Five Michigan Towns Host Witch Festivals This Month, Drawing Thousands

This October brings magic to Michigan as five towns transform into witch-themed destinations. From Wayne to Houghton Lake, these spooky celebrations pack streets with visitors, and local shops enjoy an uptick in business.

Romeo's Witches & Warlocks bash on Oct. 25 also features an attempt at a lofty goal: a Guinness World Record. To win, they need to assemble the largest gathering of people dressed as witches. "We need 1,608 to break the record," said Kay Pochert from Romeo's Downtown Development Authority, as per Detroit News. The town expects up to 3,000 people to fill its streets.

Wayne's Witches Be Witchin' starts Oct. 18. Now in year four, the festival has tripled its vendor count since 2022. Crowds watch in awe as witches walk on stilts and dancers spin fire on roller skates.

Early October saw Holly packed with broomsticks and pointed hats. "About 5,000 people expressed interest in this year's event," said Jennifer Finney of Holly's Downtown Development Authority, according to Detroit News. Social media showed at least 500 check-ins.

These spells work wonders for small businesses. With Halloween spending set to hit $13.1 billion - second only to Christmas - shop owners cast their nets wide for customers.

Tiffany Walker started Wayne's festival through her shop, Moonlit Mystic. "When I'm at these events, I look around and it just makes me emotional. I can see how big these are for a small town business," Walker told The Detroit News.

These gatherings spark talks about real witchcraft. Walker, a practicing witch, sees them as bridges to understanding. "I don't want to perpetuate stereotypes... I think the more events we have, it creates opportunities to continue the conversation about witchcraft," she said, as shared by Detroit News.

Caseville stirs up its own magic Oct. 25 with tarot cards, special drinks, and a contest for best cackle. Up north, Houghton Lake casts two spells: weekend events Oct. 16-19 and 23-26.

Success breeds bigger plans. Holly plots new tricks for next year's fifth bash, while shop clerks smile as visitors keep coming back long after the magic fades.