Halloween decor question

Question

We are thinking of coming to Mackinac Island for the first time in October. Halloween is my favorite holiday. We were looking at early October, and my question is, when does the island start decorating for Halloween. I know about the event at the end of the month, but was wondering if decorations go up a few weekends before. Thanks for any info!!

Answer

Mackinac Island is a charming place to visit, especially in October when the fall colors are in full swing and Halloween festivities begin to take shape. While the official Halloween event, which typically happens toward the end of the month, is a major highlight, the island does start decorating for the season a bit earlier.

Decorations for Halloween usually begin to appear in the first couple of weeks of October. Many of the businesses, especially those near the main street and in downtown Mackinac, start putting up pumpkins, fall-themed decorations, and spooky touches as early as the first weekend of October. You’ll find storefronts adorned with cobwebs, ghosts, and other Halloween-themed items, creating a festive and fun atmosphere throughout the island.

However, the full Halloween decorations, including the more elaborate setups, tend to ramp up closer to mid-to-late October, especially as the island prepares for its popular Halloween event at the end of the month. This event includes trick-or-treating, a costume parade, and various spooky activities, so businesses and homes alike are usually fully decked out by then.

To summarize:

Early October (first weekend): Expect smaller Halloween touches like pumpkins, fall decorations, and some spooky storefront displays to start appearing.
Mid October: The decorations become more prominent, and you'll see more Halloween-themed displays popping up as businesses prepare for the Halloween event.
End of October: The island will be fully decorated for Halloween, with the largest displays coinciding with the Halloween event, making it a magical time to visit for any Halloween enthusiast.

If Halloween is your favorite holiday, you’ll definitely enjoy the atmosphere on Mackinac Island throughout the month of October, with a growing sense of spooky fun as you get closer to the big event!