Now that October has arrived, we’ve completely embraced the fall festivities—and so have our Ann Arbor area communities. This month’s lineup includes craft shows where you can shop fall treats and find the perfect holiday gifts, holiday-themed concerts, terrifying attractions, and some of our most anticipated annual events.
Join the fun this October and attend an event in Ann Arbor, Ypsilanti, Dexter or Chelsea!
 

Jump ahead:

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

 

Arts + Culture

 

Ann Arbor Antiques Market | Ann Arbor

October 20 – 21, various times | Washtenaw Farm Council  

Established in 1968, this historic antique market has been fueling our love of home decor and vintage finds for fifty years. Admission is $6 with free parking and kids are admitted for free! Come by in October to peruse antiques, jewelry, paintings, mid-century and Industrial design, folk art, repurposed furniture and more. It’s the perfect place to get some holiday shopping done!
 

Ann Arbor Annual Arts & Crafts Show | Ann Arbor

October 20, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. | New Grace Apostolic Temple  
This juried arts and crafts show costs just $2 for guests over 12-years-old and includes shopping from more than 60 artists and crafters, a complimentary Kids Korner and face painting, access to food concessions and baked goods, door prizes and more. The show is celebrating its 10th anniversary in 2018 so don’t miss out on the fun!
 

Westside Art Hop | Ann Arbor

October 20, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. | Old West Side
Westside Art Hop is presented as Michigan’s quirkiest Art Walk. The twice-yearly event showcases high-quality arts and crafts for sale to the public in a festive atmosphere. While exploring the West Side, you can peruse artworks, meet the artists, find decor for your home, or shop holiday gifts!
 

Band-O-Rama: True Blue! | Ann Arbor

October 21, 4 p.m. | Hill Auditorium  
A tried and true UM tradition, Band-O-Rama showcases the musical talents of all the University of Michigan bands. Celebrating its 54th anniversary this October, you can expect a classic mix of musical genres and an incredible musical performance.
 

Halloween Concert | Ann Arbor

October 28, 4:30 p.m. | Hill Auditorium  
The University of Michigan orchestras are joining forces for this Halloween tradition. Featuring spooky sounds, musical classics and Halloween favorites, the show celebrates the holiday with tricks, treats and great music. Come in costume or come as you are!
 
 

Community Celebrations

 

Night Terrors | Ypsilanti  

September 22 – October 31, various times | Wiard’s Orchard

Michigan’s premier haunted attraction comes alive once again this October. Open at 7:15 p.m. on Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings through October 28th and then again on Halloween night, Night Terrors features 89 acres of terror. The six haunted attractions include The Asylum, Hayride of the Lost, The Ultimate Haunted Barn and less frightening options like Scaryoke Live Music and Wiard’s Bakery where you can enjoy the homemade cider and caramel apples of Wiard’s Orchard.
For more information on the less haunted fall attractions available at Wiard’s Orchard, check out 19 Pumpkin Patches, Apple Orchards and Cider Mills You Can Visit Near Ann Arbor.
 

ypsiGLOW | Ypsilanti

October 26, sunset | Downtown Ypsilanti  
From the same team that brings us FestiFools and FoolMoon every April, ypsiGLOW is a light-filled celebration through Downtown Ypsi. In the weeks leading up to the event, local artists, businesses and organizations host GLOWorkshops so you can create your own luminary and costume. Then, you can join the community on October 26th for a celebration of Ypsilanti and art! Follow the team on Facebook for updates on workshops and the big event.
 
 

Sports

 

University of Michigan Homecoming Game | Ann Arbor

October 6, 2018 | The Big House

The University of Michigan faces off against the Maryland Terrapins for their homecoming game on October 6th. If you want to watch live in The Big House, get your tickets here.
The Wolverines also play Wisconsin at home on October 13th! See the full football schedule here.
 

Girls on the Run Superhero 5k | Dexter

October 21, 2 p.m. | Hudson Mills Metropark
This costumed race benefits Girls on the Run of Southeastern Michigan‘s financial assistance program. Suitable for kids and adults, race day includes three events: a 5k run/walk, a one-mile fun run and a kids dash for participants five years and younger. For registration information and pricing, check out the website.
 
 

Food + Drink

 

Art & Brew 2018 | Ann Arbor

October 4, 5:30 – 9 p.m. | Downtown Ann Arbor

Hosted by Ann Arbor Art Center and various Downtown businesses, Art & Brew 2018 is a celebration of local food and drink and a competition for the best food and beer pairing. When you buy your $50 ticket, you’ll be invited to join the bar crawl traveling to each participating restaurant to taste their beer and snack pairings, to create your own art at each one, and then to vote for the best pairing using #ArtandBrew on your favorite Social Media platform. See the participating venues and get more information here.  
 

Apple Daze Festival | Dexter

October 6, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. | Monument Park  
Hosted by the Dexter Lions Club in Downtown Dexter, Apple Daze Festival invites the community to enjoy local apples and apple products, participate in apple pie eating contests, take the family on festive hayrides and shop craft booths from local vendors and artists.
 

Chelsea Smoke & Ale Festival | Chelsea

October 12 – 13, various times | Chelsea Fairgrounds  
Smoke & Ale is a beer festival, BBQ cook-off and cornhole tournament all rolled into one. Featuring live music, local food vendors and a kids area as well, the event is family-friendly and costs just $5 for admission! Follow the team on Facebook for updates.
 
 

Happy October!