Celebrate Labor Day, welcome the arrival of fall and enjoy family-friendly fun across West Michigan! The Holland/Zeeland Labor Day Parade brings big trucks, music and a free Hudsonville Ice Cream Social to the Holland and Zeeland area, while the Critter Barn in Zeeland offers kids free admission and plenty of hands-on farm fun. Then head south to Paw Paw for the Paw Paw Wine & Harvest Festival, a three-day Southwest Michigan celebration featuring local wineries, live music, arts and crafts, carnival rides, grape stomping, classic cars, competitions, fireworks and much more. From family attractions and community celebrations to fall festivals and Michigan wine country, there’s plenty to explore this September in West Michigan.
Holland/Zeeland Labor Day Parade — Monday, September 7; 9:15–11:30 a.m.
Start Labor Day in West Michigan with a celebration of the people who keep our communities moving! The Holland/Zeeland Labor Day Parade has been a local tradition for 20 years, honoring the businesses, workers and local workforce that help make the Holland and Zeeland area such a great place to live, work and visit.
Bring the family — and maybe your earplugs — because this parade is all about the big trucks! The procession begins at 9:15 a.m. at MillerKnoll in Zeeland and travels to Holland Civic Center Place. Along the route, you’ll see plenty of impressive trucks, plus giveaways and, of course, a few sweet treats.
Once the parade arrives in Holland, stick around for more family-friendly fun, including face painters, balloon artists, live music and guest speakers. And you won’t want to miss the free Hudsonville Ice Cream Social, wrapping up the morning at 11:30 a.m. It’s a fun way to celebrate Labor Day and the hardworking spirit of West Michigan!
Paw Paw Wine & Harvest Festival — September 11–13
Fall festival season gets into full swing in Southwest Michigan with the Paw Paw Wine & Harvest Festival, happening September 11 through 13. For three full days, downtown Paw Paw comes alive with wine, food, live entertainment, family activities, competitions and plenty of autumn fun.
Area wineries will welcome visitors with tastings, special events and entertainment, including St. Julian Winery, Michigan’s oldest and largest winery. Downtown Paw Paw is the heart of the celebration, with something happening around every corner. Explore the outdoor marketplace and arts and crafts show, check out the Halloween Grotto, watch the exciting Air Dog Competition, or relax in the festival tent with live music, beer and wine.
Car enthusiasts will want to check out the Classic Car, Truck and Motorcycle Show, while families can enjoy carnival rides and Stompyland. If you’re feeling competitive, sign up for the 5K walk/run, cornhole tournament, duck race or the always-popular Great Escape Grape Stomp. Grab four friends, put on your grubbiest clothes and get ready to jump into a vat of grape-stomping fun!
And don’t forget the Lucille Ball look-alike contest — a Paw Paw tradition that brings plenty of laughs. Add a parade, fireworks and the convenient Concord Trolley, and you’ve got everything you need for a memorable fall weekend in Southwest Michigan.
Critter Barn Free Children’s Admission Day — Saturday, September 5; 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
Looking for a fun and affordable family activity in West Michigan this weekend? Head to Critter Barn in Zeeland for Free Children’s Admission Day on Saturday, September 5, sponsored by Haworth Helps!
Kids ages 17 and under receive free admission and can spend the day exploring the farm, learning about animal care and getting up close with some of their favorite farm friends. Children can interact with friendly goats, hold adorable chicks and bunnies, and take part in a farmyard scavenger hunt. Follow the clues around the farm and you could even win a prize!
Pack a lunch or snack and enjoy it in the playground and picnic area. Critter Barn also features fully paved pathways and barrier-free access, making it easy for strollers and visitors with mobility needs to enjoy the farm.
Children must be accompanied by an adult. Adult admission is $10, with admission of $8 for seniors and military members. It’s a great opportunity to enjoy a day on the farm and make some fun family memories without breaking the budget.
