Special Events

Spring Puzzle Competition

Saturday, March 21st - 9:30am-1:00pm
Site: Oceola Community Center, 1661 N. Latson Rd.

Puzzle Swap

Saturday, March 21st - 9:30am-2:00pm

We’re excited to host a Puzzle Swap for puzzle lovers looking to exchange puzzles with others! The swap will take place on the same day as our Puzzle Competition.

How It Works:
Bring your unwanted puzzles and swap them with others to refresh your collection. It’s a great way to share your love for puzzles and discover new ones! No Puzzles will be accepted early this time around! Please only bring your puzzles day of!

Cost: FREE
Site: Oceola Community Center, 1661 N. Latson Rd.

Touch a Truck

Saturday, May 9th - 10am-2pm
9am-10am (Sensory Friendly Hour)

The Howell Recreation Touch a Truck event will be held on May 9th at the Kensington Valley Outlets! We will be hosting a sensory-friendly or quiet hour from 9am to 10am.

The purpose of this event is to allow children of all ages to come to explore the inside of trucks or vehicles they frequently see around town and provide them with information about the purpose of each organization or vehicle. No registration is required.

Cost: FREE
Site: Kensington Valley Outlets, 1475 N. Burkhart Rd.

Howell Melon Run & One in a Melon Mile

1 Mile Run: Friday, August 14th - 6:30pm
5K: Friday, August 14th - 7:00pm

Howell Recreation and presenting sponsor ChemTrend proudly present the 49th Annual Howell Melon Run (we welcome runners, walkers, and those racing in wheelchairs and other assistive devices) on August 14, 2026. Events begin at 6 PM in beautiful downtown Howell.

This year's race will feature classic events for the whole family, such as the Melon Roll, The One in a Melon Mile, The Mascot Dash, and the fan favorite Howell Melon Run 5k

Packet Pickup:
Early packet pick-up will be on August 11th - 13th  at the Bennett Recreation Center 925 W Grand River Ave. Howell MI 48843.  We ask that you try to pick up your items in advance if possible but packets will be available on-site for race day starting at 4:30 pm. We will send out a reminder email with details when it gets closer. 

100% of the net proceeds go to providing community programs for the Howell area. 

Registrations on or before 7/27/26 are guaranteed a short-sleeved shirt. Registrations after that date will not receive a shirt. Any leftover shirts will be available for purchase starting one week after the race is complete for $20 each. 

Results:
Your accurate chip time and current overall and age group place will be texted to your phone and live on this site. 

Awards

Overall Male & Female
Masters Male & Female
Finisher Medals will be given as well

The race will be chipped timed by the Michigan Running Foundation. 

4th Annual Never Forget Trail 5K

Saturday, September 12th - 9:00am

Livingston County Veteran Services and Howell Recreation present the fourth annual 9/11 “Never Forget 5K Trail Run/Walk.”  Join us at Fillmore County Park on September 12th at 9 am as we remember those who lost their lives that day, as well as our military veterans and first responders who went into harm’s way as a result of the attack. This trail is not stroller-friendly and is not paved. All runners who register on or before August 14th will receive a t-shirt. All participants will receive a finisher medal.  A portion of the proceeds will go back to Livingston County Veteran Services. 

As much as we love your furry friends, we are kindly requesting that only service dogs join us

Packet Pickup: 

• Early packet pick-up will be on

  • September 9th - 10th from 8 am-8 pm at the Oceola Community Center at 1661 N. Latson Rd, Howell, MI 48843 OR

  • September 11th, 8 am - 4 pm at the Oceola Community Center at 1661 N. Latson Rd, Howell, MI 48843 OR

  • We ask that you try to pick up your items in advance if possible but packets will be available on-site for race day starting at 8 am. We will send out a reminder email with details when it gets closer.

Results:

Your accurate chip time and current overall will be texted to your phone and be available live on this site. 

The race will be timed by the Michigan Running Foundation 

Headless Horseman 5K & Monster Mile

Saturday, October 17th

Monster Mile: 5:30pm
Headless Horseman 5K: 6:00pm

The Headless Horseman 5K is BACK and SPOOKIER than ever! This dusk event will be in-person and kick-off at State and Clinton Streets in beautiful Downtown Howell. Costumed participants will wind their way through the historic neighborhoods and through Scofield City Park. Participants will receive a long-sleeved 50/50 blend shirt if registered by the end of the day on September 27th.  

Early Packet Pick up will take place Oct. 14th -16th at the Oceola Community Center 1661 N. Latson Rd. Howell MI 48843 during normal business hours.

Walkers, strollers, assistive devices, and dogs on 6ft leashes are welcome. 

Please note that funds from this program help to cover not only costs incurred from the program itself but also help to make the Legend of Sleepy Howell possible. This longstanding community event offers a fun and safe trick-or-treating experience and helps especially those kids living in rural areas. Thank you for your support!