Brisk weather is rolling in and the days are getting shorter. That only means one thing: Fall is on its way! From pumpkin and apple picking to art fairs and spooky activities, there’s plenty of fun things to do to celebrate the season in metro Detroit — and a lot of local festivals that highlight it all.
Here, we offer details on some of the biggest festivals happening in our area, and a few other big ones around the state, happening this September, October, and early November including the Michigan Renaissance Festival, Hallowe’en at Greenfield Village, Motor City Comic Con, and so many others.
September | October | November
September
Michigan Renaissance Festival
Take a trip back in time to a 16th century European Village that offers 17 stages for music, magic, juggling, and jousting performances. There will be more than 100 artisans at the marketplace and memorable characters including mermaids, fairies, knights, and more. Each weekend during the event features a different theme. Weekends Aug. 17-Sept. 29. $14-$27 for general admission, $60-$150 for a season pass, $15 for parking. 12600 Dixie Hwy., Holly; michrenfest.com.
Detroit Jazz Festival
Jazz lovers can appreciate soulful music in downtown Detroit by Karriem Riggins, Samara Joy, Regina Carter, Kenny Garrett Ensemble, and others. Food such as pizza and cotton candy, and drinks like fresh lemonade are offered during the event. Aug. 30-Sept. 2. No cost to attend, VIP pricing starts at $125+. Hart Plaza, Detroit; detroitjazzfest.org.
Plymouth Fall Festival
Celebrate fall with a car show, craft show, pet show, and carnival full of games and rides. There’s tons of food including a pancake breakfast, rib dinner, Rotary barbecue, and a spaghetti dinner. Bingo, vendor booths, and live entertainment too. Sept. 6-8. Free to attend but other fees apply. Downtown Plymouth; plymouthfallfestival.com.
2024 Art & Apples Festival
Head to the 30-acre Rochester Municipal Park to shop the works of over 200 fine art exhibitors. There will also be a wide variety of food trucks, live entertainment, art demonstrations, and art activities. Sept. 6-8. No cost for admission. 400 6th St., Rochester; pccart.org.
Dally in the Alley
The largest community event in Detroit takes place within the Cass Corridor and melds residents with music and fun. Enjoy food, beer, music, visual arts, and live performers as you relax before the fall weather becomes too cold. Sept. 7. No cost to attend. Cass Corridor, Detroit; dallyinthealley.com.
Old Car Festival
Hundreds of vehicles built in the 1890s through 1932 park at Greenfield Village for the country’s longest-running antique car show. Get under the hood of some of your favorites to see the inner tech, meet with dramas, try car-themed games, and more. Street food and live music, too. Sept. 7-8. $39 general admission, $35 seniors 62+, $29.25 for kids 5-11, free for kids four and under. 20900 Oakwood Blvd., Dearborn; thehenryford.org.
Smokin’ Jazz & BBQ Blues Festival
The setlist at this 17th annual includes performances by Sean Dobbins Quintet, Doug Deming & The Jewel Tones, Third Coast Swing, Thornetta Davis, and others. Plus, ride the mechanical bulls, participate in the cornhole tournament, take on the obstacle course, and sample delicious ribs, pulled pork, beef brisket, specialty mac n’ cheese, and more. Sept. 6-7. Fees may apply. Downtown Brighton area; brightoncoc.org.
Fall VegFest
Veggie lovers unite for this veggie-friendly event. Enjoy delicious plant-based food, music, sustainable shopping, and a kid zone for the little ones! Non-profit organizations such as Attorneys for Animals, Great Lakes Rabbit Sanctuary and SASHA Farm Animal Sanctuary will attend. Sept. 8. No cost to attend. 33113 Grand River Ave., Farmington; vegmichigan.org.
Troy Family Daze
This 54th annual event offers four days of fun including carnival games and rides, a 5K run, food, live entertainment, and so much more. Sept. 12-15. $5 general admission, free for kids 10 and under. 3425 Civic Center Drive, Troy; facebook.com.
