Libby’s Picks are back for Fall! From Frankfort’s annual film festival to Traverse City’s favorite chili cook-off, here are the Northern Michigan events happening this weekend. P.S. It’s almost peak leaf color week! Don’t forget to check out our fall color map when making your plans this weekend!
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Events Starting on Friday, October 21
Now Through Oct. 31 | Hunt for the Reds of October | Leelanau Peninsula
All October, go leaf peeping and taste red wines at 21 stops along the Leelanau Peninsula Wine Trail during this fall-inspired wine tour appropriately called Hunt for the Reds of October. Learn more about this event and get your tickets here.
Now Through Oct. 23 | Frankfort Film Festival | Frankfort
The mission of the Frankfort Film Festival has always been to bring award-winning films from cinematic events around the world to Benzie County’s coastal city, Frankfort. This year is no exception; find the 14th annual Frankfort Film Festival schedule on Garden Theater’s website.
Oct. 21 | Owl Prow & Autumn Fest | Bellaire
Join a Grass River Natural Area educator to learn about our local owls and their conservation with an introductory presentation, and then head out for a night hike in search of these amazing birds. Participants should be comfortable walking outdoors at night for about 1 mile on uneven trails. Bring a light. Must pre-register. Can’t make it on Friday? Visit GRNA’s AutumnFest on Saturday instead.
Oct. 21 | Walking Tour @ Black Star Farms | Suttons Bay
Get a behind-the-scenes look at Black Star Farms in Suttons Bay during this one-hour guided walking tour through their picturesque property. Learn more about this event and get your tickets here.
Photo by Rachel Soulliere
Northern Michigan Events on October 22 & 23
Oct. 22 | Annual Ski Swap | Traverse City
Gear up for the cross-country ski season at the annual Vasa Ski Club Cross Country Ski Swap on Saturday from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. at Brick Wheels in Traverse City. This is a great chance to buy both used and new ski equipment or sell some of your gear. The best deals of the year for XC gear will be found here. vasaskiclub.org
Oct. 22 | Fall Frenzy | Leland
Enjoy Leland’s Fall Frenzy! End-of-season sales and refreshments at participating businesses. Great shopping deals in downtown Leland and Fishtown. This is the last chance of the year for a few Fishtown businesses that close for the season after today. lelandmi.org
Oct. 23 | Chili Cook-Off | Traverse City
Traverse Area District Library Chili Cook-Off on the front lawn of the Traverse City branch, 1 to 3 p.m., rain or shine!
Photo by Michael Poehlman