If you’re seeking the Halloween experience this October, Ypsilanti is the place to be! With several exciting and spooky activities planned this season, all ages are invited to have some Halloween fun in Ypsi. From nostalgic drive-in movies and after dark cemetery tours, to the scariest haunted houses and more, you can find it here. Check out how you can experience Ypsilanti during the best time of year!
Halloween Event Highlights:
Annual celebrations and pop-up workshops are some of the awesome events planned in Ypsilanti this October. Check out the Halloween highlights below and start planning now.
ypsiGLOW
ypsiGLOW returns for an evening of community connection and creativity. The party begins October 1 and comes together to light up Ypsilanti on October 29! Explore all around the city to catch live performances, light shows, interactive art, and so much more! Through the month, attend workshops nearby or create crazy costumes at home leading up to the 29th. October 1-29; Free.
Holy Bones Festival & Halloween Market
Shop all things spooky, browse bizarre gifts, and support local artists at the annual Holy Bones Festival & Halloween Market! This festival of artists, performers, crafters, and creative souls is a one-day event full of shopping and live entertainment. Food trucks will also be on-site serving up their specialties. Upgrade your ticket and attend the Holy Bones Comedy and Burlesque Shows to make the most of your time out! October 16, Tickets: $6.66-$66.66, proceeds benefit The YPSI.
Highland Cemetery Lantern Tours
Carry a lantern through the beautiful Highland Cemetery while touring the grounds after dark. Listen to local historian James Mann share stories about those now resting who once resided in Ypsilanti throughout the tours. In 2020, Highland Cemetery was added to the National Register of Historic Places. Dates TBD; About 1.5-2hours, hilly grounds. $10, Cash only.
Boylesque Drag Spooktacular ft. Pandora Boxx
Celebrate Boylesque’s 9 year anniversary at with a memorable evening of Drag shows and bingo with special guest, Pandora Boxx from RuPaul’s Drag Race! This ages 18+ event includes three games of bingo and will double as a fundraiser for Ozone House. Buy your tickets early! Limited seating is available. October 30; $35.
All Hallows Illumination
Following all the Halloween activities, bring your jack-o-lanterns to Frog Island Park and enjoy live acts and entertainment during this outdoor community party. With more pumpkins and performances added each year, these glowing jack-o-lanterns will fill the amphitheater for a picturesque evening and perfect way to close out the Halloween fun. November 1; Free.
There are several events happening around Ypsilanti this October. Find more Halloween and Fall-time happenings here. Events are added to our website regularly, so be sure to check back often!
Wiard’s Orchards
Wiard’s Orchards has become a Fall tradition for Ypsilanti families and visitors. Originally opened in 1837, Wiard’s is one of the longest-standing establishments still operating in Washtenaw County. Enjoy family fun during the day but visit only if you dare at night! Did you know Wiard’s was the first orchard in the US to add a haunted attraction to their entertainment offerings?
Wiard’s Country Fair & Store
In the daytime hours, Wiard’s Orchards & Country Fair is a family-fun destination with no secret scares. Spend time together searching for the perfect pumpkin and feeding animals at the petting zoo. Navigate through the corn maze and visit the country store to pick up the must-try cider and donuts. Take home jams, pies, and well, a few more donuts for later! More attractions and activities are added regularly, making each visit feel new and exciting.
Wiard’s Night Terrors
If you’re a fan of haunted houses and getting scared, you have definitely heard of Wiard’s Night Terrors. Hosting 4 haunted houses and hayride, these highly rated, frightening walkthroughs have been recognized as one of the Top Haunted Attractions in the US. Are you brave enough to face ‘alien caged clowns’ and board ‘the hayride of the lost’? Prepare to be scared when exploring!
Shopping- Inspiration & Decorations
Oddities and unexpected treasures are found any time of year at the beloved shops in Ypsilanti. Search for decorations and handmade products that inspire your creative side during the spooky season!
Downtown
Shoppers will find handmade items crafted from over 50 local artists at Twisted Things including witchy wares, magical workings, ethically sourced bone jewelry, and more curious goods. Twisted Things is one of the shops in the “Diagon Alley” of Ypsilanti, next to Evenstar’s Chalice and World of Rocks. Shops like Unicorn Feed & Supply carry seasonal items like Halloween fairy garden decorations and Stone & Spoon hosts themed events monthly.
Depot Town
Add to your spooky decorations and collections with one-of-a-kind Halloween pieces at This That & the ODDer Things filled with seasonal gifts, clothing, ‘stuffed’ animals and unusual artwork. Nearby, browse several shelves of affordable and low-cost Halloween decorations available at the Thrift Depot. Shop through the neighboring local businesses like Ambient Antiques and Brick & Mortar Modern General Store for more inspiration and decorations.
West Cross Street
Not dressing up for Halloween? Treat yourself and pick out a new outfit inspired by retro vibes from Gentle Vibes Vintage! Grab a pumpkin spice latte or your favorite seasonal drink from Sweetwaters and Halloween cookies from Insomnia Cookies along the way. While West Cross is under construction, making a stop is worth the visit! Each night in October, watch the light shows happening on the 103-year-old Water Tower as part of ypsiGLOW.
Many stores around Ypsilanti are carrying Halloween goodies and awesome finds. Click here to browse more Ypsilanti shops to visit.
These are just some of the cool activities and plans taking place this year. Visit our website for more Ypsilanti inspiration. Share your favorite Ypsilanti activities with us on social media by tagging us at @ypsireal and using #YpsiReal when posting!
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