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).

Detroiters spend most of any city on groceries, study finds (WLNS): Detroit ranks No. 1 among the 100 largest US cities for the share of household income spent on groceries, according to a new WalletHub study. The study finds that groceries consume an average 4.03% of household income in Detroit.

ICE looks to sell Romulus warehouse (Michigan Advance): The federal government is putting a Romulus warehouse up for sale after abandoning plans to turn it into an Immigration and Customs Enforcement detention center. The $34.7 million property is one of seven warehouses nationwide that DHS bought for detention facilities before scrapping the plans this summer.

Kalamazoo Promise expands to HBCUs (WOOD-TV): The Kalamazoo Promise will expand its scholarship to cover tuition and fees at historically Black colleges and universities starting in fall 2027, giving Kalamazoo Public Schools graduates nearly 100 new out-of-state options. The donor-funded program has already helped more than 9,000 high school graduates in the district attend college.

(Ashley Diane Worsham/Unsplash)

By Araceli Cruz

It’s National Voter Education Week, the perfect time to get caught up on what you need to know about voting here in Michigan. And today, we’re talking about election deniers.

US Rep. Bill Huizenga is running in the Nov. 3 election against state Sen. Sean McCann to keep his seat in Congress representing Michigan’s 4th District. That covers Kalamazoo, Battle Creek, and Holland. 

Six years ago, however, Huizenga signed onto a legal brief backing a Texas lawsuit. The suit tried to block Michigan, Georgia, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin votes from being certified in the 2020 presidential election. The US Supreme Court dismissed the case. 

Election denialism has grown since 2020. So have threats against the people who count your ballots. Michigan took action. Since 2024, it’s been illegal to intimidate election officials or stop them from doing their jobs. 

Michigan isn’t alone. Since 2020, 24 states have passed or updated laws protecting election officials and staff, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures.

You’re election-ready. 🙌 Now help a friend get there, too—forward this email before Nov. 3.

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

West Michigan

🪿 Fennville Goose Festival

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.”

🌎 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

🍎 Charlevoix Apple Fest

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!”

🛶 Leif Erikson Festival

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.”

Mid/South Michigan

🎃 Jack O’Lanterns Unleashed

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.”

🏃‍♀️‍➡️ Lansing Hot Cider Hustle

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!!”

Southeast Michigan/Thumb

🍂 Cider in the City 2026

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.”

🎨 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!”

Want deeper coverage of Michigan politics? Our free Thursday newsletter, This Week in Michigan Politics, breaks down what’s happening in Lansing and Washington—clearly and without the jargon.

With the midterms approaching, we’ll keep you informed on what could affect your day-to-day life.

Interested?

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

The ’Gander is free for everyone. Your support makes our work possible.