There’s a full slate of events across the state ready for you this weekend in Michigan.
Highlights include the kickoff of the massive ArtPrize, which turns the city of Grand Rapids into a canvas, along with festivals celebrating Hispanic heritage across the state, fall festivals, music, 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. Michigan Irish Music Festival
Sept. 17-20
Heritage Landing (1051 7th St., Muskegon)
“Step into a lively celebration of Irish culture at the Michigan Irish Music Festival, where the shores of Muskegon Lake come alive with the spirited sounds of the Emerald Isle. Held annually in September, this vibrant festival boasts six dynamic stages of live music, traditional dance, and cultural entertainment. Savor authentic Irish fare at the Celtic Kitchen, raise a glass at The Pub, and browse unique Celtic wares at the bustling market.”
Sept. 18-Oct. 3
Grand Rapids
“ArtPrize is an international art competition and cultural festival held annually in Grand Rapids, Michigan – a celebration of ideas, conversation, experimentation, and inclusiveness. Each year, we welcome more than 900,000 visitors to experience the transformative power of art. Discover work by thousands of artists from around the world as our city transforms into a living canvas.”
Sept. 18-19
546 Phoenix St., South Haven
“The festival will take place on Friday 9/18 and Saturday 9/19 in Dyckman Park and the Huron Street Pavilion across from City Hall in South Haven. This free festival is made possible through generous donations and sponsorships.”
Sept. 18-19
Downtown Sparta
“Celebrate apples in all forms and fashions at the Michigan Apple Fest! Enjoy various activities and games for adults and kids alike including an apple pie eating contest, artisan market, apple pie baking contest, live bands and much more!”
5. Grand Haven Hispanic Fiesta
Saturday, Sept. 19, 11 a.m.-11 p.m.
Lynne Sherwood Waterfront Stadium (1 N Harbor Drive, Grand Haven)
“Mark your calendars for Saturday, September 19th for an incredible day packed with vibrant energy, delicious food, and the best atmosphere in town as the Hispanic Fiesta returns to Grand Haven.”
Saturday, Sept. 19, 1-11 p.m.
Water St. & Haymarket Plaza, Kalamazoo
“Join us for the Can Am Peace Jam 2026, a vibrant celebration of Canadian culture, music, comedy, food, and community. Featuring live entertainment, cultural experiences, and family-friendly activities, the festival promises something for everyone.”
Northern Michigan/UP
7. Richard Crane Memorial Truck Show
Sept. 18-19
Downtown St. Ignace
“Join us for the 30th Annual Richard Crane Memorial Truck Show! 200 working and non-working trucks fill downtown St. Ignace along with food trucks, vendors, live music, and more. Followed by the famous Parade of Lights across the Mackinac Bridge Saturday night.”
8. Pick’n in the Pines Bluegrass Festival
Sept. 18-19
High in the Pines Campground (61 W. US-10, Baldwin)
“Pick’n in the Pines is a family-friendly bluegrass festival held in Baldwin, MI bringing live music, camping and community under the pines. Join us for the 2nd annual, featuring more bands, more fun! Come for the music, Stay for the memories.”
Sept. 18-20
Furtaw Field (4986-4998 N State St., Oscoda Township)
“Three days of lumberjack fun, live entertainment and family adventure!”
Mid/South Michigan
Sept. 17-19
Old Town Lansing
“BluesFest Michigan is an open-air festival in the charming Old Town of Lansing, Michigan. We showcase diverse styles of Blues, attracting well-known and up-and-coming musicians from across the state and around the world. Lots of interactive family friendly activities as well. Performer lineup and schedule will be announced closer to the event. Volunteer opportunities available.”
Sept. 17-20
Heritage Park (601 Weiss St., Frankenmuth)
“With Frankenmuth’s unique German heritage and culture, the Frankenmuth Oktoberfest strives to preserve the sights and sounds of the Munich Oktoberfest. The event features authentic entertainment, dancing, Oktoberfest souvenirs, various food selections, and authentic Hofbrauhaus Oktoberfest beer.”
Sept. 18-19
Downtown Albion
“The Festival of the Forks has been held on the third full weekend in September, every year for 47 years on the streets of downtown Albion. Over 10,000 people attend this event which focuses on food, music, cars, people, healthy habits, children, ethnic diversity, and celebration.”
13. A Taste of Hispanic Heritage Festival
Saturday, Sept. 19, 3-10 p.m.
Capitol Ave. (in front of the Michigan State Capitol), Lansing
“The A Taste Of 517 Hispanic Heritage Festival takes over Capitol Avenue in front of the Michigan State Capitol with a full day of Hispanic and Latino culture, food, music, dance, entertainment, and small businesses. The festival will feature 70+ vendors and food trucks, live music, DJs, folklórico dancers, cultural performances, a Kidz Zone, and live lucha libre wrestling from Lucha Boom!“
Southeast Michigan/Thumb
14. Farmington Harvest Moon Celebration
Sept. 17-19
Riley Park (33113 Grand River Ave., Farmington)
“Each fall brings a season of discovery in Downtown Farmington – the cooler temperatures, longer shadows, wisps of woodsmoke and the Harvest Moon rising. Find yourself in our small-town celebrating Michigan’s most glorious season during the Harvest Moon Celebration. Plan your weekend with friends or come and make new ones. Sample harvest food pairings, enjoy over 40 craft beers and ciders, fine wines and live music during all three nights of Harvest Moon.”
15. Troy Family Daze
Sept. 17-20
Troy Community Center (3179 Livernois Road, Troy)
“Each September since 1968 (except in 2010 & 2020), the volunteer-driven Troy Family Daze Festival has been celebrated in our community, a great example of the things we can accomplish together in Troy.”
16. Saline Main Street’s Oktoberfest
Sept. 18-19
100 S Ann Arbor St., Saline
“Friday night kicks off with live music, the ceremonial Tapping of the Golden Keg, and the return of the Bavarian Arm Burner—our crowd-favorite stein-holding contest! Saturday begins with Kinderplatz, a free kids area featuring an exotic animal petting zoo, balloon twisting, bounce houses and more from 10 a.m.–2 p.m. The fun continues with the Wiener Dog Races, Hammerspiel, and live music beginning when the Biergarten opens at noon. Enjoy cold beer, German pretzels, and delicious food-truck fare until 11 p.m.”
17. HearseFest
Sept. 19-21
8800 W Grand River Ave., Fowlerville
“Celebrate the 25th Anni-HEARSE-ary of HerseFest at the Fowlerville Fairgrounds on September 19, 2026. This unique public event brings together hearse enthusiasts, families, and visitors for six hours of spooky-themed entertainment, including a costume contest, pinebox derby racing, specialty vendors, classic hearses, and plenty of surprises for this milestone year.”
Saturday, Sept. 19, 11 a.m.-6 p.m.
Historic Fort Wayne (6325 W Jefferson Ave., Detroit)
“FrankenFest features mad, magical and mystical artwork from the area’s most intriguing vendors stitched together with a showcase of literary guests, haunt aficionados and paranormal experts.”
