40+ Michigan Fall Festivals & Events in September
Would you like to save this full guide?
We'll email this article to you, so you can come back to it later!
As summer fades and crisp air sweeps across the Mitten State, Michigan’s calendar bursts with events that celebrate harvest, heritage, and the joy of gathering together. From bridge walks and apple festivals to Oktoberfests and art fairs, September is the perfect time to embrace the beginning of the fall season. Here are some can’t-miss events happening in September across Michigan.
Early September (1st-10th) Festivals & Events in Michigan
Detroit Jazz Festival | Detroit
August 29 – September 1, 2025
The world’s largest free jazz festival fills downtown Detroit with performances from international stars and local talent across multiple stages.
Mackinac Bridge Walk | Mackinaw City
September 1, 2025
Kick off the season by joining thousands of walkers for the annual trek across the Mighty Mac, offering unparalleled views of the Straits of Mackinac.
Posen Potato Festival | Posen
September 4-7, 2025
Celebrate Michigan’s potato-growing heritage with a weekend full of parades, contests, and classic small-town fun.
Plymouth Fall Festival | Plymouth
September 4-7, 2025
This long-standing community tradition blends food, family fun, and entertainment in downtown Plymouth.
Wine and Harvest Festival | Paw Paw
September 4-7, 2025
Celebrate the grape harvest with wine tastings, live music, carnival rides, and parades in the heart of Michigan’s wine country.
The Grape Escape | Beaverton
September 5-6, 2025
Sample Michigan wines, enjoy live music, and savor the flavors of harvest season at this festive weekend celebration.
International Fireworks Championship | Traverse City
September 5-6, 2025
Top fireworks teams from around the world compete in a dazzling display over the bay.
Frankenmuth Auto Fest | Frankenmuth
September 5-7, 2025
Classic cars shine in Michigan’s Little Bavaria with show-stopping displays, cruises, and entertainment.
Art & Apples Festival | Rochester
September 5-7, 2025
Celebrate creativity and fall flavors at one of Michigan’s largest juried fine art festivals, hosted in Rochester’s scenic Municipal Park.
Mackinac Bridge Antique Tractor Crossing | Mackinaw City
September 6, 2025
Vintage tractors roll across the Mighty Mac in a one-of-a-kind parade that celebrates Michigan’s farming heritage.
UP Fall Beer Festival | Marquette
September 6, 2025
Beer lovers gather in Mattson Lower Harbor Park to sample Michigan’s finest brews against a backdrop of Lake Superior.
Donut and Cider Fest | Lake Orion
September 6-7, 2025
Satisfy your sweet tooth with endless cider and donuts while enjoying live entertainment and family fun.
Antiques on the Bluff | St. Joseph
September 7, 2025
Browse antiques and vintage treasures along the bluff overlooking Lake Michigan.
Mid-September (10th-21st) Festivals & Events in Michigan
Soo Film Festival | Sault Ste. Marie
September 10-14, 2025
Independent filmmakers showcase their work in venues throughout Michigan’s oldest city.
Applefest at St. John | Fenton
September 11-14, 2025
Celebrate fall with apple treats, family activities, and community spirit at this beloved local festival.
Balloons Over Bay Harbor | Bay Harbor
September 12-14, 2025
Watch the skies fill with colorful hot air balloons as they lift off over Lake Michigan, paired with evening “night glow” displays and family-friendly festivities.
Richard Crane Memorial Truck Show | St. Ignace
September 12-13, 2025
Chrome shines bright at this massive truck show, complete with parades and family fun.
Paul Bunyan Days | Oscoda
September 12-14, 2025
This lumberjack-themed celebration features contests, parades, and a nod to Michigan’s logging history.
Lakeshore Harvest Ride | South Haven
September 13, 2025
Cyclists enjoy scenic routes through orchards, vineyards, and small towns along Michigan’s lakeshore.
LMCU Bridge Run | Grand Rapids
September 14, 2025
Runners cross the historic Blue Bridge and scenic downtown routes in this classic fall race.
