Grab your plaid shirt and cup of apple cider. It's time to dive into fall in West Michigan! From picking apples from a local apple orchard to farmers markets brimming with squash and pumpkins, West Michigan comes alive in autumn. As the leaves turn to gold and the air turns crisp, West Michigan is a hub of fall festivals, fun, and more. We have curated a list of the can’t-miss fall fun activities that will let you enjoy fall in West Michigan to its fullest.
South West Michigan Fall Fun
Binder Park Zoo is a great place to visit in the fall. With the weather cooling down and the leaves changing, the zoo becomes even more inviting. Fall hours begin on September 3rd, with the zoo open daily from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Enjoy a Specialty Dinner at Pierce Cedar Creek Institute's Oktoberfest on Wednesday, October 23rd, from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. A buffet-style feast featuring a Country Boil, Brats on Pretzel Buns, Sauerkraut Salad, Mixed Greens, and a decadent Black Forest Trifle, all complemented by refreshing beverages. Be sure to register by Wednesday, October 9th. Pricing is as follows: Member Adults: $20; Non-Member Adults: $25; Children ages 6–12: $10 for members and $15 for non-members (plus tax); Children 5 and under dine for free.
13th Annual Lakeshore Harvest Ride is a Harvest for your senses. It is the one Michigan bike tour that lets you see, touch, smell and taste the riches of this breathtaking region. The Lakeshore Harvest Ride guides you through the rolling countryside of Southwest Michigan. You can visit wineries, cider mills, microbreweries, family farms, orchards and art studios along the way. And there are individual bike routes for every rider, ranging from 15 to 62 miles in length. Best of all, the Lakeshore Harvest Ride supports the construction of the Blue Star Trail.
Experience all fall has to offer in Downtown Wayland. Fall colors, historic Downtown with murals, City Park with walking paths. Visit the beautiful Rabbit River Nature Trail surrounded by nature and towering trees. Local restaurants, Ice Cream shops, and the famous Jackson's English and Western Store. A historic small town with something to offer for everyone.
When it comes time to dine, savor the unforgettable flavors of the fall harvest with Salt of the Earth, serving the season’s bounty picked at its peak. A rustic American Eatery located in historic downtown Fennville. Fully leveraging their prime location within southwest Michigan’s farm and orchard country, their kitchen creates sumptuous entrees, wood oven-fired pizzas, legendary artisan bread, and more that highlight the bounty of local farms.
The Market, held at the Saugatuck Center for the Arts, provides a unique hub for the local producers reflecting the region’s agriculture and seasons. These weekly, seasonal farmers markets, which happen every Friday during September from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., feature artisan foods, local fruits and vegetables, honey, maple syrup, fresh eggs, coffees, cheeses, plants, live music, and more.
Not only is Saugatuck/Douglas fortunate enough to be in the country’s second most agriculturally diverse state, but they are also situated within Michigan’s Fruit Belt region. No visit to the area during the fall is complete without a stop at Crane’s Orchards, where you can go apple picking or select your own pumpkins from the patch. And while you’re there, make the time to explore (and get lost) in their intricate corn maze. Be sure to come on Saturday, September 7th, from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. for Crane's Annual Cider Fest, where you’ll celebrate fresh cider, the apple harvest, and fun fall vibes.
As summer transitions to fall, celebrate the bounty in West Michigan. Michigan is the third-largest producer of apples, and there are many apple festivals throughout the season. Visit historic Downtown Coldwater on Saturday, September 21st, for the annual Apple Fest and Craft Show, featuring apples, cider, baked goods, and more than 100 vendors with crafts, unique artwork, and food. This beloved event is FREE to enjoy.
For over 100 years, Paw Paw has celebrated the growing of grapes and the making of wines and juices during the weekend after Labor Day for the Paw Paw Wine & Harvest Festival. From September 6th–8th, the town comes alive with events, tastings, music, and more. Visitors can participate in grape stomping, a 5K run/walk, a parade, arts & crafts, a car show, entertainment on five stages, a kayak race, and a bike tour. Events are available for all ages, from those who enjoy physical activities to those who prefer to sit back and relax. Make plans to visit Paw Paw in September for a GRAPE time.
Join Schultz Fruitridge Farms on Saturday, September 7th, from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. for a fantastic Fall Kick-Off. Indulge in mouthwatering delights from Skinny Kenny's BBQ, groove to the tunes of Gregg & Tracy Music, and don't miss the Fresh Food is Fun Fairy with her magical bike blender, whipping up special frozen fruit slushies. It's an afternoon of fun, flavor, and fall festivities you won't want to miss.
Central West Michigan
Join in the fun at the 35th annual Zonta Applefest at Papa’s Pumpkin Patch in Mt. Pleasant, where fall fun awaits the entire family. Kids can enjoy a variety of games, while adults browse through an array of unique crafts from local artisans. Indulge in seasonal treats like freshly pressed cider and warm donuts, and soak up the festive atmosphere of this beloved autumn event. While you are in Mt. Pleasant visit the Farmers Market and the Native Farmers Market for a variety of farm-fresh produce and unique handcrafted items. From crisp veggies and ripe fruits to artisan jewelry and home decor, these markets offer the best of local flavor and craftsmanship. Don't miss out on supporting local growers and artisans while enjoying a vibrant community experience.
