Witches and zombies and unicorns...oh my! Halloween is upon us and there is plenty to do!
Time to get into the "spirit" of the season and spend some time howling at the moon! Enjoy one of these spook-tacular Michiana events with friends and family.
October 13
• Boo Bash 2023 will be held from 6 to 10 p.m. Oct. 13 and 14 at the St. Joseph County 4-H Fairgrounds, 5117 S. Ironwood Drive, South Bend. Trunk or Treat from 6 to 8 p.m. only. Enjoy a haunted house, hayride, food vendors, petting zoo, maze and more. Admission: $5, children 6 and under, free. Haunted house admission: $8.
• Get dressed in your haunted best and head to the Biergarten for a costume party just for adults, 21 and older. Boos and Brews Haunted Prom will be held from 8 to 10 p.m. Oct. 13 at the Ball Band Biergarten, 230 Ironworks Ave., Mishawaka. Prizes for the spookiest, silliest, and best group costume. Pre-register and receive a commemorative mug. Cost is $15.
October 14
• Treats on the Trail will be held from noon to 2 p.m. Oct. 14 at Pinhook Park, 2801 Riverside Drive, South Bend. Kids ages 3 to 14 should come in their best costume and collect candy and other treats. Food available for purchase from Smothered and Covered Fries and More. Ridgedale Christian Ministries will be selling kettle corn for $5 a bag. Additional parking is available at Chet Waggoner Little League, 3301 Riverside Drive. A free shuttle will be available to transport guests to the park.
• The annual Silverbrook Cemetery tour will be held at 10 a.m. Oct. 14. Learn about several families and individuals who played an important role in the history of Niles. The tour meets at the corner of Main and Cherry Streets in Niles. Admission is free but donations are appreciated. The tour is weather permitting. Sponsored by the Niles History Center.
• Eden Springs Park in Benton Harbor will offer Halloween Miniature Train Rides from 5 to 9 p.m. Oct. 14-15, 21-22, and 28-29. Enjoy an evening train ride and boolicious decorations. Bring the family and enjoy the lights and spooky atmosphere. Admission is $5 (children under 3 are free). Eden Springs Park is located at 793 Michigan-139.
• Frightful delight will be held at the 2nd annual Halloween Boo Bash at the Silver Beach Center, 333 Broad St., St. Joseph from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Oct. 14. This family-friendly event offers a magic show, photo ops, cookie decorating, tasty treats, cash bar, one free ride on the haunted Silver Beach “Scarousel,” and complimentary admission to the Curious Kids’ Discovery Zone. Tickets are $15 (ages 3 and older) and be reserved at curiouskidsmuseum.org.
October 17
• John Adams High School, 808 Twyckenham Drive, South Bend, will host a track or treat on its outdoor track from 5 to 6:30 p.m. Oct. 17 for elementary age students and younger. Concessions will be available at door 14.
October 18
• Bring out the little ones for an evening of trunk or treat fun at Briarcliff Health & Rehabilitation, 5024 Western Ave., South Bend from 5 to 7 p.m. Oct. 18.
October 20
• Mishawaka-Penn-Harris Public Library, 209 Lincoln Way E., Mishawaka, will celebrate Halloween with Frightful Friday on Oct. 20. Guests can choose between the morning lineup from 10 a.m. to noon or the afternoon lineup from 3 to 5 p.m. This family friendly event features a craft, a spooky story time, a Roz Puppet show, and trick-or-treating around the library. All activities are free, but a ticket is required to attend the puppet show and those tickets must be secured ahead of time from mphpl.org. Costumes are encouraged for adults and children. Adult caregivers must remain in the library for participants 10-11 years of age and directly supervise children 9 years of age and younger.
• Zoo Boo will be held from 2 to 8 p.m. Oct. 20-21 and from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Oct. 22 at the Potawatomi Zoo, 500 S. Greenlawn Ave., South Bend. Enjoy the animals, pumpkins, lights, and decorations. Ticket prices are $12; members pay $6 and children, (ages 2 and under) are free. All tickets include a pass to the Trick or Treat Trail. Train ride tickets are $3 per rider over 2 years old. Carousel tickets are $3 per seated rider. The Zoo Train will be scarier after 5 p.m., please use discretion when riding with children. No full masks on guests age 15 and over. The zoo is closed for regular hours during Zoo Boo. Tickets may be purchased in advance at potawatomizoo.org/zooboo.
