20 Top Fall Festivals in Michigan
Fall festivals in Michigan are the best way to celebrate the arrival of autumn, which is arguably the prettiest season in our state. Perfect temperatures and sunny skies make a great time to get out and celebrate the autumn season with famly and friends.
Discover the TOP Fall Festivals in Michigan
All of the leaves are changing colors, the air is crisp and fresh, and the family-owned fruit stands along M-22 and other scenic highways are starting to switch out the berries and jams for apple cider and fresh vegetables. Fall festivals in Michigan include pumpkin patches, apple harvests, arts and crafts, and much more.
Check out this list to find an amazing fall festival near you. Have fun exploring these 20 top Michigan fall festivals!
Michigan Fall Festivals in September
Plymouth Fall Festival
Downtown Plymouth MI
When: September 6-8, 2024
The Plymouth Fall Festival is a great way to kick off the fall season in western Wayne County. From a carnival midway to old-fashioned games, booths and live music, this community event is fun for all ages.
Posen Potato Festival
10898 Michigan Ave, Posen, MI 49776
When: September 6 – 8, 2024
The Annual Posen Potato Festival is a celebration of the Native and Polish populations in northern Michigan, and it’s a great opportunity to authentically experience these two cultures. Check out their program to see their packed schedule full of many activities to choose from. Between the Polka Dances, demo derby, carnival rides and games, and parades – you’ll have plenty to keep you entertained and busy.
U. P. Beer Festival at Ellwood A Mattson Lower Harbor Park
200 N Lakeshore Blvd, Marquette, MI 49855
When: September 7th, 1 pm – 6 pm
This particular festival is perfect for adults who can appreciate some quality beer. All day there will be vendors showcasing local Michigan beers that you can only get in the UP. Be sure to get there a day early so you can hike around Canyon Falls and check out the Black Rocks Cliffs in Presque Isle Park before picking your new favorite ale or IPA.
Fall Festival – Pentwater Village Green
327 S Hancock St, Pentwater, MI 49449
When: September 28-29
Visit the beautiful town of Pentwater for the fall festival and enjoy their arts and crafts, artisan vendors, local artists, and more. Since Pentwater is on the southwest side of Huron-Manistee National Forests, it’s the perfect autumnal getaway so you can see all of the fall colors on the trees – plus, this is a very popular place for those famous family-owned fruit stands on the side of the road which are perfect for homemade jams, apple cider, and more.
Ludema’s Fall Festival
3408 Eastern Ave SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49508
When: September16 – 21 9am – 4am
Ludema’s Floral and Garden in Grand Rapids, MI, hosts their fall festival every year to welcome autumn in style. They offer patio potting classes, kid’s crafts, fall plants, snacks, and more. Be sure to stop by with the family for this free, pet-friendly event. Check their website for more details as the date approaches.
Red Flannel Festival
18 S. Main, Cedar Springs, MI 49319
When: October 5, 2024
Cedar Springs is a small town just a little ways outside of Grand Rapids, and is home to one of the coolest back stories about a festival in all of Michigan
In 1936, during a very hard winter, someone in New York wrote a story in the newspaper about how there were no red flannels in the US to go with the old-fashioned winter everyone was experiencing. Luckily, two women in Cedar Springs saw that article, and retorted that there were plenty of red flannels, but they were in Cedar Springs.
Sure enough, the whole country began putting orders in with store owners Jack and Ann Pollock, who filled these orders and thus began the Red Flannel Festival. For the 71st Red Flannel Festival this year, you can expect events unique to Cedar Springs along with excellent food and games.
Family Funfest
12330 James St., Holland, MI 49424
When: September 21
Holland Town Center and Nelis’ Dutch Village come together every year to host Holland’s Family Funfest, which started as just a truck show and has grown into much more. The motivation behind the truck show came from the “Grant Me Hope” organization who wanted to spread awareness of the need for foster and adoptive homes in the US.
All of the trucks in the truck show have decal stickers that promote this cause, and the proceeds from this awesome festival go toward Grant Me Hope as well. On top of the truck show there is also a car and motorcycle show, plus the Nelis’ Dutch Village rides, games, shops and exhibits. This is a great outing for the family, pland to spemd some time exploring downtown Holland, MI, too.
Frankenmuth Fire Art Festival
534 N Main St, Frankenmuth, MI 48734
When: September 27 – 28
Everyone knows that Frankenmuth is the best place to visit in the winter and holiday seasons, but not everyone realizes that it is a magical place in fall, too. This festival has free admission for most of the events, and there is truly something for everyone here. You can expect workshop classes, art vendors, food, music, fire wing competition, a chance to win $1500 in an art competition, and much more.
PRO-TIP: You can’t leave Frankenmuth without trying a world-famous chicken dinner. Use our Guide to the Best Restaurants in Frankenmuth to help you decide where to eat!
Midland Antique and Collectible Festival
6905 Eastman Ave, Midland, MI 48642
When: September 21-22
This particular festival is so unique that you’ll never find another like it anywhere else. Midland’s Antique and Collectible festival has over 80 acres of treasures in 7 different buildings for you to find, all from the very best antique dealers. Midland has perfected this festival in the last 54 years with over 300 vendors and items of all kinds.
