Ultimate List of Halloween Activities + Halloween Things to Do in SWMI- 2026

Holiday House 5777 Halloween House Display 2024

cover: Holiday House 5777 (Scotts, MI)

Kalamazoo’s Best Halloween Activities for 2026

Like many holidays, Halloween has been much more enjoyable since we had kids.

One of our favorite fall activities is the is it too soon to decorate yet? game, in which we try to hold off until October 1 before unearthing the ghosts and assorted décor from the basement.

This fall, our kiddos requested Halloween decorations on the first weekend in September (there’s always next year!).

Holiday House 5777 in Scotts

Maximize Your Halloween Activities Fun this October

Whether you’re looking for trunk-or-treats, trick-or-treat times, corn mazes or any other Halloween activities, we’ve got it covered.

Whatever your plans, we wish you a fang-tastic and safe holiday this year.

City Of Portage Monster Mash, Halloween event
📸: City of Portage Monster Mash

Pumpkin Patches

While you can find pumpkins at a grocery store, many consider the annual trip to the pumpkin patch a fun family tradition.

Whether tiny and decorative or large enough to require extra hands for transport, Kalamazoo provides ample locations for locating some great jack-o-lantern candidates.

There are pumpkin-picking experiences for everyone: some prefer a small roadside stand (short and sweet), while others prefer a day trip, with family activities and farm animals.

pumpkin patch pumpkin picking Bakers Acres Pumpkins
📸: Bakers Acres in Kalamazoo

Corn Mazes

Farms and orchards have gone BIG this year with their corn mazes.

These mazes serve as a good test of your navigational skills and patience, as some can take over an hour to navigate. For extra difficulty, try one at night!

We have the best locations and some awesome photos of their maize masterpieces.

Crane Orchard 2026 Corn Maze 2
📸:Crane Orchards’ Corn Maze in South Haven

Trick-or-Treating Times

Wondering what time trick-or-treating is happening this year?

We’ve contacted local cities and have all of the trick-or-treating hours in one convenient spot.

We also recommend talking to your neighbors or homeowners’ associations; some neighborhoods observe their own “unofficial” candy collection times.

Trick or treaters in Kalamazoo, Kalamazoo trick or treating, fall activities in Kalamazoo

Trunk or Treats

Trunk or Treats are an annual tradition in SWMI, inviting visitors to collect candy from decorated car trunks.

Many families enjoy this extra opportunity to wear their costumes and visit trunk-to-trunk, rather than door-to-door for prizes and sweets.

If trick-or-treating isn’t in your plans this year, some trunk-or-treats are happening on October 31 and may serve as a good alternative for your family.

Jungle Joe's Trunk or Treat, Portage Trunk or Treat
📸: Jungle Joe’s Trunk or Treat in Portage

Halloween Events for Kids

Halloween is not a single-day celebration in Kalamazoo; local businesses and organizations help us celebrate Halloween activities all month long.

Whether it’s Trunk or Treats, food events or nature hikes, local spots are finding creative ways to make Halloween fun throughout October.

Indoor Halloween Events

Halloween is a gamble with Michigan’s weather. Try these Halloween activities that are guaranteed to happen, rain or shine:

📸: Orange Ice Night with the K-Wings (Oct 31)

Where to Buy Costumes

Ready to dress for the occasion? We’ve rounded up some favorite online and brick-and-mortar costume shopping options.

Target
We love all things Target, and Halloween is no exception. Check their dollar bins at the entrance for inexpensive, seasonal accessories and decor.

Halloween costumes are usually at the back of most Target locations in their seasonal section (likely replacing the school supplies area).
SHOP COSTUMES âž™
HalloweenCostumes.com
Baby costumes, pet costumes, yard decorations, toddler costumes, teen costumes, deluxe costumes, group costumes & more.
SHOP COSTUMES âž™
Spirit Halloween
4404 Stadium Dr, Kalamazoo, MI 49008
6720 Ring Rd (former Burlington), Portage, MI 49024
This seasonal shop is now open for the Halloween season.
SHOP COSTUMES âž™
Consignment Shops & Thrift Shops
Thrift Shops are another great spot to score fantastic costume deals.

Haunted Houses

Looking for a spooky good time?

Most of these events are aimed at teens and adults and offer a fun, scary Halloween experience, though a few are kid-safe.

We recommend purchasing tickets online.