• Ready for a Halloween fun run? Children, ages 3 to 9, can join in the Monster Dash & Dance from 6 to 8 p.m. Oct. 20 at the Ball Band Biergarten, 230 Ironworks Ave., Mishawaka. Participants run the length of Ironworks Ave. dressed in their spooky best. At the end of the run, participants receive a small pumpkin to decorate, cup of hot chocolate, and a chance to dance to some monster boogie tunes. Food will be available for purchase. Cost: $10 per person. Registration required at https://mishawaka.recdesk.com/Community/Program/Detail?programId=409 by 11 a.m. Oct. 20.
• Join Merry Lea – Farmstead Site for an “enchanted” night hike from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Oct. 20 and Oct. 21. Trail guides will lead groups by lantern light to meet friendly creatures that will tell you about their diets, habits, and favorite places. They will also answer any questions you may have. Hikes last 1 hour and leave every 25 minutes. While you wait outside, enjoy music and snacks. End the evening sipping hot cocoa around a campfire. This is a family friendly event. Cost: $5 per person (cash only), ages 2 and under, free. No registration required. Merry Lea Farmstead is located at 2152 S. 425 W., Albion, www.goshen.edu/merrylea.
• Join St. Joseph for its annual Pumpkins on Parade. Southwest Michigan businesses and restaurants will display their decorated pumpkins from October 20 through October 30! Visit participating locations and vote for your favorite pumpkin. Voting will be available at stjoetoday.com/vote from 10 a.m. Oct. 20 to 11:59 p.m. Oct. 30. The top three winners will be announced on Oct. 31.
• “Rocky Horror Show – The Musical” will be performed at The GhostLight Theatre, 101 Hinkley St., Benton Harbor, Oct. 20-22 and Oct. 27-31 at 7:30 p.m. Doors open at 7 p.m. Tickets range from $75-$12 and are available at GhostLightBH.com. Audiences are encouraged to dress in costume. This production is rated-R and only guests 18+ will be permitted without an adult.
• “Nevermore: The Imaginary Life and Mysterious Death of Edgar Allan Poe” will be performed at Holdcraft Performing Arts Center, 1200 Spring St., Michigan City, Oct. 20-21 and 27-28 at 7 p.m. and Oct. 22 and 29 at 2 p.m. CDT. Tickets $15-$10 and available at yptcinc.com/tickets. Parking is off Pine Street. This is a semi-biographic musical that follows Poe’s life of successes and setbacks.
October 21
• The Northeast Neighborhood Fall Fest will be held from noon to 3 p.m. Oct. 21 in Perley Park, 1235 Chalfant St., South Bend. Free fun for the family with music, games, food, and giveaways.
• Newton Park, 801 N. Michigan, Lakeville, is hosting a free trunk or treat from 6 to 8 p.m. Oct. 21. Gates will open at 5 p.m. for special needs and medically fragile children and their families. Newton Park has partnered with The Teal Pumpkin Project to make this event food allergy friendly.
• Halloween Happenings Round-Up at Potato Creek State Park, 25601 Indiana 4, North Liberty. From 10 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Oct. 21 enjoy making a witch’s potion, carve a pumpkin, learn about snakes, enter the costume contest, trick or treat, and take a cemetery hike. On Oct. 22 at 11 a.m. meet some spiders, from 1 to 3 p.m. make a spooky animal craft and from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. go on an Owl Prowl. There is a fee to enter the state park of $9-$7. For all details and exact event times go to events.in.gov/event/halloween_happenings_round-up.
• Trunk or Treat from 4 to 6 p.m. Oct. 21 at New Carlisle United Methodist Church, 300 E. Compton, New Carlisle. Games and food will be available the first hour and trunk or treat will be the second hour.
• Trunk or Treat at Southgate Crossing, 27751 County Road 26, Elkhart, from 5 to 7 p.m. Oct. 21. This free event will be held in the parking lot. Safe fun for the entire family. Bring your own bag or bucket to collect your goodies. Rain date will be Oct. 27.