Fall Harvest Festival
2545 S Charlton Park Rd, Hastings MI 49058
When: September 27 – 28
Located in south central Michigan, Hastings is home to the charming Fall Harvest Festival and Tractor Show. This event is always a huge hit with both kids and adults since there is something for everyone. The festival shows people authentic harvest techniques and activities from the early 1900s, and has a hayride and other games for the kids.
Four Flags Area Apple Festival
1740 Lake St, Niles MI 49120
When: September 26 – 29
Stop by Niles this fall for the one and only Niles Apple Festival (AKA the Four Flags Area Apple Festival) where you can find all sorts of carnival rides, food vendors, and other free entertainment. But the thing that makes this festival stand apart from the rest is their apple contest. Local farmers will showcase their apple harvests to let the public decide which is best – and it is a very close call every year.
Artisan Weekend at the Square
313 N Cass St, Berrien Springs, MI 49103
When: September 222 -23, 10am – 5pm
This all-day event in Berrien Springs is hosted by the Berrien County Historical Organization. The BCHO is passionate about bringing the public tangible examples of the historic traditions and artistry from “back in the day” that has influenced life today. As educational as this event is, it’s also a great time and excellent entertainment. Come ready to have fun and learn a bunch.
PRO-TIP: Berrien Springs in Southwest Michigan is right in heart of the Lake Michigan Shore Wine trail. Discoversome the excellent southwest Michigan wineries while you’re in the area!
Oktoberfest
104 W. Michigan Ave, Saline MI 48176
When: September 20, 2024
When people think of fall festivals, Oktoberfest is probably one of the first things that come to mind. Oktoberfest in Saline really packs a punch as this little town is transformed into an American-German hybrid for the weekend. You can expect live German rock and folk music, a playground (or “kinderplatz”) for the kids, both German and American food, a beer garden, a cornhole tournament, and a “tapping of the golden keg” to get the festivities started.
Michigan Fall Festivals in October
Beulah Fall Festival
Downtown Beulah, MI
When: October 5
Located in downtown Beulah on the shores of Crystal Lake, this one-day fall festival includes something for everyone. From sidewalk chalk art, kids games, face painting and more for kids, to a classic car and motorcycle show and horse-drawn wagon rides, you’ll have blast celebrating fall at this town near Frankfort, MI.
Growler Brewfest
Downtown Brighton, MI
When: October 13
Growl-er Brewfest in Brighton, Michigan is a dog-friendly beer event. This event features craft breweries from the area, a cider, winery, food trucks, and live music. This event is for adults only: 21+.
Frankfort Film Festival
Downtown Frankfort MI
Don’t miss the 16th annual Frankfort Film Festival held at the Garden Theater in downtown Frankfort, especially if you’re an independent film fan. From documentaries to dramas, you’ll have a fun time takeing in the amazing work on display at the theater this weekend.
Fall on the Island Festival
29935 E Pine St., Drummond Island, MI 49726
When: October 11-12
If you haven’t had a chance to visit Drummond Island then you’re in luck, this festival is a great opportunity to experience everything the island has to offer. This festival has plenty to keep the family busy all weekend: live music, corn hole tournaments, a pub crawl, a kid’s fun run, arts and crafts, and more. The best part? The theme of the festival this year is MAS*H, and will include a “Klinger” dress up contest, trivia from the show, and field medic demos.
Oktoberfest in Pentwater
Pentwater, MI
When: October 11-12
Pentwater, between Silver Lake Sand Dunes and Ludington on the shores of Lake Michigan, is the home of this fun west Michigan fall festival. Oktoberfest events include the Classic Car & Hot Rod Show, Stout Stumble 5K Walk & Run, C.O.V.E. Home Tour, Live Music, Seasonal Beverages, Yard Games, Food Trucks and more. In addition to the fantastic activities, stroll through the town for fantastic sales and specials at the unique shops and restaurants.
Annual Harbor Springs Fall Festival
Highlands At Harbor Springs
When: October 12
Head to the Highlands at Harbor Springs to celebrate fall in Michigan, when the crisp smell of leaves and apple cider fill the air. Plenty of family-friendly activities will include face painting, cookie decorating, burlap sack racing, juggler, pumpkin ring toss, yard games, cider, and donuts!
Join us for a day filled with fun activities and autumn magic! Bring the whole family – including the furry friends. This annual tradition is a guest favorite.
Charlevoix Apple Fest
47-57 Van Pelt Place, Charlevoix, MI 49720
When: October 11-13
Charlevoix the Beautiful’s Apple Fest is a huge hit every year, and they’ve been perfecting their craft for 43 years. The Apple Fest supports local farmers, orchards, and non-profit organizations while also giving all the visitors excellent memories of celebrating the arrival of autumn. Their festival typically has craft shows, apple picking, a small petting zoo, and a farmer’s market – perfect fall festivities.
Explore Fall in Michigan at Michigan Fall Festivals
Have we missed one of your favorite fall festivals in Michigan? Use the comment section below to let us know about your favorite Michigan fall festival!
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