November seems to straddle the fall and winter, bringing us some of our favorite festivities from both seasons, like turkey trots, football games, holiday markets, and wine festivals. It’s all about maximizing coziness and making the most of this chilly month in Ann Arbor!

Add these can’t-miss November events in the Ann Arbor area to your calendar to properly welcome the holiday season. Happy November!

Jump Ahead:

Arts + Culture | Community Celebrations | Sports | Food + Drink

 

Arts + Culture

Holiday Craft and Vendor Show | Ypsilanti

Where: Huron Valley PACE, Ypsilanti

When: November 4

It’s never too early to get your holiday shopping done! Kick off the month of November — and the holiday season — at the Holiday Craft and Vendor Show at Huron Valley PACE in Ypsi. This is your chance to shop from local artists and vendors all in one convenient location!

 

The Wonderland Ball | Ypsilanti

Where: The Riverside Arts Center, Ypsilanti

When: November 4

The Riverside Arts Center is hosting a whimsical evening filled with enchantment and wonder. Unleash your wild side at The Wonderland Ball, an immersive, one-of-a-kind art exhibition. This year’s exhibition will feature the work of local artists illustrating their vision of Wonderland — and the creatures and characters that lurk within. Alongside the artwork, enjoy live music from Alex Anest, DJ music from DJ DeLorean, and a costume contest! Get more details and purchase your tickets for this 21+ event here.

 

36th Annual Ann Arbor Jewish Book Festival | Ann Arbor

Where: Online + In Person

When: November 5–19

Extending from November 5–19, this two-week festival celebrates culture and the arts — specifically, Jewish books and authors. All events are free and open to the public, and most authors will be presenting over Zoom, with a few events held in person. Click here for more information about the 2023 event, and check out the books that will be discussed this year!

 

Saline Craft Show | Saline

Where: Saline Middle School, Saline

When: November 11

Featuring an impressive lineup of products and crafts from more than 250 local makers, bakers and entrepreneurs, the Saline Craft Show is the perfect place to shop small before the holidays. Organized through Saline Middle School, the youth groups involved get the opportunity to practice life skills and leadership, as well as earn money for their activities. So, swing by the school on November 11th to shop and support local! Admission is just $5 per person and free for kids 10 and under.

 

Ann Arbor Orchid Society Orchid Show | Ann Arbor

Where: Matthaei Botanical Gardens, Ann Arbor

When: November 18 + 19

The Ann Arbor Orchid Society is moving their annual Orchid Show from March to November this year! But you can expect the same orchid-centric fun at this beloved event — including orchid displays, free orchid classes, orchid vendors, and orchid raffles. Admission to this event is free! The show and sale will take place both days from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Get more information on the Facebook event page!

 

Double Tiger Vintage Market Holiday Edition | Ann Arbor

Where: HOMES Brewery, Ann Arbor

When: November 25

Don’t miss the annual Double Tiger Vintage Market Holiday Edition at HOMES Brewery on Small Business Saturday and the following day. This market will feature 40 local and regional vendors selling artisan crafts, handmade goods, vintage clothing, fine art, and more. Plus, HOMES will be pouring beer and local food vendors will be parked on site serving food. This event is free and open to all ages — plus your furry friends!

 

Community Celebrations

All Hallows Illumination of Frog Island | Ypsilanti

Where: Frog Island Park, Ypsilanti

When: November 1

Photo Courtesy of All Hallows Illumination of Frog Island

Keep the spookiness going after Halloween at the All Hallows Illumination of Frog Island, happening the day after the holiday. On November 1st, bring your aging jack o’lanterns to the Frog Island Park amphitheater for one last celebration, and watch fire spinners and other carnival performers! This event is completely free and costumes are encouraged.