• Trunk or Treat on Island Park at the corner of N. Main and E. Sycamore Streets in Elkhart from noon to 2 p.m. Oct. 21. Enter at Sycamore Street bridge.
• Trunk or Treat Fall Fest will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. Oct. 21 followed by a free drive-in movie from 7 to 9 p.m. at Shanklin Park, 411 W. Plymouth Ave., Goshen. Food-free trunk-or-treating, blow-up Halloween figures for photo ops, and hayrides. Costumes are optional. Sponsored by Goshen Parks and Recreation Department.
• Harvest Fest 2023 and Trunk-n-Treat will be held at Dr. T.K. Lawless Park, 15122 Monkey Run St., Vandalia from 2 to 5 p.m. on Oct. 21. Admission is one canned good item per person or $1 per person or a donation of pet supplies for Cass County Animal Control. Trunk-n-Treat will be held from 3 to 4 p.m. only. There are activities for the entire family and include a fun trail, inflatables, train ride, hayride, face painting, zipline, costume contest, dog costume contest, bonfire and more. Food available for purchase. Free pumpkins to children ages 10 and under while supplies last. Event is hosted by the Cass County Parks Department, Friends of the Cass County Parks, and Michiana Jeeps Club.
• The Hoosier Valley Railroad Museum will have a Twilight Pumpkin Train, with the Not-So-Scary, Scary Animal Show on Oct. 21 and 28. The Animal Show begins at 4:30 p.m. CDT and the diesel train pulls away from the depot area at 5:30 p.m. CDT for a 45-minute excursion through the countryside. The cost is $22-$16.
Additional Pumpkin Trains will also run Oct. 21 and 28. The diesel train departs at 11 a.m., 1 p.m., 3 p.m. CDT for a 10-mile, round trip to the Kankakee River and then drop passengers off at the pumpkin patch and fall activities on the museum grounds. The cost is $20-$15. The steam train departs at 10 a.m., noon, 2 p.m., 4 p.m. CDT and travels 1.4 miles and returns passengers to the pumpkin patch. The cost is $12-$8.
Costumes encouraged, but dress warmly. Tickets are available at www.hoosiervalley.org or by calling the depot on Saturdays at 574-869-3950. Tickets must be picked up in the depot prior to boarding the train. The museum is located at 507 N. Mulberry, North Judson.
• It’s time for Wolf Park’s Pumpkin Party! Hit the colorful fall trail to watch ambassador animals enjoy their pumpkin treats from 4 to 8 p.m. Oct. 21. Enjoy dancing, games, and food from food trucks. Fun for all ages. Tickets are $25-$20 and can be purchased at wolfpark.org/events. Wolf Park is located at 4004 E. 800 N., Battle Ground, Indiana.
October 22
• Bring the family to River Saint Joe Brewery, 15475 Walton Road, Buchanan, for a Halloween Spooktacular Family Fun Day from noon to 4 p.m. Oct. 22. Enjoy Halloween themed games, activities, crafts and more! A kid’s costume parade will take place at 2 p.m. and Flatwater Farms will have pumpkins for sale for $10-$5. Event is free to enter.
October 24
• Trick or Treat on Eddy Street Commons, 1234 N. Eddy St., South Bend, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Oct. 24. This event is for children 10 years old and younger in costume. Parents must accompany children throughout the event. There will be a balloon twister, face painting, games, crafts, and music. Children 10 and younger can “pick” a favorite pumpkin, while supplies last. Rain date is Oct. 25. Event subject to change without notice.
October 25
• The Studebaker National Museum and The History Museum will hold annual Trunk or Treat events from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Oct. 25. Children up to age 13 are invited, must be in costume and accompanied by an adult. The museums are located at 201 Chapin St., South Bend.
October 27
• Mishawaka-Penn-Harris Public Library, 209 Lincoln Way East, Mishawaka, will host a Fright Night Teen Lock-In, for students in grades six to 12, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Oct. 27. Registration is required at mphpl.librarycalendar.com.
• The LGBTQ Center will host a Youth Drop-in Halloween Party from 5 to 7 p.m. Oct. 27. Costumes encouraged, snacks, and bingo. The center is located at 251 E. Sample St., Suite 10, South Bend (located in the back of the building).
