Grab your plaid shirt and cup of apple cider. It’s time to dive into fall in West Michigan! From picking apples from a local apple orchard to farmers markets brimming with squash and pumpkins, West Michigan comes alive in autumn. As the leaves turn to gold and the air turns crisp, West Michigan is a hub of fall festivals, fun, and more. We have curated a list of the can’t-miss fall fun activities that will let you enjoy fall in West Michigan to its fullest.
South West Michigan Fall Fun
Celebrate the Dog Days of Fall in South Haven
Date: September 2nd
Get ready for a tail-wagging adventure at Bumbleberry Acres in South Haven! Guests and their dogs are invited for an unforgettable romp through the corn maze during Doggie Daze in the Maze on September 2nd, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Enjoy quality time together as you explore the farm and conquer the twists and turns of the corn maze!
Savoring Saugatuck/Douglas: A Feast of Fall Flavors and Festivities
Dates: Crane’s Cider Fest, September 9th
Embark on a culinary adventure across Saugatuck/Douglas. Experience the bountiful harvest at Crane Orchards, and enjoy apple picking and pumpkin patch adventures. Be sure to attend Crane’s Cider Fest on September 9th. If you are in the area, be sure to experience the ultimate farm-to-table experience at Salt of the Earth. The Saugatuck Center for the Arts hosts The Market, a weekly showcase of local produce and artisanal goods, creating a vibrant atmosphere with live music.
Fall Kick-Off at Schultz Fruit Ridge Farms
Date: Saturday, September 9th, 11:30 am – 2 pm
Kick off the fall harvest season with the first big fall weekend on the Schultz Fruit Ridge Farms. Taste some delicious donuts from the Donut Depot and pick apples at the apple U-pick. As you explore the farm, enjoy live music and tasty treats from a food truck. Whether you’re a donut enthusiast, an apple aficionado, or simply seeking a fun and vibrant atmosphere, Schultz Fruit Ridge Farms’ opening weekend is an opportunity to be noticed. Gather your loved ones and head to our farm for an unforgettable kick-off celebration. For more details and to plan your visit, explore the event page: Schultz Fruit Ridge Farms Events
Fall Forager’s Harvest at the Pierce Creek Institute
Date: Saturday, September 16th, 1-4 pm
Discover the secrets of survival and thriving during the cold winter months at the Pierce Creek Institute. Take part in an informative class where you can learn hands-on techniques to create herbal remedies and take-home recipes that serve you well. Limited space is available, so register early and embrace the wisdom of the seasons.
Lakeshore Harvest Ride: A Breathtaking Fall Tour
Date: Saturday, September 16th
Take in the breathtaking beauty of Southwest Michigan during the 12th Annual Lakeshore Harvest Ride. Glide through picturesque countryside, visiting wineries, farms, and art studios. Whether you’re a leisurely rider or a cycling enthusiast, there’s a route for everyone. Join the ride and support the construction of the Blue Star Trail while immersing yourself in the landscape of the changing trees.
Coldwater Apple Festival & Craft Show
Date: Sunday, September 16th
As Michigan proudly stands as the third top producer of apples, indulge in the plethora of apple festivals dotting the landscape. Explore historic Downtown Coldwater, where apples, cider, crafts, and baked goods intertwine. The event will feature more than 100 vendors with crafts, unique artwork, and food. This beloved event is FREE to enjoy!
Vicksburg Harvest Festival Returns for 13th Year
Date: September 24th
The Vicksburg Historic Village in Kalamazoo will host the popular Harvest Festival on Sunday, September 24th. The family-friendly event features free admission and parking. Highlights include wagon rides, antique tractor demos, pumpkin contests, food vendors, children’s entertainment, and more.
Harvest Fest at River Saint Joe
Date: September 24, 12-4 pm
Raise your glass to the hops harvest and the end of summer at River Saint Joe’s 2nd Annual Harvest Festival. Enjoy Harvest Fresh Ale and Oktoberfest beer, live music, ax throwing, kids’ crafts, games, and more. Embrace the changing seasons with a day of festivities and camaraderie.
Bountiful Berrien: Then and Now
Date: October 1, 2023 Tickets: $50 & Tables of 10:
Indulge in the rich history of Berrien County as you join the BCHA for their annual fundraiser. From delicious food to delightful drinks and a captivating silent auction, this event embodies the essence of harvest celebrations. Explore the ‘farmers market’ and immerse yourself in the special exhibit, “Centennial Footsteps: The Multi-generational Farms of Berrien County.” Hurry, for tickets are available only until September 15th. A journey through time and flavors awaits you.
Other South West Michigan Fall Fun:
Central West Michigan Fall Fun
Holland’s Harvest Season: A Seasonal Extravaganza
Date: September 16th and 30th
The Holland Farmers Market has been a cornerstone of fall’s arrival for over four decades, offering a diverse array of produce from 75 local farms. But that’s not all – infuse your market day with the spirit of celebration in Downtown Holland. Enjoy the Big Lake Brewing Oktoberfest on September 16th and Park Theatre’s Parktoberfest on September 30th. On the same day, the Benjamin’s Hope Harvest Festival promises hayrides, live music, and a delightful train show. As if that weren’t enough, Fall Fest on October 6-7 merges colossal pumpkin carving with street performers and a charming windmill-side artisan market. Discover a harvest of events at holland.org, including unparalleled scenic drives and leaf-peeping opportunities.
Urban HayDay in Hudsonville
Date: October 7th
Enjoy the Urban HayDay, filled with cider, donuts, hayrides, pony rides, and much more! You can even see a pumpkin explode from the top of a firetruck! Stop by downtown Hudsonville on Saturday, October 7th, from 11 a.m.- 4 p.m. for a fun day with your entire family.
