October Festivals in Metro Detroit and Ann Arbor

The air is cooler, leaves are changing color, days are getting shorter, nights are longer — and the fun of summer has passed us by. But don’t get the wintertime blues just yet. Southeast Michigan is packed full of seasonal fairs and October festivals that will put the fun back into your fall.

Whether you’re looking to get a taste of other cultures, celebrate the season or just get out of the house before the blizzards hit, one of these fests in Macomb, Oakland, Washtenaw and Wayne counties are sure to be the right fit.

Check out this list for the perfect one for you and your family and, if you’re looking for even more October family fun, check out our roundup of Halloween events in metro Detroit, our favorite haunted houses and hayrides or the best corn mazes in the area.

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, plus food and drinks 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.

Fall Harvest Festival at Applewood Estate

Oct 1, 2022

• Address: 1400 E. Kearsley St., Flint
• Cost: Free        

This festival includes cider and apples, farm animals, hands-on demonstrations, harvest activities, live demonstrations and a sampling of fresh goodies made with ingredients grown right on-site.

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, hayrides, a walk through the storybook trail and more.

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.

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. 

A2 Artoberfest at Gutman Gallery

Oct. 8, 2022

• Address: 118 N. 4th St., Ann Arbor
• Cost: Free admission

Explore the work of 100 jury-selected fine artists at this event. There will also be live entertainment, food, drinks, shopping and more.

Fiber Expo at the Washtenaw Farm Council Grounds

Oct. 8-9, 2022

• Address: 5055 Ann Arbor Saline Road, Ann Arbor
• Cost: $4/admission for one day, $6/admission for two days, free/ages 12 and under (cash only)

This annual event brings in people who are interested in plant- and animal-based fibers, including wool, cotton, linen and more. 

Health Fair & Expo at Art Park Eastern Market

Oct. 8, 2022

• Address: 2801 Russell St., Detroit
• Cost: Free        

Wayne Pediatrics is hosting a community Health Fair & Expo at Art Park Eastern Market. The theme is “Treasure Your Health.” 

Diwali Festival of Lights Celebration at Heritage Park

Oct. 14, 2022 

• Address: 115 S. Canton Center, Canton
• Cost: Free 

Enjoy the festive tradition of India that celebrates the triumph of good over evil. Find Indian cultural performances, music, and dancing, as well as a children’s activity. Henna and Indian snacks from Authentikka will be available for an additional fee. 

Diwali Festival of Light at Riverside Park

Oct. 22, 2022

• Address: 3311 Squirrel Court, Auburn Hills
• Cost: Free/admission     

The event will feature a Diwali craft, dancing, Rangoli, a henna artist and end with a glow roll. For the glow roll, decorate yourself and/or your bike in all the glowing things, then walk/roll around the Riverside Park trail. All are welcome. 

HarvestFest at Freedom Hill County Park

Oct 22-23, 2022  

• Address: 14900 Metro Pkwy., Sterling Heights
• Cost: Free

There will be a pumpkin patch, trick-or-treating, games, live music, inflatables, outdoor movies, food trucks and more. Make sure to wear your costume. 

Haunted Trail at Halloweenfest at Ford Field Park

Oct. 22, 2022 

• Address: 22051 Cherry Hill St., Dearborn
• Cost: Free 

Come out to Ford Field Park dressed in costume and walk the Haunted Trail to the Ghost Pavilion. Celebrate with fun activities, food trucks and bags of candy for the kids. Recommended for elementary school aged children and their parents.

This post is updated regularly.