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).

Trump-Epstein reading room in Detroit this week (CBS News): More than 3,000 volumes of partially redacted documents tied to President Donald Trump and Jeffrey Epstein are on display at Detroit’s Norwood, where survivors’ advocates hope to refocus attention on victims and push for accountability. The “Reading Room” will remain open to the public through Thursday.

Russia frees imprisoned Michigan man (AP News): Russia has released Stephen Hubbard, a 74-year-old former Michigan teacher who had been imprisoned since 2022 on charges of fighting as a mercenary in Ukraine. President Donald Trump said he asked Russian President Vladimir Putin to free Hubbard, who is returning to the US following a visit to Russia by Trump envoy Steve Witkoff.

UP wildfire hampers DNR cougar tracking plan (MLive): A wildfire near Marquette has likely ended Michigan wildlife researchers’ best opportunity this year to capture and radio-collar a cougar in the Upper Peninsula. Department of Natural Resources biologists hoped to track the big cat to learn how cougars traverse Michigan’s forests, as confirmed sightings continue to increase. Officials haven’t ruled out another attempt this fall, but the next chance may come next year.

Click the map to explore each location. (Google My Maps)

West Michigan

💀 Dia de Los Muertos

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. Best of all, this celebration is completely free and open to everyone!”

🧟 Zombie Dash 5k

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

🏃‍♀️‍➡️ 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.”

🧙‍♀️ Witch Paddle Traverse City

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

🌶️ 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.”

🌳 Apple Butter Festival

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.”

Southeast Michigan/Thumb

🍻 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.”

👻 Treats in the Streets

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.”

Thanks for reading. This newsletter was written by Karel Vega and edited by Crystal Niforos.

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