Dust off your pirate hats, pull out those hideous dresses and throw on a wig, because it’s almost time for some great Northern Michigan Halloween parties! Staying true to our love affair with Northern Michigan beer and wine, these parties also include local beverages and of course plenty of good ole Halloween fun!

1. Ales by The Rails Oktoberfest at The Filling Station in Traverse City, October 17 &18

This a two day event that promises fun for participants of all ages! There will be live music from a variety of bands including The Way Down Wanderers, Mountain Standard Time, Box On and more! Kids can hang out in the fun zone, paint pumpkins or check out some train memorabilia. Adults will have plenty of different beers to sample and enjoy. There will be great food including wood-fired pizzas and traditional brats & sauerkraut. To learn more go to the Filling Station’s website. To purchase tickets go to MyNorthTickets.com.

2. Beard’s Halloween Bash in Petoskey, Friday October 31

Beard’s Halloween Bash promises a great night of fun! There will be a costume contest with prizes, vinyl records playing Halloween music (if you have any vinyls that are Halloween themed please bring them in!), the release of the Oatmeal Raisin Cookie beer, and more! Check out their website for more information.

3. Bridge Street Tap Room’s 1st Annual Halloween Party in Charlevoix, Friday, October 31 at 6 pm

Dress up as your finest zombie, vampire or Olaf from Frozen (it’s a trending costume just waiting to happen), there will be Halloween themed food, drink specials and live entertainment featuring Laith Al Saadi from 9–midnight. The best costume award winner will also receive a cash prize. Bring your friends and enjoy the festive tap room environment! Click here for a Q&A with the owner.

4. Left Foot Charley’s Halloween Hootenanny in Traverse City, Friday October 31 at 6 pm

Live music with Billy Strings and Don Julin, costume judging plus plenty of wine, cider prizes and more!

5. Northport Brewing in Northport, Friday, October 31 & Saturday, November 1

Northport Brewing is celebrating their first Halloween and everyone is invited to celebrate! Dress up for the costume contest, eat pizza and hot dogs on the patio, enjoy some great beer specials. From Wednesday until Friday don’t forget to participate in the carving contest! To learn more details about how you can participate in the pumpkin carving contest (and possibly become Northport’s Pumpkin King!) check out their website.

6. Short’s Annual Halloween Party at the Bellaire Brew Pub, Friday, October 31 at 6 pm

The Short’s Annual Halloween Party takes place on Friday October 31 at 6 pm. Live music feature is Reggie Smith and the After Party. They take the stage at 8 pm. Don’t forget to wear an awesome costume! Prizes will be awarded for best costume as follows; 1st prize: one-year mug club membership, 2nd prize: a sweatshirt and a 6-pack, 3rd prize: A t-shirt and a 6-pack.  Last call will be at midnight.

Joe and Leah Short

Leah & Joe Short

7. Union Street Station Halloween Costume Party in Traverse City, Friday, October 31

Live music from The Mainstage will put everyone in a great mood! There will be also be a costume contest and the first prize winner receives a cash prize. For more details check here.

8. The Workshop Brewing Company Halloween Party in Traverse City, Friday, October 31 at 8 pm

There will be great beer, amazing food, killer music (Graham Parsons and the Go-Rounds–in costume!) and fine times. Plus Halloween-themed specials and more! To learn more details check out their Facebook page.

9. Zombie 5K Run at Right Brain Brewery in Traverse City, Saturday, October 24 at 9 am

Mess up your hair, splash on some fake blood, tear some holes in your clothing and get ready to run! This annual event hosted by Right Brain Brewery has become a Traverse City favorite. The event begins and ends at Right Brain which means after your run you can reward yourself with a nice pint of Chubby Squirrel or the Spinal Tapper. To register and learn more click here.

Allen Kent pic

Photo Credit: allen-kent photography

10. Halloween Party with the Broom Closet Boys at Tucker’s in Northport, Friday, October 31

Join in the Halloween Party at Tucker’s in Northport. The music starts at 9 pm and ends long after a spooky midnight. Expect crazy costumes, drink specials and bowling, of course. There will be a costume contest and the winner will receive a $100 gift certificate.

More Northern Michigan Fall

Northern Michigan Fall Color Tours

Video: Making the Perfect Caramel Apple

5 Color Tours in Leelanau County

Photo(s) by Short's Brewery