The arrival of fall is a decidedly festive time, bringing along everything from apple orchard outings to costume parties with friends. Harvest festivals provide a timeless and family-friendly way to appreciate the season, and you’ll surely want to check out a few such gatherings in Metro Detroit this year. As you plot out your autumn itinerary, keep these fun celebrations in mind.
1. Hallowe’en in Greenfield Village (October 7-10, 14-17, 21-24, 28-31)
Greenfield Village, Dearborn, MI 48124, USA
If you’ve never made your way to Greenfield Village in Dearborn for autumn activities, now is the time. This fascinating living history museum is a marvel to behold all year long, but it truly comes to life during the Halloween season, offering an assortment of history-inspired activities and displays for the whole family. Mingle with costumed characters, ride on the Halloween Express train, and sip hot cider as you stroll.
2. Zoo Boo at the Detroit Zoo (October 8-10, 15-17, 22-24)
Detroit Zoo, 8450 W 10 Mile Rd, Royal Oak, MI 48067, USA
There’s wild fun to be had at the Detroit Zoo this autumn, especially if you drop by for the annual Zoo Boo event. This kid-friendly event is full to the brim with pumpkin-themed displays, seasonal photo ops, and - of course - loads of animals. Tickets begin at $13 per person (ages 2 and up), while younger visitors can enter for free. We can’t imagine a more wonderful way to appreciate the fall holiday.
3. Auburn Hills Fall Festival in the Woods (October 9)
Hawk Woods Park and Campground, 3799 Bald Mountain Rd, Auburn Hills, MI 48326, USA
Venture to the Hawk Woods Nature Center in Auburn Hills for a wholesome experience at the annual Fall Festival in the Woods, which brings together families from throughout Metro Detroit for a classic harvest-time experience. You’ll have the chance to hop on a hayride, take part in pumpkin carving, and enjoy a few tasty donuts with cider. Admission is only $2 per attendee.
4. Tollgate Farm Pumpkinfest (October 2-3)
MSU Tollgate Farm and Education Center, 28115 Meadowbrook Rd, Novi, MI 48377, USA
Head to the beautiful 160-acre MSU Tollgate Farm in Novi for a fun weekend full of live music, outdoor activities for little ones, pumpkin bowling, harvest-themed decor, animal interaction, and so much more. Admission is just $5 per person and includes access to educational exhibits, a "strawland" for younger guests, and all sorts of autumn excitement.
5. Michigan Fall Festival (October 2-3)
Canterbury Village, 2359 Joslyn Ct, Orion Twp, MI 48360, USA
Canterbury Village in Lake Orion is a unique and family-friendly destination in any season, but it offers even more vibrant excitement than usual when fall arrives. From October 2-3, guests can stop by and appreciate the annual Michigan Fall Festival, which features a costume contest, carousel rides, pumpkin decorating, tasty cider and donuts, DJ’d music on site, and so much. You’ll make timeless memories here.
6. Harvest Festival (October 9-10)
Greenmead Historical Village, 20501 Newburgh Rd, Livonia, MI 48152, USA
This October, venture to Greenmead Historical Village in Livonia for its first annual Harvest Festival and Craft Show. This exciting new fest promises fun for visitors of all ages, offering everything from craft beer to a "kids zone" to food trucks galore. Whether you’re on the lookout for a handicraft to purchase or simply searching for a great way to get out of the house and appreciate autumn, this event has you covered.
7. People for Palmer Park Harvest Festival (October 2)
Palmer Park, Detroit, MI 48203, USA
You’ll find this fun celebration near the Splash Park in Palmer Park, making it an ideal option when you don’t want to venture too far from Detroit to experience fall fun. The festival promises an abundance of educational and playful activities, including a pumpkin hunt, hands-on animal experiences, a guided nature walk, live book readings and performances, and so much more. Best of all? Admission is completely free.
Do you and your loved ones plan to attend any of these harvest festivals near Detroit this year? Which of these events have you checked out during harvest seasons past? Share your favorite memories with us by leaving a Facebook comment or recommend another great fall activity in Metro Detroit by filling out our nomination form here .
Are you ready to plan your fall foliage tours for this year? Read about the best places to see fall colors in Detroit .
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