Top Fall Festivals + Events in the Great Lakes Bay
Warm apple cider on cool, crisp days. Wooded walks & colorful country drives, spiced lattes & cinnamon sugar donuts. Getting lost in corn mazes and searching for the perfect pumpkin. Now’s the time to take part in all of autumn’s quintessential activities!
Gather for the harvest season at huge auto fests and homemade craft shows. Explore extravagant markets, sample street fare, and raise your glasses in a toast to autumn when you Go Great Lakes Bay in Pure Michigan!
SEPTEMBER
The Commons Live Music Series | @downtownmidlandmi
The Commons Live Music Series
Bring your lawn chairs, grab eats & drinks, and sway freely to no-cost tunes right in the Downtown Midland streets!
Frankenmuth Auto Fest Jumpstart fall festival season by perusing 2,500+ classic cars, street rods, and muscle cars. Don’t miss the Big Block Party on Main Street!
The Great Lakes Market Find unique treasures and handmade items from 70+ artists & makers, listen to live music, and enjoy flavors of fall!
Freeland Arts in the Park Delight your senses with delicious food, beer & wine tastings, live music, art vendors, auctions, and more.
Apple Country Craft Show Apples are ripe for the picking and so are hundreds of handmade items at this event with artisan jewelry, wood art, metal crafts, candles, clothing — and fresh cider & donuts!
Funtown Chowdown Food Truck Festival Feast on street fare from 20+ Michigan-based food trucks as you listen to live music and sip seasonal brews.
Japan Festival in Saginaw Amidst acres of gardens in fall color, learn Japanese arts of bonsai, ikebana, and origami. Enjoy performances of Taiko drums and partake in a Japanese tea ceremony.
Hemlock Sawdust Days Festival Experience logging-inspired entertainment, including live chainsaw carving demos! Sample from beer tents & food trucks as you shop craft vendors and listen to live music.
River of Time Festival Join hundreds of historical re-enactors as you marvel at skill demonstrations and period musical performances, watch meal preparations, and taste history.
Frankenmuth Oktoberfest
Be transported into Little Bavaria, where you’ll twirl to live music, dine on authentic German dishes, and sample beer from the world-famous Hofbräuhaus brewery of Munich.
Michigan Antique Festival | @adamkostus
Michigan Antique Festival Visit hundreds of high-quality dealers across 80 acres! Find antiques, shabby chic, and primitives, and take a gander at one of Michigan's longest-running car shows.
Hell’s Half Mile Film & Music Festival Connecting filmmakers and musicians with festival-goers, experience community through independent film, music, and eclectic fun.
Frankenmuth Fire Arts Festival Learn to use fire to create keepsakes in professional workshops, and witness amateur makers in competition. Food trucks & live entertainment make this a can't-miss!
OCTOBER
Northwood University International Auto Show
Northwood University International Auto Show Get a glimpse into the automotive future at the largest outdoor new car show in North America, with 500+ vehicles from 65 manufacturers!
Michigan's Big Country Fest Swing your partner to live music by Shiatown and The Family Tradition Band. Enjoy food trucks, sample beer flights (and a Bloody Mary Bar), and learn how to line dance!
Handmade Music Festival Experience homegrown Michigan music, in a handpicked playlist of bluegrass, psychedelic folk, Americana, and soul. Explore food trucks & craft vendors and even camp on-site!
Chippewa Nature Center | @megsymarie13
Fall Harvest Festival Experience the Homestead Farm at Chippewa Nature Center, and partake in 19th century traditions. Learn trades of blacksmithing to woodworking, and listen to traditional music.
Scarecrow Fest Celebrate fall during this family-friendly event at Frankenmuth River Place Shops. Launch the pumpkin catapult, hop into a barrel train ride, enjoy arts & crafts, and “fall” into fun!
NOVEMBER
Birch Run Premium Outlets
Deal Hunters' Weekend
While the deer hunters are away, get in on the thrill of the hunt — for bargains — at Birch Run Premium Outlets! Be on the lookout for savings far beyond everyday finds.
With colors of crimson & gold all around — and craft fairs, concerts & festivals underway — take part in the season at more upcoming events! More Events +
Things To Do
Find yourself sampling at apple orchards, sauntering through pumpkin patches, and enjoying delicious mulled wine with friends. Whether you hike, bike, or sit back and sip cider together, discover the best of fall when you Go Great Lakes Bay in Pure Michigan!
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Things To Do
With pumpkin patches & corn mazes ready — and fresh apple cider & donuts waiting at orchards & farms — discover what to do this season to make family memories that'll last a lifetime when you Go Great Lakes Bay in Pure Michigan!
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Author
Jen W. O'Deay + Go Great Lakes Bay
By: Jen W. O'Deay | Updates: Go Great Lakes Bay | Jen is a Saginaw native and owner of Feel These Words, an independent copywriting studio & home to the free "5 Day Website MiniBoost". Jen specializes in writing that connects, delivered through website copy, branded content articles, and WingWoman writing services. You'll find Jen camping with her family, laughing, and at feelthesewords.com
