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(Scroll down to see more events in October.)
Autumn is a great time in West Michigan, with fall festivals, corn mazes, Halloween parties and ghost ships.
Fun Halloween parties and trick or treating take place in West Michigan including Ludington, Scottville, Manistee, and Oceana County.
The Manistee Elks hosts activities for the whole family at Boos, Brews, & Brats in conjunction with their annual Halloween Party.
Ludrock Nation is an organization presenting events: Ludrock, Girls Rock, Ludrock All Stars, Night of Fright to benefit other non-profits.
Todd and Brad Reed offer Photography Workshops throughout the year. These classes are great for beginners as well as seasoned professionals.
One notable highlight of the Halloween season in Manistee is the popular Ghost Ship, the S.S. City of Milwaukee, docked off Arthur Street.
Every year, the Mason-Lake Conservation District offers sales for tree seedlings and for native plants. Take advantage of this great service!
Arts & Crafts Shows and Bazaars during the fall/winter in West Michigan have handcrafted and specialty items for your Christmas gift giving.
Farm Markets & U-Pick farms offer locally grown and organic produce, flowers, plants, seeds, and more in West Michigan.
Pentwater's Oktoberfest features a variety of activities for all ages and interests including the Classic Car and Hot Rod Show and Cruise.
West Michigan is a popular location for various races and runs... including the Lakestride Half Marathon and the Lighthouse Triathlon.
Explore the City of Grand Rapids as it fills with hundreds of pieces of art. From photography to sculptures and paintings.
Dune Rides in your ATV or ORV are popular at Silver Lake Sand Dunes in Michigan, but many rules and regulations apply.
Circle Rocking “S” Children’s Farm Scarecrow Contest
The event is free for special needs families, groups, and nursing homes. A $25 fee is requested from businesses or the general public. Participants may be from Mason, Manistee, or Lake Counties and addresses must be clearly marked on judging week. For entry forms, visit circlerockingsfarm.org.
MIHA Regional D Equestrian Meet
Caswell Horse Park at the Mason County Fairgrounds- 5302 W. US-31, Ludington.
Mom 2 Mom Sale
Sale of gently used children’s clothing, accessories, toys, and furniture. For more information or to rent a table, visit facebook.com. Cornerstone Baptist Church- 121 Nelson Rd., Ludington.
Onekama Fall Festival
Craft and food vendors, inflatables, kids activities, fun run, pet parade, and more! Visit onekama.info for more information. Onekama Village Park- Portage Ave., Onekama.
Annual Shelby Harvest Festival
Downtown Shelby. For more information, visit shelbyharvestfestival.com.
Steinfest Games
Keg Rolling, Keg Throwing, and more. Golden Sands Golf & Bucket Bar- 2501 N. Wilson Rd., Silver Lake. For more information, call (231) 873-4909.
Stony Lake Therapeutic Riding Center Silent Auction & Line Dance
Event includes pony rides, line dancing, lawn games, and a silent auction all to benefit the center’s programming. Tickets are $10/each or $30/family and can be purchased by emailing aubrey@stonylakestables.com.
Manistee Ghost Ship
on the S.S. City of Milwaukee historic carferry. This is a truly thrilling and scary adventure. Travel through five decks and 72 stairs, some quite steep. Located at 99 Arthur Street (US 31).
Haunted Acres
Cost is $20 for three attractions and there will also be food vendors on site and merchandise available for purchase. Children under 14 must be accompanied by an adult. Free Parking. 7970 Park Rd., New Era. Call (231) 736-5736 for more information.
Halloween Hayride, Costume Contest, and Potluck
Bring treats, a dish to pass, and your own beverages and table service. Must RSVP by September 30th by calling (231) 462-3732. For more information and printable RSVP, visit circlerockingsfarm.org. Circle Rocking “S” Children’s Farm- 5487 Tuttle Rd. in Free Soil.
Whovilles Corn Maze and Pumpkin Patch
Corn Maze, You Pick Pumpkins, Games, Cider, Donuts, Wagon Rides and more. Call (231) 889-5594 for more information. Calvin Lutz Farms- 8576 Chief Rd., Kaleva.
Pentwater Oktoberfest
Classic Car & Hot Rod Show, Stumble Stout 5k, Entertainment Tent on the Village Green, Chili Cook-Off, Live Polka Music, Yard Games. Downtown Pentwater.
Holiday Arts & Crafts Market
Call (231) 362-3229 for more information. Kaleva VFW Post 6333- 13300 9 Mile Road, Kaleva.
Outdoor Craft & Vendor Show
The Village at Grand Traverse Commons- 1200 W. 11th St., Traverse City
Frankfort Fall Festival
Annual festival with fun for the whole family. Visit frankfort-elberta.com for more information.
Fall Festival at the Ludington State Park
8800 M-116, Ludington. Event includes horse-drawn wagon rides by Meadow Breeze Farms, music by 80 Cows , beach bonfire, apples, donuts, and cider. Free event but donations are appreciated.
