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Fall Events in West Michigan

Autumn is such a great season here in West Michigan. You can visit a multitude of festivals, take a fall color tour to view the spectacular oranges, reds and yellows that take over the landscape, and just enjoy the cool, crisp air. Halloween is not just for kids- our local communities sponsor various parties and events that are fun for the entire family. 

For more information on Trick or Treat dates and locations, read our Halloween story.

Local Corn Mazes & Pumpkin Patches

Orchard Market

8400 N. US 31, Free Soil. (231) 464-5534. Wagon rides, corn maze, u-pick pumpkin patch, apple cannons, and more. 11am-5pm Saturdays and Sundays in October. Visit OrchardMarket.us for more information.

The Jam Farm

The Jam Farm is located at 5075 W. Meisenheimer Rd., Ludington. (231) 845-9909. Pumpkin Patch. (NOTE: Pumpkins are only available every other year. The next pumpkin patch will be in 2026.)

Here's a List of Fun Fall Event That Are Typically Scheduled in West Michigan

Mason County

  • Scare Crow Contest hosted by Circle Rocking “S” Children’s Farm – All from Mason, Manistee, or Lake Counties are welcome to enter and addresses must be clearly marked on judging week. For entry forms, visit circlerockingsfarm.org.
  • Harvest Weekend for campers at Kibby Creek Campground – 4900 W. Deren Rd. in Ludington. Visit kibbycreek.com to reserve your campsite.
  • Halloween at the Station for campers at Vacation Station RV Resort – 5061 W. US 10 in Ludington. The event includes spooky train rides, pumpkin decorating, trick-or-treating, and a site decorating contest. Visit vacationstationrvresort.com to reserve your campsite.
  • Activities at Otto Peterson Farms– 2671 S. Brunson Rd., Ludington. Pumpkin Patch, Corn Maze, hayrides, fresh apples, and more. Fridays from 4-7pm, Saturdays from 10am-6pm, and Sunday from 12-4pm. For more info, visit facebook.com.
  • Free Pumpkin Decorating for Kids at The Market- 2442 US-10, Ludington. Sponsored by Meg Gunia of Five Star Real Estate.
  • Ludington Lumber Days  (formerly Octoberfest)
  • Halloween Weekend for campers at Ponchos Pond – 5335 W. Wallace Rd. in Ludington. The event includes trick-or-treating, a site decorating contest, kids’ pumpkin carving, costume contest and more. Visit poncho.com to reserve your campsite.
  • Mutts at the Market event at The Market- 2442 US-10, Ludington. Photos of dogs for a $5 donation to benefit the Mason County Mutts. Participating pups will be entered into a contest for a small prize package.
    There will also be “on demand” instapix photos available for an additional donation, mutt merch available by The Artisan Barn & Faire Heart, and treats provided by Hound and Heeler Treat Co.
  • Halloween Hayride, Costume Contest and Potluck Dinner at Circle Rocking “S” Children’s Farm – 5487 Tuttle Rd. in Free Soil. Bring treats, a dish to pass, and your own beverages and table service. RSVP required by September 27th, 2024 by calling (231) 462-3732. 
  • West Shore Family Support presents the Pumpkins in the Park 1-Mile Fundraiser Walk to benefit West Shore Family Support – Glow items, coffee, hot chocolate, and donuts will be provided. Free and open to the public. Cartier Park Walkway Loop- 1101 N. Rath Ave., Ludington. For more info, visit facebook.com.
  • Camp Sauble Cages of Carnage Haunted Prison – 4058 E. Free Soil Rd. in Free Soil. Entry fee benefits local fire departments. Handicapped accessible and with 2 trails to follow. Not recommended for small children. Proceeds benefit the Free Soil/Meade, Fountain, & Grant Township Fire Departments.
  •  Harvey’s Haunted Garage at 320 S. Madison Ave., Custer. Free Family friendly faunted maze. Donations welcome.
  • MCE Class of 2027 presents Wailing Woods Haunted Trail at the Mason County Eastern School Pavilion on the playground- 18 Custer Rd., Custer. $5 entry fee benefits the class of ’27.
  • Annual Harvest Festival at The Inn at Ludington – 701 E. Ludington Ave., Ludington. Games, Prizes, Costumes, Candy, Food, Punch and so much more! The event will include a pie eating contest, bounce house (weather permitting), and a Ka-Pong Tournament at 7:30pm. There will also be games, prizes, costumes, candy, food, punch, and more. Admission is a recommended donation of $11/person or $25/family. Proceeds benefit Blue Hat Ministries. Buy tickets at zeffy.com.
  • Teen Murder Mystery Party at the Ludington Library- 217 E. Ludington Ave., Ludington. This free event includes playing Trivia Murder Party II. A phone, chrome book, iPad, or laptop are required to play. A limited number of chromebooks are available for the teens to use, but it is recommended they bring their own. There will also be candy, snacks, and drinks provided by the library.
  • Run for Your Lives 5k & Half Marathon  – Downtown Ludington.
  •  Ludrock’s Night of Fright at Ludington Area Center for the Arts- 107 S. Harrison St, Ludington – Admission is $10 per person. There will be food and beverages for sale, a costume contest, and live music.
  • Howl-o-ween Skate at West Shore Ice Arena- 3000 N. Stiles Rd., Scottville. Costumes encouraged.
  • Free Ghouls Night Out Spooky Season Trivia at Hoyt’s Next Door- 109 W. Ludington Ave., Ludington. Register at The Mitten Bar (next door).
  • Family Halloween Bingo at the Ludington Library- 217 E. Ludington Ave., Ludington
  • Samhain Celebration at Four Directions Alchemy- 507 E. Dowland St., Ludington.
  • Halloween Spooktacular at Photography by Sue Brown – 1676 W. Hansen Road, Scottville. Free photo with donation to United Way of Mason County. 
  • Pumpkin Fest at American Legion Post 76- 318 N. James St., Ludington. Entry fee is by donation and includes food, silent auction, 50/50 raffle, and more. All proceeds benefit the Lakeshore Children’s Advocacy Center.
  • Scary Movie Night for Teens at the Ludington Library- 217 E. Ludington Ave., Ludington. Teens in 6th-12th grade are invited for a screening of “The Grudge.”

