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Fall Fun & Halloween Trick-or-Treating Up North

September-October, 2023

The skies are heavy with ominous clouds, biting cold air envelops our bodis, and the trees are ablaze with color. It’s late October-time for pumpkins, ghouls, and witches to come out and scare innocent souls, in search for a treat. 

Of course, we’re talking about Halloween, that most frightening time of year. Northern Michigan is not only beautiful in late September and throughout October, but there are plenty of annual events to satisfy the timid and those that dare to be scared!

From Halloween Parties for the young and the young at heart, to haunted events, fall festivals, and trick-or-treating; there’s something for everyone during this time of the year Up North in Michigan!

Here’s a List of the Northern Michigan Communities That Typically Host Trick or Treating:

  • Boyne City
  • Charlevoix
  • East Jordan
  • Harbor Springs
  • Downtown Mackinac Island Shops
  • Petoskey
  • Downtown Petoskey 

More Fun Fall Activities That Typically Take Place:

Alanson

  • Trunk or Treat at Alanson Public School- 7400 N. St., Alanson.

Boyne City

  • Trick-or-Treat outside of Boyne District Library- 201 E. Main St., Boyne City.
  • Halloween Parade in Boyne City. The parade moves north along Lake St. to Water St., turning at Park St. and ending at the First Presbyterian Church (which generally hosts a trunk or treat, stay tuned for details)

Charlevoix

  • Charlevoix Apple Fest. Event includes arts & crafts show, farmer’s market, kids activities, pie eating contest and more.
  • Trick-or-Treat at the Charlevoix Public Library- 220 Clinton St., Charlevoix.

Harbor Springs

  • Haunted Vineyard & Friday Family Fright Nights at Pond Hill Farm- 5699 S. Lakeshore Dr., Harbor Springs. The Haunted Vineyard is for ages 12 and up and is $10 per person. The Family Fun Barn is Free. There is also a bonfire with s’mores, brats, hot dogs, beer, wine, cider, and hot cocoa on these nights.
  • Fall Festival at Harbor Springs Marina Park- 250 E. Bay St., Harbor Springs. Live music, corn hole, donut eating contest this weekend. Food available for purchase and farmer’s market in the morning.
  • Planting a Haunted Forest at Goodheart Farms Nature Preserve on Church Rd., Harbor Springs (meet at Lone Rock Rd. parking area).Plant trees with Little Traverse Conservancy while wearing Halloween Costumes or dress spooky. 75 white pine trees will be planted with cider and doughnuts to follow. All ages are welcome.
  • Kids Halloween Costume Contest at Pond Hill Farm- 5699 S. Lakeshore Dr., Harbor Springs. Trophies for Best Costumes, Dancing Witches,
    Brick Oven Pizzas, beer and non-alcoholic beverages. Visit petoskeyarea.com/events for more info.

Mackinac Island

  • Joel’s Spooktacular Magic Show at Mackinac Island Public Library- 903 Huron St, Mackinac Island.
  • Haunted Maze on the Grand Hotel’s Grounds. Donations to benefit “Give Kids the World” – Davidson Hospitality’s Foundation. Grand Hotel- 286 Grand Ave., Mackinac Island.

Mackinac City

  • Mackinaw City Haunted House – 114 S. Huron, Mackinaw City. Hours are Friday from 6-8pm, Saturday from 2-8pm, and Sunday from 10am-2pm. Tickets are $8.50 each. For tickets or more info, visit mackinawmanor.com.
  • Fort Fright at Fort Michilimackinac- 106 W. Straights Ave., Mackinaw City. Eighteenth-century French-Canadian folklore comes to life as the fort is “haunted” by ghouls, ghosts, and more. Most activities suitable for all ages. Admission is $11 for adults, $7 for children ages 5-12, and free for children 4
    and under and Mackinac Associates members (excluding Heritage Level). For tickets or more information, visit mackinacpark.com/fort-fright.

Petoskey

  • Halloween Parade. Line up at Central Elementary School beginning at 9:45 am. The parade will start at 10 am and march from Central Elementary down Howard Street to Pennsylvania Park in Downtown Petoskey.
  • Trunk or Treat at the Village at Bay Harbor- 4000 Main St., Petoskey.

Stay tuned for information on fall fun, Halloween events, and trick or treating for 2023!

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