Magical events are planned in Detroit and other parts of Michigan to mark the 100th anniversary of Harry Houdini's death in Detroit on Oct. 31, 1926.
"Houdini 100: Magic & Mystery" at Detroit Historical Museum
The Detroit Historical Museum is hosting "Houdini 100: Magic & Mystery" from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Oct. 31 for those ages 21 years and older.
"The Streets of Old Detroit come alive with savory bites, sweet treats and flowing drinks," museum officials said in a statement. "Try your hand at carnival games, encounter close-up magic, and enjoy contortion, hula-hoop artistry and a showgirl in full period costume — all evoking the spectacle of Houdini's era. Entertainment, games and refreshments continue downstairs throughout the evening."
in Detroit
From 7:15 to 9:15 p.m. in the museum's Gallery of Culture upstairs, storytelling, spectacle, and daring feats will all be centered around the Houdini anniversary:
- Detroit Historical Society historian Brendan Roney presents "Detroit Was Wild About Harry," pulling back the curtain on Houdini’s Detroit appearances, rise to international fame and the final days that forever linked his story to the city.
- Variety performer and entertainment historian Nathan “McScary” Wakefield explores Houdini’s lasting influence, blending history with demonstrations of sideshow arts, including sword swallowing.
- Magician and escape artist Anthony Grupido channels Houdini’s daring and showmanship in a thrilling finale of astonishing escapes and mind-bending mentalism.
Guests will receive a keepsake deck of playing cards featuring exclusive Houdini artwork. Tickets are $100 for Detroit Historical Society members, $125 general admission. Early registration is recommended at the Detroit Historical Society website: www.detroithistorical.org/houdini.
Houdini artifacts, seance at American Museum of Magic in Marshall
Halloween will be a spooky day at the American Museum of Magic — especially if the ghost of the late magician Harry Houdini makes an appearance. Following the notes of the first Houdini Seance hosted by American Museum of Magic founder Bob Lund in 1978, there will be an invited circle of distinguished guests gathered around Houdini’s milk can escape in hopes of a visit from his spirit.
Other authentic Houdini artifacts that he used in his performances will be on hand, including handcuffs and his "spirit horn."
The event is from noon to 3 p.m. on Oct. 31 at the museum, 107 E. Michigan Ave., Marshall. The actual seance is slated for 2:26 p.m. — the exact time of Houdini's death at Grace Hospital in Detroit 100 years earlier, accounting for Daylight Saving Time.
Tickets are $30 and available on the museum's website.
'The Harry Houdini Trap' at Fifth Wall Escape Rooms in Ferndale
Fifth Wall Escape Rooms, 1930 Hilton Road, Suite 100, Ferndale, this month is featuring "The Harry Houdini Trap," a themed escape room for parties of two to 10 people, with at least three people recommended.
"Diving into a shadowy world of 1926 Detroit, you and your team must unravel the thrilling puzzles of The Harry Houdini Trap," the Fifth Wall website states.
"In order to escape, you must complete four Quests, all comprised of puzzles of varying type and difficulty. Every 10 minutes, a ball will drop into the glass cylinder in the corner of the room. When six balls have dropped, your escape will become impossible. The mysterious creator has left many pre-recorded messages to assist Houdini in case he should become stuck or discouraged. Be sure to listen to these messages well."
The difficulty is intermediate with an estimated time of completion of one hour. Tickets are $33 per person, and children under 18 years must be accompanied by an adult. Tickets are available at https://fifthwallescape.com/the-houdini-trap.
A celebration of Houdini at FAB Magic Co. in Colon
FAB Magic Co., 212 State St., Colon, is hosting a special one-day celebration of Houdini on Oct. 31. Events include live magic, a tribute to Houdini and trick-or-treating.
Contact Keith Matheny: kmatheny@freepress.com.
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Houdini remembered at events in Detroit and elsewhere in Michigan