Metro Boat Show
Boating enthusiasts gather along the water at Lake St. Clair Metropark to shop vendors selling sailing gear, lake cruises, live music at the Tiki Bar, lawn games, kids’ activities and much more. Sept. 12-15. $10 for adults, free for kids 12 and under with a paying adult. 31300 Metro Parkway, Harrison Township; boatmichigan.org.
Van Riper State Park Harvest Fest Weekend
Celebrating their second annual harvest festival event, Van Riper State Park aims to please their guests with a hauntingly good time. With activities such as ghostly dances, trick-or-treating, hayrides, and campsite decorating, campers and visitors are sure to find a good scare for the whole family. Sept. 13-15, 20-22. Van Riper State Park, 851 County Road AKE, Champion; uptravel.com.
FrankenFest
Ghouls, monsters, and even Frankenstein himself roam downtown Detroit during this chilling festival, which hosts mystical artwork, scary literary vendors, and paranormal experts. Enjoy this unique event for a ghostly time at the Historic Fort Wayne. Sept. 14. No cost to attend. 6325 W. Jefferson Ave., Detroit; frankenfest.com.
Harvest Festival Spicer’s Orchard
Take a drive to the countryside of metro Detroit and enjoy this family-friendly event, which offers pumpkins, apples, and delicious wine. Make sure to grab a donut and cider before leaving as well! Sept. 14-15. No cost to attend. 10411 Clyde Road, Fenton; spicerorchards.com.
Harvest Moon Celebration
Enjoy the pale moonlight in downtown Farmington as you taste harvest food, craft cider, and beer (over 40 options, to be exact), fine wines, and even live music. Those who wish to drink must purchase a ticket. Sept.19-21. $10 ticket admission, must be 21+. 33113 Grand River Ave., Farmington; downtownfarmington.org.
GothFest Detroit
This festival features over 40 performers by the regional bands and DJs, alongside a fashion show presented by Noir Leather. Food and drinks will be served with over 30 vendors as well. Rock on! Sept. 19-21. $15-$80. 1600 Clay St., Detroit; skulldetroit.com.
Frankenmuth Oktoberfest
The annual Frankenmuth German festival is back! Come enjoy German beer, music, food, and even souvenirs in “Michigan’s Little Bavaria.” On Saturday, enjoy the Weiner Dog race, with trophies such as Fattest Weiner, Best Dressed Weiner and Smallest Weiner are up for grabs. Sept. 19-22. $10 admission, kids 15 and under are free. 601 Weiss St., Frankenmuth; frankenmuthfestivals.com.
Downtown Saline Oktoberfest
Enjoy live musical performances by Local Heroes and Fifty Amp Fuse, get your fill of seasonal beers in the Bier Garden, visit the Kinderplatz for kids’ activities like magic shows and bounce houses, shop vendor booths, and more. Sept. 20-21. $10 cover for adults. Downtown Saline; salinemainstreet.org.
Michigan Apple Fest
Nothing says fall like apples and cider, so why not travel to the west side of the state for the Michigan Apple Festival? This event takes place in Sparta, just south of Grand Rapids. Kids can enjoy tractor rides, a petting zoo, and even participate in slime-making. Live music will be playing and there’s a lumberjack display to view as well. Food and drinks, too. Sept. 20-21. No cost to attend. 194 E. Division St., Sparta; michiganapplefest.com.
Nostalgia Drags and Car Show
Witness the golden era of drag racing as Milan Dragway presents the Nostalgia Nationals. Come and see vintage dragsters, classic muscle cars, funny cars, and motorcycles. Enjoy the classic car show with vehicles from the ‘50s to the ‘80s, as well as an appearance from Linda Vaugh, the first lady of motorsports. Sept. 20-22. $25 for adults, $10 for ages 12-15, and free for kids 11 and younger. 10860 Plank Road, Maybee; milandragway.com.
