30 Things To Do in
West Michigan This Fall
It’s officially fall! Make the most of this season by attending one of the fun-filled West Michigan fall events. From festivals to concerts to markets, there is something for everyone in this year’s calendar. We’ve compiled a list of the coolest seasonal events to keep your eye on this fall.
Table of Contents
Seasonal Festivals
Get ready for a blast at the Rockford Harvest Festival, where classic cars shine and the aroma of chili fills the air! Join in on the fun with live entertainment, tasty Rotary Chicken Dinners, and unique finds at the Grandma’s Attic Sale. With hayrides and an Antique Tractor Show & Parade, this festival is a celebration of community and autumn vibes!
Details + Dates:
- September 27: 12pm-10pm
- September 28: 8am-10pm
- September 29: 10am-4pm
- Downtown Rockford
Holland Fall Fest is the ultimate autumn extravaganza, featuring jaw-dropping live pumpkin carving and family-friendly activities that’ll keep everyone smiling! Don’t miss the chance to rock out to Michigan-IO at the Knickerbocker Theatre, and explore artisan markets and hayrides at Windmill Island Gardens — perfect for a cozy fall day!
Details + Dates:
- October 4 & 5
- 10:00pm-10:00pm
- Downtown Holland
Dive into the rich tapestry of Polish culture at Pulaski Days, a lively six-day celebration in Grand Rapids! Savor delicious traditional food, jam to live music, and cheer on contestants in the pierogi and kielbasa eating contests. With a festive parade and karaoke, it’s a heartwarming gathering that brings everyone together!
Details + Dates:
- October 1-6
- Various Locations
Ink lovers, rejoice! The Grand Rapids Tattoo Festival is your chance to connect with over 200 top artists for three days of incredible tattooing and artistry. Whether you’re getting a new tattoo or simply admiring the artistry, this festival is a vibrant celebration of creativity and self-expression!
Details + Dates:
- October 25: 12pm-10pm
- October 26: 11am-10pm
- October 27: 11am-7pm
- DeVos Place
Join the vibrant Grand Rapids Dia de los Muertos Festival, where remembrance meets celebration! Marvel at beautifully crafted altars honoring loved ones, savor delicious Latino food, and get hands-on with workshops and crafts. This festival is a heartfelt tribute to life, culture, and community!
Details + Dates:
- October 26: 5pm–9pm
- October 27: 3pm–9pm
- Roosevelt Park
Calling all superheroes and fans! Grand Rapids Comic Con is your playground of imagination, packed with engaging fan panels, epic cosplay, and thrilling gaming experiences. With an Artist Alley bursting with talent and film festivals celebrating your favorites, this is the ultimate destination for every pop culture enthusiast!
Details + Dates:
- November 15 at 12pm
- November 16 & 17 at 10am
- DeVos Place
Family Friendly Events
Join the block party outside Kendall College of Art and Design to celebrate ArtPrize 2024! Enjoy food trucks, a cash bar, and a stunning circus performance as this year’s winners are announced.
Details + Dates:
- Friday, September 27
- 6:30pm-10:00pm
- KCAD Woodbridge Building
Get ready for the Zoo Goes Boo, where the zoo transforms into a Halloween wonderland! Enjoy spooky decorations, 13 treat stations, and magical performances. Costumes are encouraged for all ages—bring the whole family for a wickedly fun day!
Details + Dates:
- October 11-13
- October 18-20
- October 25-27
- 10am-5pm
- John Ball Zoo
Celebrate fall at the Meijer Gardens! Enjoy food trucks, pumpkin carving, and lively music while exploring a colorful harvest of heirloom vegetables and giant pumpkins. It’s a perfect autumn outing for families!
Details + Dates:
- Every Tuesday in October
- 9am-9pm
- Frederik Meijer Gardens
Tricks & Treats at Michigan’s Adventure
Join the fun at Tricks and Treats, Michigan’s Adventure’s Halloween event! Enjoy tasty treats, spooky activities, and popular rides for the whole family. Little ones will love the Spooktacular Costume Parade — get ready for a memorable Halloween!