Marquette Evening Lighthouse Tour | Marquette
September 16, 2025
Experience the Marquette Harbor Lighthouse in a new light with this special evening tour.
Michigan BluesFest | Lansing
September 17-20, 2025
Downtown Lansing comes alive with blues music, food, and community vibes.
ArtPrize | Grand Rapids
September 18–October 4, 2025
Downtown Grand Rapids transforms into an open-air gallery as artists from around the world showcase their work in this internationally acclaimed art competition.
Frankenmuth Oktoberfest | Frankenmuth
September 18-21, 2025
Experience authentic German beer, food, and entertainment at America’s only Oktoberfest endorsed by Munich.
Fayette Historic State Park – A Paranormal Event | Garden
September 19-20, 2025
Step into history – and maybe the supernatural – during this paranormal investigation at Fayette Historic Townsite.
Pumpkin Festival | Romulus
September 19-21, 2025
Celebrate pumpkins with parades, crafts, and harvest-themed fun in downtown Romulus.
Destination Stars Hollow | Brighton
September 19-21, 2025
Fans of Gilmore Girls step into the world of Stars Hollow with themed events, markets, and meetups.
Taste of Harbor Springs | Harbor Springs
September 20, 2025
Sample gourmet bites from local chefs while overlooking Little Traverse Bay.
Pumpkin Fest | Caseville
September 20, 2025
Celebrate autumn by the lake with pumpkin contests, kids’ activities, and plenty of seasonal treats in Caseville.
Fallasburg Arts Festival | Lowell
September 20-21, 2025
Art, music, and fall charm meet at this festival held in historic Fallasburg Park.
Down on the Farm Fest | Lake Orion / Canterbury Village
September 20-21, 2025
Families can enjoy a farm-themed weekend filled with animals, kids’ activities, food, and entertainment at Canterbury Village.
Late September (21st-30st) Festivals & Events in Michigan
Hillsdale County Fair | Hillsdale
September 21-27, 2025
Known as the “Most Popular Fair on Earth,” this tradition blends agriculture, rides, and entertainment.
Hell’s Half Mile Film & Music Festival | Bay City
September 25-28, 2025
Indie films and live music energize Bay City during this annual cultural celebration.
Four Flags Area Apple Festival | Niles
September 25-28, 2025
Celebrate all things apple with a carnival, parades, and family fun.
Fire & Flannel Festival | Wyandott
September 26-27, 2025
Celebrate community spirit with live music, food, and a nod to Michigan’s working-class roots.
Clinton Fall Fest | Clinton
September 26-28, 2025
Downtown Clinton comes alive with vendors, entertainment, and small-town community spirit.
Harbor Springs Festival of the Book | Harbor Springs
September 26-28, 2025
Book lovers gather for author talks, readings, and signings in a cozy Northern Michigan setting.
Fall Fest & Chili Classic | Jackson
September 27, 2025
Downtown Jackson serves up chili tastings, fall activities, and family fun.
Boyne City Harvest Festival | Boyne City
September 27, 2025
Downtown Boyne City bursts with harvest flavors, live music, craft vendors, and fall family fun.
Pentwater Fall Festival | Pentwater
September 27-28, 2025
This charming lakeside town hosts a celebration with art, antiques, and local crafts.
Grand Rapids Oktoberfest | Grand Rapids
September 26-27, 2025
Raise a stein at Riverside Park with German food, beer, and Bavarian entertainment.
Zonta Applefest | Mt. Pleasant
September 27, 2025
Browse artisan vendors, sample fall flavors, and enjoy family-friendly activities at this annual apple celebration hosted at Papa’s Pumpkin Patch.
Flannel Fest | Manistique
September 27, 2025
Celebrate all things fall with flannel fashion, local vendors, and Upper Peninsula charm.
Explore Somewhere New in Michigan This Fall
From the Straits of Mackinac to the streets of Detroit, September in Michigan offers countless ways to celebrate fall. Whether you’re into apples, art, music, or Oktoberfest, there’s an event waiting for you.
Explore somewhere new in Michigan this fall and get ready to make some autumn memories!