MSU Be-Bop Spartans
West Shore Community College Center Stage Theatre- 3000 N. Stiles Rd., Scottville.
North Country Opera Folk Musical
Ludington Area Center for the Arts– 107 S. Harrison St., Ludington.
Camp Sauble Cages of Carnage Haunted Prison
$10/person entry fee benefits local fire departments. Handicapped accessible and with 2 trails to follow. Not recommended for small children. 4058 E. Free Soil Rd. in Free Soil.
Whovilles Night in the Corn Maze
Come find your way through the corn maze in the dark. Bring your own flashlight. Call (231) 889-5594 for more information. Calvin Lutz Farms- 8576 Chief Rd., Kaleva.
Irish Night featuring Crossbow
Ramsdell Regional Center for the Arts– 101 Maple St., Manistee.
Final Sailing of the Season for the S.S. Badger Carferry
Call (800) 841-4243 for reservations.
Pumpkins for Change Pumpkin Decorating Contest
Pumpkins will be available at Betten Baker Ford of Ludington (3045 US 10, Ludington) for a $5 entry fee from October 19th-22nd and can be dropped back off when decorated (no later than October 25th at 6pm). The first place winner receives: 50% of the total entry fees collected (the other 50% will be donated to the Susan G. Komen Foundation). The second place winner receives: gift card to a local business. Winners will be chosen and announced on October 26th to celebrate National Pumpkin Day. For more information, call(231) 845-5111.
Picture Perfect Photography Workshop Weekend with Todd & Brad Reed
Space is limited to nine participants and room reservations should be made by calling the Lamplighter at (231) 843-9792.
Haunted Village
Children are encouraged to wear costumes and trick or treat throughout the historic buildings in the village. Tickets are $12 for adults, $10 for seniors, $8 for kids age 3-13, and kids under 3 enter free. Historic White Pine Village– 1687 S. Lakeshore Dr. in Ludington.
Historic White Pine Village AND the Port of Ludington Maritime Museum Closes for the Season
Historic White Pine Village– 1687 S. Lakeshore Dr., Ludington. Port of Ludington Maritime Museum– 217 S. Lakeshore Dr., Ludington.
Big Point Sable Lighthouse Closes for the Season
Big Point Sable Lighthouse– 880 M-116, Ludington.
Sixth Annual Montague Glow Show
Featuring the marching bands of Montague High School, Shelby High School, Whitehall High School, Hesperia High School, and Mona Shores High School. $5 per person and $20 per family. Montague Football Stadium.
Advanced Photography Workshop Weekend with Todd & Brad Reed
You must have taken either the virtual or in-person version of the Picture Perfect Weekend Workshop to attend this class. Space is limited to nine participants and room reservations should be made by calling the Lamplighter at (231) 843-9792.
Spooky Monster Magic Show with Magician Gordon Russ
Ludington Library- 217 E. Ludington Ave., Ludington. Free and open to the public.
Run for Your Lives 5k/10k
Wear a costume, if you wish, and have fun with this holiday event. Choose the length of your run. Start and stop at Legacy Park- 112 N. James St., Ludington. Register by visiting downtownludington.org/runludington.
Children’s Costume Crawl & Downtown Ghost Hunt
The event begins at the Manistee Library- 95 Maple St., Manistee. Free and open to the public. Kids will walk parade-style to Port City Emporium to begin the ghost hunt. They may bring a bag or get one at the library if you need. The hunt will be held in conjunction with downtown Manistee Those who find all the blue ghosts hidden downtown (earning all their stamps) will be entered into a prize drawing. For more information, visit facebook.com.
Boos, Brews, & Brats
Fun events for the whole family at the Manistee Elks Club- 432 River St., Manistee.
Ludrock’s Night of Fright
Live music, beverages available, and costume contest. $5 per person with proceeds to the center. Ludington Area Center for the Arts- 107 S. Harrison St., Ludington.
Pentwater Spooktacular
Halloween activities in downtown Pentwater.
Halloween Charity Event at Photography by Sue Brown- 1676 W. Hansen Road, Scottville. Free photo with donation to United Way of Mason County. Sign up by visiting signupgenius.com.
The communities along Lake Michigan are blessed with talented actors and musicians that entertain us throughout the year.
Manistee Michigan’s Victorian Sleighbell Parade and Old Christmas Weekend is held the first full weekend of December.
Arts & Crafts Shows and Bazaars during the fall/winter in West Michigan have handcrafted and specialty items for your Christmas gift giving.
Ludington has many businesses to help you enjoy crafting and appreciate the finished product. Let them help you create your own masterpiece!
Pentwater’s Christmas in the Village, held throughout the month of December, has carriage rides, shopping, craft fair, and more.
Is your business located in West Michigan? If so, let us help you spread the word. Contact us today to learn more about advertising opportunities with WestMichiganGuides.com…and thank you!
