Things To Do in Detroit in October

Story by Amelia Ritter

October is the perfect time to visit Detroit! Between fall festivals, concerts, sporting events, and spooky fun, you’ll be sure to find something that makes your trip one to remember!

Whether you're local or planning a visit to Detroit, get ready for a frightfully fun October. From haunted houses to spooky celebrations, this October promises a thrilling lineup of experiences that will leave you eager to mark your calendar and join in the fun!

Detroit Black Film Festival at multiple locations - through October 1
Step into the world of cinema with the Black Film Festival, where Black narratives take center stage through documentaries, dramas, comedies, animated shorts, and full-length movies. Embracing the theme 'Cinema, Cuisine, and Cocktails' for this year's five-day event, film enthusiasts can look forward to a diverse selection of works by both established and emerging artists, delectable culinary treats, and a variety of handcrafted cocktails at the 'Taste of Black Spirits: The Cocktail Concierge' exhibit.

American Speed Festival at M1 Concourse - through October 1Rev up your excitement for the American Speed Festival, where legendary automotive brands unite in a thrilling celebration of performance history. From Vintage Indy cars and historic stock cars to cutting-edge supercars, this event is a one-of-a-kind showcase of automotive excellence. Don't miss the chance to witness race cars from every era in action on the thrilling 1.5-mile M1 Concourse Speed Ring.

Detroit Harvest Fest and Food Truck Rally at the Dequindre Cut Greenway - October 7-8Join the Detroit Riverfront Conservancy in celebrating the season at the Detroit Harvest Fest & Food Truck Rally! With over 50 food trucks, six music stages, and a wide range of fun Harvest Fest Activities, it's a fantastic event for the entire family!

Mandela: The Official Exhibition at the Henry Ford Museum - opening October 21
This immersive and interactive experience invites guests to delve into the remarkable story of Nelson Mandela, the world's most iconic freedom fighter and political leader. Explore his personal journey through previously unseen films, photographs, and a captivating display of over 150 historical artifacts and personal effects, generously loaned by the Mandela family, museums, and archives from around the world.

Ofrendas - Celebrating el Día de Muertos at Detroit Institute of Arts - all month long
The 11th edition of 'Ofrendas: Celebrating el Día de Muertos,' showcases 13 stunning ofrendas created by talented local artists and community members. This annual exhibition is a unique opportunity for visitors to connect with the heartfelt reasons and customs behind honoring the departed while collectively participating in the beautiful act of remembrance.

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Credit: Detroit Harvest Fest & Food Truck Rally

Fall Fun

Get ready to make the most of spooky season in Detroit with a thrilling lineup of events and activations spanning the city and the metro area. From spine-tingling haunted houses to ghoulishly fun parties, there's something eerie and exciting for everyone to enjoy!

Food and Drink

Octobeerfest at Detroit Shipping Company - October 7

Spooky Spirits at the Detroit Zoo - October 13

Halloween Bar Crawl at Bookie's Bar & Grille - October 27-28

Halloweiss at Weiss Distilling Co. - all month long

Nightmare on Bagley - all month long

Detroit Metro cider mills

Haunted Attractions

Terror on Tillson

Mr. Spotless (haunted car wash)

Hush Haunted Attraction

Erebus Haunted House

Glenlore Trails Haunted Forest

Downtown Takeovers

The Skeletons Are Alive! in Downtown Northville

Scarecrows in the Park in Downtown Plymouth

BOO!KLEY in Downtown Berkley

Sports and Entertainment

Sports

It’s also the season to cheer on your favorite Detroit sports team! Celebrate the first games of the season for the Detroit Red Wings and the Detroit Pistons, as well as spending Sundays at Ford Field with the Detroit Lions and catching the last couple of matches in the DCFC season.

Catch the Red Wings take on the Lightning in their first game at home on Saturday, October 14 and the Pistons vs. the Bulls on Saturday, October 28.

You can also cheer on the runners of the Detroit Free Press Marathon. You can also enjoy the best Detroit views out on a run, with our recommendations for running groups and routes.

Entertainment

October is a great time to catch a concert, with tons of live music and comedy in Detroit and the metro area! Catch names like The Temptations, Queen + Adam Lambert, Eagles, Taylor Tomlinson, Avenged Sevenfold, KISS, Trevor Noah, The Guess Who, and Jerry Seinfeld just to name a few!

All The Fall Things

Enjoy fall colors and the crisp outdoor air with a walk along the Dequindre Cut, a hike in a Metropark, booking a bicycle tour, or out on a kayak with Detroit River Sports.

Worked up an appetite yet? Indulge in fall flavors at downtown restaurants or enjoy classic Detroit staples like pizza and corned beef sandwiches.

No matter your choice of adventure this October, you can save along the way when you hop on over to the Detroit Brew Trail or check-in with the Explore Detroit Pass. The possibilities for fall adventures are endless, and October is just the beginning!

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