Romulus Pumpkin Festival
Head to Romulus Historical Park for the Parade of Lights and a street festival that features music, food, crafts, and games. Expect a classic car show and a craft vendor show, too. Sept. 20-22. No cost to attend. 11147 Hunt St., Romulus; romulusgov.com.
Funky Ferndale Art Fair and DIY Street Fair
These two art festivals run concurrently in the same area as one another and feature vendors selling a wide variety of their artwork, food, drinks, and art activities. Sept. 20-22. No cost to attend. Downtown Ferndale; funkyferndaleartfair.com and ferndalediy.com.
Victorian Festival
This annual event celebrates the community’s preservation of its Victorian-era architecture. Enjoy live music, theater performances, Victorian reenactors, craft vendors, educational presentations, a parade, and so much more. Sept. 21-22. No cost to attend. Downtown Northville; northville.org.
Frankenmuth Fire Arts Festival
Combine fire and art in downtown Frankenmuth at this blazing event! A live display of molten iron being poured into molds makes for fiery entertainment alongside music and a hot pepper competition. Enjoy smoked brisket with sides and even a line of smokey drinks to pair. Sept. 27-28. No cost to attend. 601 Weiss St., Frankenmuth; frankenmuthfire.org.
Traverse City Germanfest
The 12th annual Bavarian event is back in Traverse City! Take a drive up north and explore all things German. Friday will be the big event underneath a tent while Saturday is family day and free to attend. Come enjoy food, an auction, dancing, and music. Sept. 27-28. $55 per ticket, 21+ to attend. 1003 S. Maple St., Traverse City; tcgermanfest.org.
Sleeper State Park Harvest Festival
For campers looking for a way to add Halloween flare into their experience, Sleeper State Park encourages their woodsy guest to wear creative costumes, decorate their campsites, and participate in events such as trick-or-treating. This event is for campers only, and an activity schedule will be available upon camper check-in. Sept. 27-29. Sleeper State Park, 6573 State Park Road, Caseville; michigan.gov.
TAILgate Pawty
Dress up your pup in your favorite team’s gear and head to downtown Detroit for sports games, prizes, and food — hot dogs for the humans and bacon treats for your canine friend. Sept. 28. No cost to attend. 800 Woodward Ave., Detroit; downtowndetroit.org.
Great Lakes Bat Festival
Visit Lake St. Clair Metropark to learn why bats aren’t as scary as you think through hands-on bat activities, bat identification tests, and bat crafts. You’ll even learn how you can support bats living in your backyard. Sept. 23. No cost for admission, $10 Metroparks parking pass. 31300 Metro Parkway, Harrison Township; metroparks.com.
Birmingham Street Art Fair
This year marks the 50th anniversary for this annual art fair. Check out the work of 100 juried artists, entertainment, and more. Sept. 28-29. No cost to attend. Downtown Birmingham; theguild.org.
Diehl’s Orchard Cider Festival
Enjoy cider and fall festivities at the 44th annual Cider Festival. A variety of food such as barbecue and vegan options will be available for tasty eats. Family-friendly activities such as hayrides, a petting farm, pony rides, pumpkin patch, and crafts, too. On Saturday, there will be a mile-run and a 5K. Sept. 28-29. No cost to attend. 1479 Ranch Road, Holly; diehlsorchard.com.
Michigan Fall Festival
Get your fill of cider and donuts from Yates Cider Mill, try pumpkin bowling or tic-tac-toe, tackle the hay bale pyramid, decorate a pumpkin, visit the petting zoo, and more. There’s also a kids’ costume and dog costume contests, food, and live music. Sept. 21-22. $5 at the door, free for kids under 3 and veterans. Canterbury Village, 2357 Joslyn Court, Lake Orion; canterburyvillage.com.