Details + Dates:
- Saturdays: 12pm-6pm
- Sundays: 12pm-4pm
- September 14-October13
- Michigan’s Adventure
Don’t miss the Halloween Bash at the Market, featuring over 100 vendors, food trucks, and live entertainment! Check out Goblin Lane, showcasing young artists aged 5-16. It’s a lively celebration of community and Halloween spirit!
Details + Dates:
- Sunday, October 6
- 3pm-7pm
- Fulton Street Farmers Market
Grab your pup and head to the Eastown Howl-Oween Pawty for a day of festive fun! Enjoy a pet costume contest, local vendors, live music, and activities for the whole family. Dress up and celebrate with fellow pet lovers!
Details + Dates:
- Saturday, October 26
- 12pm-4pm
- Wilcox Park
Pop-Ups & Markets
This two-day event kicks off autumn with style, featuring over 180 carefully curated vendors from across the U.S. Discover unique vintage finds and handmade treasures while enjoying live performances and delicious eats from local food trucks. Bring the whole family for a weekend of shopping, fun, and festive vibes — perfect for welcoming fall!
Details + Dates:
- September 27 & 28
- 12pm-6pm
- Hudsonville Fairgrounds
West Michigan has become a hub for vintage fashion in the past couple of years. If you’re in the mood for a shopping spree, hunting down a specific piece, or just like to look, this is a great festival to attend with over 60 vendors selling clothes, accessories, decor, and more!
Details + Dates:
- September 29
- 12pm-6pm
- Grand Rapids Downtown Market
Stroll through the colorful stalls of the Fulton Street Farmers Market, brimming with one-of-a-kind pieces from one of the 100+ talented vendors. This art market is bursting with creativity, showcasing unique handmade artwork, exquisite crafts, locally grown flowers, and more!
Details + Dates:
- Sunday, October 13
- 11am-4pm
- Fulton Street Farmers Market
Merchants of the Macabre Oddities Market
Step into a world of the extraordinary at this Oddities Market, where the bizarre and the beautiful collide! A captivating collection of vendors awaits, showcasing an eclectic mix of taxidermy, skeletal specimens, tarot cards, art prints, and true crime memorabilia.
Details + Dates:
- Sunday, October 27
- 10am-7pm
- Grand Rapids Downtown Market
Food & Drink Events
You won’t want to miss this unique beer/art experience during ArtPrize, one of the largest art exhibits in the world! This tour takes you to Harmony Brewing Co., Kusterer Brauhaus, and Atwater Brewery, featuring 12 large beer samples, a brewery tour, and transportation with a knowledgeable guide. Not an art buff? No problem—the beer is the main event, with art as a fun bonus!
Details + Dates:
- Friday, September 27
- 5pm-9pm
- Downtown Grand Rapids
Celebrate Oktoberfest right here in Grand Rapids! This family-friendly, free event features German beer, delicious food, and live music for all ages. Enjoy games, Dachshund racing, keg rolling, and a Trachten outfit contest — there’s something for everyone!
Details + Dates:
- September 27: 3pm-10pm
- September 28: 12pm-10pm
- Until July 26
- Riverside Park
Downtown GR Walking Food Tours
Embark on a mouthwatering Walking Food Tour through the heart of downtown Grand Rapids! Experience the city’s vibrant culinary scene, stopping at five local eateries to savor delicious flavors. Each tour covers about 1 mile with plenty of stops to indulge!
Details + Dates:
- October 12 & October 19
- 11:30am-2:30pm
- Tickets required
Cocktails & Comedy Date Nights
Plan your next date night with an intimate night of laughter and cocktails! You’ll be in for a night filled with hilarious comedy acts and delicious drinks — mark your calendar and get ready to laugh!
Details + Dates:
- First Sunday of Each Month
- 8:00pm-9:30pm
- SidebarGR
Get ready for a spine-tingling good time at the Boos & Brews Bar Crawl! Dress in your best Halloween costume to enjoy no cover at participating bars, spooky DJ tunes, and a color-changing cup for all your drinks. It’s the ultimate Halloween party with 7+ bars to explore!
