With October just around the corner, the Mackinaw City Chamber of Commerce and Village of Mackinaw City are excited to roll out a new line-up of Northern Michigan events. Fall into Mackinaw is a month-long celebration of beautiful weather, color, fudge and fun at the tip of the mitt, presented by Odawa Casino and Pinecrest Village at Mackinaw.
Beginning October 6, the village will come alive with activities such as the Great Pumpkin Hunt, Fort Fright, Go with the Glo—a glowing 5K run/walk, a Fudge Prowl, Creepy Critter Pet Parade to benefit the Cheboygan County Humane Society, Trick or Treat at Mystery Town USA and Trunk or Treat at Old School Park. (Full event schedule below.)
The culmination of the celebration, however, will be the Monster Mash Street Bash on October 13. Starting at 1 p.m., Central Avenue will close down to traffic and open for fun. There will be a large selection of inflatable bounce houses and obstacle courses (wristband required) for children, face painting by Creation Station, live music by Evan Archambo and Billy Jewell, games, beer and wine, grilled dogs and brats by the Mackinaw Chamber Ambassadors, photo stations, hayrides, contests and a street dance from 7–10 p.m. hosted by Northern Entertainment. Halloween costumes are encouraged but not required.
Wristbands for children to enjoy the bounce houses and obstacle courses will be $5. Face painting by the Creation Station and the entrance fee to the street dance and beverage area are also $5. Pet registration for the Creepy Critter Pet Parade will be $2 or the donation of a shelter wishlist item, which can be found at cheboyganhumanesociety.org.
Autumn in Mackinaw City is breathtaking. With a serene view of the turquoise water from the base of the Mackinac Bridge and a warm palette of colors fanning across the shoreline, a spooky evening at the historic fort and the end-of-season shopper’s savings to take advantage of downtown, there are quite a few reasons to take a trip. This year, visitors will be happy to find even more opportunities for fun.
“We’ve always loved the fall colors and great shopping discounts downtown, but our community feels we can do more to celebrate this spectacular season. This year we decided to add a little spice—pumpkin spice,” says Jamie Mersch, Mackinaw City Chamber director.
Fall into Mackinaw Event Schedule
ALL WEEKEND Great Pumpkin Hunt – Downtown Mackinaw City
Friday, October 5
6:30–9:30 p.m. Fort Fright – Colonial Michilimackinac. Hosted by Mackinac State Historic Parks. Admission charged.
Saturday, October 6
2–4 p.m. Cider and Donuts – Free! Sponsored by the Village of Mackinaw City on the Marina Lawn.
6:30–9:30 p.m. Fort Fright – Colonial Michilimackinac. Hosted by Mackinac State Historic Parks. Admission charged.
9 p.m. “Go with the Glo” 5K/1 Mile Fun Run/Walk at the Mackinaw City Trailhead. Registration fee.
Saturday, October 13
1 p.m. Creepy Critters Pet Parade – Begins at Old School Park (corner of Henry and Jamet streets). Dress up your pet and take part. $2 or donation of Humane Society wishlist item.
1–10 p.m. Monster Mash Street Bash – games, inflatables, face painting by the Creation Station from 2–4, beer and wine, dancing, hayrides, contests, photo stations, bounce houses and live music with Evan Archambo and Billy Jewell. Street dance featuring DJ Michael Williford of Northern Entertainment begins at 7 p.m.
3 p.m. Chamber of Commerce Ambassador’s Weenie Roast – under the tent
4 p.m. Pumpkin painting on Central – entertainment tent
4–8 p.m. Fudge Prowl – entertainment tent
Saturday, October 20
5–8 p.m. Trick or Treat at Mystery Town, USA – Photo ops with Bigfoot. Admission is by donation to Mackinaw Area Food Pantry.
Wednesday, October 31
4–8 p.m. Trunk or Treat at Old School Park (corner of Henry and Jamet streets) – Prizes for the best-decorated trunk.
5–8 p.m. Community Trick or Treating in Mackinaw City
Plan your trip north with the Petoskey/Mackinaw Vacation Guide.
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