone haywire. As you journey through the 5 levels of this macabre vessel, be prepared to face your deepest fears and discover what lies in the bowels of hell itself."

The USS Edson, located at 1680 Martin St., recommends visitors be at least 10 years old, but leaves the final decision up to parents and guardians. The schedule and option to buy tickets are available online.

In 2022, the Edson Incident was voted the best Haunted Attraction by Michigan Haunted Houses.

Read more about the 2023 Edson Incident in this Oct. 5 Route Bay City article.

Haunted Garage Attraction

Lights, animatronic props, and scary actors all are part of the fun at the Haunted Garage, 3895 E. Smith Road , open from 8 to 11 p.m. most nights between now and Halloween. More details are available online.
Graphic courtesy of the Delta College Planetarium
Monster Light Show at the Delta College Planetarium

Halloween music, such as “Bad Moon Rising,” “Werewolves of London,” and “Monster Mash,” come to life at the Delta College Planetarium, 100 Center Ave., on Sat., Oct. 28. The family-friendly show includes music, immersive graphics, and a light show. The visual will be spooky, but the Planetarium promises to leave the audience laughing and smiling. 

Details and a link to buy tickets are available online.
Graphic courtesy of the Historic Masonic Temple
The Rocky Horror Picture Show 2023 - Halloween Spectacular at the Historic Masonic Temple

On Sat., Oct. 28, the Historic Masonic Temple presents its fifth annual showing of the cult classic, “The Rocky Horror Picture Show.” Showtimes are 8 and 11 p.m. at the Temple, 700 N. Madison Ave. During the evening, you’l see the movie on the screen while a shadow cast acts it out on stage. 

Details and tickets are available online.

MI Table’s Second Annual Masquerade Ball and Parade

Join MI Table, 213 Center Ave., for a night of magic and music on Sat., Oct. 28. The evening includes a five-course harvest-inspired dinner, a signature drink, and prizes for best dressed, most original, and creepiest costumes. 

More details are available online.