By Selena Reyes
With Halloween creeping around the corner, The Collegiate staff has rounded up a list of some haunting festivities to attend around the city this weekend!
The spooktacular kicked off at the Raider Grill Wednesday night, which was full of dancing and pizza and ended with a costume contest winner.
Creepy Car Wash
For those interested in having their car washed while also getting some scares, Tommy’s Express Car Wash is featuring a unique wash experience. The Tunnel of Terror is a Halloween themed three-day event running at select locations. Tommy’s invites a family friendly experience for all ages. Admission for one wash is $20 but members of the car wash get in free of charge. The Tunnel of Terror will operate from 6-10 p.m each day until Sunday, Oct. 30. The participating locations include the car washes at 4095 Plainfield Ave. NE, in Grand Rapids, and the Cascade location at 6390 28th St. SE, in Cascade.
Mega Pumpkin Carving
Pumpkin enthusiasts are invited to Rosa Parks Circle to witness a live professional carving of a 1,300-pound pumpkin. This will be held at 135 Monroe Center St. NW, Grand Rapids on Oct. 28 from 3-7 p.m. and this event won’t break the bank either since it is free to watch.
Dia De Los Muertos
The Grand Rapids Public Library has collaborated with the Grand Rapids Dia De Los Muertos committee and has organized a Dia De Los Muertos festival slated for Sunday, Oct. 30. The celebration will begin with a walking parade starting at the Hispanic Center of West Michigan, 1204 Cesar E. Chavez Ave. SW, in Grand Rapids. The parade will end at Roosevelt Park located at 1340 Godfrey Ave. SW where the rest of the festival will take place. To walk in the parade attendees are asked to meet in the parking lot of the Hispanic Center at 2 p.m. The festival will display altars to honor family and friends who have passed away. The free cultural and educational event will also feature music, Latino food, workshops and crafts. The ceremony will conclude at 7 p.m.
Corn Maze
Whether you’re looking for thrills or a calm day with the kids, the New Salem Corn Maze has you covered. Located at 4516 24th Street in Dorr, this farm doubles as an open playground for children during the day and an eerily haunted corn maze at night. Day activities include a daytime corn maze free of ghouls, farm animals, a pumpkin patch and a children’s train. Admission for the day is $8 per person. However, the night is when the wicked come out for screams. Nighttime activities begin at dusk and guests are invited to take a wander through the witch’s woods or hop on a zombie attack wagon that includes paintballing the undead. Brave souls looking for a challenge are welcome to conquer their Haunted Corn Maze filled with goblins at every turn. The last shows of the season will begin Friday, Oct. 28 and wrap up Sunday, Oct. 30. Activities start at $25 per person. The attraction does offer combo prices on activities. Learn more about pricing here.
Halloween at the Intersection
Expect to find the downtown streets filled with music this weekend. The Intersection’s annual Bass Country Halloween is happening Saturday, Oct. 29 with doors opening at 8 p.m. Bass Country is a one-night electronic music festival with DJs recognized on an international level, as well as locally known DJs. Performances will be taking place across all three stages within the Intersection located at 133 Cesar E. Chavez Ave. in Grand Rapids. One ticket grants access to all three stages. Advance tickets are $40 and can be purchased on sectionlive.com. Tickets can also be purchased upon entry the day of the show for $50.
‘80s Halloween Party
A Totally ‘80s Halloween Party which is scheduled for 9 p.m. on Oct. 29, at GLC Live, located in the 20 Monroe building, at 11 Ottawa Ave., in Grand Rapids. The event will feature Hairmania, a live band that will be performing ‘80s throwback songs. The concert portion is open to people 18 or older for $15. After the concert, entry into the venue is only for those aged 21 and up. Reserve your tickets for the event here.
Collegiate staff writers Pierson VanGorp and Grant Fales contributed to this report.
