Hold my gourd, y’all, because fall is popping in northern Michigan, and it’s not just the trees showing off their colorful wardrobes. Here’s a handful of activities happening from now until Halloween weekend that are on the top of our to-do list.

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Thrilling Fun at Jacob’s Farm

It seems the season isn’t complete without at least one stop at Jacob’s Farm. Just minutes from downtown Traverse City, you can get lost in their corn maze, enjoy great food, sip adult beverages, listen to live music, and soak up all the fall fun.

Check out their Thriller Night, Friday, Oct. 30, from 7-9 p.m. Costumed actors lurk throughout the haunted corn maze, delivering chills, thrills, and plenty of unexpected scares along the way. This unrivaled and exciting experience is $20 per victim. Advance tickets are encouraged.

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Located at 7100 East Traverse Highway, Traverse City, Jacob’s Farm is open 4-8 p.m. Wednesday through Friday, and 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, with their last day being Saturday, Oct. 31.

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Pumpkins & Donuts at Gallagher's Farm Market
Across from Jacob's Farms is Gallagher's Farm Market. The longtime local favorite is a great place to pick a pumpkin, get fresh cider, and indulge in their famous always-fresh, homemade donuts, especially the cinnamon-sugar pumpkin donuts that have become a fall tradition of their own. 

Located at 7237 East Traverse Highway, Gallagher's is open 8 a.m.–6 p.m., Wednesday through Monday, through October.

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Spooky Downtown Neighborhood Spectacles

One fun and eventful time without spending a dime is cruising through downtown Traverse City neighborhoods, checking out all the awesome house and yard displays.

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 If you haven't taken a stroll down Sixth Street during Halloween season, you're missing out on one of Traverse City's most entertaining fall traditions. The historic homes of the Central Neighborhood take on a whole new personality as yards and porches turn into spooky spectacles filled with skeletons, ghosts, witches, and graveyards.

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Another must-see is Dead Ends on Spruce, located at 315 South Spruce Street. Enjoy a multitude of fun animatronics and impressive haunted displays. Unfortunately, this year is its last season, so be sure to check it out while you can. It’s free and open daily from 6-10 p.m. from now through Halloween.

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Screams in the Dark
Screams in the Dark, once a popular Halloween tradition at the Northwestern Michigan Fairgrounds in Traverse City, is bigger and better at its permanent location on 43 acres at 5548 M-66 in Kalkaska. The spine-chilling attraction includes the Blackwood Manor, Trails of the Lost, and the twisted carnival of Pandemonium, along with escape games and other frightful experiences. Take a terrifying adventure from haunted trails and creepy characters to unexpected scares lurking around every corner. Screams in the Dark operates Friday through Sunday through Nov. 1, with tickets starting at $20.

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Explore the Asylum After Dark
The Village at Grand Traverse Commons hosts an Asylum Twilight Tour of the former Traverse City State Hospital. Explore historic buildings after dark, venture into the basement of an old patient cottage, and walk through underground tunnels dating back to 1883. Along the way, hear firsthand accounts from former employees and stories about the fascinating history of this iconic landmark. The 1½–2-hour guided tours are $35 per person and open to ages 16 and older. Advance reservations are encouraged, as tours fill quickly.

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Haunted Walking Tours of Downtown Traverse City
Did you know that Traverse City may have ghosts lurking around? The Haunted Traverse Tours are a 90-minute Historical Ghost Lantern Tour featuring spooky stories, local legends, and a little history. Led by knowledgeable local guides, the outdoor walking tour explores some of downtown's most historic landmarks, including the Perry Hannah House, City Opera House, and Carnegie Library. Tickets are $30 for adults and $15 for children ages 5–12, with younger children free. Tours are approximately 0.9 miles, beginning outside Higher Self Bookstore at 313 East Front Street. 

Downtown Halloween Walk
Head to the commercial downtown Traverse City for the annual Halloween Walk on Saturday, October 31, from 10–11:30 a.m. Downtown merchants hand out treats throughout Front Street, State Street, Old Town, and surrounding streets. This free, family-friendly tradition is a great way to celebrate Halloween while enjoying downtown shops and businesses.

Halloween Lantern-Lit Hike
For a little fun with nature, head to the Boardman River Nature Center on Thursday, Oct. 29, from 6–8 p.m. for the Halloween Lantern-Lit Hike. Dress in a costume and enjoy a self-guided adventure along the trails with games, trivia, and live birds of prey from North Sky Raptor Sanctuary. Hosted by the Grand Traverse Conservation District, this family-friendly event takes place at 1450 Cass Road in Traverse City. The cost is $5 per person, with children 12 and under free. Advance registration is required.

Run for Your Life! Zombie 5K
Want a more vigorous activity? Run for your life at Traverse City's 18th Annual Zombie 5K on Saturday, Oct. 31, at 9 a.m. The race starts at Right Brain Brewery on East 16th Street. Runners, walkers, zombies, and creative costumes get together for a spirited 3.1-mile run.

Entry costs $30 for adults through Oct. 29, and $35 beginning Oct. 30. Entry for ages 17 and under is $25. Traverse City Track Club members get a $5 discount. Proceeds benefit TART Trails.

Spooky Fun at the Grand Traverse Lighthouse 

Heading to the northern tip of Leelanau is a Spooky Halloween Lights Walk at the Grand Traverse Lighthouse in the Leelanau State Park, 12511 North Lighthouse Point Road in Northport, MI. Enjoy a cool, festive stroll checking out the light displays with special 3D Halloween glasses on Friday, Oct. 23, 6-8 p.m. The cost is $5 per person and includes 3D glasses. A Michigan State Park Recreation Passport is required for vehicle entry into the Leelanau State Park. Those run around $19 if you haven’t purchased them when renewing your license plates.

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The Grand Traverse Lighthouse also hosts Haunted Lighthouse Tours with guided ghost stories and folklore Friday, Oct. 23, and Saturday, Oct. 24, from 6-8 p.m. Mynorthtickets has tickets priced at $17.59.

Broomsticks & Bubbles in Leland
Ride your broomstick to Leland on Friday, Oct. 23, from 4–7 p.m. for Broomsticks & Bubbles, an evening of shopping, special deals, tarot readings, glowing luminaries, and Halloween spirit. Dress in a costume and stop by Harbor House for a free ice cream treat.

Sugar Loaf Scenic Area Opens Just in Time for Fall Colors
Sugar Loaf Scenic Area has officially opened. The former ski resort was purchased by the Leelanau Conservancy following a community fundraising effort and welcomed visitors for the first time on Oct. 9. With a new trail leading to panoramic views of the surrounding countryside, the timing couldn't be better for fall colors. Located at 4500 S. Sugar Loaf Mountain Road in Cedar, the scenic area is free and open to the public.

Whether you're chasing zombies, sipping adult beverages, indulging in donuts, getting lost in a corn maze, or just taking in the spectacular fall colors, northern Michigan never fails to deliver a little spooky Halloween fun!