 

Wine, Women & Shopping | Chelsea

Where: Downtown Chelsea

When: November 10 + 11

Kick off the holiday shopping season with Wine, Women & Shopping, an annual event in downtown Chelsea focused on supporting the city’s amazing local shops and restaurants. Take advantage of discounts, deals, free samples and services, and spend the day with your sister, mom or friend while checking some items off your shopping list! To see the list of the 20+ participating local spots, click here.

 

Sports

Bonfyre Trail Fest | Chelsea

Where: Waterloo State Recreation Area, Chelsea

When: November 4

Lace up your trail running shoes and participate in the relatively new Bonfyre Trail Fest run at the DTE Energy Foundation Trail in Waterloo State Recreation Area. Travel on foot through pines, along steep embankments and around boulders and enjoy that signature Pure Michigan beauty all the while! Choose your distance — including the 5-mile, 10-mile or 18-mile run. All participants will receive a custom cozy beanie and post-race food, with a live band playing and a beer garden flowing. Click here for more information and to register. 

 

The Original A2 Turkey Trot | Dexter

Where: Hudson Mills Metropark, Dexter

When: November 12

Photo Courtesy of Epic Races

Epic Races is celebrating Thanksgiving the only way they know how — with a race through Hudson Mills Metropark! This annual running and walking event features three different distances: a 5K loop around scenic Hudson Mills, a 10K course comprising two 5K loops, and a quick 1-mile fun run. If you’re looking for a challenge, you can run both the 5K and 10K races for a total of 9.3 miles in the Iron Turkey challenge! Plus, there are a variety of free races for kids, including a 200-meter dash, a 1-mile fun run, and a 5K. Click here for more information and to register for this exciting autumn tradition in Dexter.

 

Michigan Home Games | Ann Arbor

Where: The Big House, Ann Arbor

When: November 4 + 25

November is an exciting month for Michigan football — and we have two home games throughout the month you won’t want to miss! Make your way to the Big House on November 4 to see Michigan face off against Purdue, and return on November 25 as we take on Ohio State. Click here to see the full schedule and purchase tickets.

Ann Arbor Turkey Trot | Ann Arbor

Where: Downtown Ann Arbor

When: November 23

Photo Courtesy of Ann Arbor Turkey Trot

The Ann Arbor Turkey Trot is back on Thanksgiving Day for the 17th year! Before you feast, stretch your legs and participate in this fun 5K — and don’t forget your holiday costume because there will be a costume contest. Plus, enjoy hot chocolate and cookies at the finish line, photos with Turkey Tom and Santa, and much more. There is also a Tot Trot 1K for little ones before the 5K begins. Register for this fun and festive holiday race here!

Food + Drink

Fishville Farms Fall Festival Food Drive Craft & Vendor Show | Chelsea

Where: Chelsea Community Fair, Chelsea

When: November 11 + 12

Fishville Farms in Grass Lake is hosting their 2nd Annual Fall Festival Food Drive Craft & Vendor Show! Not only do you get to enjoy a day of fall fun, but this event gives back to the community by collecting non-perishable food donations for those in need. Enjoy food truck food, a coffee truck, and more than 40 local vendors selling all sorts of crafts and gifts. Plus, don’t miss the gift basket giveaway! This family-friendly event is completely free — but just come ready to donate food and get your holiday shopping done!

 

Guernsey Chocolate Run | Northville

Where: Northville

When: November 12

Photo Courtesy of Kona Running Company

Michigan’s largest chocolate party is back and bigger than ever! Celebrate the holidays with a variety of chocolatey treats and drinks — oh, and a fun race. This running and walking event, hosted by Kona Running Company, will feature a 800-meter fun run for kids, a 5K and 10K race along with live music, a chocolate party and so much more. The chocolate buffet will feature ice cream, shaved chocolate, baked chocolate goods, and other chocolatey goodness — of course, including Guernsey’s Chocolate Milk. Click here for more information and to register.  

 

Have a Wonderful November!

What events are you looking forward to this month in Ann Arbor? Let us know in the comments below!