• Halloween Campfire and Hayrides will be offered at Ox Bow County Park, 23033 County Road 45, Goshen, from 7 to 10 p.m. on Oct. 27 and Oct. 28. Enjoy craft/activity stations, food trucks, night hikes, and a hayride in the dark. The cost is $5 at the gate, ages 2 and under are free. Hayrides are first-come, first-served, last ride at 9:45 p.m.
• Unity Gardens presents a Spooktacular Haunted Trail from 6 to 9 p.m. Oct. 27 at the Unity Gardens Welcome Center, 3701 Prast Blvd., South Bend. Family friendly event with games and treats. Dare to take a guided tour through the haunted trail. Fun for everyone.
• Trick or Treat at the Elkhart County Fairgrounds, 17746-D County Road 34, Goshen, from 1 to 5 p.m. Oct. 27. Photo costume contest for children 18 years of age and younger, go to picture station located within the park. Categories include spookiest, most unique, cutest, and best group costume. Winners will be announced Oct. 31. Enter through Gate 2 and park outside the Elkhart County Community Center. Once parked, enter through the main gate. This event is free, and no registration is required. Just show up in Halloween attire and enjoy a family friendly event.
• The Pokagon Band of Potawatomi’s Four Winds Casinos will celebrate Halloween at its Monster Bash at Four Winds South Bend’s Ribbon Town Conference and Event Center, 3000 Prairie Ave., South Bend, at 9 p.m. Oct. 27. Guests must be 21 and over. Enjoy music from the band BLAMMO, a cash bar, and costume contest. Costumes should not have masks, face paint, weapons, or props that look like weapons. General admission tickets are $15; VIP tickets are $30, plus applicable fees. VIP tickets include early access, light hors d’oeuvres and dessert and a private cash bar. Purchase tickets at fourwindscasino.com/southbend/entertainment/ribbon-town.
• Mystery at the Mansion will be held Oct. 27 and Oct. 28. First tours leave at 5:30 p.m. from The History Museum, 808 W. Washington, South Bend. Participants help solve the mystery of who was responsible for bombing South Bend’s Palace Café in January 1935. Clues will be given as participants walk from room to room in the three-story Oliver Mansion. Stair-climbing is required. Tickets are: $25-$20. Reservations recommended; tours are limited. Purchase tickets online at historymuseumSB.org.
• “You Ain’t Nothin’ But a Werewolf” will be presented by Wagon Wheel Junior Oct. 27-29 at Wagon Wheel Center for the Arts, 2515 E. Center St., Warsaw. On Oct. 27 the show begins at 7 p.m. On Oct. 28 and 29 the show begins at 2 p.m. A not so haunted open house will be open one-hour prior. Tickets are $20. Find more on the storyline and purchase tickets at wagonwheelcenter.org.
• Explore the paranormal at The Lerner Theatre Oct. 27. At 7:30 p.m. enjoy a free screening of “Hocus Pocus.” At 9:30 p.m. a paranormal history tour of the theatre will be available for ticketed guests. The tour is limited to the first 100 people. Tickets are $30-$15, subject to additional fees and available at thelerner.com/events.
• TORP Improv Comedy will host a special Howling Halloween Comedy Improv Night. The unscripted show will be held Oct. 27 at The Oak Room at The Citadel, 91 Hinkley St., Benton Harbor. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. with the performance at 7 p.m. Audience members are encouraged to show up in a favorite Halloween costume. A winning costume will receive a special TORP Improv prize package. Tickets are $15 and available online at torp.ludus.com and at the door.
• River Saint Joe Brewery will host Fright Night on the Farm from 5 to 9 p.m. Oct. 27. Enjoy an eerie evening full of beer, fun, and spooky tunes. Organic beers and food with $5 Oktoberfest pints. Take part in the costume contest at 7 p.m. River Saint Joe is located at 15475 Walton Road, Buchanan.
• LoveWay Inc. will host its second annual Barn Boo-Nanza from 5 to 7 p.m. Oct. 27 in their barn at 54151 County Road 33, Middlebury. This spooky fun is in a safe environment exclusively for families with children with disabilities. Event highlights include: sensory-friendly environment, trick or treat in decorated barn stalls, games, costumes encouraged (no scary or violent costumes), and an opportunity to meet other families.
