5 Ways To Celebrate Halloween, Autumn In Detroit

Halloween is around the corner, and although city officials have issued guidelines for safe trick-or-treating during the COVID-19 pandemic, many traditional festivities will likely look different this year.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention deemed trick-or-treating a moderate- to high-risk activity, and mapped out some alternatives like pumpkin carving, decorating at home and virtual costume contests.

Still, there are ways for Detroit residents to enjoy fall and spooky season, even with an ongoing pandemic.

Here are five ways to enjoy the season:

1. Partake in some safe, city-sponsored Halloween activities

The City of Detroit suspended trunk-or-treat events this year, but partnered with the Department of Neighborhoods for the first-ever Drive-Up Candy Stations. In a city press release, officials explained that Detroiters can bring their kids by car (no “walk-ups” will be allowed) to get candy at some fire stations, 11 Detroit Police Department precincts and at the Adams-Butzel Recreation Center from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Officials will require masks and enforce social distancing, according to the release.

“We urge everyone to follow our guidance to keep everyone as safe as possible, especially our youngest residents, and we wish everyone a happy, healthy Halloween,” Chief Public Health Officer Denise Fair said in the release.

Find more information at detroitmi.gov/halloween.

2. Check out the fall colors around southeast Michigan

One of the best parts about fall for many is the opportunity to see the changing leaves and appreciate nature.

The County Road Association recently released a list of the best places to go for a drive and admire the fall colors.

“Taking a fall color tour down a county road is a great way to spend an afternoon during this unprecedented time,” the association’s Executive Director Denise Donohue said in a news release. “Michigan’s colors are among the best in the country, making fall the perfect opportunity to go out and enjoy the state’s natural beauty.”

Along with a list of roads broken down by region and county, the County Road Association of Michigan encourages people to use the hashtag #LoveFallRoads on Facebook and Twitter to “let everyone know the best local road spots for Michigan’s fall colors.”

3. Hallowe’en in Greenfield Village

Celebrating its 40th year, the Henry Ford’s Hallowe’en in Greenfield Village is slated for Thursdays through Sundays throughout October.

This year, however, there will be “a handful of program modifications, including the elimination of trick-or-treating (and) dining packages like Fairy Tale Feast and Eagle Tavern Harvest Supper have been canceled,” organizers noted to Visit Detroit.

Still, there will be plenty of “beloved haunts and howls.”

Expect to see characters from the Legend of Sleepy Hollow, the Wizard of Oz and more, plus there will be more than 1,000 jack-o’-lanterns lighting the path for each “safe and spooky adventure.”

4. Scarefest Scream Park

Likewise, Scarefest Scream Park hasn’t canceled its season.

Promising its “haunted camping, beer tent, food, live music, bonfire, scary movies and much more,” the event that’s been a tradition since 2006 is back with something for all ages.

Organizers promise a haunted hayride, a haunted maze, a forest walk and a haunted house.

5. 11th Annual Boo Fest

For more than a decade, Green Oak Village Place has hosted the family-friendly festival, and it’s not stopping this year.

But this year, families can expect virtual content, including costume contests, festive recipes, and even spooky stories read by celebrities, including Kristen Bell, Rita Moreno, Lily Tomlin, Pamela Reed and Jamie Camil.

Through October, participants will “embark on a treasure hunt around the center in search of Halloween characters, and take a picture of the QR codes to redeem treats, at-home crafts and more.”

Photos: Getty Images