Looking for the best fall events in West Michigan? October is packed with seasonal fun, from the unique Fall Fest getaway at Off Map Glamping in South Haven and spooky family adventures at Zoo Goes Boo at John Ball Zoo to the candlelit Hackley & Hume Obituary Tours and ghost-hunting excursions with Tours Around Michigan in Grand Rapids. Families can also enjoy Halloween activities, animal encounters, and treats at Boo at the Barn at Michigan Farmstead, get creative with pumpkin painting and smashing at the Muskegon Museum of History, or explore more than 150 skeletons during Bones About Town before Grand Haven’s Fall Fest. Whether you’re planning a family outing, a spooky adventure, or a cozy autumn escape, there are plenty of wonderful ways to celebrate fall across West Michigan.
Off Map Fall Fest in South Haven | October 23–25
Fall is the ideal time to plan a getaway, and even better when it’s something super unique and really special! Off Map in South Haven is inviting you to their fabulous Fall Fest from Friday, October 23, through Sunday, October 25, where you can experience all the great outdoors without any of the roughing it.
Book your stay now so you can gather around a roaring bonfire with a complimentary s’mores bar, settle in for movie night in the woods (popcorn and all!), sample donuts in the communal barn, paint or carve a pumpkin, enjoy an Amish horse ride, and wind down with live music on Saturday evening.
This is the perfect time to explore their gorgeous 76-acre property, complete with beautifully furnished safari tents and five brand-new Amish-built cabins with one- and two-bedroom options. They’re perfect for snuggling up all fall and winter long! So come on out and discover why everyone is raving about their stay at Off Map.
Zoo Goes Boo at John Ball Zoo | Three Weekends Beginning October 16 | 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
Practice your cackle because John Ball Zoo is brewing up a ghoulishly good time! This favorite annual Halloween event takes place over three weekends beginning October 16, and there’s plenty of spooky fun for the whole family.
You’ll be spellbound by the spooktacular decorations and otherworldly entertainment, including magicians, fire dancers, villains, and more! This wickedly fun family tradition is the perfect time to show off your very best Halloween costumes, collect loads of twisted treats at stations throughout the zoo, and indulge in a bit of festive face painting.
You might want to bring a bag to collect all those treats, and remember, full-face masks and weapons aren’t allowed at Zoo Goes Boo. Allergy-friendly sweets are also available, making this a fun fall outing for even more little trick-or-treaters!
Hackley & Hume Obituary Tour | October 16–17
Step inside Muskegon’s historic Hackley and Hume homes for a fascinating Obituary Tour exploring the Victorian traditions surrounding death, mourning, and remembrance. With several sessions available on each date, this unique historical experience offers a candlelit look at a fascinating, and slightly eerie, side of the past.
After dark, the grand interiors take on a completely different character, with rooms illuminated by candlelight and the eerie glow of moonlight. Explore these magnificent historic lumber baron mansions while learning about the customs, beliefs, and traditions that shaped Victorian families and the ways they remembered loved ones who had passed.
If you love local history with a spooky twist, this is one fall experience you won’t want to miss!
Grand Rapids Ghost Hunt Tours with Tours Around Michigan
October is the perfect month to book a ghost hunt tour with Tours Around Michigan, based in Grand Rapids. Simply book online for a spooky, scary ghost tour led by a professional tour guide, and discover the memorable and eerie stories unique to Grand Rapids.
These intriguing tales are rooted in the buildings you pass every day and have been passed down through generations. You can join a tour with other curious explorers or form your own group, with a minimum of four people.
And if ghosts aren’t quite your thing, there are plenty of other tours to choose from! Explore everything from local breweries, art, and murals to historic homes, beautiful churches, and tours showcasing the city and its riverfront. It’s a fun way to discover Grand Rapids from a whole new perspective!
SHOUTOUT:
Boo at the Barn at Michigan Farmstead | October 23–24
Come dressed in your best Halloween costumes for Boo at the Barn at Michigan Farmstead, formerly known as the Critter Barn! Taking place Friday, October 23, from 1–8 p.m., and Saturday, October 24, from 10 a.m.–5 p.m., this family-friendly Halloween event promises plenty of autumn excitement.
The barns will be transformed into a spooky wonderland filled with candy, donuts, special animal encounters, and games. It’s a great opportunity to get into the Halloween spirit, enjoy some festive farm fun, and make special fall memories with the family.
Admission is $10 for youth and adults, $8 for seniors and military members, and free for children under two.
Friday Family Fun Night: Smashing Pumpkins at Muskegon Museum of History | October 16 | 5:30–7:30 p.m.
Get ready for a smashing good time! Friday Family Fun Night at the Muskegon Museum of History is all about pumpkins, with plenty of creative and messy fun for the whole family.
The evening features pumpkin painting, pumpkin carving, and even exploding and smashing pumpkins! It’s a playful way to celebrate the season, get creative, and enjoy a fun family night out.
Admission is free for Muskegon County residents and $5 for everyone else.
Bones About Town and Fall Fest in Grand Haven | October 24
Venture into downtown Grand Haven, but beware—the town is teeming with skeletons! More than 150 spooky skeletons have taken over the area, and you’ll want to cast your vote for your favorites before Bones About Town wraps up on October 24.
The fun concludes with a lively Fall Festival, where adults and children can enjoy a family-friendly day filled with autumn activities, downtown entertainment, and plenty of community spirit.
Bring your little ghouls and goblins to Downtown and Centertown for treats at participating businesses, and enjoy a little fall shopping and seasonal fun along the way. With festive displays, local businesses, and activities for all ages, it’s a wonderful excuse to spend a fall day exploring Grand Haven!