At IndiGrow, they harvest premium cannabis on a perpetual basis, ensuring fresh, high-quality products year-round. However, visiting them in the fall for a tour offers a unique and delightful experience. Autumn in Muskegon brings a stunning display of color-changing leaves, creating a picturesque backdrop for your visit. Inside the warm grow rooms, you can escape the cool fall weather and immerse yourself in the vibrant, aromatic environment of their cultivation process. It’s the perfect time to witness the dedication and artistry that go into their craft cultivation, all while enjoying the beauty of the season.
Experience the beauty of autumn at Muskegon Luge Adventure Sports Park, nestled in Muskegon State Park. Enjoy Fall Outdoor Adventure Weekends filled with activities like zip lining, wheel luge, rock climbing, archery, and hiking. Challenge yourself with Trail Quest, a unique outdoor game, or relax with yard games at Camp Chill. These activities are available every Saturday and Sunday from September 1st to October 20th, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
To experience the best of autumn in one weekend, visit Holland during Fall Fest on October 4th and 5th. Join the community in planting bulbs that will bloom into millions of tulips in the spring, watch professional carvers turn 1,000-pound pumpkins into giant jack-o-lanterns, enjoy street performers, take a hayride around a towering windmill, and explore the Holland Farmers Market filled with the autumn harvest.
Enjoy live music and dinner as you bid on items throughout the evening in a silent auction benefiting the ministries of Love in Action of the Tri-cities in Grand Haven. The annual Pumpkins at Chinook Pier event returns on Saturday, September 28th, from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. Bring your young ones to Chinook Pier to pick up a free pumpkin for home decoration, then shop for fresh produce and goods at the nearby Farmers Market.
Celebrate Oktoberfest in Downtown Ludington on Saturday, September 28th. With craft beer, live music, food, lawn games, and family-friendly activities like pumpkin painting and a bounce house, it’s a fantastic fall weekend for everyone.
North West Michigan & Upper Peninsula
This year Taste of Harbor Springs celebrates 29 years of raising funds for the Mary Ellen Hughes Culinary Scholarships. Your admission will help area professionals pursue their dreams in the culinary arts. This very popular fundraising event takes place at the waterfront in Harbor Springs on September 21st, from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. Enjoy tastes from participating restaurants with your admission ticket - drink tickets for beer and wine are separate. There will be water coolers on site in addition to the ticketed drinks. Don’t miss out on the Taste of Harbor Springs.
Celebrate the season at Charlevoix's annual Apple Festival, where you can savor freshly picked apples and a variety of other fall delights. Enjoy a festive atmosphere filled with fun activities for all ages, from apple tasting to craft vendors and more. It’s the perfect way to embrace the autumn spirit.
The Petoskey area has several fun fall festival events, special dining/culinary events, and farms/orchards to enjoy the fall harvest. Add Boyne City’s Harvest Festival to your list of events to check out happening in late September. This event is in coordination with the Boyne City Farmers market and will have games and crafts for children too. Another great culinary event going on in Harbor Springs is Taste of Harbor Springs. This culinary event features local restaurants as they present tastes from their menus – local beer and wine purveyors will also be present. One last popular festival going on at Pond Hill Farm in Harbor Springs is their Fall Harvest Weekends in late September and October.
Welcome the start of fall with the new Betsie Valley Trail Half Marathon, 10k, 5k, or 1-Mile Fun Run. These out-and-back courses start in Thompsonville at the Webber Sports Complex. Make a weekend out of it and explore Crystal Mountain's 1,500-acre northern Michigan property.
WaterFire Vineyards is gearing up for the harvest at the end of October, with a focus on European vinifera grapes. September is the best time to witness the grapes at their peak. This is also the ideal time to visit the vineyards and experience the magic of the harvest season. The vineyard's vacation rental is available for bookings in September and October, making it the perfect base for your vineyard getaway. Come taste the difference in sustainable wine.
Whether you’re catching the vibrant colors of a stunning sunset or simply enjoying the gentle breeze off the lake in Harbor Springs, Colonial Inn’s dock is the ideal spot for quiet reflection or a peaceful moment with loved ones. Experience the serene ambiance that only Lake Michigan can provide, right here at the Colonial Inn.
Marquette County celebrates the fall harvest season with the Downtown Marquette Farmers Market and Marquette Food Co-op. As the harvest arrives in the Upper Peninsula, residents and visitors can peruse a selection of produce and goods from local farms, growers, and artisans at the weekly Farmers Market, held in the Marquette Commons on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The Marquette Food Co-op, open daily from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m., is central to the U.P. 's emerging local food economy and promotes local food through presentations, workshops, an on-site store, farm tours, cooking classes, the U.P. Food Exchange, and more.
