Detroit, MI

I'll bet you didn't see that one coming. Yes, I truly think Detroit should be on your radar for Halloween travel. The Motor City used to be called dead and zombie-like, but that's not why I'm promoting it. I personally think Detroit is on the rise again and this is how I know: Detroit has not one, but two, awesome Halloween events.

Some say these events rose out of a response to the celebration of Devil's Night (October 30th) when hooligans would run amok setting fire to everything. I can accept that. It's better to turn the hooligans' negative energy into something positive. If that is the case, event producers have done a fabulous job.

Theatre Bizarre is the Halloween event you've always dreamed about. It is theatrical, huge, and magical. Located in Detroit's Masonic Temple, Theatre Bizarre includes extensive grounds, multiple floors of entertainment and several stages of live music. The decor is all-out fantastic. Please visit their website to see all the amazing photos. This year's theme is Year of the Goat. This event is definitely on my list of haunting places to see. The nice thing about Theatre Bizarre is that it's not on Halloween night, so I can still be home in time to hand out the candy. This year's event is on October 17th and tickets are still available. Please go and let me know what it's like.

(source: Theatre Bizarre)

(source: Detroit Metro Times)

(source: Hour Detroit)

The Damned Exhibition of Enlightened Darkness is the second impressive event Detroit has to offer. From October 29-31, the exhibition hosts artists from around the world. In their own words, "From the infamous to the freshest of local and international talent, this prodigious congregation will allow us a glimpse within the diverse shadows of id and ego... of overall mind and encompassing soul guaranteed to intrigue, disturb, inspire or repulse."

Well, then. The final night of the exhibition is a formal masquerade ball with live performances and a seated six-course "aphrodisiac -inspired" dinner. That sounds AWESOME!

(source: The Damned)

(source: The Damned)

While you're in Detroit, you might want to visit a few haunted sites. Detroit curbed.com has an article, Thirteen Haunted, Creepy or Spooky Detroit Places, you need to read.

Really, next year is Detroit. Do it before everyone else finds out.