Welcome to another roundup of fall festivities taking place this weekend across Michigan.
Highlights this time around include a festival celebrating Viking history, a hot cider-themed half marathon in Lansing, and Art in Ann Arbor.
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
Oct. 9-11
Downtown Fennville
“The Fennville Goose Festival is a beloved fall tradition that celebrates the annual migration of thousands of Canada geese through the Fennville area. Held each October, the festival combines small-town charm with family-friendly entertainment, outdoor recreation, local shopping, and community spirit. The event has been a local tradition since the mid-1980s and has grown into one of the region’s signature autumn celebrations.”
2. Under the Harvest Moon Festival
Saturday, Oct. 10, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
200 Depot Drive, Dowagiac
“Dowagiac’s fall festival celebrates Michigan’s glorious autumn. Hosted by the Dowagiac Chamber of Commerce, this event showcases vendors of handmade and artisan product, Michigan-grown produce, antiques, and features activities for families.”
3. International Festival of Holland
Saturday, Oct. 10, 4-7 p.m.
Holland Civic Center Place (150 W 8th St., Holland)
“The International Festival of Holland celebrates the variety of cultures living, working, and playing in West Michigan. It creates awareness of our neighbors here and across the world in a fun, family-oriented way. The best way to do this is through everyone’s favorite things: food, music, art, and shopping!”
Northern Michigan/UP
4. Fall on the Island Festival
Oct. 9-10
33800 S Townline Road, Drummond Island
“This year’s theme, ‘Party Like It’s 1776!,’ brings together fall fun, live music, delicious food, family activities, local vendors, entertainment, and plenty of patriotic spirit for a weekend the whole family can enjoy.”
Oct. 9-11
Downtown Charlevoix
“Experience the magic of autumn in northern Michigan at the 47th Annual Charlevoix Apple Fest. Join the festivities and show your support for our local farmers, orchards and non-profit organizations while celebrating the season in scenic downtown Charlevoix this October. The Harvest is in!”
Saturday, Oct. 10, 9 a.m.-6 p.m.
Open Space Park (800 Main St., Frankfort)
“The day kicks off with the Port City Run, a scenic course beginning and ending at Open Space Park and winding along the Betsie Valley Trail into Elberta. Then the fun really gets going — the Parade & Mutt March, a Craft Fair, live music, pumpkin decorating, live pumpkin carving, our Cornhole Tournament, a Kids’ Game Tent, the Beer, Wine & Spirits Tent, and the crowd-favorite Giant Pumpkin Drop. Good old-fashioned small-town fall fun, start to finish!”
Saturday, Oct. 10, 9 a.m.-7 p.m.
Norway
“The Leif Erikson Fall Festival, held annually, celebrates the Viking history that the Norway area traces some of its roots to. The many happenings hosted throughout our small town over the course of Leif Erikson Weekend are rather diverse, ranging from competitive racing, the crowning of Miss Norway, and the Leif Erikson Parade, to antique and art displays, musical performances, and the “Funeral Pyre” boat-burning on the Night of the Viking. The weekend includes fall produce, activities just for children, a mini zoo, horse rides, wagon rides, and more.”
8. UPtoberfest
Saturday, Oct. 10, 2.-7 p.m.
Ludington Park (Lake Shore Drive, Escanaba)
“UPtoberfest is the UP’s largest wine and beer festival, held on the beautiful lakefront in downtown Escanaba, MI. 2026 marks the 20th year of the festival! This is the 15th year that the festival is being organized by Escanaba’s homebrew club, the Bay de Noc Brewers. They are bringing a wealth of knowledge about beer, homebrewing and festivals to the event as well as volunteering all of their time and efforts.” UPtoberfest specializes in featuring Michigan beers and wines, with the majority being from the UP and northern Lower Peninsula.”
Mid/South Michigan
Running weekends though October
Ingham County Fairgrounds (700 E Ash St., Mason)
“Jack O’ Lanterns Unleashed is a premier, family-friendly Halloween event held annually at the Ingham County Fairgrounds in Mason MI featuring over 5,000 hand-carved jack-o’-lanterns arranged into more than 30 elaborate themes and scenes—such as dinosaurs and under-the-sea adventures—along a half-mile illuminated walking trail. Kids 12 and under are FREE.”
Saturday, Oct. 10, 7-11:50 a.m.
Hawk Island Park (1601 E Cavanaugh Road, Lansing)
“The Lansing Hot Cider Hustle is a Half Marathon, 10K, and 5K. With registration, you get your choice of a T-shirt or hoodie, as well as a Caramel Apple and a Hot Cider Hustle mug with some hot cider at the finish line!!”
Saturday, Oct. 10, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Main Street, Davison
“Annual festival celebrating fall, featuring vendors, bounce houses, rollerskating rink, food trucks, and the BIG PUMPKIN DROP. Rain or shine!”
Saturday, Oct. 10, 5:45-10 p.m.
3516 E Monroe Road, Midland
“Come join us for an evening of dining and entertainment, Polish-style. Enjoy parish-made authentic Polish food including zupa z dyni, pierogi, kielbasa, golabki, sauerkraut, and more. Round out the evening by listening, toe-tapping or dancing to the music of the Steve Drzewicki Polka Band from Bay City. Fun for the whole family with a kids zone for our younger guests.”
Southeast Michigan/Thumb
Friday, Oct. 9, 5-9 p.m.
TechTown Detroit (440 Burroughs St., Detroit)
“Toast of the Town is TechTown Detroit’s 12th annual celebration honoring local entrepreneurs, innovators, and risk-takers. Presented by Orsa Credit Union, the event champions the builders shaping Detroit’s future.”
Oct. 9-10
Downtown Port Huron
“A two-day, vendor-first weekend built around makers, artists, and small businesses — the fall companion to our May festival.”
Oct. 9-10
167 4th St., Belleville
“Join us for Belleville’s annual Harvest Fest! Celebrate the fall season with a family-friendly festival featuring local artisans, delicious harvest foods, live entertainment, and seasonal activities for all ages.”
Oct. 10-11, 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.”
17. A2 Artoberfest
Oct. 10-11
Main St. Ann Arbor, stretching from Washington to William Streets
“This intimate and rich celebration of the arts will feature jury selected artists, live entertainment, restaurants, and art activities. Shop, and savor the beautiful fall weather, talented artisans, and wonderful tunes. Get creative with several local partners bringing you hands-on art making activities to this fun and festive event!”
