Fall Festivals in the Ann Arbor Area

Fall is the perfect time to enjoy the cooling weather, beautiful colors and cozy sweaters. One of the best ways to enjoy the season is to visit a fall festival. The Ann Arbor area has a variety of festivals that are sure to appeal to the different members of your family. Explore the list below to find exciting opportunities for family fun. 

Saline Oktoberfest

Saline Oktoberfest will have live music and German food and beer. The options for fun are endless, with a concert by Jedi Mind Trip, pageants, and even a Hammerspiel Tournament. Saturday the 16 will offer a “Kinderfest” with games and music for children.

Sept. 15 5-11 p.m, Sept. 16. 10 a.m.-11 p.m.

101 S Ann Arbor Street, Saline.

Harvest Fest 

The University of Michigan Sustainable Food Program and the Campus Farm is proud to present their annual Harvest Fest. In order to celebrate sustainability, this festival will have farm tours, games, music, and food. It is open to college students as well as the community. 

Date/Time: Sunday, Sept 24 from 1-4 p.m.

UM Campus Farm and Matthaei Botanical Gardens. 1800 N Dixboro Rd, Ann Arbor.

Fowling Warehouse Octoberfest Beer Festival: Benefit for Ele’s Place

The Fowling Warehouse is hosting a charity event to support Ele’s Place of Ann Arbor. Join them on September 30 for a night of sampling beer from 10 different breweries, and participating in the Fowling tournament. The organizers invite to you wear your lederhosen and bring a $30 dollar donation to help the kids of Ele’s Place. 

Sept. 30, 5-10 p.m.

Fowling Warehouse Ypsi Ann Arbor. 3050 Washtenaw Avenue, Ypsilanti.

First Steps Trike-a-Thon

First Steps of Ann Arbor’s Trike-a-Thon has fun events for the whole family: sidewalk chalk, a bike wash, a bike decoration station, a magician making balloon animals and more. Bring bikes, trikes, scooters, and wagons to practice your riding skills and get some exercise. Snacks and coffee will be provided. 

Oct. 1 from 9:30-11:30 a.m.

Ann Arbor Preschool & Family Center. 2775 Boardwalk Dr, Ann Arbor.

Horning Farms Fall Fest 

Horning Farms will celebrate autumn with a variety of fall-themed activities such as wagon rides, farm-themed games, farm tours (featuring fall favorites such as pumpkins, corn bundles and mums), a petting area and shopping. Enjoy the farm on a crisp autumn day!

Oct. 7 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

11834 E Pleasant Lake Rd, Manchester. 734-330-2635.

Fishville Farms Booth or Treat: A Craft & Vendor Show

Photo from Pexels.com.

Fishville Farms is hosting its second annual Booth or Treat event. Families can shop for Halloween-themed decor, festive gifts and more from over 40 vendor booths. Costumes are encouraged for trick-or-treating, food trucks, and a fun family day!

Oct. 14 and 15 from 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Chelsea Fairgrounds. 1000-1434 Old Manchester Rd, Chelsea.

The Petting Farm’s Fall Fest

There will be something for everyone at the Petting Farm’s Fall Fest! Enjoy fall games, tractor and pony rides, pumpkins, square dancing and delicious food trucks. There will be several child-focused events such as face-painting and crafts as well. You might also enjoy perusing the farmers market where local farmers will provide several fresh autumn foods. 

October 28 from 10 a.m.- 6 p.m. 

Dominos Farms Petting Farm. 3001 Earhart Rd, Ann Arbor. 734.998.0182, or email info@ pettingfarm.com. 

A2 Artoberfest

The Guild of Artists & Artisans is proud to provide food, drinks, music and displays of over 100 featured artists’ work. Stretched across Huron and Kerrytown, this event offers a relaxing stroll through beautiful artwork while you listen to local musicians. Adult beverages will be available, along with kid-friendly treats and drinks. 

Oct. 28 10 a.m.-7 p.m; Oct. 29 10 a.m.-4 p.m. 

Ann Street and North Fourth Ave, Ann Arbor. 734-995-7281 or email info@annarbor.org

Preservation Fall Fest

Fishville Farms Fall Festival LLC would love for you to attend their second annual Preservation Fall Fest! Come shop for festive decorations or holiday gifts from over 40 booths from local artisans. While you are there, you might also enjoy a food truck lunch from Baxter Dogs. A coffee truck from Sippity Split will also be part of the event.

Nov. 11 & 12, 2023, 10am – 4pm

Chelsea Fairgrounds 1400-1430 Old Manchester Road, Chelsea. 517-917-5776 or email fishvillefarmscreationsevents@gmail.com

Dr. Alyssa Whitford
Dr. Alyssa Whitford
Author: Dr. Alyssa Whitford is a former K-12 teacher and current professor of education at Hope College in Holland, MI. She is passionate about literacy, social studies, and all things education. She is also a proud parent to two children of her own and loves sharing the holiday season with family.

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