October 28
• The City of Mishawaka Parks and Recreation department will hold Table or Treat from 5 to 7 p.m. Oct. 28 along the Mishawaka Riverwalk (Central Park to Beutter Park) in Mishawaka. There will be spooky surprises, music, and of course, candy. This event is free and open to all ages.
• The Wakarusa Chamber Fall Party will be held from 3 to 5 p.m. Oct. 28 in downtown Wakarusa. The costume contest will be held from 3 to 4 p.m. in Doc’s Pavilion; the cake walk will be held from 4 to 5 p.m. The Haunted Museum will be open from 7 to 9 p.m., admission: $2, children 12 and under, free.
• Galien American Legion Post 344, 402 N. Cleveland Ave., Galien, will host a Halloween Party for children from 3 to 5 p.m. Oct. 28 with free food, candy, cider, and a costume contest with prizes.
• Berrien County Animal Shelter Trunk or Treat will be held from 9:30 a.m. to noon Oct. 28 at 1400 S. Euclid Ave., Benton Harbor. Please leave family pets at home.
• Elkhart Parks and Recreation along with the Elkhart Police and Fire departments will host the The Pine “Not So Haunted” Woods Walk from 5 to 7 p.m. Oct. 28 at Pinewood Park, 3499 Newton Drive, Elkhart. This free family-friendly event provides a trick-or-treating experience in which families can take a walk in the woods, find photo opportunities with Halloween inflatables and décor and receive treats from local businesses and organizations.
• Come to the LaPorte County Historical Society Museum, 2405 Indiana Ave., LaPorte, and meet some time traveling Halloween guests. From 2 to 4 p.m. CDT, Oct. 28, trick or treat through time in the Museum. Admission is free to trick-or-treaters during the event.
• Halloween Extravaganza, 5 to 7 p.m. Oct. 28, Sturgis Safety Town, 702 E. Lafayette, Sturgis. Trick-or-Treating, haunted bus, doughnuts, hayrides and games.
• Sarett’s Spooky Halloween will be held from 4 to 9 p.m. Oct. 28. A spooky adventure will be had by all ages as you take a stroll through the trails and visit spooky crafts, games, and other fun activity stations. Tickets should be purchased in advance at $6 per person for ages 2 and older. Go to sarett-nature-center.square.site/halloween-tickets. Sarett Nature Center is located at 2300 N. Benton Center Road, Benton Harbor.
• Howl-O-Ween Happenings at the Michiana Humane Society, 722 Indiana 212, Michigan City from 12 to 3 p.m. CDT on Oct. 28. Enjoy a trunk-or-treat and festive fall family pet photo. Children and leashed pets are invited. Costumes encouraged.
• Celebrate Howl-O-Ween at Wolf Park, 4004 E. 800 N., Battle Ground, Indiana, from 7 to 9:30 p.m. Oct. 28. Howl with the wolves, take a lantern lit tour, see animal ambassadors, and learn about wolf mythology and local haunting stories. Bring some treats for the wolves. The park accepts packaged hot dogs or summer sausage. Tickets are $18-$15 and can be purchased online at wolfpark.org/events.
• Journeyman Distillery at The Featherbone Factory, 109 Generations Drive, Three Oaks, will host a Halloween Dance Party from 8 to 11 p.m. Oct. 28. Firepits will be blazing and there will be dancing and Spooktacular Halloween-inspired cocktails. Enter the costume contest. First place will win a $300 Journeyman gift card. Outside food and drink are not permitted. Tickets are $18 per person which includes a welcome drink. Purchase tickets online at www.journeyman.com/events.
• Tabor Hill Winery and Restaurant, 185 Mt. Tabor Road, Buchanan, invites you to “Terror at Tabor Adult Prom” from 6 to 10 p.m. Oct. 28. This event will be held at the Estate Tent. Dust off those old prom dresses and suits to enjoy a night of haunting elegance. Music by The-BBQS DJ Collective and food truck offerings by Don Chepe. Live Tarot reading by Lucid Spirit. Tickets are $15-$10, and you must be 21 years of age or older. ID required. Purchase tickets at taborhill.com/event/halloween.
