October ushers in a lively lineup of events that celebrate the joys of fall in the Ann Arbor area. With harvest parties, spooky 5K runs, art fairs, apple festivals, Halloween concerts, farm visits, and more on the agenda, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

The month is brimming with opportunities to savor the autumnal spirit and create lasting memories with your friends and family. So, grab your calendar and start filling it with these fantastic October events in and around Ann Arbor that promise fun, festivity, and fall-themed celebrations!

Jump Ahead:

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

Arts + Culture

Ann Arbor Antiquarian Book Fair | Ann Arbor

Where: Michigan Union

When: October 1

Returning in 2023 for its 47th year, the Ann Arbor Antiquarian Book Fair brings together booksellers and dealers from all across America! Here, you can explore a wide range of old and rare books, Americana, children’s books, autographs, manuscripts, maps, printings, ephemera, photography, fine press material and more. Admission is $5 and proceeds benefit the William L. Clements Library.

Fiber Expo | Ann Arbor

Where: Washtenaw Farm Council Grounds

When: October 7 + 8

Once during the spring and again during the fall, the Washtenaw Farm Council Grounds are filled with fiber products of all kinds at the Fiber Expo. 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.

Shovels & Rope | Ann Arbor

When: October 10

Where: The Ark

Shovels & Rope is an energetic two-piece band based in Charleston, South Carolina. The duo, Cary Ann Hearst and Michael Trent, “stirs up a righteous racket with two old guitars, a handful of harmonicas, the occasional keyboard, and a junkyard drum kit harvested from an actual garbage heap and adorned with tambourines, flowers and kitchen rags.” Hear some of their classic songs, alongside some more experimental tracks born out of the pandemic, at their show at The Ark on October 10! Tickets are on sale here.

Handcrafters Fall Fair | Livonia

Where: Embassy Suites

When: October 13 + 14

Photo Courtesy of Danielle Golinski via Handcrafters Fall Fair

The 2023 Handcrafters Fall Fair is your destination for the finest handmade goodies, specialty foods, décor, jewelry and more. Shop from more than 80 top artists from Michigan, Ohio, Illinois, Indiana and Wisconsin. This year’s event will be at the Embassy Suites in Livonia once again! Admission is $4 cash (or free for kids under 12) and is good for both days.

The Nightmare Before Christmas | Ann Arbor

When: October 15

Where: Michigan Theater

Experience the enchanting world of Tim Burton’s beloved classic, The Nightmare Before Christmas, as it graces the big screen at the historic Michigan Theater. Join Jack Skellington, the Pumpkin King of Halloweentown, as he stumbles upon Christmastown and becomes captivated by the holiday’s magic. This timeless tale of Halloween and Christmas colliding is a visual masterpiece that continues to captivate audiences of all ages. Don’t miss the opportunity to immerse yourself in the whimsical world of Jack, Sally, and all your favorite characters as they sing, dance, and spread holiday cheer in this Halloween-meets-Christmas extravaganza. Purchase tickets here!

Edgefest | Ann Arbor

Where: Kerrytown Concert House

When: October 18–21

Edgefest began in 1997 as a single-day event and has grown into a four-day 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 noteworthy for raising their voices and music in response to ongoing social justice issues. This year’s theme is “Rescued and Ready,” featuring a diverse and deeply inclusive roster of innovative artists, both local and international. For more details about the 2023 festival, click here.

Westside Art Hop | Ann Arbor

Where: Ann Arbor’s Old West Side 

When: October 21 + 22

Photo Courtesy of Spooky Toot via Westside Art Hop

Westside Art Hop is a twice-yearly event showcasing high-quality arts and crafts for sale to the public in a festive atmosphere. This art-walk-meets-art-fair takes place in the beautiful Westside neighborhood, where you can visit with the 70+ participating artists, ranging from a few relative beginners to experienced professionals. Peruse artwork, meet the artists, find decor for your home, and shop for holiday gifts! Click here for more details, including an interactive map you can follow.

