40+ Michigan Fall Festivals & Events in September You Don’t Want to Miss

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.

Thank you to This & That Market for partnering with Awesome Mitten this fall!

Fall Season at The Wild Pumpkin | Beaverton

All September

Spend the perfect fall day wandering through colorful sunflower fields, finding your way through corn and hay mazes, taking a wagon ride, and visiting the animal petting farm at The Wild Pumpkin in Beaverton.

The farm is home to more than 100 animals, including goats, pigs, llamas, alpacas, rabbits, emus, and other birds, while the large playground and corn box give kids even more room to play.

Visitors can also grab a wagon and wander through the pumpkin patch to pick out a pumpkin to purchase or stop among the sunflowers for a few fall photos.

Come hungry for seasonal favorites like apple cider, cider slushies, homemade soft pretzels, and regular and specialty donuts, with flavors such as apple cider, pumpkin maple bacon, and salted caramel apple.

Art in the Elements at Meadow Brook Hall | Rochester

September 2-7, 2026

Head to Meadow Brook Hall in Rochester for a unique event that fuses art and nature. Art in the Elements features over a dozen floral art sculptures throughout the historic mansion and wooded estate.

For the tenth year of this imaginative event, the theme is Across the Universe, with all of the creative floral displays taking a cosmic spin.

Detroit Jazz Festival | Detroit

September 4 – 7, 2026

The world’s largest free jazz festival fills Downtown Detroit with four days of music, bringing together legendary performers, rising stars, and innovative artists.

Performances span three stages at Hart Plaza, with additional shows at the Gretchen C. Valade Jazz Center, giving jazz fans plenty of opportunities to catch both internationally known musicians and emerging talent.

Festival highlights may include performances from artists such as Ron Carter, Bob James, Ravi Coltrane, Cindy Blackman Santana, and artist-in-residence Joe Lovano, along with university ensembles and other jazz groups.

Admission remains free, making this Labor Day weekend tradition an easy way to experience Detroit’s deep connection to jazz.

Antiques on the Bluff | St. Joseph

September 6, 2026

Spend a leisurely day treasure hunting along Lake Bluff Park, where more than 50 antique vendors set up overlooking Lake Michigan.

Shoppers can browse everything from vintage finds and collectibles to one-of-a-kind pieces – all in a scenic setting just steps from Downtown St. Joseph. Admission is free, and the event takes place rain or shine.

Mackinac Bridge Walk | Mackinaw City

September 7, 2026

Join tens of thousands of walkers for one of Michigan’s most iconic Labor Day traditions and a rare chance to cross the Mackinac Bridge on foot.

Participants can start from either Mackinaw City or St. Ignace, turn around at the midpoint, walk all the way across the Mighty Mac, or tackle a 10-mile round trip.

The event is free and requires no registration, and walkers who complete their route can receive a numbered bridge walk certificate.

Note: With no event-provided bus transportation across the bridge, anyone planning a one-way crossing will need to arrange a return trip after the bridge reopens to traffic.

Balloons Over Bay Harbor | Bay Harbor

September 11-13, 2026

Colorful hot air balloons fill the sky during this waterfront festival in Bay Harbor, with several launches planned throughout the weekend and glowing balloons lighting up Marina Lawn after dark.

Festival highlights may also include tethered balloon rides, an artisan market, food trucks, face painting, yard games, family art activities, a dog show fundraiser, and opportunities to meet the balloon pilots and crews.

Balloon launches are weather dependent, but there’s plenty happening on the ground to make this a fun Northern Michigan fall weekend even between flights.

Posen Potato Festival | Posen

September 11-13, 2026

Celebrate Posen’s potato-growing heritage with a weekend packed with small-town traditions and family-friendly entertainment.

Festival highlights may include parades, potato-themed contests, live polka music, a bump-and-run, arts and crafts, and other community activities.

Country music joins the festivities as well, with Sawyer Brown scheduled to perform, adding a major concert to this longtime Northeast Michigan celebration.

Plymouth Fall Festival | Plymouth

September 11-13, 2026

This long-standing community tradition fills Downtown Plymouth with a weekend of food, entertainment, shopping, and family fun.

Festival highlights may include carnival rides, bingo, a pet show, classic and antique cars, live music and performances in Kellogg Park, and a craft show featuring artists and makers from around the region.

Food is also a big part of the celebration, with local nonprofit organizations serving everything from pancake breakfasts and barbecue dinners to festival snacks, helping raise money for programs and services in the community.

