It’s officially fall and Halloween is just around the corner. Celebrate fall with these Oktoberfests and festivals and fairs happening this October in southeast Michigan.
Are you looking for some fall family fun? Head to a cider mill for apple cider and doughnuts or go fall foraging. You can even hit up an animal farm or go pick out a pumpkin at one of these patches.
If you’re in the mood to do something different, take the kids to one of these family-friendly coffee shops and then to do these train activities.
So, what are you waiting for? Take a look at what’s happening Oct. 1-2, 2022, and get to planning family fun.
Remember, some in-person events may be enforcing COVID-19 safety protocols such as frequent hand-washing or the use of face masks. Check with your chosen event or activity before you head out.
Events
Metro Detroit and Ann Arbor are always jam-packed full of family-friendly events. Here, we’ve picked some of our favorites going on this weekend. Don’t see anything your child will enjoy? Check out our online calendar for more!
American Speed Festival 2022 at M1 Concourse
Sept. 29-Oct. 3, 2022
- Address: 1 Concourse Drive, Pontiac
- Cost: $0-$200
Determine which Shelby is your favorite as it races around the motorway. There will also be live music, interactive displays from sponsors and auto vendors to add to the festive spirit at this family-friendly experience.
Carpathia Club Oktoberfest! at Carpathia Club
Sept. 30-Oct. 1, 2022
- Address: 38000 Utica Road, Sterling Heights
- Cost: $5/entry, free/under 21
Enjoy live music and entertainment, authentic German food, eating competitions and more.
Backyard Beer Garden at Palmer Commons
Oct 1, 2022
- Address: 304 S. Main St., Chelsea
- Cost: $5/person at the entrance; no advance ticket sales
Sample multiple Michigan brews, special cocktails and food from some local favorites. There will also be free games to play, including Giant Beer Pong, Giant Flip Cup, Cornhole, Giant Yahtzee, Giant Jenga, Giant Connect 4, Fowling and more.
Fall Fun Fest at Deneweth’s Garden Center
Oct 1-2, 2022
- Address: 16125 22 Mile Road, Macomb
- Cost: $10/child, free/adults
Take advantage of all that fall has to offer at Deneweth’s Garden Center. There’s a corn maze, straw mound, spooky train ride, pumpkin decorating and more. Concessions available for purchase.
Ferndale Fall Festival at Martin Road Park
Oct 1, 2022
- Address: 1615 E. Lewiston, Ferndale
- Cost: $8-$10
Celebrate the season with hayrides, pony rides, carnival games, prizes, crafts, roller skating, face painting, pumpkin painting, trick-or-treat trail and more.
Harvest Festival at Upland Hills Farm
Oct 1-2, 2022
- Address: 481 Lake George Road, Oxford
- Cost: $10/person, free/2 and under, group rate: $9/person if there’s 10 or more people
Enjoy farm show demonstrations, magic shows, hay rides, a walk through the storybook trail and more.
Saturday Storytime at 27th Letter Books
Oct. 1, 2022
- Address: 3546 Michigan Ave., Detroit
- Cost: Free
Join for a weekly story offering, made bilingual in Spanish and English. Following the reading, stay and explore the book themes through art studio time or an interactive activity.
SUE: The T. rex Experience at Cranbrook Institute of Science
Opens Oct. 1, 2022
- Address: 39221 Woodward Ave., Bloomfield Hills
- Cost: $10/non-member adults, $9/members, $8/non-member children ages 2-12 and seniors, free/enhanced members and children under 2. (Non-members must pay general admission, too)
This traveling exhibit comes from the Field Museum in Chicago and features an exact cast of SUE’s skeleton, measuring in at 40 feet from snout to tail and 13 feet tall at the hip.
The Great Fall Festival at the Maybury Farm
Oct. 1, 2022
- Address: 50165 Eight Mile Road, Northville
- Cost: $10/person, $16/person w/wagon ride, free/2 and under and must be seated on lap on wagon ride; additional costs for activities
This fest offers tractor drawn wagon rides, live music, farm animals, games, demonstrations, beeswax candle making, face painting and more.
Wilson Barn Pumpkin Fest
Oct. 1-2, 2022
- Address: 29350 W. Chicago, Livonia
- Cost: Free; $2/bounce house
Pick the perfect pumpkin, gourd or corn stalk to take home this fall and have a cider or doughnut while you’re there. Pony rides, petting zoo, hayrides, yard games and more available.
Fall Mushroom Hunt at Eddy Discovery Center
Oct. 2, 2022
- Address: 17030 Bush Road, Chelsea
- Cost: $2/person, $5/family
Find and collect fall mushrooms at Eddy Discovery Center. Then, mushroom experts Phil Tedeschi and Kirk Coppernoll will talk with you about what you have collected and identify those that are edible. Bring a basket or paper bag and waxed paper for collecting. Registration required.
Michigan Renaissance Festival at the Hollygrove Grounds
Through Oct. 2, 2022
- Address: 12600 Dixie Hwy., Holly
- Cost: $24.95/adults, $15.95/ages 5-12, free/4 and under
Fair maids and merry men take a step back to the 16th century for jousting tournaments, comedy and theater shows, music, games and “real” mythological creatures.
Van Gogh in America at Detroit Institute of Arts
Begins Oct. 2, 2022
- Address: 5200 Woodward Ave., Detroit
- Cost: $7-$29, free/members
Van Gogh in America is the first exhibition dedicated to the introduction and early reception of Vincent van Gogh’s art in the United States. The exhibition will display 68 works by Van Gogh
Around town
Family events packed with people can be overwhelming for some families, but that doesn’t mean you have to be bored this weekend either. These fun ideas will have you out of the house and exploring your community.
- Head to a local train spot and do these activities.
- Get cider and doughnuts at one of these cider mills.
- See the animals at these family farms.
- Take your family fall foraging.
- Try a kid-friendly coffee shop in your area.
At-home activities
The fun doesn’t stop just because you’re sticking close to home this weekend. Keep the kids entertained with these fun ideas including crafts, recipes, books to read and more!
- Watch It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown and try these activities.
- Make this paper pumpkin craft with your kids.
- Try this awesome applesauce recipe.
- Check out these Halloween books for different grade levels.
- Make these black and white crafts for Halloween.
This post is updated weekly.
Follow Metro Parent on Instagram.
