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14 Things to Do October 2020 in the Ann Arbor Area

October is almost here and we’ve completely embraced the fall festivities—and so have our Ann Arbor area communities. This month is going to look very different than last year, but there’s still plenty of exciting fall fun to be had around Ann Arbor.

To prove it to you, we’ve rounded up some of our most-anticipated events along with some must-try fall activities to participate in this month. Read through our list and start enjoying autumn in A2!

 

Events

Virtual Autumn Stroll | Ann Arbor

Where: Anywhere

When: October 4

Every year, the Ann Arbor and Bloomfield Sky Foundation leads an autumn stroll through Ann Arbor to help raise money for awareness and research into pancreatic cancer. Due to the pandemic, they have moved this event online, which means you can enjoy a walk, run, bike or swim through A2 on your own to help the cause. All proceeds raised in this event go to the U of M Pancreatic Research Center. Click here to register and to learn more about the annual event.

 

Glow Disc Golf Tournament | Whitmore Lake

Where: Independence Lake County Park

When: October 9, 7-11 p.m.

For the fifth year, this after-hours disc golf tournament is returning to Independence Lake County Park! The 18 holes will be lit by glow sticks, giving you the chance to see the park in a whole new light. Registration costs $30 and includes park entry and a player pack. For all the details, click here.

 

The Annual Fiber Expo | Ann Arbor

Where:  Washtenaw Farm Council Grounds

When: October 10, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. & October 11, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

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Once during the spring and again during the fall, the Washtenaw Farm Council Grounds are filled with fiber products of all kinds. Come by to shop, learn and meet the makers of wool, linen and cotton crafts, see real alpacas and more! Children 12 years and under are admitted for free, while adults pay just $4 cash for one day or $6 for two. Social distancing is encouraged and face coverings are required.

 

Online Holiday Market | Ann Arbor

Where: Online

When: October 17, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

Get a jump start on your 2020 holiday shopping with this special virtual event from Northside Community Church! While this holiday vendor show is normally an in-person affair, they’ve altered it due to the pandemic to keep volunteers and guests safe. While they haven’t announced exactly what they are planning for this unique, online event, you can follow their Facebook event page for the most up-to-date information.

 

Edgevest 2020 | Ann Arbor

Where: Online

When: October 23rd

Edgefest began in 1997 as a single-day event and has grown into a huge festival that includes collaborations and educational outreach, the Edgefest Parade, and so much more. Hosted annually by Kerrytown Concert House, the event is focused on avant-garde jazz and creative new music performed by artists from the United States and around the globe. This year, they are planning a virtual twist on the classic event, offering a six-event schedule of streaming performances, kicking off on October 23rd. Click here for more information!

 

ypsiGLOW | Ypsilanti

Where: TBD

When: October 23rd

yspiGLOW Ypsilanti, Michigan

Photo courtesy of Leisa Thompson and WonderFools Productions

From the same team that brings us FestiFools and FoolMoon every April, ypsiGLOW is a light-filled celebration through downtown Ypsilanti. This year, due to the pandemic, ypsiGLOW is going to look a little different. They haven’t announced exactly what they are planning for 2020 yet, but you can follow them on Facebook for updates.

 

Fall Fun

Pick a Pumpkin at a Local Pumpkin Patch

Southeast Michigan and our Ann Arbor area communities have been built on a strong agricultural history. As a result, we’re blessed with year-round farmers’ markets, local agriculture experiences, and plenty of places to pick a pumpkin and sip fresh apple cider every fall. This month, don’t miss the height of pumpkin season and head to a local patch to pick one up. Whether you’re planning on using it as seasonal decor or want to carve it up before Halloween, picking a pumpkin in A2 is a must every fall. Click here for a full list of our favorite local pumpkin patches, corn mazes and apple orchards to get started on your seasonal bucket list!

 

Get Spooked at a Haunted House

Thrill-seekers get excited—it’s haunted house season! The Ann Arbor area loves a good scare, so it’s no surprise that locals love putting together haunted attractions including houses, mazes, forests and even virtual reality haunts every year. Click here for a list of our favorite haunted houses near Ann Arbor, if you dare.

 

Peep the Changing Leaves

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Michigan is famous for its fall foliage. You can encounter a kaleidoscope of color found in our state’s open spaces, along the shores of our lakes and rivers, across rolling hillsides, and even in our tree-filled cities. Right in Ann Arbor, you can meander the sidewalks and parks of the Old West Side, Huron Parkway or the University of Michigan campus. But if you have a little extra time and a stronger craving for brilliant reds, oranges and golds, we recommend hitting up regional parks and recreational areas! Click here for a full list of our favorite spots to peep autumn leaves all across town.

 

Enjoy Hard Cider and Live Music at Northville Winery

This hometown spot makes all their wine, hard cider and beer on-site and is open year-round with frequent live music events and a delectable calendar of local food trucks. To see what’s on tap and what events are coming up, check out the website here! Just don’t forget to wear masks and to social distance when possible.

 

Indulge in a Local Pumpkin Spice Latte

We’re the first ones to admit that we love a good pumpkin spice latte. But instead of going out of our way to support mega-chains this season, we plan on getting our PSL fix at a local coffee shop! Luckily, Zingerman’s Coffee has one of the best in town, offering it in August, September, October and November for fall enthusiasts.

 

Get Apple Cider Donuts from Three Cedars Farm

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Photo courtesy of Three Cedars Farm

There’s just something about a fluffy apple cider donut that makes it feel like fall is finally here. This month, head to Three Cedars Farm for their iconic treats and a cup of warm apple cider. Currently, due to the pandemic, they have set up a drive-through so you don’t even have to get out of the car to enjoy all of the deliciousness this hometown farm has to offer.

 

Grab a Beer at Jolly Pumpkin Artisan Ales

Founded by Ron Jeffries in 2004, Jolly Pumpkin began in Dexter and now operates pubs and tap houses in Dexter, Ann Arbor, Detroit, Traverse City, Royal Oak, Grand Rapids and Chicago. Each location—whether full-service pub or casual taproom—offers its own character, menu and lineup of sour, artisanally aged Jolly Pumpkin beers. And it’s not only the name that has pumpkin in it. In 2017, they finally released a sour pumpkin ale made with pumpkin, a pumpkin spice blend and cacao nibs. To see what’s pouring right now nearest you, you can see all their locations here.

 

Happy October!

We hope you have a fantastic month! Which of these fun, local activities will you do first?

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