Families in Rochester can trick-or-treat at downtown shops Saturday, Oct. 17, with four Halloween events planned across downtown Rochester, Spencer Park and Meadow Brook Hall this month.

The Downtown Rochester Trick-or-Treat Halloween Fest runs from 3:30 to 6:30 p.m. with two parts, according to the organizer’s announcement. Kids in costume can collect candy from participating merchants along downtown streets from 3:30 to 5 p.m.

At 4:30 p.m., Halloween Fest begins at the East Parking Platform at 415 East St. The Downtown Development Authority’s planning documents say organizers booked Marvel superheroes through Fairytale Entertainment and Mad Scientists to lead interactive science experiments for kids. Photo ops, activities and more treats round out the evening.

The same afternoon, Rochester Hills holds its Trails of Treats from noon to 3 p.m. at Thelma Spencer Park at 3701 John R Road, according to the city’s announcement. Visitors can collect candy at stations hosted by community businesses and organizations. CBS Detroit reported that about 1,500 children are expected. That event is free. A low-sensory hour runs from noon to 1 p.m., followed by full festivities from 1 to 3 p.m.

Meadow Brook Hall-oween: Oct. 25

Eight days later, Meadow Brook Hall hosts its annual Hall-oween on Sunday, Oct. 25, with hourly timed-entry slots from 10 a.m. through 4 p.m. at the 88,000-square-foot Tudor Revival mansion on Oakland University’s campus, 350 Estate Drive.

Families can collect treats outdoors along wooded paths and inside on the mansion’s first floor. Games, crafts, cider and doughnuts will be available in the heated Garden Tent. Timed-entry tickets are already on sale.

Advance tickets are required. Meadow Brook Hall’s event page says all timed slots are expected to sell out. Youth tickets (ages 4 to 17) cost $20, or $18 for Meadow Brook members. Adult tickets are $10, or $9 for members. Children 3 and under get in free.

Bewitching Hour: Oct. 29

Meadow Brook Hall adds an evening aimed at adults on Thursday, Oct. 29. Hall-oween: Bewitching Hour runs from 7 to 9:30 p.m. and features live music, candy stops, opportunities to explore the mansion on your own, snacks and a cash bar serving signature cocktails. The event takes place inside and outside, and guests are encouraged to wear costumes. Tickets cost $50 per person, or $45 for members.

According to Meadow Brook Hall’s FAQ, the National Historic Landmark operates as a self-supporting museum and cultural institution.

Halloween calendar at a glance

  • Saturday, Oct. 17, noon to 3 p.m. Trails of Treats, Thelma Spencer Park, 3701 John R Road, Rochester Hills. Free. Low-sensory hour: noon to 1 p.m.
  • Saturday, Oct. 17, 3:30 to 6:30 p.m. Trick-or-Treat Halloween Fest, Downtown Rochester and East Parking Platform, 415 East St.
  • Sunday, Oct. 25, hourly entry from 10 a.m. through 4 p.m. Meadow Brook Hall-oween, 350 Estate Drive, Rochester. Adults: $10, or $9 for members; ages 4 to 17: $20, or $18 for members; children 3 and younger: free. Advance tickets required.
  • Thursday, Oct. 29, 7 to 9:30 p.m. Hall-oween: Bewitching Hour, 350 Estate Drive, Rochester. $50, or $45 for members.