A2 Artoberfest | Ann Arbor

Where: Downtown Ann Arbor

When: October 28 + 29

Celebrate the arts at A2 Artoberfest in downtown Ann Arbor, along Fourth Avenue and in Kerrytown Market. Over the course of two days, explore the work from about 100 jury-selected fine artists, enjoy live entertainment, snack on great food from local food trucks, and sip craft beer and cider. The best part? Admission is completely free! For the most up-to-date information about this year’s event, follow the A2 Artoberfest Facebook page.

University of Michigan Halloween Concert | Ann Arbor

Where: Hill Auditorium

When: October 29

The University of Michigan Symphony and University Philharmonia Orchestras are joining forces for this Halloween tradition. Graduate conducting students join together in leading musicians decked out in costumes for this one-hour concert, featuring thrilling, popular, and spine-tingling symphonic Halloween favorites. Come in costume or come as you are! Tickets range from $10-25.

Community Celebrations

Great Fall Festival at Maybury Farm | Northville

Where: Maybury Farm

When: September 30 + October 1

Photo Courtesy of Maybury Farm

Don’t miss Maybury Farm’s most popular event of the year, the Great Fall Festival! This two-day event features live music, activities, games, demonstrations, and a tractor-drawn wagon ride to the corn maze. There will be food available at various food trucks, plus beverages, old-fashioned candy and other snacks in the general store. Admission is $12 per person — or $20 per person with a wagon ride and the corn maze, with an additional cost for various activities. Kids under 2 are free (and must be seated on an adult’s lap during the wagon ride).

Horning Farms Fall Fest 2023 | Manchester

When: October 7

Where: Horning Farms

Horning Farms is hosting their second annual Fall Fest on October 7, featuring all sorts of farm-themed fun, including wagon ride farm tours, games, a petting area, and more. Plus, a variety of fall products and decorations will be available, including homegrown pumpkins, corn stalk bundles, mums, and mini straw bales. Their farm shop will also be open so you can stock up on their delicious cheese, butter, ice cream, chicken and beef, all sourced from the farm.

Pumpkins Lanterns & Leaves | Ann Arbor

When: October 13 + 14

Where: Matthaei Botanical Gardens

Join the autumn festivities in the Gaffield Children’s Garden at Matthaei Botanical Gardens as families celebrate the fall season. Pumpkins Lanterns & Leaves offers a delightful array of activities for young ones and their loved ones. Enjoy the warmth of cider and the sweetness of donuts while strolling through the enchanting Jack O Lantern Trail. Get creative with lantern crafts and participate in the Lantern Parade, where little ones can showcase their imaginative costumes. Don’t miss the captivating shadow puppets by Patrick Elkins, engage in various activities at the station, and be mystified by the magic tricks presented by Michigan Magic. Feel free to dress up in your favorite costumes — just remember to keep them friendly and not too spooky. While everyone is welcome, this event is primarily designed for children ages 4–10. Tickets are required for all attendees, but kids under 2 are admitted for free. 

29th Annual Appleumpkin Festival | Tecumseh

Where: Downtown Tecumseh

When: October 14 + 15

Head to downtown Tecumseh for their 29th Annual Appleumpkin Festival! Midway rides, carnival games, inflatables, bungee jumps, crafts, putt putt, a corn box, helicopter rides, monster truck rides — there’s a reason this is one of the area’s favorite fall festivals. There is also an antique street fair and flea market as well as an arts and crafts show. Click here for all the 2023 information. The Appleumpkin Festival is held in conjunction with the Kapnick Orchards Apple Festival, which means you can take a short drive to the apple orchard for fresh apples, cider and donuts, plus wagon rides, a petting zoo, and more than 80 craft booths. 

