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As Detroit prepares for the annual spectacle that is the Marche du Nain Rouge, one afterparty promises to be the most frightfully fun event of the year. Local legend Charnel Mary, host of the infamous Dark Detroit Tour, is throwing a horror-themed bash that will keep revelers spooked long after the parade has ended. The event, fittingly titled “Nain in Vain”, will feature a costume contest for the best Nain Rouge getup, with prizes for the most creative, horrifying, and hilarious interpretations of Detroit’s mischievous red dwarf.
Detroiters know Charnel Mary as the eccentric, ghoul-inspired guide who leads curious thrill-seekers through Detroit’s creepiest corners, blending history with spine-chilling tales of urban legends and unsolved mysteries. Her signature look—a top hat, pallid complexion, one milky eye, and those disturbingly real-looking scars—has earned her a cult following among horror enthusiasts. “I just love how over-the-top she is,” says local resident Gina Mallory. “It’s like, she’s so committed to the bit that it feels real, you know?”
Event Highlights
Costume Contest: Best Nain Rouge Costume
Got a killer idea for a Nain Rouge costume? Charnel Mary wants to see it. Whether you opt for classic horns and a red cape or something totally out-of-the-box, all costumes are welcome. Winners will be crowned in three categories:
Most Creative
Scariest
Funniest
Sexiest
Prizes include exclusive Dark Detroit Tour merchandise, custom art from local horror creators, and a special private tour led by Charnel Mary herself.
Macabre Cocktails & Eats
Enjoy a selection of horror-themed cocktails and snacks that pay homage to Detroit’s darker side. Try the Bloody Belle Isle, a crimson-colored vodka cocktail.
“Gory Stories” Hour
Throughout the night, Charnel Mary and a few special guests will take turns telling creepy tales—some rooted in real Detroit history, others pure, blood-curdling fiction. But with Mary, you’re never quite sure where the line between truth and terror lies.
Live Music & Haunting Ambiance
Local darkwave band Crimson will set the tone for the evening with their eerie melodies and haunting vocals, while the venue itself will be decked out in full Gothic grandeur, complete with flickering lanterns, fog machines, and projections of shadowy figures on the walls.
Details You Need to Know
Where: The Vault, an underground venue rumored to be a former Prohibition-era speakeasy. (Exact location provided upon ticket purchase.)
Tickets: $20 in advance, $25 at the door. Proceeds go toward preserving Detroit’s historical sites.