Halloween weekend is almost here, but costumes and candy are only part of the story. Across Ann Arbor, Dexter, Ypsilanti, Saline, Manchester and Chelsea, this week brings family traditions, a conversation with a celebrated animator, a peaceful birding walk and a glimpse behind the scenes at a local theater. Here are a few events worth putting on your calendar.
A Halloween Storytime in Saline
Tuesday, October 27 · 6:30–7 p.m. | Saline District Library, 555 N. Maple Road, Saline
For families looking for a little Halloween fun before the weekend, the library is inviting children to wear their costumes for a special evening storytime. It’s a simple, neighborhood-scale outing that fits nicely into a weeknight.
Cost: Cost not listed.
An evening with animator James Baxter in Ann Arbor
Thursday, October 29 · 5:30–7 p.m. | Michigan Theater, 603 E. Liberty Street, Ann Arbor
The University of Michigan’s Penny Stamps Speaker Series welcomes animator James Baxter for “Animation, It’s Alive!” His work has helped bring characters in Beauty and the Beast, The Lion King and other animated favorites to life. It’s a welcome change of pace from the week’s Halloween activities, and a chance to enjoy one of downtown Ann Arbor’s landmark theaters.
Cost: Free; no ticket required.
Take the Haunted Trails in Manchester
Thursday, October 29 · 6:30–8 p.m., weather permitting | Cross-country trail behind Manchester Jr./Sr. High School, 20500 Dutch Drive, Manchester
SRSLY Manchester is hosting an outdoor haunted trail recommended for ages 13 and older. Park behind the high school near the practice field, and check the weather before heading out. This one is for visitors who prefer their Halloween fun with a little more suspense.
Cost: $5 admission.
Trick-or-treat through downtown Dexter
Friday, October 30 · noon–4 p.m. | Participating downtown Dexter businesses and Monument Park, Dexter
Downtown Dexter turns into a daytime trick-or-treat destination as participating businesses hand out treats. Look for balloons marking the stops and leave time for the additional festivities in Monument Park. It’s a good reason to stroll Main Street and visit the businesses that make the village center special.
Cost: Admission price not listed.
Thrills at the Mills brings Halloween to Hudson Mills
Saturday, October 31 · 1–3:30 p.m. | Hudson Mills Metropark, Activity Center parking lot, 8801 N. Territorial Road, Dexter
Decorated park vehicles, a trunk-or-treat and activities from the Metroparks Outreach van make this a fun afternoon for families. Organizers describe the experience as sensory-friendly, with reduced noise and quieter areas. Treat collection is for children under 16, and space is limited, so register before making plans.
Cost: Event is free; Metroparks vehicle admission or annual pass required. Advance registration required.
Chelsea’s community Halloween party and costume contest
Saturday, October 31 · begins 6 p.m.; costume judging at 7 p.m. | Cole Funeral Chapel parking lot, 214 E. Middle Street, Chelsea
The Chelsea Kiwanis Club and Chelsea High School Key Club are bringing neighbors together for a community Halloween party with candy, games, cider, donuts, popcorn and a costume contest. It’s the kind of small-town tradition that makes Halloween feel like a community celebration.
Cost: Free.
One last fall weekend at Wiard’s in Ypsilanti
Saturday, October 31–Sunday, November 1 · 5K and 10K start Saturday at 8:15 a.m.; Cider Mill Mile at 10 a.m.; store sampling throughout both days | Wiard’s Orchards, 5565 Merritt Road, Ypsilanti
Wiard’s closes out the season with a Halloween-themed Run Scream Run race on Saturday and sampling of fall favorites throughout the weekend. You don’t need a Country Fair ticket to visit the Country Store, making it easy to stop for cider-mill flavors even if you’re not racing. Check the organizer for race entry fees and Sunday operating hours.
Cost: Country Store admission is free; race registration and Country Fair admission are separate.
Go fall birding at Waterloo
Sunday, November 1 · 2–3:30 p.m. | Gerald E. Eddy Discovery Center, 17030 Bush Road, Chelsea
If your ideal fall afternoon is quieter than a costume party, join naturalist Steve Jerant for a beginner-friendly birding walk. The group will cover the basics of spotting and listening for birds, and a limited number of binoculars will be available to borrow. Registration is limited to 15 participants; email waterloonha@gmail.com with your name, phone number and group size.
Cost: $2 per person or $5 per family; advance registration required.
Go behind the scenes at Chelsea’s Purple Rose Theatre
Monday, November 2 · 7–9 p.m. | Chelsea Depot, 125 Jackson Street, Chelsea
Chelsea Area Historical Society welcomes longtime Purple Rose Theatre resident artist Danna Segrest for an evening of backstage stories and memories. Segrest has been part of the theater since its first production in 1991. It’s a fitting way to close the week with a little local history and a look at the creative life of Chelsea.
Cost: Free for Chelsea Area Historical Society members; $10 for nonmembers.
Schedules, admission requirements and availability can change, particularly for outdoor and limited-capacity events. Please confirm the latest details with each organizer before you go.