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).

Nessel endorses El-Sayed (The Hill): Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel has endorsed Democratic US Senate nominee Abdul El-Sayed, weeks after publicly criticizing his response to the March attack on Temple Israel in West Bloomfield. Nessel backed Haley Stevens over El-Sayed in the primary, but said there was “no choice” between El-Sayed and Republican Mike Rogers despite their disagreements on some issues.

Man dead after fleeing ICE in Grand Rapids (Freep): A man died over the weekend after crashing his car while fleeing an attempted stop by Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents in Grand Rapids. The incident prompted the police chief to request a Michigan State Police investigation. US Rep. Hillary Scholten, who represents the area, is also seeking answers from ICE.

24-year-old accused of making ricin in apartment complex (WMUK): A man has been charged after ricin was discovered in a Hastings apartment complex earlier this month. The discovery led to the complex’s evacuation and temporarily disrupted operations at a nearby hospital. Prosecutors allege Joseph Jay Sheppard possessed, released, and transported the toxin. He is being held on $1 million bond while the FBI conducts an investigation.

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

West Michigan

🍻 Oktoberfest GR 2026

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.”

🥳 Wealthy Street Block Party

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

🍻 TC Germanfest

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!”

🦙 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.”

Mid/South Michigan

🔥 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!”

🪑 Michigan Antique Festival

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.”

Southeast Michigan/Thumb

🎶 Ferndale DIY Street Fair

Sept. 25-27

East Side of Woodward Avenue between East 9 Mile Road 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.”

⭐ Destination Stars Hollow

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.”

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.

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