Upcoming Michigan Events Courtesy of Pure Michigan

Michigan in the Fall is something splendid to behold with the ever changing scenery and kaleidoscope of colors.

That's one reason we have so many fun fall festivals with names like apple fest and pumpkin fest (there's even a llama fest and red flannel festival, who knew).

I love Fall festivals because it's often nice enough to be outside but cool enough to put on jeans and a sweater. It's my time of year and I love every minute of it before winter takes over and I go into hibernation.

Here's a list of some of the fun fall festivals coming up in September and October here in Michigan.

This list is from Pure Michigan's blog- PureMichiganblog.org

Pure Michigan Events – September through October

Southwest


Three Rivers Harmonyfest, Three Rivers, September 6, 2010
Bring your lawn chair and dancing shoes to the 17th annual celebration of the area’s ethnic diversity.

Wine & Harvest Festival, Paw Paw, September 10-12, 2010
Paw Paw uncorks “A Grape Time for Everyone” with the Grape Stomp competition, winery tours and tastings, teen and kiddie activities, entertainment, parade, fireworks and much more.


Marshall Historic Home Tour, Marshall, September 11-12, 2010
This is the 47th annual peek into private homes of the National Historic Landmark District. Events surrounding the tour include a quilt show, art fair, concerts and Saturday evening’s Civil War Ball and Social Event.

44th Festival of the Forks, Albion, September 17-18, 2010
Music, food, art, and a parade celebrate the early settlement at the fork of the Kalamazoo River.


St. Joseph County Grange Fair, Centreville, September 19-25, 2010
Also known as the Centreville Grange Fair, this has been a Southwest Michigan tradition since 1851 with 4-H events, horse shows, midway, live entertainment and harness racing.

Four Flags Area Apple Festival, Niles, September 30-October 3, 2010
It’s an Apple Fiesta at the annual autumn celebration, with free entertainment, arts and crafts, carnival rides, parades, biggest apple and apple pie eating contests, and Miss Apple Festival Pageant.

Punkin’ Chuckin’, Grayling, October 16-17, 2010
Have some fall fun at Wellington Farm, USA, a 60-acre open-air museum “Where It’s Always 1932” reflecting the farms of decades ago.

Southeast

Lamafest 2010, East Lansing, September 3-5, 2010
Take a free trip to Llamaland and see live llamas and alpacas, demonstrations and displays.

Arts, Beats & Eats, Royal Oak, September 3-6, 2010
A quarter of a million folks will enjoy this 13th annual Labor Day Weekend feast for the senses in a new location, downtown Royal Oak (formerly held in Pontiac).

Detroit International Jazz Festival, Detroit, September 3-6, 2010
The 31st annual free musical celebration pays tribute to “Flame Keepers: Carrying the Torch for Modern Jazz,” and features more dozens of acts on several stages at the Detroit Riverfront. Nightly after-hour jam sessions follow at the Detroit Marriott at the Renaissance Center.


Art & Apples Festival, Rochester, September 10-12, 2010
The homemade apple pies rival the juried art fair with more than 250 artists at this festive fall celebration in a park setting. Live entertainment, Student Apple Art contest, and kiddie activities.

Greenfield Village Old Car Festival, Dearborn, September 11-12, 2010
Inspect and admire wheeled vehicles from the 1890s through 1932, see demonstrations of skill and parade, attend car talks and demonstrations; open until 9 p.m. Saturday.


Old Town BluesFest, Lansing, September 17-18, 2010
Local, regional and national acts play original compositions and favorites at this free festival in Old Town, a revitalized historic corner of the Capital City.

Victorian Festival, Northville, September 17-19, 2010
The historic village steps into the 1800’s as the streets fill with residents in period costumes and old-fashioned entertainment. Visit Historic Mill Race Village and enjoy a Victorian tea and fashion show.

Oh These Irish Hills Festival, Tipton, September 18, 2010
Hidden Lake Gardens hosts this celebration designed to recognize the beauty, history and heritage of the area.

Clinton Fall Festival, Clinton, September 24-26, 2010
Welcome autumn with a car and motorcycle show, arts & crafts show, parade, 5K walk/run, and “Celebration Saturday” entertainment under the tent.

