Welcome to your weekly rundown of the best weekend events around Michigan.
Highlights include marathons in both of the state’s biggest cities, a film festival Up North, and opportunities to get your scary on.
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. DeutscheMarques Oktoberfest, Color Tour & Market
Saturday, Oct. 17, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
Gilmore Car Museum (6865 W Hickory Road, Hickory Corners)
“It’s back again – a fun fall gathering for the entire family! We are hosting Oktoberfest at the Gilmore Car Museum! There will be German food, German beer and the ever popular Oom-Pah band. And – of course – your beautiful German cars. You’re encouraged to dress the part as well! There will be trophies for the best traditional-dressed, child, couple, gentleman and lady. Fun for the entire family”
2. New Buffalo Arts & Crafts Festival
Saturday, Oct. 17, 9:30 a.m.-4 p.m.
New Buffalo High School (1112 E Clay St., New Buffalo)
“More than 100 arts and crafts booths, baked goodies, and luncheon foods will be for sale from 9:30 a.m. – 4 p.m. A great place to get a jump on the holidays. Located at New Buffalo High School Gym. Food and bake sale available. Sponsored by the New Buffalo Service League. Admission: $2.”
3. Muskegon South Pierhead Light: Halloween Party
Saturday, Oct. 17, 1-3 p.m.
Muskegon South Pierhead Light (1431 Beach St., Muskegon)
“Celebrate Halloween with a Lake Michigan twist at the Muskegon South Pierhead Light! On Saturday, October 17, families are invited to dress up and explore this historic 1903 lighthouse while collecting Halloween treats along the way. Designed to be playful rather than scary, this free, family-friendly Halloween event gives younger visitors a fun way to experience Muskegon’s maritime history. Little ghosts, goblins, witches, spiders and other costumed characters can climb 54 steps toward the lantern room, picking up treats as they go.”
Sunday, Oct. 18, race begins at 8 a.m.
475 Lake Michigan Drive, Grand Rapids
“Founded in 2004, the Grand Rapids Marathon delivers a fun, highly personal, authentic race experience, particularly for runners who value a well-organized, personal experience over the chaotic, crowded fields of “big city” races through ”concrete canyons.”
Northern Michigan/UP
Oct. 15-18
221 W Washington St., Marquette
“The Fresh Coast Film Festival is the first of its kind: a documentary film festival celebrating the outdoor lifestyle, water-rich environment and resilient spirit of the Great Lakes and Upper Midwest. The festival will gather the best in environmental and cultural filmmaking from around the world while creating a venue for, and building a culture of, Great Lakes storytelling.”
Saturday, Oct. 17, 5-9 p.m.
116 E Front St., Traverse City
“Downtown Traverse City will transform into a Halloween-themed evening of magic, mischief, shopping, dining, costumes, and community. Gather your coven, grab your broomsticks, and dress like a witch — costumes are highly encouraged! Witches Night Out is a downtown-wide event, with participating businesses welcoming witches and magical creatures into their shops throughout the evening. Each business gets to create its own experience, so you never quite know what you’ll discover around the next corner.”
Sunday, Oct. 18, 1-3 p.m.
48649 Main St., Dollar Bay
“Join the fun at Pioneer Park. Trunk or Treat, Costume Parade, Cook Decorating, Crafts, Popcorn, Movie and More Fun!”
Mid/South Michigan
8. Fall Fruit & Foliage Bonsai Exhibition
Oct. 17-18
6214 Monroe Road, Tipton
“The North American Bonsai Federation (NABF) and Hidden Lake Gardens are proud to present the inaugural 2026 Fall Fruit & Foliage Bonsai Exhibition, debuting this fall at Hidden Lake Gardens. This much-anticipated event will showcase outstanding bonsai from across the region and celebrate the artistry, culture, and community of bonsai enthusiasts.”
9. 5th Annual Earthworm Festival
Saturday, Oct. 17, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
10161 S Beyer Road, Birch Run
“Come down to 5Heart Earthworm Farm for a FREE, exciting, and educational event for the whole family! Our 5th Annual Earthworm Festival is a special celebration – we’ve finally hit 5 years! This year includes a variety of activities and entertainment.”
Saturday, Oct. 17, 12-6 p.m.
148 East Ash St., Mason
“Calling all witches, warlocks and those alike!! You have been summoned to attend our 9th Annual Witches on the Town in downtown Mason. Put on your pointy black hat, grab your broom and fly on over for lots of spooks and fun with all our local businesses. Leave your little “monsters” at home for bewitching event. There will be 5 different contests this year, so dress in your best! This year we will have Food Trucks and Vendors for shopping all things witches!”
Southeast Michigan/Thumb
Friday, Oct. 16, 7:30-9:30 p.m.
Pasture Barn at Robin Hills Farm, 20390 M-52, Chelsea
“Join us for music-filled days celebrating the art and craft of songwriting at the our ninth annual CDL Song Fest. Whether you’re a music maker or a music lover, this is your event! Enjoy a live interview and performance with Chris Collingwood of Fountains of Wayne.”
12. Detroit Free Press Marathon
Oct. 16-18
Detroit
“Every October, runners from Michigan, across the United States, Canada, and around the world come to Detroit for something truly unique. This is the only international marathon in North America where participants cross into Canada over the Ambassador Bridge at sunrise, then return to the United States through the Detroit–Windsor Tunnel — watching the city come alive as they run between two countries. It’s loud, it’s electric, and it’s pure Detroit.”
Oct. 17-18
Beacon Park (1903 Grand River Ave., Detroit)
“All the fall-time fun of a cider mill returns to Downtown Detroit for Beacon Park’s annual Cider in the City! This seasonal fall festival features city views, parkside dining, live entertainment, family activities, an open-air tent and exciting food options including fresh hot cider, pumpkins, tasty caramel apples and more courtesy of Blake’s Farms. Food trucks will be onsite, and Lumen Detroit, the park’s flagship restaurant, will feature its fall cocktails, craft beer and cider selections.”