Diag Days | Ann Arbor

When: October 15–21

Where: University of Michigan Campus

Diag Days, taking place from October 15–21, offers a captivating week-long educational adventure on campus. With a lineup of daily lectures featuring exceptional faculty, including esteemed U-M professors, participants are in for an intellectually stimulating experience. Whether attendees come alone, with family, or friends, this event welcomes all, including non-alumni. The program offers a wide selection of engaging lectures by world-class University of Michigan professors and distinguished guest speakers, all set against the backdrop of the iconic Michigan League. In addition to the lectures, Diag Days provides opportunities for outdoor recreation, lively social events, and a chance to explore Ann Arbor’s finest dining, shopping, and cultural offerings.

ypsiGLOW | Ypsilanti

Where: Downtown Ypsilanti

When: October 27

From the same team that brings us FestiFools and FoolMoon every April, ypsiGLOW is a light-filled celebration through downtown Ypsi. This free community-built celebration showcases the city’s creativity and diversity with light-filled luminary processions, crazy costumes, public art installations, street art performances, music, dancing, and endless glowing fun. This year’s theme is GLOWCentennial, celebrating the 200th birthday of Ypsi and paying homage to the history and future of this bright city. Click here for more information, including a map of the luminary procession.

Sports

Wiard’s Orchard Run Scream Run | Ypsilanti

Where: Wiard’s Orchard, Ypsilanti

When: October 7

Get spooked at Run Scream Run at Wiard’s Orchard, which has been voted as the number one horror attraction in Michigan. You can choose to participate in the Terrorizing 10K, Freaky 5K or the Cider Mill Mile, and take part in a variety of other activities. Plus, you have the option to add on all the frills with their “a la carte” pricing model. Proceeds benefit Washtenaw Promise, an organization with a mission to “empower children in the Washtenaw County community who are facing serious obstacles, to help raise their potential for success in the family, in school and in their world.” Click here for more information and to register for this spooky race!

9th Annual Purple Run | Ann Arbor

When: October 21

Where: Duderstadt Center

Join the U-M Division of Public Safety & Security, Ann Arbor Police Department, Washtenaw County Prosecutor’s Office, and SafeHouse Center for the 9th Annual Purple Run on Saturday, October 21. This event marks an important collaboration in recognition of Domestic Violence Month, and is designed to raise awareness about the prevalence of domestic violence. With statistics revealing that 20 people experience inter-partner violence every 60 seconds, the Purple Run aims to work collectively to reduce this number and run domestic violence out of town. Registration is $35 in advance, $40 on the day of the event, with a $5 discount for students and free admission for children under 12. Proceeds from the 5K fun run support SafeHouse Center’s mission to create a community free of domestic violence and sexual assault. Register for the run to make a difference and show survivors they are not alone.

Ypsilanti Bicentennial 5K/10K Volksmarch | Ypsilanti

When: October 22

Where: Ypsilanti Freighthouse

Participate in the Ypsilanti Bicentennial 5K/10K Volksmarch, a special event designed as part of Ypsi’s Bicentennial Celebration, to showcase Ypsilanti’s rich history. From Depot Town to Woodruff’s Grove, Independence Island to the Water Tower, this walking tour offers a unique perspective on the city’s heritage. Participants have the option to purchase a map for $3 or join a guided group. The event kicks off at the Ypsilanti Freighthouse on Sunday, October 22 at 10 a.m. Don’t miss this opportunity to immerse yourself in Ypsilanti’s fascinating past!

Food + Drink

Dexter Apple Daze | Dexter

Where: Monument Park

When: October 7

Hosted by the Dexter Lions Club at Monument Park, Apple Daze invites the community to enjoy local apples and apple products, play a game of pumpkin bowling, hop around in the bounce house, take the family on festive hayrides, check out classic cars, listen to music in the gazebo, and participate in a pie-eating contest. And new this year — your four-legged family members can participate in the dog costume contest! For updates, check out the Facebook event here.

Happy October!

We hope you have a spooky, spectacular October!