Wine and Harvest Festival | Paw Paw

September 11-13, 2026

Celebrate Paw Paw’s grape harvest with a lively weekend of wine, food, entertainment, and family-friendly fun throughout downtown.

Festival highlights may include wine tastings and winery activities, the popular grape stomp, live entertainment across multiple stages, carnival rides, an arts and crafts show, and a marketplace filled with vendors.

Visitors can also look for activities, such as the parade, fireworks over Maple Lake, a 5K run/walk, classic vehicle show, bike tour, and plenty of contests and activities for kids.

International Fireworks Championship | Traverse City

September 11-12, 2026

Watch the night sky erupt with color as six international pyrotechnic teams compete at Turtle Creek Stadium in one of Traverse City’s biggest end-of-summer spectacles.

Competitors from Canada, New Zealand, Poland, Romania, the United Kingdom, and the United States take turns presenting choreographed fireworks displays across two nights.

Spectators can vote for a Fan Choice winner, and each evening wraps up with a finale after the competing teams have taken their turns lighting up the sky.

Frankenmuth Auto Fest | Frankenmuth

September 11-13, 2026

Car lovers take over Frankenmuth for a weekend packed with impressive vehicles, entertainment, and plenty to see throughout Heritage Park and downtown.

Festival highlights may include the Friday night Big Block Party, when more than 2,000 vehicles line Main Street. There’s also the Bavarian Cup display featuring dozens of standout cars, vendors, food, live entertainment, and even Amphicars taking a dip in the Cass River.

The weekend includes vehicle awards and an Auto Explosion drone show, too, making this one of Michigan’s biggest celebrations of automotive culture.

Art & Apples Festival | Rochester

September 11-13, 2026

Rochester Municipal Park transforms into a sprawling celebration of creativity, with more than 200 fine art exhibitors showcasing their work throughout the 30-acre park.

Beyond browsing the art, visitors can enjoy stage entertainment, artist demonstrations, food trucks, and festival treats, including plenty of apple-inspired favorites.

Families can also stop by areas such as the Kids Art Zone and Creation Station for hands-on art activities, demonstrations, face painting, and other kid-friendly fun.

Mackinac Bridge Tractor Crossing | Mackinaw City

September 12, 2026

Hundreds of antique tractors rumble through Mackinaw City and across the Mighty Mac during this unique celebration of Michigan’s tractor tradition.

The procession travels across the bridge before continuing through Downtown St. Ignace, giving spectators several places to watch the colorful lineup of vintage machines roll by.

Weekend activities may also include tractor games, a kids’ pedal pull, a Farmall vs. John Deere tug-of-war, food vendors, and other family-friendly fun at Little Bear Arena.

UP Fall Beer Festival | Marquette

September 12, 2026

Beer lovers gather along Marquette’s Lake Superior waterfront for an afternoon dedicated to Michigan craft brewing.

A ticket includes the opportunity to sample hundreds of beers from Michigan Brewers Guild member breweries, with local food trucks and vendors on hand when you’re ready for a break between pours.

The outdoor festival is open to guests 21 and older, making Mattson Lower Harbor Park a scenic spot to discover new favorites from breweries across the state.

Donut & Cider Fest | Lake Orion

September 12-13, 2026

Lean into fall flavors at Canterbury Village with a weekend centered around fresh donuts and cider from Yates Cider Mill.

Festival activities may include donut-eating contests, the Donut-on-a-String game, yard games, a petting zoo, a hay pyramid, music, and shopping from village boutiques and outdoor vendors.

Visitors can also browse Michigan-made goods and enjoy a variety of food and drink options, including hard cider for adults.

Michigan BluesFest | Lansing

September 16-19, 2026

Old Town Lansing fills with the sound of live blues as regional and national musicians take over multiple stages for several days of performances.

Beyond the music, festivalgoers can grab food from local vendors, explore the neighborhood’s Social District, and enjoy a family-friendly atmosphere with activities such as KidzBeat.

Performers may include artists such as Carl Caballero & The Wreckage, Nicky T & the Snake Charmers, Vincent Hayes, Greg Nagy, and other blues and funk acts.

Soo Film Festival | Sault Ste. Marie

September 16-20, 2026

Independent filmmaking takes the spotlight in Sault Ste. Marie with a diverse lineup of features, shorts, documentaries, animation, and music videos.

