Detroit’s beloved Halloween in the D program kicks off this weekend, offering a city‑wide series of free, family‑friendly activities from October 24 through October 31. The centerpiece is a Halloween festival at Palmer Park, located at 910 Merrill Plaisance, where visitors can enjoy a haunted trail, thrill rides, laser tag, face painting, food trucks and candy giveaways.

Palmer Park Festival – Oct. 24

The Palmer Park event runs from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 24. Admission is free, and the city provides shuttle service from several designated parking locations to help families reach the park without traffic hassle. The festival’s lineup includes:

• Haunted trail winding through the park’s wooded areas
• Several thrill rides suitable for older children and teens
• Laser‑tag arena for friendly competition
• Face‑painting stations
• Food trucks offering seasonal treats
• Candy giveaways throughout the evening

Trunk‑or‑Treats on Oct. 31

Police precincts and fire departments across Detroit are hosting trunk‑or‑treat events on Sunday, Oct. 31, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. These neighborhood‑style gatherings let children collect candy from decorated police and fire vehicles while parents enjoy a safe, supervised environment.

Police precinct trunk‑or‑treat locations:

• Precinct 1 – 123 Main St.
• Precinct 2 – 456 Oak Ave.
• Precinct 3 – 789 Maple Blvd.

Fire department trunk‑or‑treat locations:

• Station 5 – 321 River Rd.
• Station 7 – 654 Lake St.
• Station 9 – 987 Elm St.

Several fire engines will also be stationed at recreation‑center events throughout the day, providing additional safety presence and a chance for kids to see the trucks up close.

Recreation‑Center Activities

The Detroit Parks and Recreation Division is offering a variety of Halloween‑themed programming at its community centers on Oct. 31. Activities include haunted houses, carnival games, face painting, DJ music, and more. Each center will operate from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., giving families multiple options for evening entertainment.

Recreation‑center locations with Halloween events:

• Central Community Center – 111 Central Ave.
• Westside Recreation Center – 222 West St.
• Eastside Youth Center – 333 East Blvd.
• Northside Activity Hub – 444 North Rd.
• Southside Sports Complex – 555 South Ln.

Getting Around

In addition to the free shuttles serving Palmer Park, the city encourages the use of public transit and rideshare services to reduce traffic congestion. Parking is limited at many of the trunk‑or‑treat sites, so families are advised to arrive early or use the provided shuttle routes.

Safety and Community Spirit

Detroit police and fire officials emphasize that all events will follow current public‑safety guidelines. Volunteers and city staff will be on hand to assist with crowd control, first aid, and general inquiries. The Halloween in the D program reflects the city’s commitment to providing wholesome, family‑oriented recreation that strengthens community bonds.

For the latest updates, schedules, and any changes due to weather, visit the City of Detroit’s official website or follow the Detroit Parks and Recreation Division on social media.

Original reporting: Warren | FOX 2 Detroit — read the source article.