This October, gallivant around in your best zombie garb, get to know the spooky secrets of a Northern Michigan town and help solve a citywide Scooby-Doo mystery at these local events.

Asylum After Dark Experience // Select dates thru October 22

Experience a night at the Northern Michigan Asylum. Explore one of the most popular cottages at The Village at Grand Traverse Commons from attic to basement as scenes from the past are played out in dramatic fashion. The sights, sounds and darkness will leave you wanting to see more! Stay for a bonfire after the tour and take home an exclusive piece of asylum history.

12th Annual Virtual Traverse City Zombie Run // October 1–31

Come join zombies from all walks of life (or shall we say death)! The Zombie Run has become a Traverse City Halloween tradition—and what’s not to like? Zombies and beer have always been a winning combination. During the month of October, run or walk a 5K anywhere and at any time (preferably in costume but not required). You can run or walk the official Zombie Run course or you can run any 5K route you like. If you do run the official course, stop at Right Brain Brewery and take a selfie to share. 

Historic Empire Walking Tour // October 1–18

Step back in time on this walking tour through historic Empire. The history of this Up North town goes back to the lumber days of 1884 and there are still remnants to see from that time. Hear about early settlers, how Empire got its name and more. The tour takes about 1.5 hours and is a leisurely walk on flat terrain that’s suitable for wheelchair users. Group size is limited to six people and social distancing measures will be implemented.

Camp Sauble Cages of Carnage Haunted Attraction // October 10, 16, 17, 23, 24

Tour the Camp Sauble haunted prison near Ludington if you dare! Proceeds support the Free Soil/Meade and Grant Township Fire Departments (may not be suitable for children).

Scooby Doo-Wop: A Live Drive-In Mystery Adventure // October 18, 24 & 25

The Scooby Doo-Wop Gang have come to Northern Michigan to investigate a mysterious ghost spooking Traverse City’s Old Town, and they need your help! For this unique experience, you and your carload of friends will be contacted by the gang via your smartphone, receiving written clues and audio recordings as you travel to three different locations in Traverse City to solve the mystery. 

Halloween MASK-A-RADE featuring the T.C. Knuckleheads // October 30

Enjoy live music with the T.C. Knuckleheads at Erickson Center for the Arts in Curtis. A contest for best masks and best costumes will be held as well as a 50/50 raffle. BYO snacks and beverages—adults 21 and over only. Tickets are limited and cloth face masks will be required for entry.  

Run For Your Lives 5K/10K // October 31

Presented by Safe Harbor Credit Union, this course takes runners through Cartier Park in Ludington. Runners can dress in costume and registration includes a cotton/poly race tee and custom diecast finisher’s medal. Proceeds benefit the Downtown Ludington Board. Strollers and dogs welcome.

Big Sable Point Lighthouse Virtual Escape Room // Virtual

A new virtual escape room allows elementary school children to solve riddles to escape Ludington’s Big Sable Point Lighthouse (difficulty level 3rd/4th grade); adult version coming soon! Take a virtual tour of the lighthouse and access the escape room.