On Saturday, October 10, the Port City Run and the Frankfort Fall Festival take over town for one big day of fall fun, right at the peak of color season in our unique corner of Northern Michigan.
Port City Run
Saturday, October 10 | 9:00 AM
Open Space Park, Downtown Frankfort
Run, walk, bike, bring your stroller or your four-legged friend — the Port City Run is for everyone! The morning kicks off at Open Space Park, where runners and walkers head out on a scenic course along the Betsie Valley Trail into Elberta and back again, with Betsie Bay and the fall color along the whole route. Last year, 107 runners joined us at the start line, and we're hoping to beat that number this year.
Registration is $29 – You can sign up at runsignup.com/Race/MI/
Every entry supports local: race proceeds benefit the Frankfort High School Track Program and help power the Fall Festival itself.
Frankfort Fall Festival
Saturday, October 10 | 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Open Space Park, Downtown Frankfort
Once the runners cross the finish line, Open Space Park becomes one giant fall party! The Craft Fair and the Frankfort Farmers Market fill the park with local makers and growers. The Parade and Mutt March bring out the town's best-dressed pups, along with everyone's favorite, the Scottville Clown Band!
Families can say hello to the alpacas, take a spin on a carriage ride, and stop by the Kids' Game Tent, face painting, and the pumpkin decorating station. Grab lunch from TC Taco, Elberta Pizza Co., and Lake Bowls, all serving at the park all day. Then catch the Lord of the Gourd at work during live pumpkin carving, with live music playing all afternoon. The competitive crowd can enter the Cornhole Tournament, and the grown-ups can enjoy the Beer, Wine & Spirits Tent.
NEW this year — airplane ride tours! See the Lake Michigan shoreline, the North Breakwater Lighthouse, and all of Fall Fest from the sky. Book your tour at: frankfortdowmemorial.com/air-
And don't leave early! The day wraps up with the GIANT Pumpkin Drop. We won't spoil it. You'll just have to be there to see it.
Get the full event schedule, sign-up links, and more at frankfortdowntown.com/fall-
Make it a Weekend Getaway!
October is one of our favorite times of year in Frankfort. Walk the pier out to the North Breakwater Lighthouse, catch a sunset over Lake Michigan, and take a fall color drive on M22. Then spend the rest of the weekend at our downtown shops and eateries. Book a stay with one of our local lodging partners and make a full weekend of it. Plan your visit at frankfort-elberta.com and frankfortdowntown.com
The Port City Run and Frankfort Fall Festival are made possible by our generous sponsors: DTE Energy, Traverse City Tourism, the City of Frankfort, BAIRD The Schindler Appleford Group, Frankfort Community Federal Credit Union, Webber Insurance, Cooley Contracting, Zupin Crane, Kari King Realty, Honor Bank, Padnos, Republic Services, State Savings Bank, Graceland Fruit, West Shore Bank, Curtis Insurance Agency, Kerby’s Backhoe Service, and the Port City Smokehouse. Thank you for helping bring this celebration to life!
For more information on these events and other local attractions, please visit the Frankfort-Elberta Area Chamber of Commerce website at frankfort-elberta.com or call 231.352.7251.