• The Acorn is hosting a Boo Ball featuring Expo ’76 and The Shams Band at 8 p.m. Oct. 28. Spooktacular prizes will be given for best costume, enjoy food from Classic Catering and imbibe in some witch’s brew while you dance the night away. Seating is limited. Tickets are $50 general admission and can be purchased online at acornlive.org. The Acorn is located at 107 Generations Drive in Three Oaks.
October 29
• VFW Post 360 will host a Hocus Pocus Halloween Festival from noon to 2 p.m. Oct. 29. Come dressed in your best costume. Children 13 and under must be accompanied by an adult. The VFW is located at 1307 E. Jefferson Blvd., Mishawaka.
• ZB Falcons Nest 80, 323 S. Sheridan St., South Bend, will host an indoor trick or treat event from 4:30 to 6 p.m. Oct. 29.
• Fernwood Botanical Garden will host a Creature Craft Party from noon to 3 p.m. Oct. 29 in the Flora Wing of the Sims Education Center, 13988 Range Line Road, Niles. The entire family can create crafts inspired by the season’s most notorious native creatures, including bats, spiders, toads, and more. Free hot cider, popcorn, and sweets. Explore Fernwood’s gardens and trails. Costumes encouraged. Party is free with garden admission: $10-free.
• First United Methodist Church, 720 S. Main St., Middlebury, will host a trunk or treat event from 4 to 6 p.m. Oct. 29.
• The City of New Buffalo will hold a costume contest at 2 p.m. before the annual parade steps off at 3 p.m. from the 100 block of N. Thompson Street. Citywide trick-or-treating will follow from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. on Oct. 29.
• River Saint Joe Brewery, 15475 Walton Road, Buchanan, will hold its 4th annual Dog Halloween Costume Contest in support of Homeward Bound, an animal shelter. Bring your pet all kitted out in this contest of canine proportions. Entry fee is $5 and donations welcome. Awards for Best Dog Costume and Best Owner & Dog Costume. Even if you don’t have a pet to enter, come down and watch these pups strut their stuff.
October 31
• Trunk or Treat will be hosted by North Liberty Church of Christ, 65225 Indiana 23, North Liberty, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Oct. 31. Family fun event with candy, hot dogs, and inflatables.
• Trick or Treating at the Berrien County Historical Association Museum from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Oct. 31. All ages can join in for a bit of fun at the museum. Visit each building to get a special treat. Admission is free. The museum is located at 313 N. Cass St., Berrien Springs.
Trick or Treat times
Here are the days and hours for cities and towns throughout the area. All times are eastern standard time unless noted:
Saturday, Oct. 28, 2023
Galien — 5 to 6 p.m.
Goshen — 5:30 to 8 p.m.
Three Oaks — 4 to 6 p.m.
Wakarusa — 5 to 7 p.m.
Sunday, Oct. 29, 2023
New Buffalo — 3:30 to 5:30 p.m.
Tuesday, Oct. 31, 2023
Argos — 5 to 7 p.m.
Berrien Springs — 6 to 7:30 p.m.
Bremen — 5 to 7 p.m.
Bridgman — 5:30 to 7 p.m.
Buchanan — 6 to 8 p.m.
Cassopolis — 6 to 8 p.m.
Dowagiac — 6 to 7 p.m.
Downtown St. Joseph/Benton Harbor Arts District — 4:30 to 6 p.m.
Edwardsburg — 6 to 7:30 p.m.
Elkhart — 6 to 8 p.m.
Lakeville — 5 to 7 p.m.
LaPorte — 6 to 8 p.m. CDT
Michigan City — 5 to 7 p.m. CDT
Middlebury — 5 to 7 p.m.
Mishawaka — 5 to 7 p.m.
Nappanee — 5 to 7 p.m.
New Carlisle — 5 to 7 p.m.
Niles — 6 to 7:30 p.m.
North Liberty — 5 to 7 p.m.
Rolling Prairie — 5 to 7 p.m. CDT
Roseland — 5 to 7 p.m.
Saint Joseph — 4:30 to 6 p.m.
South Bend — 5 to 7 p.m.
Unincorporated St. Joseph County — 5 to 7 p.m.
Watervliet — 5 to 7 p.m.
This article originally appeared on South Bend Tribune: Halloween 2023: Spooky and family-friendly events across Michiana
