if you’re looking for something to do this weekend across Michigan, I’ve got you covered.
Highlights this week include holiday markets, film festivals, and more.
As always, I’d love to hear your suggestions! If you know of an upcoming event you’d like me to highlight, please send me a note here (suggestions should be submitted at least one week before the event).
West Michigan
1. Art Coast Food & Wine Festival
Nov. 5-7
Saugatuck/Douglas
“Join us for three days of exceptional dining and memorable experiences celebrating the flavor, craft and creativity of the Saugatuck/Douglas region while surrounded by brilliant fall color.”
2. Cultural Heritage Festival 2026
Saturday, Nov. 7, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Grand Rapids Public Museum (272 Pearl Street NW, Grand Rapids)
“The City of Grand Rapids and the surrounding region have a long-standing history of diversity and various cultural traditions dating back from early explorers and fur traders, to modern day cultural rituals from new residents of the region. To celebrate this heritage, the Grand Rapids Public Museum hosts the annual Cultural Heritage Festival.”
3. 64th Ann Arbor Film Festival Traveling Tour at Wealthy Theatre
Sunday, Nov. 8, beginning at 2 p.m.
1130 Wealthy St. SE, Grand Rapids
“The Ann Arbor Film Festival (AAFF) Traveling Tour presents a selection of standout and award-winning films from the most recent festival season, bringing the best of AAFF to audiences around the country and across the globe. These curated programs offer audiences the chance to experience the bold, innovative cinema that defines the Ann Arbor Film Festival — the world’s oldest experimental and avant-garde film festival, bending minds since 1963!”
Northern Michigan/UP
Nov. 6-8
Rozsa Center For The Performing Arts (1400 Townsend Drive, Houghton)
“The 41 North Film Festival showcases award-winning independent films and filmmakers from around the region, country, and world. Its mission is to provide Michigan Tech students and the surrounding community with an opportunity to see new films that are currently in distribution and under discussion, as well as the chance to interact with filmmakers, producers, and other industry professionals about the art and business of cinematic storytelling. The festival is free and open to the public.”
Nov. 6-8
3200 W South Airport Road, Traverse City
“Festival of Trees returns to the Grand Traverse Mall, November 6-8, 2026! Join the Zonta Club of Traverse City for a festive weekend. Volunteers and sponsors are welcome!”
6. Bell’s Iceman Cometh Challenge
Saturday, Nov. 7
Traverse City
“Every November, thousands of riders, spectators, and adventure seekers descend on northern Michigan for the legendary Iceman Cometh Challenge—a grueling, 30-mile off-road bike race through the scenic, rugged trails between Kalkaska and Traverse City. As the largest point-to-point mountain bike race in the country, the Iceman is a celebration of endurance, camaraderie, and Michigan’s love for the outdoors, attracting elite athletes and amateur riders alike.“
Mid/South Michigan
7. Downtown Midland’s Holiday Open House
Nov. 6-7
Downtown Midland
“Step into the magic of the season with Downtown Midland’s Holiday Open House! On November 6 and 7, Downtown Midland retailers and restaurants will showcase new merchandise, interesting holiday items, special services, new menu features, and more to get you in the holiday spirit.”
Saturday, Nov. 7, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
119 North Bridge St., DeWitt
“A pre-holiday outdoor market featuring more than 35 local makers, food trucks, seasonal drinks, and all-ages activities in downtown DeWitt. Grab a friend, start checking a few gifts off your list, grab something good to eat plenty for some pre-holiday shopping and fun!”
9. Lansing Model Train Show and Sale
Sunday, Nov. 8, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
4301 Farm Lane, Lansing
“All aboard Michigan’s largest model train show held at the Farm Bureau Pavilion at Michigan State University (MSU) (formerly named MSU Pavilion) with over 500 tables of new models, toy trains, tools, artwork, collectibles, DVDs, books, railroad artifacts, postcards, and much more. It is a premier show as vendors come from all over the Midwest, including Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, and Illinois to sell their trains. On track will be model trains running along various-sized modular displays. Learn from the experts on how to build a model railroad empire of your dreams.”
Southeast Michigan/Thumb
10. Original Sewing & Quilt Expo
Nov. 5-7
Vibe Credit Union Showplace (46100 Grand River Ave., Novi)
“At the Expo, we know all about caring for and feeding your creative lives. It’s in our DNA, with over one million served. The Expos are ‘the destination’ to refuel your creative side and get together with like-minded individuals who share your passion for sewing.”
11. Michigan Bright Water Storytelling Festival
Saturday, Nov. 7, 9:30 a.m.-9 p.m.
123 West Grand River Road, Howell
“Are you a storyteller or a story lover? The 4th annual Michigan Bright Water Storytelling Festival is the home you’ve been waiting for. This day-long festival at the Howell Opera House will satisfy your inner storyteller with 3 workshops, 2 open mics, an evening storytelling concert, and the company of our storytelling community.”
12. All Things Detroit: Holiday Experience
Sunday, Nov. 8, doors open at 12 p.m.
2934 Russell St. Sheds 3, 4 & 5, Detroit
“Kickstart your holiday shopping with exclusive access to 200 small businesses, featuring local artists, handmade gifts, craft goods, and unique one-of-a-kind pieces you won’t find anywhere else. Savor the season with delectable food trucks, Detroit DJs spinning in every shed, and photo ops with Santa—it’s a full day of festive fun for the whole family.”