Huron Township Applefest, New Boston, October 2-3, 2010
The 25th Annual Michigan State Championship Old-Time Fiddlers Contest is a highlight of this autumn event, which includes an apple pie contest, car show, fun run and parade.

South Lyon Area PumpkinFest , South Lyon, October 2-3, 2010
It’s time for the Great Pumpkin and Fun Veggies Contest, scarecrow decorating and pie-eating at this fall fun weekend with craft show, kiddie activities, and Saturday’s parade.

Appleumpkin Festival, Tecumseh, October 9-10, 2010
Make your own scarecrow and savor farm fresh foods, cider and apples, plus an antique street fair, arts & crafts, entertainment, midway and kiddie activities.

Apple Butter Festival , Lansing, October 16-17, 2010
Sample freshly made apple butter, see pioneer craft demonstrations like quilting, lace and soap making, and hike the trails at the Fenner Nature Center.

Fiber Expo, Ann Arbor October 23-24, 2010
Shop for yarns and handmade natural fiber creations, learn about spinning, knitting, felting, and dying fibers, and chat with breeders about their animals at the Washtenaw Farm Council Grounds.

West Central

Logging Festival, Newaygo, September 2-4, 2010
Fun salute to the area’s logging heritage with lumberjack and chainsaw competitions, Chicken BBQ, music and parade.

Shoreline Spectacular, Muskegon, September 3-6, 2010
Wacky fun and games, arts & crafts, entertainment and Labor Day picnic are some of the spectacular activities at this downtown festival.

Charlotte Frontier Days, Charlotte, September 8-12, 2010
There’s a whole lot of rootin’ tootin’ fun at the 40th annual festival, starring the Dancing Deputies at the Frontier Days Saloon, plus classic car cruise, kiddie fun and games, Grand Parade, chili cook-off and more.

Celebration on the Grand, Grand Rapids, September 9-11, 2010
Enjoy free live entertainment, Friday night fireworks over the Grand River, and food booths featuring a Taste of Downtown, plus free admission to cultural institutions on Saturday.


Silver Lake Sand Dunes Apple & BBQ Cookoff Festival, Hart, September 10-11, 2010
Dig into the Michigan sanctioned Kansas City BBQ competition, apple pie contest, Dune Buggy Show & Swap Meet, classic vehicle show, crafts, and entertainment.

Grand Haven Salmon Festival, Grand Haven, September 17-19, 2010
Migrating fish are the reason for the 7th annual event with a salmon cook-off, fishing contest, Fresh Catch Fish Boil, live jazz, nature-themed art fair and wine tasting pavilion with grape stomping.

Michigan Irish Music Festival, Muskegon, September 17-19, 2010
It’s a weekend of authentic music, food, drink, marketplace, Irish dance competition—and don’t forget the “Wee Ones” area for the kids.

ArtPrize, Grand Rapids, September 22-October 10, 2010
The public votes on the works displayed throughout Grand Rapids created by talented folks from around the globe as they compete for the top award of $250,000. Entertainment, lectures, fun activities create a festive atmosphere.

Kalamazoo Irish Fest, Kalamazoo, September 24-25, 2010
Step lively to Celtic music, enjoy Irish dancing, imported goods, and traditional fare at Arcadia Creek Festival Place.

Fallasburg Fall Festival, Lowell, September 25-26, 2010
Fallasburg Park with its circa 1871 covered bridge provide the backdrop for this autumn tradition with juried art show, craft demonstrations, music, food, and kiddie activities.

PumpkinFest, Zeeland, September 30-October 2, 2010
Fall for family-friendly fun including contests, games, entertainment, scarecrow displays and a parade.

Red Flannel Festival, Cedar Springs, October 1-2, 2010
Locally made “dropseater” undergarments inspired “Red Flannel Day” back in 1939. The annual event also honors the lumbering heritage of the area with a Lumber Jacks show, plus art and car shows, entertainment, parade and more. Wear red or risk “arrest” by the Keystone Cops!

Color Cruise & Island Festival , Grand Ledge, October 8-10, 2010
The 30th annual autumn event on Island Park features demonstrations of pioneer skills such as cider pressing, weaving and wood carving, plus a fur trader encampment, live folk music, and a color cruise along the Grand River.

