October in West Michigan is overflowing with autumn adventures—from craft beer celebrations and costume parties to magical evenings and family-friendly Halloween fun. Whether you’re sipping barrel-aged brews at Journeyman Distillery in Three Oaks, casting spells at Witches Night Out in Marshall, or trick-or-treating your way through the John Ball Zoo Goes Boo event in Grand Rapids, there’s something for everyone to enjoy this spooky season. Embrace the crisp air, colorful leaves, and lively spirit of fall as you explore these can’t-miss West Michigan events.
Journeyman Distillery’s Barrel Aged Brewfest & Halloween Dance Party – Three Oaks
Brewfest: October 11 | Noon – 5:00 p.m.
Halloween Dance Party: October 31 | 8:00 – 11:00 p.m.
Raise a glass to fall at Journeyman Distillery’s 8th Annual Barrel Aged Brewfest in Three Oaks, a Southwest Michigan favorite for craft beer lovers and families alike. Enjoy tastings from top regional breweries, wineries, and cideries— including Bell’s Brewery, Silver Harbor Brewing, Dablon Vineyards, and many more—alongside live music, cornhole, raffles, and a silent auction.
This year’s event benefits Islay’s Barrel, a nonprofit providing summer enrichment programs for local youth. Tickets and VIP passes are available online, and kids under 10 attend free with an adult.
Looking for more fall fun? Don’t miss Journeyman’s Halloween Dance Party on October 31, complete with a lively costume contest and plenty of spooky vibes—one of Southwest Michigan’s best Halloween celebrations!
Witches Night Out – Choose Marshall
October 16 | 5:30 – 8:30 p.m. | Downtown Marshall
Grab your broomsticks and get ready to fly into historic downtown Marshall for the enchanting Witches Night Out! From 5:30 to 8:30 p.m., downtown transforms into a magical destination for shopping, sipping, and socializing.
Stroll through locally owned shops open late, enjoy cocktails in the downtown social district, and treat yourself to tasty snacks and “adult trick-or-treating.” Gather your coven—or your favorite wizard friends—and enjoy a bewitchingly fun evening in one of Michigan’s most charming small towns.
Zoo Goes Boo – John Ball Zoo, Grand Rapids
Select Dates: October 10–26 | 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Bring the family to the John Ball Zoo in Grand Rapids for its annual Zoo Goes Boo celebration! This beloved Halloween event transforms the zoo into a whimsical wonderland filled with 13 themed treat stations, costumed characters, and spooktacular live entertainment including magicians, jugglers, and fire performers.
Kids can collect sweets (including allergy-friendly treats), meet their favorite characters, and enjoy festive decorations around every corner. Admission is $22.95 for adults and $16.95 for kids (ages 3–12). Costumes are encouraged—but please, no full-face masks or costume weapons.
