Michigan is starting fall off strong, with plenty of events to make the most of the season.
Highlights this weekend include Oktoberfest celebrations across the state, a festival devoted to creating art with fire, and even an event transforming a Michigan town into the setting of Gilmore Girls.
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
Sept. 25-26
Riverside Park (3061 Monroe Ave. NW, Grand Rapids)
“Grand Rapids’ ONLY German Bier Fest returns to Riverside Park with authentic beers and wines, live music, a keg toss and other contests, and the fifth annual Dachshund Dash! There will lots of games and root beer for kids to enjoy while adults sip imported beverages and savor festival treats. Oktoberfest is free to attend but tickets are required to purchase alcohol. Purchase tickets online or at the Festival.”
Sept. 25-27
Downtown Rockford
“Whether you’re looking for classic cars, hearty comfort food, or hands-on activities for the kids, Harvest Fest has something happening around every corner of downtown.”
3. Grand Rapids Record & CD Show
Saturday, Sept. 26, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
2327 Wilson Ave. SW, Grand Rapids
“Explore 50 tables with thousands of items including the very best in pre-loved and new Vinyl Albums, 45’s, CD’s, cassettes, T-Shirts, posters and music memorabilia.”
Saturday, Sept. 26, 2-9 p.m.
751 Wealthy St. SE, Grand Rapids
“Join us at the corner of Wealthy & Eastern on 9/26 from 2-9pm for live music, food trucks, artisan vendors, kids’ fun & Shrek on the big screen!”
Northern Michigan/UP
Friday, Sept. 25, 6-10 p.m.
1003 South Maple St., Traverse City
“We’re celebrating not only all things Bavaria, but our 14th year!!! Please join us for food, fun, the biggest strudel you’ve probably ever seen, auction items and all the fantastic things that come with BEING involved! We can’t wait to celebrate a decade-and-four of deliciousness, dancing and donating with YOU!”
6. Northern Michigan Fiber Festival
Sept. 26-27
APlex Events Complex (701 Woodward Ave., Alpena)
“Alpena’s only fiber festival devoted to celebrating and inspiring creativity. Shop for local yarns, crafts, apparel, home décor and all things fiber related.”
Saturday, Sept. 26, 11 a.m.-6 p.m.
Deer St., Manistique
“The 8th Annual Flannel Fest – a day of community, fun and local pride on Manistique’s West Side! Live Bands … Variety of food trucks, many craft & local vendors, bounce houses, pumpkin painting, chainsaw carver, facial hair contest (winners announced at 3pm), chili cook off (public tasting 3-5:30, winners will be announced at 5pm). Wear your flannel and join the fun!”
Saturday, Sept. 26, 12-9 p.m. (CST)
Downtown Iron Mountain
“Get ready for a day filled with fun for the whole family—complete with traditional Oktoberfest games, a Children’s Area with face painting and jumps, festive drinks, lively polka, and plenty of Bavarian cheer. Whether you are coming for the food, music, beer, wine, or dancing, there’s something for everyone at Oktoberfest. Prost!”
Mid/South Michigan
9. Frankenmuth Fire Arts Festival
Sept. 25-26
Heritage Park (601 Weiss St., Frankenmuth)
“Enjoy a two-day, family-friendly event full of art, fire, food, and entertainment on Friday, September 25th, and Saturday, September 26th. Enjoy iron pours, art workshops, blacksmithing demonstrations, flaming and smoked drinks, chainsaw carving, a plein-air paint gallery, artisan vendors, live music, and MORE!”
Sept. 26-27
6905 Eastman Ave., Midland
“Discover a weekend filled with timeless finds, live music, and the unmistakable charm that makes Midland a Michigan tradition.”
11. 3rd Annual Dance by the River Pow Wow
Sept. 26-27
Adado Riverfront Park (201 E Shiawassee St., Lansing)
“Come join us for Another year. Another gathering. Another opportunity to come together in Lansing for two days of culture, celebration, and community. The Pow Wow brings the heartbeat of the drum, the beauty of regalia, and the strength of tradition back to our city. We’re honored to host it… and excited to welcome you.”
Southeast Michigan/Thumb
Sept. 25-26
Downtown Wyandotte
“Break out the flannel and celebrate fall in Downtown Wyandotte! Fire & Flannel Fest brings two days of lumberjack action, live chainsaw carving, fire performances, dancing witches, live music, family activities, shopping, food trucks, and fall fun along the Detroit Riverfront. 🎟️ FREE ADMISSION”
13. Westland Multicultural Festival
Sept. 25-26
Nankin Square & Amphitheatre (7200 Nankin Blvd, Westland)
“Westland’s Annual Multicultural Festival will be held during Westland’s official “Multicultural Week,” which is recognized during the last week of September. The Multicultural Festival will feature a Marketplace at Nankin Square & Amphitheatre filled with artisanal craft vendors, food trucks, and stage performances on the Amphitheatre!”
14. Wrigley Barbecue Throwdown
Sept. 25-26
Wrigley Center (318 Grand River Ave., Port Huron)
“The Wrigley Center’s biggest fall weekend is here — barbecue smoke, cold drinks, live bands, local makers, inflatables, and championship bragging rights at 318 Grand River Avenue.”
Sept. 25-27
East Side of Woodward Avenue between East 9 Mile Rd and East Troy Street, Ferndale
“This beloved free event returns for the 19th year where 75,000 people come to celebrate independent makers, musicians & entrepreneurs with the Do-It-Yourself spirit.”
Sept. 25-27
200 West Nine Mile, Ferndale
“When we started out it was a challenge to find artists who’s work had the vibe we were looking for. Even defining Funky art was a challenge. Over the years we’ve built a loyal following of artists and collectors. They have helped us to find the way. And we have not stopped searching. More than fifty of the artists this year have never been to Ferndale. Of course we have kept your favorites.”
Sept. 26-27
Downtown Brighton
“DSH is an immersive weekend where a real town turns into something magical. Shops, streets, and neighbors transform into the fictional fall town we all know and love, complete with themed treats, charming photo moments, and beloved town traditions.”