Harvest Delights at IndiGrow
At IndiGrow, celebrate the microbusiness difference by immersing yourself in craft cannabis. Tour the facility, experience the quality and consistency firsthand, and revel in the year-round harvest of cannabis. For both newcomers and experienced users, IndiGrow offers a unique and family-owned cannabis experience.
Apple Season in Grand Haven
Harvest in the joy of farms and u-pick locations in the Grand Haven Area, where there is an abundance of fun to explore and enjoy. Pick pumpkins in Grand Haven at Bethke Farms Pumpkin Patch, gather chestnuts in Coopersville at Winkel Chestnut Farm, or collect apples at Gavin Orchards.
Depot to Depot Fall Color Tour in Muskegon
Experience Michigan’s beautiful Autumn – and a fun fall tradition! Throughout October, Muskegon County invites you to celebrate the vibrant colors of its woods, dunes, and water…and win prizes! Take your car or bike on this self-guided color tour. Wind your way along Lake Michigan. Travel the historic West Michigan Pike Byway. Soar over a canopy of fall colors. And see the scenic roads of Muskegon County in all their autumn glory.
Other Central West Michigan Fall Fun:
- Robinettes Applehaus and Winery
- Michigan Apple Fest in Sparta
- Nelson’s Farm Market
- Plambos Farm Market
- Post Family Farm
- Lewis Adventure Farm & Zoo
- Grand Rapids International Wine, Beer & Food Festival at the DeVos Place
North West Michigan & Upper Peninsula Fall Fun
Raven Hill Discovery Center: Spark! Places of Innovation
Date: August 26th – October 7th, 2023
Delve into a harvest of knowledge at Raven Hill Discovery Center. Marvel at the “Spark! Places of Innovation” exhibit, a celebration of American ingenuity inspired by the Smithsonian Museum. Discover stories of innovation, challenges, and triumphs from across the nation. Immerse yourself in augmented reality, interactive displays, and thought-provoking exhibits.
Boyne City Harvest Fest and Farmers Market
Date: September 30th
The last Saturday in September brings the Harvest Festival in Boyne City’s downtown with music, crafts, children’s activities (10 am – 2 pm), fall produce, and more. Boyne City Main Street hosts the event. The entire Boyne City Farmers Market moves to Water and Lake Streets, selling various fall produce, including apples, carrots, broccoli, mums, pumpkins, squash, apple butter, jam, honey, and cider. Portions of Water Street will be closed to traffic during the festival to accommodate the Farmers Market, music, and more than 30 arts and craft vendors.
Celebrate Autumn’s Splendor at Houghton’s 2nd Annual Fall Fest
Date: October 7th
Fall Fest takes place in Houghton at the Waterfront Pier. All are welcome to enjoy autumn-themed activities and goodies for the whole family. This cozy autumn festival features tractor rides along the Portage Canal, apple cider pressing and fresh donuts, live music, and fun fall-themed games! But the fun doesn’t stop there! Take part in the Keweenaw Color Run. For more details, click here and enjoy the magic of the harvest season.
Meander Through the Vineyard at Black Star Farms
Dates: October 22nd and 29th
Visit Black Star Farms this harvest season and immerse yourself in the beauty of the changing Fall colors as you hike our on-site trails, meander through our vineyard, or while sipping wine on our outdoor patios. As part of the farm’s 25th Anniversary, they will have exciting events throughout the fall, including Fall Wagon Rides around the Suttons Bay Estate in October. Tickets for Adults include a glass of Mulled Wine and a donut to enjoy during the wagon ride. For Children, tickets will also have a donut plus a glass of locally-made warm apple cider.
Harvest and Adventure at Blu Dot Farm & Vineyard
Nestled between Lake Charlevoix and Lake Michigan, Blu Dot Farm & Vineyard offers a feast for the senses. Hike the trails, explore the vineyard, and savor wines on outdoor patios. Engage in the harvest experience and become a part of the grape-to-glass journey.
Harvest Season at Walloon Lake
Celebrate the Harvest with seasonal flavors and house-smoked meats at Barrel Back. Start your Hotel Walloon experience with a glass of welcome wine from Boyne Valley Vineyards and enjoy a wine-pairing dinner at the Walloon Lake Inn. Enjoy the Petoskey Area and the Petoskey Wine Region, where you can experience more than 14 unique wineries.
Fall Color Tour in Cadillac
Embracing fall in the Cadillac area is easy to do with diverse activities and scenery that celebrate the season’s beauty. The Fall Color Tour is a must-do, where you can enter and around Cadillac to find pumpkin patches, late-season farmers markets and u-pick stands, corn mazes, and fall-themed events!
Enjoy the Fall Harvest at the Marquette Farmers Market
Marquette County celebrates the fall harvest season with the Downtown Marquette Farmers. Market and Marquette Food Co-op. As the harvest arrives in the Upper Peninsula, residents and visitors can peruse a selection of produce and goods from local farms, growers, and artisans at the weekly. The Farmers Market is held in the Marquette Commons on Saturdays from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. The Marquette Food Co-op is central to the U.P.’s emerging local food economy. Open daily from 8 a.m. – 9 p.m. The co-op helps promote the growing and eating of local food through presentations and workshops, an on-site store, farm tours, cooking classes, the U.P. Food Exchange, and much more.
Other North and UP West Michigan Fall Fun:
JoAnn’s pumpkin flavor fudge
Mackinac Island Fall Colors
For more Farmers Markets, Orchards & Farm Fun click here.
