The scents and cozy and warm feelings of fall are in the air. Make way for the spooky, cinnamon spice, all things nice & sweet. Things to do in October are brewing now and this list is here to help guide you through the fall mixture of events. Some are more geared towards adults while others are great for all ages.
Curl up to a good, classic Halloween-themed movie and/or shake under the covers for a more scary movie. The Detroit community also has these types of events where you can watch these movies outdoors. Crowd-favorites are here. It’s time to get out and pick your favorite pumpkin.
Don’t miss out on festivals, popular attractions, parties, trick-or-treating, costume contests, and more. This list isn’t too scary…we’ll let you decide where you’ll be getting the rest of your thrills this coming month. Look out for things to do in Detroit this weekend that are just the start of the colorful October. Happy Autumnal Equinox! May your days be filled with as much fun as possible while the earlier darkened nights bring a heightened sense of excitement and eeriness that’s perfect for the cool-down of fall.
Detroitisit rounded up another spectacular list of things to do in Detroit in October with a couple in the metro area. Most of these events are directly in Detroit and are just the right level of excitement with a little less thrill than other Halloween events in Detroit. In other words, they’re intended to be more fun rather than creepy, but there are some good scares popping out too.
2026 DETROIT HARVEST FEST AT RALPH WILSON PARK
DETROIT HARVEST FEST
Dates: Starts on Saturday, October 3 at 11:00 AM and ends on Sunday, October 4 at 11:00 AM
The Detroit Riverfront Conservancy announces the return of Detroit Harvest Fest Returns this weekend at Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Centennial Park along the West Riverfront. Expect 40 food trucks, music and fall fun! Bond with your children over trick-or-treating, hands-on activities, fitness classes, costume contests and a first for this event. Get ready for Halloween-themed outdoor movie screenings, which is a new addition. Food trucks are scheduled to appear and entertainment for all ages across four stages. Admission is $5 per person for advance ticket sales and $8 at the gates the weekend of the event. Click HERE to purchase tickets and click HERE for more details on Detroit Harvest Fest.
Location: 1801 W. Jefferson along the Detroit Riverfront
“HAUNTED HOUST OF FILM” AT SIDE HUSTLE LOUNGE
MONSTERS, INC. HALLOWEEN COCKTAIL-SIDE HUSTLE LOUNGE
If you’re really into Halloween films/scary movies, then make sure to check out the seasonal transformation happening over at Side Hustle Lounge. “Haunted House of Film” is an immersive Halloween experience featuring elaborate décor inspired by classic horror films. This award-winning downtown Detroit cocktail bar will also feature a themed, limited-time cocktail menu, while classic Halloween movies will play throughout the month on the lounge’s 12-foot projector. Click HERE to view the website for more information.
Location: 1226 Library Street
EXPLORE THE HAUNTED, HISTORIC, AND GHOST TOURS IN DETROIT
A list of things to do in Detroit in October is always greater with the classic haunt of a solid ghost tour in Detroit. Enjoy the authenticity of Detroit history through the lens of real chilling sights and stories as the night crawls in. Keep up with The Motor City Ghosts walking tours downtown for a true haunted house experience as well as other cool historic tours in Detroit. Have you heard about Detroit’s “number one-rated haunted ghost tour?” Detroit has history and a lot of it gets deep and dark. Journey through the past that has refined Detroit, including the streets shaped by historic fires, mobsters, and unsolved mysteries. Check out “Macabre, Murder, & Mayhem in Motor City: Detroit Ghost Tour” Click HERE to learn more and book now.
https://youtu.be/rj2OjvPJ5g0?si=Mi1HPpa-FR74-5YR
ZOO BOO
Things to do in Detroit in October include showing your little ones how fun this season can be. Take your kids over to the Detroit Zoo for a Metro Detroit Halloween tradition. Zoo Boo is an excellent option and place to be for this month’s Halloween festivities. Make sweet memories with full zoo access until 6 PM. Prices run from $21.00 – $27.00. Walk the paths of illuminated Halloween-themed décor. Trick-or-treat stations will be all around the front of the zoo. Discover the all-new Erb Discovery Trails! Click HERE for more information and to purchase tickets.
Location: 8450 W 10 Mile Rd., Royal Oak
CANDLELIGHT: HALLOWEEN CLASSICS
Date & Time: Thursday, October 22 at 8:00 PM
Take things down a notch while still feeling the rising passion that exudes from this multi-sensory musical experience. Things to do in Detroit in October include a few classier options that give off the right magical energy for Halloween. Get tickets now for “Candlelight: Halloween Classics”, which presents live music in Detroit that is inspired by Halloween. Join under glowing candlelight for this tribute concert at Christ Church Detroit. Price is from $27. Click HERE for event details and to purchase tickets.
Location: 960 East Jefferson Avenue, Detroit
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