Taste of Clarkston
Taste samples from area restaurants and peruse exhibitors. Live music will be playing for family and friends to enjoy. There is something for everybody at this food-lovers event. Sept. 29. No cost to attend. N. Main St. Clarkston; business.clarkston.org.
South Lyon Pumpkinfest
Come enjoy the season of pumpkins in South Lyon! This event is filled with activities such as seasonal games, an art contest, pie baking and eating contest, pumpkinfest parade and a 5K or a half-marathon run. There is something for the whole family to enjoy. Sept. 27-29. No cost to attend. South Lyon area; southlyonpumpkinfest.com.
October
Detroit Zoo Fall Fest
Experience the Detroit Zoo like never before as the whole area redecorates for the fall. Enjoy the brand-new fall décor, festive refreshments, themed education stations, and themed animal interactions daily. Be on the lookout for special events such as the Jack O’Lantern Journey for people of all ages, and the Zoo Boo for families with young children. Oct. 1-31, special event dates vary. Included with price of zoo admission. 8450 W. 10 Mile Road, Royal Oak; detroitzoo.org.
M1 Concourse American Speed Festival
Gearheads unite for this fall-tastic event at the M1 Concourse in Pontiac. Events include a drive and dine tour, speed ring, art expo, and speed and style expo. Car lovers will enjoy seeing vintage Indy cars, a celebration of the 24 hours of Le Mans race, and more at this classic fall event. Oct. 3-6. $10+, kids under 7 are free. 1 Concourse Drive, Pontiac; m1concourse.com.
Detroit Zoo Spooky Spirits
In tandem with their Fall Fest, the Detroit Zoo is holding an exclusive 21-and-older tasting event with more than 80 drinks to choose from, along with food. Take a first look at the Jack O’Lantern Journey experience, dress up for a costume contest with several categories, try out tarot card readings, and enjoy live entertainment from the local band, Weekend Comeback. Oct. 4. $40-$95. 8450 W. 10 Mile Road, Royal Oak; detroitzoo.org.
Hallowe’en in Greenfield Village
For 16 evenings, Greenfield Village will transform into an enchanting Halloween wonderland filled with seasonal fun including harvest market, costumed storybook characters, ghostly performances, and even a train ride. Select days Oct. 5-27. $27 for general admission, $24.25 for seniors 62+, $20.25 for kids 2-11, free for kids under 2. Special event packages are also available. 20900 Oakwood Blvd., Dearborn; thehenryford.org.
MSU Tollgate Farm Pumpkinfest
This annual event helps raise funds for Tollgate Farm and its programming. Find a u-pick pumpkin patch, a straw maze, pumpkin painting, livestock displays, educational exhibits, and more. Oct. 5-6. $15 general admission, free for kids 2 and under. 28115 Meadowbrook Road, Novi; canr.msu.edu.
Detroit Harvest Fest and Food Trucks
Put on by the Detroit Riverfront Conservancy, this event celebrates the season of the harvest. Find six stages of music, over 50 food trucks, and fun activities for the whole family. A dog and cat costume contest will take place, and the kids can enjoy the mask making, or the outdoor activity center, which features reptiles and amphibians. Adults can hang out in the Cirque de Freight Yard for specialty cocktails and lots of flights. Oct. 5-6. $5 admission, kids under 3 are free. Dequindre Cut Greenway, Detroit; detroitharvestfest.com.
Uncle John’s Fall Festival
Attendees can listen to live music, sip on some apple cider, pick some pumpkins, and enjoy a wagon ride. Kids can enjoy the corn maze, train rides, and even gemstone mining. Plus, adults can have some wine and beer in the taproom. Oct. 5-6, 12. No cost to attend. 8614 US-127, St. Johns; ujcidermill.com.