The festival places a special focus on films and filmmakers connected to the Great Lakes region while also welcoming entries from around the world.

Screenings take place at Bayliss Public Library and the Lake Superior State University Arts Center, giving movie-lovers several days to discover stories and filmmakers they may not see at the typical theater.

Applefest at St. John | Fenton

September 17-20, 2026

Applefest brings four days of classic fall festival fun to Fenton with carnival rides, live music, children’s games, face painting, a cake walk, raffles, and shopping from crafters and other vendors.

Food is a big part of the celebration, with apple pies and donuts joining festival favorites like pizza, elephant ears, chili, and special community meals.

Other weekend highlights may include a 5K and 10K road race, pancake breakfasts, an apple pie contest and auction, and plenty of entertainment for the whole family.

Richard Crane Memorial Truck Show | St. Ignace

September 18-19, 2026

Downtown St. Ignace fills with around 200 working and show trucks during this popular celebration of big rigs, chrome, and trucking culture.

Visitors can walk among the trucks, meet their owners, and enjoy festival highlights that may include food trucks, vendors, live music, model truck displays, and evening light and drone shows.

The weekend builds to the famous Parade of Lights, when illuminated trucks roll out of downtown and make their way across Mackinac Bridge after dark.

Paul Bunyan Days | Oscoda

September 18-20, 2026

Oscoda leans into its Northwoods roots for a weekend of lumberjack-inspired fun at Furtaw Field.

Festival highlights may include a chainsaw carving village, Paul Bunyan-themed contests and challenges, carnival rides and games, kids’ activities, a marketplace, food trucks, live music, bingo, pet contests, and demonstrations.

One of the more unusual attractions is Ultimate Air Dogs dock diving, with high-flying dogs competing throughout the weekend.

Lakeshore Harvest Ride | South Haven

September 19, 2026

Pedal through the rolling countryside of Southwest Michigan on a scenic ride connecting orchards, wineries, family farms, art studios, and other stops between the South Haven and Saugatuck-Douglas areas.

Riders can choose from several routes ranging from about 20 to 58 miles, making the event approachable for different experience levels.

Along the way, you can stop to shop (purchases delivered to the end of your ride). Registration includes lunch, snacks, and drinks.

Proceeds support the Friends of the Blue Star Trail and its work to develop a non-motorized trail connecting South Haven and Saugatuck.

LMCU Bridge Run | Grand Rapids

September 19-20, 2026

Runners and walkers take to the streets of Grand Rapids for a scenic race through downtown, city parks, and across several of the city’s bridges.

Participants can choose between a 5K run/walk and a 10-mile course, with both routes crossing the historic 6th Street Bridge and the longer course continuing through Riverside Park.

Race-day perks include finisher medals and commemorative shirts, aid stations, spirit stations, live music along the route, and pacers for the 10-mile event. Younger runners can also join the Kids Dash at LMCU Ballpark during race weekend.

ArtPrize | Grand Rapids

September 18–October 3, 2026

Grand Rapids becomes a citywide gallery during ArtPrize, an international art competition that brings work from artists around the world into galleries, storefronts, parks, museums, restaurants, and other public spaces.

Visitors can explore everything from paintings and sculptures to large-scale installations and interactive works, with viewing free and open to the public.

The public also plays a role in the competition by voting for favorite entries, including the winner of the $100,000 Public Vote Grand Prize. Meanwhile, special events and programming add even more ways to experience the creativity throughout the city.

Frankenmuth Oktoberfest | Frankenmuth

September 17-20, 2026

Celebrate Frankenmuth’s German heritage with four days of authentic Oktoberfest food, beer, music, and dancing at Heritage Park.

The festival holds the distinction of being the first Oktoberfest outside Munich to receive the official blessing of the original celebration, a recognition that helped move the event to September to coincide with Munich’s festivities.

Visitors can expect traditional entertainment, dancing, German-inspired food, Oktoberfest souvenirs, and authentic Hofbräuhaus Oktoberfest beer, which has a special connection to the festival as the Munich brewery’s beer was first exported to the United States for the celebration.

An official keg tapping helps launch the festivities, and families can take advantage of free admission for children 15 and younger, with Sunday admission free for everyone.

Pumpkin Festival | Romulus

September 18-20, 2026

Downtown Romulus celebrates the harvest season with three days of community fun, beginning with the popular Parade of Lights, when everything from bicycles to large trucks glows along Goddard Road.

