Special Events
Howell Melon Social (Ages 21+)
Get ready to kick off Melon Season the right way at the Howell Melon Social on August 8th, starting at 6:00 PM!
This isn’t your typical fancy gala; it’s a fun-filled summer party with great food, live music, raffles, desserts, and plenty of laughs with friends and neighbors.
We’re bringing the energy all night long with Twilight Tunes Dueling Pianos, keeping everyone singing along, dancing, and grooving from start to finish.
Come hungry because C.C.’s Catering will be serving an amazing dinner featuring roast beef & gravy, boneless chicken breast, lasagna, oven-roasted potatoes, green beans, and more. Plus, enjoy delicious desserts from a local bakery while you check out the awesome raffle baskets up for grabs throughout the evening.
We’ll also be proudly announcing this year’s Melon Court, a group of individuals who are true pillars of our community and help make Howell such a special place.
Grab your friends and make a night of it!
Good food, good music, good people, and the perfect way to celebrate the start of Melon Season — we can’t wait to party with you at the Howell Melon Social!
Cost: $65/person | $440 for a table of 8.
Site: Howell Opera House, 123 W. Grand River. Ave.
66th Annual Howell Melon Festival
August 13th-16th
Downtown Howell, MI
The Howell Melon Festival turns 66 this year! This annual community tradition celebrates Howell’s agricultural roots with headline events like the Howell Melon Run, live music, and of course delicious Howell Melon Ice Cream!
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.
One Mile Cost: $20/runner
5K Cost: $35/runner
2026 Sponsors:
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
Cost: $35/runner
Hello Howell - Belonging By Design
Monday, September 14th - 6:00pm-8:00pm
This evening will focus heavily on community participation and discussion. Through interactive roundtable conversations, residents will have the opportunity to share ideas, discuss needs, and help shape future programs, facility improvements, events, and recreation opportunities.
We will also include live interactive activities throughout the evening to gather feedback and make the experience engaging and collaborative for all attendees.
Our goal is simple:
To help create a community where more people feel welcomed, connected, and included through recreation. We hope you will join us on September 14th as we continue building the future of recreation together.
Site: Cleary University, 3750 Cleary Dr.
Red Cross Blood Drive
Friday, September 25th - 1:00pm-5:00pm
Give back by giving blood! Walk-ins are welcome but pre-registration is preferred. Click the button below to sign up for a timeslot of your choice!
Site: Oceola Community Center, 1661 N. Latson Rd.
Purse & Jewelry Sale
Support The Senior Center By Shopping!
Tuesday, October 6th - 8:00am-3:00pm
Wednesday, October 7th - 11:00am-6:00pm
Every year the Howell Senior Center hosts its annual Purse & Jewelry Sale fundraiser. This two day sale is an awesome place to shop for gently used purses, bags, and jewelry. The majority of items are under $5 and all proceeds from the event go back to the Senior Center and their mission to provide affordable programming and services for senior citizens in our community!
Site: Oceola Community Center, 1661 N. Latson Rd.
DONATIONS ACCEPTED:
Donations are now being accepted! If you have gently used purses, bags, or jewelry that you'd like to donate, you may drop them off at the Oceola Community Center front desk anytime during our business hours!
Legend of Sleepy Howell
Saturday, October 17th - 3pm-5pm
We’re excited to bring Legend of Sleepy Howell, Livingston County’s largest outdoor trick-or-treating event back to Downtown Howell this October! This year’s Legend will have FREE trick-or-treating on Clinton, Court, and Church St. There will also be Halloween and fall-themed activities.
Cost: FREE
Site: Downtown Howell, Corner of State & Clinton St.
Candy Vendors Needed!
Saturday, October 17th - 3pm-5pm
Join us for Howell's favorite downtown Halloween tradition – the Legend of Sleepy Howell! As a sponsor, you'll receive a designated Candy Distribution Site (please note: candy is not provided) and the exciting opportunity to hand out your own marketing materials during the event.
We recommend bringing 4,000+ pieces of candy – we're expecting an even bigger crowd this year!
2026 Theme: Superheroes
Please decorate your booth space to fit the theme. Think Superman, Captain America, Firefighter, Police, etc.
Event Details:
Trick-or-Treating: 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Setup Begins: 2:00 PM
For questions or more information, contact jbaca@howellrecreation.org
Let’s make this a SUPER day full of smiles and sweet treats!
Cost: $120/booth
Site: Downtown Howell, Corner of State & Clinton St.
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!
Get a Refund By Referring Friends
Refer 1 or more participants and get a refund of up to $1.00 per participant!
One Mile Cost: $20/runner
5K Cost: $35/runner