Here Comes a Traverse City Halloween

If your Halloween plans include a costume party this year, here are a couple of things to watch out for: sexy monsters and people dressed up as Walter White (of TV’s hit series Breaking Bad) – at least according to a salesperson at the local Halloween Superstore, who says those costumes are flying out the door this year.

But The Ticker wondered what other costumed and spooky fun was happening in Traverse City this year. Here’s what we found:

1,000 Zombies to Pound Pavement

Race director Matt Ross anticipates a record 1,000-plus zombies to fill the streets for the 5th year of the Traverse City Zombie 5K Run this Sat., Oct. 26, at 9 a.m. – assuming the weather doesn’t scare too many away. (Are zombies afraid of weather?)

For the first time ever, a hearse will lead the runners along the 3.1-mile course that starts at Right Brain Brewery on Sixteenth Street, winds it way down to Sixth Street and then back to Right Brain for post-run festivities – think giant zombie cake, a costume contest, music and Halloween-inspired brews. There will also be a special surprise performance, but that’s all The Ticker can say…

Local film company Treefort Collective produced a few promotional videos for the run this year.

A note to zombies who plan to drive: Parking on neighborhood streets and at other businesses is not allowed and will be enforced (in other words, ticketing and possibly towing). Parking is only allowed at Cone Drive or Thirlby Field, with Right Brain offering shuttles. For zombies who bike? You will get $1.75 off any regular-priced beverage at RBB.

If the 5K doesn't "do your zombie in," consider heading up to Lelu Cafe in Northport for the Zombie Prom, featuring zombie burlesque, the crowning of the zombie court and a pub crawl. Tickets are $12, with sales supporting the new Northport Arts Association.

Frankenstein Comes (A)Live!

What’s better for a spooky Halloween than Frankenstein on the big screen? Well, how about the larger-than-life monster coming to life?

On Wed., Oct. 30, 15 Traverse Symphony Orchestra musicians will perform live a film score written by composer, pianist and guest conductor Michael Shapiro for the original 1931 Universal Pictures movie at two performances – 6 p.m. and 7:45 p.m. – at the State Theatre in downtown Traverse City. Tickets are $20 with a 50 percent discount for students and first-time attendees.

This is the first time the TSO has performed at the State Theatre, as well as the first time it has played to a full-length movie – but not the first for Shapiro’s score, which premiered in 2002.

“Without music, the old movie – written before Hollywood had figured out how to add a music track to the talking track – is creaky and drags a bit,” says Shapiro. “The movie with the music becomes in essence a new art form because, unlike other new scores added to old films, the 1931 Frankenstein is a ‘talkie,’ not a silent film.”

Comedy in Costume

A first-ever Halloween Stand-Up Comedy Show will be held Fri., Nov. 1, at Studio Anatomy (lower level of Front Street Commons, aka The Arcade) in downtown TC. The show features 11 comedians performing a 10-12 minute comedy set in character. Show emcee is local performance artist Twiggy Pop.

Doors open at 8:30 p.m. and seating is limited to 50. Pre-purchase tickets here for $10, 18+ show. Tickets also at the door if not sold out.