Festival highlights may include live music, food trucks, crafts, games, a classic car show, vendor market, pumpkin painting, inflatables, historical building tours, and other family-friendly activities.

Visitors can also look for events such as Punkie’s 5K run/walk/bike, making this a packed fall weekend for all ages.

Taste of Harbor Springs | Harbor Springs

September 19, 2026

Sample flavors from restaurants across the Harbor Springs area during this waterfront celebration of the local culinary scene at Marina Park.

Admission includes small bites from participating restaurants and a commemorative tasting cup, while live music adds to the relaxed atmosphere overlooking Little Traverse Bay.

The 21-and-older event also supports the Mary Ellen Hughes Culinary Scholarship, turning an afternoon of food and fun into a fundraiser for future culinary professionals.

Pumpkin Fest | Caseville

September 19, 2026

Caseville celebrates the season with a playful mix of pumpkin-themed contests, family activities, shopping, and classic fall treats.

Festival highlights may include pumpkin decorating and rolling, a pumpkin scavenger hunt, sidewalk chalk art, a craft show, car and tractor displays, Market on Main, and a lighted parade through town.

Kids can join activities such as a tiny pumpkin hunt, while everyone can enjoy seasonal favorites like hot apple cider and fresh-baked donuts, plus quirky competitions such as pumpkin pie eating and decorated golf carts.

Fallasburg Arts Festival | Lowell

September 19-20, 2026

Set among the trees and historic surroundings of Fallasburg Park, this two-day festival brings together 100 fine art and fine craft booths featuring everything from painting, photography, and sculpture to jewelry, glass, fibers, woodwork, and more.

Visitors can watch artists demonstrate techniques such as weaving, quilting, printmaking, glasswork, and wood turning, while live music fills the outdoor stage throughout the weekend.

Families can stop by the children’s craft area for pumpkin decorating, and local organizations and businesses serve an assortment of fall-inspired and festival foods. Best of all, admission to the festival is free.\

This & That Market | Chelsea

September 20, 2026

If you love wandering through rows of vintage finds, handmade goods, and one-of-a-kind treasures, we found the perfect Michigan pop-up market for you.

This & That Market hosts their largest fall event at the Chelsea Fairgrounds on Sunday, September 20, bringing together 200 local vendors selling everything from boutique clothing and home decor to handcrafted jewelry and furniture.

And there’s plenty to enjoy between shopping stops. Grab something from the food truck rally, listen to live music, stop by the photo booth, or sip a specialty cocktail while you browse.

Destination Stars Hollow | Brighton

September 26-27, 2026

Downtown Brighton transforms into a real-life version of Stars Hollow for an immersive weekend inspired by “Gilmore Girls.”

Fans can explore themed shops and restaurants, pose for photo opportunities, enjoy special treats, and take part in activities such as book clubs, a knitting marathon, study groups, and other nods to memorable moments from the series.

The main event is free, while additional ticketed experiences may include meet-and-greets, Q&A sessions, and coffee experiences with cast members such as Scott Patterson, Sean Gunn, and Kelly Bishop.

Down on the Farm Fest | Lake Orion / Canterbury Village

September 26-27, 2026

Families can enjoy a farm-themed weekend filled with animals, kids’ activities, food, and entertainment at Canterbury Village.

Highlights may include a petting zoo, tractor climbing, a giant hay pyramid, pumpkin bowling, lawn games, fall photo opportunities, make-and-takes, live music, and a kids’ costume contest.

Visitors can also sample donuts and cider, explore the village shops’ creative scarecrows, and try punkin’ chunkin’ for an additional fee.

Hillsdale County Fair | Hillsdale

September 26-October 3, 2026

Known as the “Most Popular Fair on Earth,” the Hillsdale County Fair brings together agriculture, family entertainment, midway rides, fair food, and community traditions.

Visitors can explore 4-H and FFA exhibits, livestock shows, and animal sales, while festival highlights may include a parade, grandstand entertainment, truck and tractor pulls, a rodeo, and a demolition derby.

Free entertainment, country music, and displays at the Hillsdale County Historical Society Museum and Grange Hall add even more to the weeklong celebration.

Hell’s Half Mile Film & Music Festival | Bay City

September 24-27, 2026

Indie films and live music energize Bay City during this four-day cultural celebration.

Hell’s Half Mile showcases more than 70 genuinely independent filmmaking and original music while creating opportunities for filmmakers, musicians, festivalgoers, and the local community to connect.