Appleumpkin Festival
Apples and pumpkins? Oh my! Outside of the Detroit area, just south of Ann Arbor is Tecumseh. This little city is hosting its annual Appleumpkin festival for everybody to enjoy! Carnival rides, inflatables and bungee jumping can be enjoyed while the little ones play do crafts, play putt-putt, and explore a corn box. There will be an antique fair, arts and crafts showing, and live entertainment, too. Oct. 12-13. No cost to attend. Downtown Tecumseh area; downtowntecumseh.com.
A2 Artoberfest
Enjoy the beautiful fall weather as you sip on a cocktail, shop the local area, and celebrate the arts. There will be 100 jury-selected artists at the event, alongside live entertainment and food vendors. Plus, Art activities so you can explore your inner artist. Oct. 12-13. No cost to attend. Downtown Ann Arbor; theguild.org/fair/a2artoberfest.
Detroit Fall Beer Festival
Beer is brewing at Michigan’s largest all-Michigan beer tasting event. You can sip on your favorite beer or try a new one at the Eastern Market. Attendees can also enjoy food from local Detroit restaurants and listen to live music by talented local artists. Oct. 19. $60+. Eastern Market, Detroit; mibeer.com.
Monster’s Ball
More than 2,000 “haunted souls” will descend upon the Russell Industrial Center for the city’s largest annual Halloween party. The event ushers in the spookiest holiday of them all with haunted circus performances including stilt walkers, acrobats, and high wire aerialists, on multiple levels of the venue and on multiple stages. Oct. 19. $60-$150. 1600 Clay St., Detroit; monstersballdetroit.com.
Mackinac Island’s Halloween Weekend
Halloween is coming early to Mackinac Island. Make sure to mark your calendars to attend as this is the last event on Mackinac Island before the businesses close for the season. Enjoy the Great Turtle Run, trick-or-treating, and even a Halloween costume party for adults. Oct. 25-27. No cost to attend. Mackinac Island; mackinacisland.org.
November
Youmacon 2024
This 20th annual celebration of Anime brings interactive games, celebrity guest panels, and live music to the Detroit Marriott at the Renaissance Center. This year’s highlights include video and tabletop gaming rooms, a charity masquerade ball, and more. Feel free to dress as your favorite Anime characters. Oct. 31-Nov. 3. $50for a Saturday day pass, $60 for a three-day pass, $10 for kids. 400 Renaissance Drive W., Detroit; youmacon.com.
Women in the Arts Festival
This art-focused event puts on live music, entertainment, and fun for everybody while celebrating art made by local artists and women. There are workshops to attend to as well if you want to catch a new hobby. Nov. 8-9. $20 general admission, $5 for students. 469 N. Hagadorn Road, East Lansing; witafestival.com.
Royal Oak Vodka Festival
Shaken or stirred? No matter the preference, enjoy the taste of your favorite vodka at the Royal Oak Vodka Festival. Brand ambassadors will be attending to answer questions and give insight on vodka products. Food will be available as well as dancing and did I mention vodka? Nov. 9. $49+, 316 E. 11 Mile Road, Royal Oak; royaloakvodkafest.com.
Motor City Comic Con
Dress in your pop culture best and head to the Suburban Collection Showplance in Novi for cosplay contests, vendors selling a variety of merch including comics, art, jewelry, memorabilia and more, celebrity guest appearances and panel talks. Nov. 8-10. $30-$45 daily adult admission, $90 three-day adult pass, $249 VIP pass, $10 daily child pass, $20 three-day child pass, kids 5 and under are free. 46100 Grand River Ave., Novi; motorcitycomiccon.com.
International Wine Beer and Cider Festival
There is something for every palate and taste at this Grand Rapids Wine, Beer and Cider Festival. With over 1,200 wines, beers, and ciders to choose from, you can sip, savor, and embrace your favorite drink. Plus, musical entertainment as well as different types of food. Nov. 21-23. $25, 21+ to attend. 303 Monroe Ave. NW, Grand Rapids; showspan.com.
Did we miss your favorite fall festival in metro Detroit? Tell us about it in the comments so we can add it to our list. This post has been updated for 2024.
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