As the air turns crisp and leaves start to change color, there’s no doubt that summer’s behind us. But the new fall season brings favorite flavors of apple, caramel, and pumpkin as well as traditional activities of family fun and spooky delight. Detroiters have many ways of reveling in what autumn has to offer here within the city. Mark your calendar with these fall traditions you won’t want to miss.
Cider in the City
![]()
Pick your own pumpkin at Cider in the City held every Saturday in October at Beacon Park.
There’s no need to travel past the suburbs for your seasonal favorites. Cider, doughnuts, and pumpkins — along with fun family activities — can be found from 1-5 p.m. every Saturday in October at Beacon Park in downtown Detroit. Come make a seasonal craft, play cornhole or fowling, and take a horse-drawn hayride around the park. Vendors include Blake’s Cider and Donuts, a local fall farm stand, and food trucks.
Beacon Park Detroit, 1903 Grand River Ave.
Theatre Bizarre
![]()
Thousands of elaborately costumed guests gather at Masonic Temple each year to immerse themselves in decadent sets and thrilling performances at Theatre Bizarre.
Launched illegally in its early days, this masquerade spectacular is designed for the dedicated Halloween enthusiast. Thousands of elaborately costumed guests gather at Masonic Temple each year to immerse themselves in decadent sets and thrilling performances. The main event on Saturdays Oct. 12 and Oct. 19 takes over eight floors, with five main stages and hundreds of performers, including live bands, circus sideshow acts, and world-class burlesque.
A Friday night Formal Masquerade Gala will be held on Oct. 11 and 18 for those looking for a more intimate setting, guided tours, and a closer look at the show’s iconic sets. The gala also includes a cocktail reception and strolling dinner with performances in the Grand Hall.
Masonic Temple, 500 Temple St. For ticket information, visit theatrebizarre.com.
Cider Slush
![]()
The third annual Cider Slush will be held in Shed 5 at Eastern Market on Oct. 18.
Supporting Core Orchards Detroit, an urban garden and the city’s first you-pick apple orchard, this third annual hard cider festival will be held in Shed 5 at Eastern Market from 7-11 p.m. Oct. 18. The event, for ages 21 and up, boasts a festive night of fall fun including yard games, live music, food trucks, a full bar, and several local breweries showcasing their hard cider offerings. Ticket prices include six samples of Michigan hard ciders and two signature Cider Slushies made with a fireball cinnamon whiskey. You may want to uber to this fall adventure that touts a #getslushed tagline.
Eastern Market, Shed 5. For ticket information, visit www.coreorchards.com/cider-slush.
Treats in the Streets
![]()
Take the kids trick-or-treating on Oct. 27 at the Detroit Historical Museum.
A spooktacular array of treats await your family at the Detroit Historical Museum's Streets of Detroit. From 1-4 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 27 the museum offers an afternoon of candy hunts, cider and doughnuts, historical adventures, prizes, and games. This free event is perfect for the little ones as guests are encouraged to wear costumes and are promised all treats without a trick in sight.
Detroit Historical Museum, 5401 Woodward Ave., detroithistorical.org.
Cemetery Tours
![]()
Cemetery tours by Preservation Detroit feature visits to the final resting place of famous Detroit residents, such as Edsel Ford.
Join Preservation Detroit as they explore the history and beauty of a different city cemetery every Saturday in October. Throughout this three-hour walking tour, you’ll hear detailed stories behind famous and infamous people buried in Detroit, from J.L. Hudson to Edsel Ford. Soak in the historic architecture of the graveyard mausoleums and headstones while taking in some juicy tales you’ll surely want to share at future dinner parties. Tours over the next three weeks include:
- Elmwood Cemetery: Oct. 12
- Mt. Elliot Cemetery: Oct. 19
- Mt. Olivet Cemetery: Oct. 26
Tickets for the walking tours must be purchased in advance. More info is available at preservationdetroit.org.
Run of the Dead 2019
![]()
The Southwest Detroit Business Association’s Run of the Dead celebrates this long-standing Mexican holiday with a 5K/10K run/walk on Nov. 2 through the community's historic Holy Cross and Woodmere cemeteries.
El Dia de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, is a celebration and remembrance of loved ones who have gone before us. The Southwest Detroit Business Association’s Run of the Dead celebrates this long-standing Mexican holiday with a 5K/10K run/walk on Nov. 2 through the community's historic Holy Cross and Woodmere cemeteries. Bring your family and friends out to honor the tradition between life and death. Check-in for the event starts at 7 a.m. and the run begins at 9 a.m. at George S. Patton Park Recreation Center. All proceeds will benefit the neighborhood's Center of Music Performing Arts, COMPAS.
2301 Woodmere St. Register online at southwestdetroit.com/community/run-of-the-dead.
Enjoy this story?
Sign up for free solutions-based reporting in your inbox each week.