Halloween bash Theatre Bizarre canceled for ’23
Theatre Bizarre, one of metro Detroit’s most popular Halloween events, will not be returning this fall, according to a a post on the organizers’ website.
The wild, hedonistic, two-weekend event annually drew thousands of revelers from all around Michigan, neighboring states and even around the world each year, filling eight floors of the Masonic Temple with spooky madness since 2011. The event was previously canceled in 2020 and 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, returning last fall.
“It is with deepest regret that we announce the 2023 Theatre Bizarre season has been canceled,” organizers wrote.
“A double-booking at the Masonic Temple has made an impossible situation that disrupts much of our main floor space, including our main entrance. We have a contract for the space and have been pressing for a resolution for some time. Unfortunately, it remains out of reach.”
In 2019, the Free Press described the event as “part haunted house, part masquerade party, and entirely an immersive art project.” But it began as a backyard party for friends and neighbors in 2000, thrown by creator John Dunivant before growing into the singular spectacle called “the greatest masquerade on Earth.”
This is not the first time in the past year Theatre Bizarre has encountered problems. A Metro Times exposé published on Halloween last year detailed a spate of firings and resignations amid allegations of grooming and abuse within the organization and staff.
“The Masonic Temple has been a tremendous partner for 11 years,” the organizers wrote. “We are hopeful this situation will be addressed and a glorious return produced in 2024.”