Screenings, performances, and festival gatherings take place throughout Downtown Bay City, with plenty of opportunities to meet the artists and enjoy the city’s welcoming atmosphere.

Fire & Flannel Festival | Wyandotte

September 25-26, 2026

Celebrate community spirit with live music, food, and a nod to Michigan’s working-class roots at Fire & Flannel Fest along Wyandotte’s scenic Detroit Riverfront.

Festival highlights may include world champion lumberjack competitions, live chainsaw carving, fire performances, axe throwing, glass blowing, pottery demonstrations, dancing witches, and Halloween-themed entertainment.

Families can enjoy a kids zone with bounce houses and Gelly Ball, while adults browse fall artisans and craft vendors, enjoy seasonal beverages at the festival bar, and take in the cozy autumn atmosphere.

Note: Some activities and attractions may require an additional fee.

Clinton Fall Fest | Clinton

September 25-27, 2026

Downtown Clinton comes alive with multiple streets of vendors, crafters, food booths, live music, entertainment, and a carnival during this lively community celebration.

The festival offers plenty of opportunities to browse handmade goods, enjoy festival food, and take in the entertainment while experiencing Clinton’s small-town spirit.

Rockford Harvest Fest | Rockford

September 25-27, 2026

Harvest Fest fills Downtown Rockford and Memorial Park with a weekend of fall festivities, local traditions, and community fun.

Festival highlights may include a classic car show, chili cook-off, Bloody Mary competition, craft vendors, live entertainment, family activities, and plenty of food and drink to enjoy while exploring the downtown streets.

Harbor Springs Festival of the Book | Harbor Springs

September 25-27, 2026

Book lovers gather for author talks, readings, panel discussions, and signings during this literary celebration in Harbor Springs.

The festival brings nationally published authors and illustrators together across a range of genres, creating opportunities for readers of all ages to connect with storytellers, discover new books, and enjoy the community’s welcoming Northern Michigan setting.

Fall Fest & Chili Classic | Jackson

September 26, 2026

Downtown Jackson serves up chili tastings, fall activities, and family fun during this community celebration.

Visitors can sample entries in the Chili Classic and vote for their favorites, enjoy live entertainment on two stages, browse vendor booths, shop downtown, and relax in the Social District. Families can also visit the free Kids’ Kingdom.

Boyne City Harvest Festival | Boyne City

September 26, 2026

Downtown Boyne City bursts with harvest flavors, live music, craft vendors, and fall family fun during this seasonal celebration.

The farmers market fills Water and Lake Streets with fall produce and local favorites, such as apples, carrots, broccoli, mums, pumpkins, squash, apple butter, jam, honey, and cider.

Also, visitors can browse more than 30 arts and crafts vendors, enjoy children’s activities and music, and take in the lively atmosphere as portions of downtown close to traffic.

Pentwater Fall Festival | Pentwater

September 26-27, 2026

This charming lakeside town hosts a celebration with more than 100 vendors on the Village Green, offering handmade art, crafts, antiques, jewelry, home décor, vintage collectibles, and seasonal goods.

Visitors can browse one-of-a-kind finds, enjoy food from local vendors, and soak up Pentwater’s small-town atmosphere along with crisp lake breezes and colorful fall scenery.

Grand Rapids Oktoberfest | Grand Rapids

September 25-26, 2026

Raise a stein at Riverside Park during Grand Rapids Oktoberfest, a free, family-friendly celebration of German culture.

Along with imported beer, the festival offers German wine, cider, authentic food, live music, traditional games, Dachshund races, and activities for children.

Guests can shop for commemorative steins and festival merchandise, admire the lederhosen and dirndls, and enjoy the festive Bavarian atmosphere.

Proceeds help support the Edelweiss Club of Grand Rapids and its work preserving German heritage across West Michigan.

A 5K and 8K race add another way to take part, with race registration including festival admission, a commemorative medal, T-shirt, and complimentary beer or cider.

Zonta Applefest | Mt. Pleasant

September 26, 2026

Browse artisan vendors, sample fall flavors, and enjoy family-friendly activities at this apple celebration hosted at Papa’s Pumpkin Patch.

Families can enjoy children’s games, hayrides, fall-themed story time, and seasonal treats such as homemade apple pie, Apple Delight, cider, and donuts. Food options may include pizza, a food truck, and Kona Ice.

Flannel Fest | Manistique

September 26, 2026

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!