Fennville Goose Festival, Fennville, October 8-10, 2010
Join the Wild Goose Chase fun run or take in the craft and car shows, parade and other activities at the 26th annual autumn celebration.

Pumpkinfest, Montague, October 9, 2010
The famous Pumpkin Roll down Dowling Hill is just one of the family friendly events such as pumpkin bowling, painting, carving, and seed spitting.

East Central

Michigan Renaissance Festival, Holly, August 21-October 3, 2010
Themed weekends include Buccaneer Beer Fest and a Grape Stomp in recreated world of ye olde days.

Elkton AutumnFest, Elkton, September 3-6, 2010
Lawnmower races, tractor pulls, demolition derby, Bingo, parade, entertainment tent and midway games help make this a family-friendly event.


64th Michigan Bean Festival, Fairgrove, September 3-6, 2010
Can’t beat the free bean soup, bean creation contest, bean bake off, demolition derby, entertainment, parade and crowning of the Michigan Bean Queen.

Thumbfest, Lexington, September 4-5, 2010
The Bluewater Folk Society hosts this traditional music festival with multiple stages, workshops, dance hall, and crafts along Lake Huron.


Art in the Park, Port Austin, September 5-6, 2010
It’s Thumbs Up to art at this 9th annual show accompanied by live entertainment and activities for the kids.

Frankenmuth Oktoberfest, Frankenmuth, September 16-19, 2010
Authentic German foods and beer and traditional German music, dancing and costumes are staples of the 21st annual Frankenmuth Oktoberfest at Heritage Park. This is the only Oktoberfest outside of Germany officially sanctioned by the city of Munich.

Ovid Carriage Days, St. John’s, September 23-25, 2010
Roll back in time and admire vintage carriages plus antique tractor and horse pulls, a carnival, entertainment and Saturday’s parade at this 17th annual tribute to the horse and buggy days.


Blue Water Film Festival, Port Huron, October 6-9, 2010
The second annual event is a showcase for independent films by local filmmakers and films made in Michigan or the Sarnia, Ontario area.

Tuscola County Pumpkin Festival, Caro, October 7-10, 2010
Decorated pumpkins, giant pumpkins, and the famous pumpkin pie sale star at the 30th fall celebration in the Thumb. Entertainment, kiddie activities, contests, fireworks and Grand Parade round out the fun.

OktoberFest, Lexington, October 9-10, 2010
Raise a glass of beer or wine and enjoy traditional German foods, dancing and fun on the Lake Huron shore.

Northwest

104th Farwell Labor Day Celebration, Farwell, September 3-6, 2010
It’s all play and no labor at “The Longest Continuous Festival in the State of Michigan,” which packs the long holiday weekend with fun for the whole family.

Hopps of Fun Beer & Wine Festival, Mackinaw City, September 10-11, 2010
Sample micro-brewed beers and wines, chat with the beverage makers, and enjoy entertainment and food at Mackinaw Crossings.

Art & Apples Festival, Rochester, September 10-12, 2010
The homemade apple pies rival the juried art fair with more than 250 artists at this festive fall celebration in a park setting. Live entertainment, Student Apple Art contest, and kiddie activities.

Port City Street Fair , Manistee, September 11, 2010
The Victorian Port City bids summer farewell with an antique and classic car show, art fair, street buskers, main stage entertainment, and pig roast.

Big Mac Shoreline Fall Scenic Bike Tour, Mackinaw City, September 18-19, 2010
Bicyclists choose from 25, 50, 75 or 100-mile bike routes along Lake Michigan. The first 400 riders to register may pedal across the Mackinac Bridge linking the Lower and Upper Peninsulas on Sunday.

Harvest Stompede, Suttons Bay, September 18-19, 2010
Run or walk a 7-mile/5K route through the vineyards, and sample local wines and foods on a tour of Leelanau Peninsula wineries. Participation is limited; advance registration suggested.

Autumn Days, Ludington, October 1-2, 2010
Historic White Pine Village, a collection of 25 buildings, is filled with colorful gourds, pumpkins and corn stalks for this fall event, where you can see cider being pressed, take a hayride, and enjoy fresh baked apple pie at the old-fashioned ice cream parlor.

