This weekend’s shaping up to be full of great things to do across Michigan, with highlights including a 5k where you avoid zombies in Grand Rapids, paddle boarding witches in Traverse City, and plenty of fall festivities.
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. Grand Rapids Tattoo Festival
Oct. 23-25
DeVos Place (303 Monroe Ave. NW, Grand Rapids)
“The Grand Rapids Tattoo Festival offers a selection of over 200 of the best artists from all over the world right here in Grand Rapids for three days of tattooing, art making, merch selling, and much more.”
Saturday, Oct. 24, 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.
Holland Armory (16 W 9th St., Holland)
“Honor the rich traditions of Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) with the Holland Museum and Latin Americans United for Progress at this vibrant, festive, and family-friendly celebration! Enjoy lively music, colorful dance performances, creative art activities from CultureWorks, and festive face painting. Stroll among beautiful community ofrendas created by local K–12 students and discover the meaningful traditions behind this beloved holiday. Gather with family, friends, and neighbors to remember loved ones, celebrate culture, and share in the joy of Día de los Muertos. Best of all, this celebration is completely free and open to everyone!”
Saturday, Oct. 24, 6-8 p.m.
555 Monroe Ave. NW, Grand Rapids
“Join us for our Halloween-themed evening 5K run with a course through downtown that will keep you on your toes watching around each turn for Zombies. The excitement picks up when you enter feeding zones or zombies will try to take your flags, your life bars for the race. Overall and age group awards.”
Northern Michigan/UP
4. Great Turtle Trail Run & Half Marathon
Saturday, Oct. 24
Mackinac Island
“This year marks the 30th running of one of the most scenic trail events in the state. We have a capacity of 3,000 participants running and walking the inside trails of Mackinac Island during the last open weekend of the season.”
Saturday, Oct. 24, 12-3 p.m. (CST)
Downtown Iron Mountain
“The Downtown Iron Mountain Pumpkin Walk, presented by DTE Energy Foundation and Sanford Health-Marshfield Clinic, is a spooktacular celebration filled with fall fun for the whole family! Enjoy festive activities including Trunk & Treating at the Downtown Stage, a lively costume contest, and Ghoulie Glowing Golfing at the Dickinson County Library just across the street.”
6. Escanaba Pocket Park – Halloween Bash
Saturday, Oct. 24, 2-6 p.m.
2401 12th Ave. N, Escanaba
“Come on down to the Escanaba Pocket Park for a spooktacular evening filled with a Trick-or-Treat Trail, haunted house and plenty of spooky fun! Dress up in your favorite costume and join our costume contest, with age categories for 0–3, 4–8, 9–13 and 14+. Prizes will be awarded to the winner of each age category. Enjoy a variety of spooky activities, including bobbing for donuts, “What’s in the Box?” scare game and more!”
Saturday, Oct. 24, beginning at 4 p.m.
380 E Grandview Pkwy, Traverse City
“Meet at the Boardman River boat launch off Park and Grandview Parkway in downtown TC.. we will paddle upstream on the Boardman River through town and then back out- and if the water is calm- maybe the bay as well! Bring your own board or any paddling vessel, and witch or wizard attire (even just a hat!) All ages welcome and free! Some paddling experience necessary.”
Mid/South Michigan
Oct. 22-27
819 Abbot Road, East Lansing
“From October 22 – 27, 2026, ELFF will hold its final film festival which presents 3 extensive short film programs, international and US features and documentaries. The festival hosts parties and we invite directors to attend the film festival and hold Q & As with the audiences.”
9. Michigan Ave. Fall Festival
Saturday, Oct. 24, 12-7 p.m.
2000 Block E Michigan Ave, Lansing
“Mark your calendars! The Michigan Avenue Corridor Improvement Authority is hosting a Fall Festival on October 24th from 12-7pm! Join us for a day full of food, music, games, and fun for everyone!”
10. Lansing Chili Cook-Off & Fall Festival
Saturday, Oct. 24, 3-9 p.m.
505 East Michigan Ave., Lansing
“Join us for the Lansing Chili Cook Off & Fall Festival, featuring chili taste testing from your local favorites, live music, a beer tent, contests, kids zone & more! Unlimited chili samples run between 5:30PM – 7:30PM. Tickets for carnival rides will be available for purchase as well.”
Oct. 24-25
Fenner Nature Center (2020 E. Mount Hope Ave., Lansing)
“Join us in celebrating this rich legacy with an authentic fall experience for the whole community. Savor the flavors of fresh apple butter and cider, enjoy delicious offerings from local food trucks, and groove to the rhythms of local music. Get hands-on with classic fall activities like apple butter stirring and the crosscut saw, and explore a variety of crafts and demonstrations.”
12. Scarecrow Fest
Oct. 24-25
925 S. Main St., Frankenmuth
“Celebrate fall in Michigan’s Little Bavaria during Scarecrow Fest, a fun, family-friendly festival held over two weekends in October at Frankenmuth River Place Shops, with special scarecrow displays throughout downtown Frankenmuth!”
Southeast Michigan/Thumb
13. Detroit Fall Beer Festival
Saturday, Oct. 24, 1-6 p.m.
Eastern Market, Detroit
“The Michigan Brewers Guild’s Detroit Fall Beer Festival at Eastern Market in October is one of the largest all-Michigan beer tastings around. Attendees can enjoy food from Detroit area restaurants (available for purchase) and listen to a talented line-up of local musicians while sipping fresh, local beers from Michigan breweries.”
Sunday, Oct. 25, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
36300 Front St., New Baltimore
“Put your costumes on and join us for a spooktacular day at the market! Enjoy trick or treating, a scavenger hunt, pumpkin painting, and a live magician performing at 10 AM, 11AM and 12PM for family-friendly Halloween fun.”
Sunday, Oct. 25, 12-3 p.m.
The War Memorial (32 Lake Shore Drive, Grosse Pointe Farms)
“The War Memorial invites families to a truly Spectacular Spooktacular this Halloween season. Costumes are encouraged as kids and families join us for an afternoon brimming with festive activities.”
Sunday, Oct. 25, 2:30-4:30 p.m.
Detroit Historical Museum (5401 Woodward Ave., Detroit)
“Step into The Streets of Old Detroit for a FREE afternoon of mystery, wonder, and fantastical fun! Inspired by the magic and imagination of a night circus, this family-friendly Halloween celebration brings curious characters, unexpected surprises, and a little bit of enchantment to the heart of Detroit.”