Details + Dates:
- Saturday, October 19
- 6pm-1am
- Starts at the B.O.B.
Music & Entertainment
Murder Mystery Co’s Dinner Theatre
Enjoy a thrilling three-course dinner paired with captivating entertainment that will keep you guessing. Prepare for an evening of crime, cuisine, and cocktails that you won’t soon forget!
Details + Dates:
- Friday Sept 27 & Nov 11 at 7pm
- Saturday Oct 12 & Nov 23 at 6:30pm
- Pietro’s Italian Restaurant
- Tickets required
He earned his stripes on Broadway, and now the ghost-with-the-most is making his way to Grand Rapids! Based on Tim Burton’s iconic film, Beetlejuice the Musical follows the eccentric Lydia Deetz as she encounters a recently deceased couple and a mischievous demon. Get ready for a wildly entertaining night!
Details + Dates:
- October 8-October 13
- Performance times vary by day
- Tickets required
Break out your boots & bolos for Country Night, where an evening of delicious dinner, lively music, and fun dancing awaits! Enjoy a great meal starting at 5pm, then dive into dance lessons starting at 6:30. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro, come and enjoy!
Details + Dates:
- Every third Friday at Social Dance Studio
- Doors open at 5pm, Dancing starts at 6:30pm
- Tickets required
- Reservations recommended for groups of 4+
Fright Night by Grand Rapids Symphony
Prepare for a spine-tingling evening at GR Symphony’s Fright Night! Under the baton of conductor Bob Bernhardt, immerse yourself in eerie melodies from spooky cinema. Watch out, you may even find yourself sitting next to a vampire, a ghost, or even a zombie — oh my!
Details + Dates:
- November 1 & 2
- 7:30pm
- Tickets required
Sit back and enjoy live music at Ed Dunneback & Girls Farm Market. It’s the best treat after going out for their produce U-Pick. Just be sure to bring your own fold-out chair or your favorite picnic blanket!
Details + Dates:
- Fridays: 6pm-9pm
- Saturdays & Sundays: 1pm-4pm
- Free admission
Active Events
Have a peaceful start to your weekend with a relaxing indoor yoga series at Blandford Nature Center! Classes include posture, breath-work, and meditation in a scenic woodland setting. Just bring your yoga mat and get ready to unwind — no experience needed!
Details + Dates:
- Every Saturday Morning
- September 28-November 23
- 8:30am
- Blandford Nature Center
Join the fun at the annual Spooky Sprint 5k/10k & Half Marathon, perfect for the whole family! Be sure to stick around after the race for the after party with trick-or-treat stations, a costume contest, live DJ, and plenty of food and drinks!
Details + Dates:
- Sunday, October 13
- Packet Pickup starts at 7:30am
- Race Starts at 9am
- Millenium Park
Lace up for the 32nd Annual Grand Rapids Turkey Trot, on the morning of Thanksgiving Day! Pack in your workout for the day before packing in that Thanksgiving feast! Proceeds from the race go to Grand Rapids Public Schools athletics.
Details + Dates:
- Thursday, November 28
- 8:30am
- Van Andel Arena
- Registration Required
Get your dancing shoes on and join in on Swing Dancing at Rosa Parks Circle! This weekly event is a great way to get moving and practice your moves with a lively community brought together by the Grand Rapids Swing Society. All ages are welcome, no partner needed!
Details + Dates:
- Tuesdays
- 7:00pm–9:30pm
- Until October 15
More Fall Things To Do in West Michigan
Looking for more of the classic Michigan fall experience outside of just events? We can’t blame you — one of the perks of living in West Michigan is getting to celebrate each distinct season to the fullest. Lucky for you, we have some guides that may help!
We’ve compiled a list of our favorite orchards in West Michigan, along with some fall activities in Grand Rapids. This includes local farmers markets, Halloween-themed events, and nearby vineyards, wine tastings, and taprooms!
Looking for even more things to do?
Get ready for an autumn full of fun activities!
