Celebrate Autumn in Michigan

Michigan is a captivating destination for tourists, offering a diverse array of attractions that cater to every traveler's interests. Known for its breathtaking Great Lakes shoreline, the state boasts pristine beaches, such as those along Lake Michigan and Lake Huron, perfect for swimming, water sports, and relaxing sunsets. Nature enthusiasts can explore its numerous national and state parks, including the iconic Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore and the lush forests of the Upper Peninsula. History buffs will find the state's rich heritage fascinating, with attractions like Henry Ford's Greenfield Village and the fascinating Motown Museum in Detroit. Furthermore, Michigan's vibrant cities, like Grand Rapids and Ann Arbor, offer cultural experiences, culinary delights, and a thriving arts scene. In winter, the state transforms into a winter wonderland, drawing snow enthusiasts with its ski resorts and snowmobile trails. Michigan's year-round charm ensures there's always something exciting to discover for tourists of all ages and interests.

Here are some events that you should consider attending this fall in Michigan:

Silver Lake Apple & BBQ Festival | Pentwater

Date (s): September 8 - 9

This festival, located in Michigan’s southwestern region amongst rolling sand dunes, pays homage to the quintessential Michigan BBQ, including an amateur and KCBS professional barbecuing competition, craft show, classic car and ORV show, beer tent, kid’s activities, live entertainment, food stands, and the 5K Apple A Day Run/Walk.

Frankenmuth Oktoberfest | Frankenmuth

Date(s): September 14 – 17

Dubbed Michigan’s Little Bavaria, the city is as head-to-toe German as an American city can get, from its cuckoo-clock store to the Harvey Kern Community Pavilion, a scaled-down version of an authentic German beer hall. German bands perform annually and authentic German fare is served daily, and on Saturday Wiener-dog races are always a crowd-pleaser at the festival.

Octoberfest | Ludington

Date(s): September 28 - 30

Enjoy live music and family activities in downtown Ludington and Legacy Plaza, beer from Bell’s Brewing and Ludington Bay Brewing Co., wine, cider, non-alcoholic beverages, food vendors, games, and more.

Traverse City Fall Colors | Traverse City

Date(s): September - October

Traverse City's orchards, vineyards, forests, and villages create a beautiful patchwork of orange, crimson, scarlet, and gold. Whichever route you choose, it will be the perfect one for a drive that combines fall color with views of the bay, visits to wineries and roadside fruit stands, and unforgettable meals. View the Fall Color Tour Guide to help plan your trip.

Fall Color Tour & Progressive Dinner | Gaylord

Date(s): October 6, 7, 13

Experience fall with creative cuisine, paired with tastings of Michigan beer and wine, all atop the spectacular views only offered at Treetops Resort. Guests will enjoy a leisurely golf cart ride along the Jones Masterpiece Golf Course and will have the opportunity to take photos of the beautiful fall foliage. There are several stops along the way, and at each stop guests will enjoy a tasting of a Michigan made beer or wine, as well as a fall themed hors d'oeuvre. The evening will wrap up at Legends restaurant overlooking the fall foliage, enjoying live entertainment, and a main course meal and dessert.

Fall Phantasm: Festival Festival of Myth and Fire | Marquette

Date(s): October 7

Marquette Fringe presents the Fall Phantasm Festival of Myth & Fire at the Lakenenland Sculpture Park. A night where attendees ride the potent magic of this time, illuminating the night with dance and song, sharing food and stories, and honoring all things mystical and wondrous. The Fall Phantasm is a festival incorporating all elements of the arts into one night designed to immerse attendees in a unique experience. Attendees can expect to see live music, theatre and dance, an immersive market, activities and an array of vendors all working to keep you immersed in this festival of myth and fire.

Marquette Fall Enduro | Marquette

Date(s): October 7

Enduro is the ultimate mountain bike race, starting with a casual climb to the top, and a timed run on the way down. There will be several stages of ranging difficulty and length in which you can test your skills. The lowest combined time of these mostly downhill stages wins! There will be a set time in which you must complete all of the stages. Bring everything you would on a normal trail ride lasting a few hours, water, food, tools, etc.

Treetops Trifecta | Gaylord

Date(s): November 4 - 5

The Treetops Trifecta is a micro-stage race with 5K, Hill Climb and Half Marathon events over two days at Treetops Resort. The weekend begins on Saturday morning with a 5K on newly crafted single track at the Treetops Main Campus, followed by a 1K hill climb on the resort’s alpine ski area on Saturday afternoon. The event concludes on Sunday morning with a half marathon staged at the Treetops North Campus. An ultra scenic course layout includes a single track through the Headwaters Land Conservancy, Sturgeon River Preserve, and Treetops Project Nature.

Beer Week | Traverse City

Date(s): November 10 - 17

Celebrate the ingenuity and creativity of the Traverse City brewery scene with a self-guided tour of local breweries and restaurants. Visitors can track their stops in their beer passport and will be eligible to win prizes.

Photo Credit: Aaron Peterson