Fall Events in West Michigan
Autumn is a great time in West Michigan, with fall festivals, corn mazes, Halloween parties and ghost ships.
West Michigan Guides Stock Photo
The lakeshore communities of West Michigan do a fantastic job of hosting events and activities that include the whole family. There’s so much happening that is geared specifically toward kids and families as a whole, and that’s part of what makes being here so amazing!
Every season in West Michigan has it’s unique, fun things to do for kids of all ages- from babies up to the “young at heart”. Indoors or outdoors, no matter the time of year, there’s always something great going on along the lakeshore for families to experience together!
In addition to the following list, check out all the special events and programs provided by Sandcastles Children’s Museum and the Ludington and Scottville branches of the Mason County District Libraries.
ArtPrize
A city-wide art competition within a 3-square mile district in downtown Grand Rapids.
Ludington Lumber Days
A fall festival weekend filled with lumberjack-themed excitement, rich history, lively music, and adventures for all ages.
Annual Walk to End Alzheimers
Registration begins at 9am with the opening ceremony at 10am and walk to follow. Waterfront Park- 391 S. William St., Ludington. For more information or to register a team, visit act.alz.org.
Benzie County Fall Festival
Annual festival with fun for the whole family. Events in Beulah & Benzonia. Visit clcba.com for more info.
ArtWalk
Downtown Hart. For more information, visit takemetohart.org.
Chow Down Centertown
Annual Makers Market/Food Truck Rally/Live Music Street party. For the most updated information, visit facebook.com. 7th Street from Washington to Elliot, Grand Haven.
Onekama Fall Festival
Craft and food vendors, games, music, and more! Visit onekama.info for more information. Onekama Village Park- Portage Ave., Onekama.
Frankfort Fall Festival
Annual festival with fun for the whole family including an arts & crafts fair. Visit frankfort-elberta.com for more information.
Final Sailing of the Season for the S.S. Badger Carferry
Call (800) 841-4243 for reservations.
Diapers & Desserts
Families with children ages 3 and under are invited to attend and receive free diapers and dessert at Lighthouse Lutheran Church- 8756 N. Balmoral Ave., Pentwater. A parent or legal guardian must be present to receive diapers for the child(ren). We will have diapers up to size 6 available.
Historic White Pine Village Closes for the Season
Historic White Pine Village– 1687 S. Lakeshore Dr., Ludington.
White River Light Station Closes for the Season
White River Light Station– 6199 Murray Rd., Whitehall.
Run for Your Lives 5k
This race begins and ends at Ludington’s Legacy Plaza. Runners are encouraged to dress in costume.
Big Point Sable Lighthouse Closes for the Season
Big Point Sable Lighthouse– 880 M-116, Ludington.
Autumn is a great time in West Michigan, with fall festivals, corn mazes, Halloween parties and ghost ships.
The communities along Lake Michigan are blessed with talented actors and musicians that entertain us throughout the year.
Ludington has many businesses to help you enjoy crafting and appreciate the finished product. Let them help you create your own masterpiece!
Fun Halloween parties and trick or treating take place in West Michigan including Ludington, Scottville, Manistee, and Oceana County.
Farm Markets & U-Pick farms offer locally grown and organic produce, flowers, plants, seeds, and more in West Michigan.
The Traverse City area has several arts and crafts fairs scheduled throughout the year, offering many unique handcrafted items.
Arts & Crafts Shows and Bazaars during the fall/winter in West Michigan have handcrafted and specialty items for your Christmas gift giving.
Pet live animals, enjoy fresh produce and dairy products, and more! Lots of experiences are available for the family when you visit the farm!
Pere Marquette River, with it’s moderately fast current and clear water, is an extremely popular river for canoeists and kayakers.
The West Michigan area, with many small lakes and rivers to explore, is a popular location for paddle sports.
The Traverse City Opera House has a 700-seat theater which offers a place for quality arts and cultural entertainment.
Various farm markets around Traverse City offer a bounty of the best-tasting produce around, with many open from May until early fall.
Before you make a splash in Lake Michigan, check out the water temperatures for beaches from Manistee, Ludington, Pentwater, and Silver Lake.