Haunts & Harvest Window Walk

Friday, October 18 thru Thursday, October 31

Our Newest Event: A Downtown Fall Display Contest!

Join us this October for a spook-tacular celebration of fall! The Downtown Traverse City Association (DTCA) announces the Haunts & Harvest Window Walk, a new Downtown Traverse City event where local merchants compete to create the most eye-catching window displays, and YOU get to help choose the winners!

From Friday, October 18, to Thursday, October 31, stroll through downtown and admire the “fall festive” or “spooky season” window exhibits that our local businesses have crafted. Whether you’re here for the vibrant autumn colors, a bit of frightening fun, or a chance to support your favorite shops, this event is for everyone!

How to Participate:

  • Explore Downtown: Shop and walk through Downtown Traverse City to see the fantastic displays in each storefront.
  • Vote for your faves: Cast your vote for the Most Creative and Best Displays.
  • How to Vote: Beginning October 18, you can vote by scanning QR codes at participating storefronts or through our online voting form (coming soon!).

Why Visit?

The Haunts & Harvest Window Walk is a great way to experience the spirit of the season, enjoy the creativity of our downtown community, and discover local shops and businesses. We encourage everyone – locals and visitors alike – to join the fun, explore the displays, and vote often!

Stay tuned for the voting form and more details. Follow us on social media for updates!

Can’t get enough of spooky season? Come back downtown for October 26’s Halloween Walk!

Voting Rules:

  1. Voting Period: Voting will be open from October 18 through October 31, coinciding with the event dates.
  2. Who Can Vote:
    1. Open to all visitors and customers who visit downtown during the event period.
    2. Each person is allowed unlimited votes. Spread the word!
  3. How to Vote:
    1. Votes are cast via QR codes on posters to be placed at each participating merchant location, which link to an online voting form.
    2. Alternatively, the voting form link will be live on this page during the contest dates.
  4. Voting Categories:
    1. Votes are collected for three categories: Most Creative, Best Overall, and Judge’s Choice.
    2. The Judge’s Choice category will be decided separately by a panel from the DTCA board.

Thank you to our partners:

FOR MERCHANTS: Contest Rules and Guidelines

  1. Eligibility: Open to all downtown merchants within the DTCA boundaries with storefront windows.
  2. Theme: Merchants can choose an autumnal theme: fall foliage, harvest scenes, or spooky season.
  3. Display Requirements:
    • Displays must be set up by the start date (October 18) and remain in place until the end of the event (October 31).
    • Windows should be lit up at night (when possible) to enhance visibility for evening visitors.
  4. Voting Process:
    • Visitors will vote throughout the two weeks.
    • QR codes can be placed at participating locations for easy voting access (i.e. posters within windows).
  5. Judging Criteria:
    • Most Creative: Originality and inventiveness in design.
    • Best Overall: Visual impact, cohesiveness, and execution.
    • Judge’s Choice: Selected by a panel from the DTCA board.
  6. Promotion: All participating stores will be listed on the website and promoted through social media and other channels.
  7. Prizes: Fall bouquets from Lilies of the Alley and Cherry Republic gift boxes will be awarded to the winners in each category.
  8. Safety Considerations: Displays must be safe for public viewing, and any electrical elements must comply with safety standards.
  9. Registration Deadline: Merchants must register online by Oct. 6 to participate.
  10. Winners: Winners will be contacted on Nov. 1. Winners will be posted on this webpage and shared in the Downtown TC November Newsletter.