Manistee County

  • Guided Haunted Walk through the Orchard State Park Beach Walking Trail – 2064 Lakeshore Rd., Manistee. 6:30-7:30pm is most appropriate for younger children, while 7:30-9:30pm will include more frights. Admission is by donation and will benefit the development of a food & clothing pantry at Manistee Elementary School Refreshments will also be for sale.
  • Whovilles Corn Maze and Pumpkin Patch from 11am-5pm at Calvin Lutz Farms- 8576 Chief Rd., Kaleva – Corn Maze, You Pick Pumpkins, Games, Cider, Donuts, Wagon Rides and more. Call (231) 889-5594 for more information. 
  • Manistee’s Ghost Ship on the S.S. City of Milwaukee historic carferry. This is a truly thrilling and scary, adventure. 
  • Onekama Fall Festival in Onekama Village Park – Craft and food vendors, inflatables, kids activities, fun run, pet parade, and more! Visit onekama.info for more information.
  • Pumpkin Decorating with the SOTW Garden Club at the Manistee County Library – 95 Maple St., Manistee. 
  • Manistee Fall Festival – Various events including a Virtual Pet Photo Contest, merchant Trick-or-Treating, Ghost Ship, and more. For more info, visit facebook.com. .
  • Boos, Brews, & Brats  – the Manistee Elks Lodge- 432 River St.. Manistee.
  • Zombie Run 5k beginning/ending at the First Street Beach Dog Park- 1249 Lakeshore Rd., Manistee. For more info, visit facebook.com.
  • Manistee Band Halloween Concert at Manistee High School – 525 12th St., Manistee. 

Oceana County

  • New Era Fall Festival. The event includes Pancake Breakfast, Craft Fair, Kids Activities, Axe Throwing, Live Music, and more. Visit neweramichigan.com for more information.
  • Steinfest at Golden Sands Golf & Bucket Bar – 2501 Wilson Rd. in Silver Lake. Keg Rollng/Throwing, Stein Hoisting, and more. Visit facebook.com for more info.
  • Pentwater Cemetery Tours – Saturday at 11am & 1pm, and Sunday at 1pm & 2pm. 
  • Haunted Acres – Cost is $25 for three attractions. There will also be food vendors on site and merchandise available for purchase and parking is free. Children under 14 must be accompanied by an adult. Free Parking. Haunted Acres- 7970 Park Rd., New Era. Visit facebook.com for more information.
  • Spooktacular in downtown Pentwater – Event includes costume contest (12:15pm), scavenger hunt, and downtown trick-or-treating (12-2pm). Visit pentwater.org for more information.
  • Oktoberfest in Downtown Pentwater. Bingo, Comedy Night, Kids Activities, Entertainment Tent, and more.
  • Free Homemade Donuts & Cider at the Pentwater Fire Department – 486 E. Park St., Pentwater.
  • Haunted Venetian Ball at the Pentwater Library – 402 E. Park St., Pentwater. Free and open to the public.
  • Haunted Hallways at Walkerville Public Schools- 145 Lathrop St., Walkerville. Presented by Walkerville Student Council. Admission for ages 5-12 years is $5, $10 for those 13 years and older.

Stay tuned here for info on Fall Events in West Michigan for 2026!

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Discover more to do in West Michigan!

Scroll below for more articles about Activities & Attractions in the West Michigan area.
 

West Michigan Activities & Attractions

West Arm of Grand Traverse Bay from high overlook of Old Mission Peninsula in the fall.

Old Mission Peninsula

Visit the Old Mission Peninsula, situated between the west arm and east arm of Grand Traverse Bay.

Grand Traverse Lighthouse

The Grand Traverse Lighthouse is situated at the end of the Leelanau Peninsula within, about eight miles north of the town of Northport.

The Pentwater River

The Pentwater River provides opportunities to experience a paddle sport for the first time or take on a challenge for those more experienced.

Traverse City Opera House

The Traverse City Opera House has a 700-seat theater which offers a place for quality arts and cultural entertainment.