FallFest, Frankfort, October 2-3 and 9-10, 2010
Pumpkin decorating, the aromas of apple cinnamon pie and simmering soups, professional pumpkin carver Ed Moody and carvings by the Lord of Gourd Pat Harrison are a sampling of the seasonal fun on the first of two FallFest weekends.

Northern Michigan C.S. Lewis Festival, Petoskey, October 7-November 22, 2010
Lectures, music and theater performances, children’s programs and discussions celebrating the author best known for The Chronicles of Narnia.

Apple Festival & Craft Show, Charlevoix, October 9-11, 2010
Munch your choice of more than 30 types of locally grown apples as well as apple cider, apple butter, pumpkins, squash, jam and honey. Crafts show, fall bulb sale and kiddie activities, too.

Harvest Festival, Boyne City, October 2-3, 2010
Enjoy hayrides, pumpkin carving, seasonal decorations and flavors of the season.

Michigan Hemingway Society Weekend , Petoskey, October 15-17, 2010
“Dining at Hemingway’s Table” is the theme of this year’s gathering honoring the famed author who summered in the area and featured Northern Michigan in his works. Activities include tours of Hemingway-related sites, speakers and exhibits.

Northeast

Harmony Weekend, Harrisville, September 4-5, 2010
Music and visual arts harmonize as Barbershoppers and Sweet Adelines sing at planned concerts and impromptu gatherings while 500 exhibitors display their Arts & Crafts.


Posen Potato Festival, Posen, September 10-12, 2010
The 59th annual spud celebration features a big parade, tasty potato pancakes, the potato dish competition, Polish Polka Folk Mass, midway rides and more accompanied by lively tunes at the Polka Pavilion and country music concert.

Michigan Firemen’s Memorial Festival, Roscommon , September 16-19, 2010
Fire chiefs, fire fighters, EMS crew and friends and family from across the U.S. gather to honor those who have given their lives while protecting their communities with a memorial service at the Firemen’s’ Memorial. See firefighting demonstrations and rescue competition and Friday evening’s Bright Light Vehicle Showdown and Light Parade.

Paul Bunyan Festival, Oscoda, September 18-20, 2010
Huge salute to the legendary logger includes Great Lakes Chainsaw Carving Competition, Bunyan Games such as axe throwing, and the Timberjack Show.


Elk Festival, Atlanta, September 24-26, 2010
Michigan’s “Elk Capital” celebration includes Elk Festival royalty in a float-filled parade, wagon rides, bands and competitions like the Rubber Chicken Toss and pie-eating contest.

Harvest Fest, Grayling, October 2-3, 2010
The antique tractor show, tractor parade and displays will enthrall tractor lovers, and there will be a farm market and more.

Great Lakes Lighthouse Festival, Alpena, October 7-10, 2010
The 15th annual gathering of lighthouse lovers, preservation groups, artists and authors who recognize this important part of Great Lakes history features speakers, entertainment, vendors, and tours of area lighthouses.

Upper Peninsula

100th Dickinson County Fair, Norway, September 1-6, 2010
Centennial celebration of rural living, agriculture and home arts in the Upper Peninsula.

Arts Dockside, St. Ignace, September 4-7, 2010
It’s a feast for the senses as musicians, jugglers and more than 100 visual artists fill the waterfront.

Mackinac Bridge Walk, Mackinaw City/St. Ignace, September 6, 2010
Join tens of thousands of folks in the unofficial end of summer walk across “Mighty Mac” Bridge. The five-mile-long engineering marvel links Michigan’s Upper and Lower Peninsulas high above the waters of the Straits of Mackinac, where the Great Lakes Huron and Michigan meet.

Sibelius Academy Music Festival, Hancock, September 19-25, 2010
Visiting musicians from Finland perform traditional and contemporary Finnish music in the 12th annual program co-hosted by Finlandia University.

Oktoberfest, Newberry, October 1-3, 2010
A weekend of polka music and dancing, lumberjack breakfast, logging competition and games.

30th Annual Somewhere in Time Weekend , Mackinac Island, October 15-17, 2010
Grand Hotel is the setting for the time-travel love story starring Christopher Reeves and Jane Seymour that draws fans who gather annually at the resort to dress in period clothing and experience the romance of the story.

Autumn Comforts Quilt Show , Marquette, October 16-17, 2010
More than 250 quilts on display in a bi-annual show at Northern Michigan University.