October’s arrival in Northern Michigan brings cider sipping and harvest festivities. We’ve included a bit of something for everyone on this list of 30 local events.
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October 4 | Plaidurday Celebration
Join Erickson Center for the Arts in Curtis for a fall celebration featuring a chili bar, music and games. Be sure to wear your best flannel or plaid outfit.
October 4 | Jesse Ray and the Carolina Catfish
Catch Jesse Ray and the Carolina Catfish playing with Eric Dane Jaqua One Man Band at The Alluvion in Traverse City.
October 5 | Fall Wagon Rides
Wagon rides at Black Star Farms are back! Cozy up with your family on a ride through the farm’s stunning 160-acre winery estate in Suttons Bay.
October 5 | Houghton Fall Fest
Head to Houghton’s Waterfront Pier for a fall festival featuring tractor rides along the Portage Canal, live music and games.
October 5 | Jacob Warren & Grant Flick
The Music House in Williamsburg welcomes Jacob Warren and Grant Flick to the stage. Warren plays double bass and Flick plays violin, tenor guitar and nyckelharpa. Their original work is a reflection of their friendship and wide musical interests.
October 6 | Identifying Mushrooms of the Midwest
Brush up on your Midwest mushroom hunting skills with this presentation, hike and luncheon at Historic Barns Park in Traverse City. Reservations are required.
October 6 | Harvest Gathering at Samels Farm
This festive celebration features fresh cider, live music, wagon rides, antique tractors, blacksmithing, quilting, and a whole bunch of fun activities for the entire family at Samels Farm in Williamsburg. Admission is free, but donations are welcome. The event runs 1-4 p.m.
October 8 | Dane Hyde
Hosted at the historic Leland Lodge, catch this concert by Dane Hyde. Tickets include a dinner voucher for the lodge’s in-house restaurant, Bogey’s 19th Hole.
October 10 | Ghosts of Lighthouse Point
Stop by the Marquette Maritime Museum for a spooky tour filled with ghosts based on real people from the maritime history of Marquette and the Great Lakes.
October 11 | Best of Both Barrels: Whiskey & Wine Experience Tour
Embark on a journey through Traverse City’s finest: TC Whiskey, Left Foot Charley Winery, and Rove Winery.
October 11 | Moss Manor
Don’t miss Moss Manor at The Alluvion, featuring Seth Bernard, Michael Dause and Dan Rickabus.
October 11-13 | Macktoberfest
Mackinac Island and Oktoberfest combine for this festive fall event! Get ready for three days of Bavarian festivities: live folk music, Hammerschlagen contests, and lots of merriment.
October 12 | The Accidentals FAMgrove Festival
Join The Accidentals for FAMgrove festival at French Valley Vineyard. You’ll hear from artists like The Rebel Eves, Low Phase, One Hot Robot and more.
October 12 | Claudia Schmidt & Rachael Davis
Opening their 41st season, Gopherwood Concerts is proud to welcome Michigan icons Claudia Schmidt and Rachael Davis. The concert will take place at Cadillac Elks Lodge.
October 13 | U.P. 200 Dryland Dash
This sled dog race doesn’t require snow, it’s held in Negaunee Township Hall Park with stunning fall colors as a beautiful backdrop.
October 15 | David Chown
The Leland Lodge is hosting David Chown for this relaxing evening concert. Drinks will be available during the show, then you can head over to Bogey’s 19th Hole for dinner.
October 17-20 | Frankfort Film Festival
If you’re a fan of film, then this event is for you! The Frankfort Film Festival, held at The Garden Theater, features a lineup of 15 independent and first-run movies. Tickets to individual films will go on sale the day after the Viewing Party on October 2. Find more details here.
October 18 | Comedy with Ben Bailey
The “Cash Cab” guy, Ben Bailey, is coming to Traverse City for a night of laughs at Traverse City Comedy Club. He’s been featured at various clubs and show across the world, and currently tours as a national headliner.
October 18 | Desmond Jones & The Handstanders
This concert at The Alluvion is not to be missed! Desmond Jones and The Handstanders will have you grooving all night long.
October 19 | Harvest Wine Celebration
Put this dinner at The Leelanau Sands Casino on your calendar. The menu: Smoked Salmon Tartines, Tagliatelle Ragu’ Bolognese, Chicken Roulade, Pumpkin Spice Cheesecake and more.
October 19 | Nick Veine & Ben Traverse
Nick Veine and Ben Traverse are going back to where it all started. The pair will return to the Ramsdell Theatre in Manistee for a heartfelt celebration of their shared roots. Tickets can be found here.
October 22 | Matt Phend & Brian Clous
Acoustic singer and songwriter Matt Phend and guitarist Brian Clous perform all around Northern Michigan, playing songs by artists like Tom Petty and Ryan Adams. Don’t miss their performance at The Leland Lodge.
October 22 | Whiskey & Cheese Pairing
Cheese and whiskey make the perfect pair! Indulge in five delightful pairings from Traverse City Whiskey Co. and The Cheese Lady.
October 22 | Alex Cuba & Miriam Picó
This unique show at The Alluvion in Traverse City features international artist Alex Cuba, a Cuban-Canadian singer-songwriter who is known for his sugarcane-sweet melodies, pop-soul hooks and powerful guitar riffs. Miriam Picó will open the evening alongside her partner, guitarist Ryan Younce.
October 25 | Andrew Rogers & Silent Film The Phantom Carriage
Feeling spooky? Head to The Music House Museum for a special silent film viewing of The Phantom Carriage with Organist Andrew Rogers.
October 25 | Single MOMM Fundraiser
Drop by Full Send Ramen—located at 346 E. Front Street in Traverse City outside The Coin Slot—for an evening of live music and delicious ramen. All ramen sales will go to Single MOMM of Traverse City in support of their community programs. Event partners include The Coin Slot, Eugene’s Record Co-op and Trillium Groove. When to arrive: 6-9 p.m.
October 25 | An Enchanted Soiree
Support the Northwest Michigan Ballet Theatre at this magical soiree hosted at Kirkbride Hall in Traverse City. The event will celebrate the theatre’s upcoming performance of The Sleeping Beauty, slated for Spring of 2025. Attire is fairytale formal.
October 25 | Full Cord
Listen up bluegrass fans! Michigan’s bluegrass supergroup on the rise, Full Cord, will be performing at AuSable Artisan Village.
October 26 | Plein Air Painting
Join NanBop Farm in Cadillac for a plein air oil painting workshop. Trade up the walls of your studio or home for the farm’s picturesque landscape. The workshop is suitable for all experience levels; basic supplies will be provided but you can bring your own, as well.
October 26 | Ludington’s Night of Fright
Get ready for a frightful night at Ludington Area Center for the Arts. Enjoy music, food and drinks (available for purchase) starting at 7 p.m. for just $5 admission.
October 30 – December 31 | Northern Home & Cottage Virtual Home Tours
Tour some of Northern Michigan’s most beautiful and unique homes! This year’s virtual home tours will benefit Child and Family Services of Northwestern Michigan. We couldn’t make this event happen without our official sponsor, Bay View Flooring.
October 30 | 1922 Silent Film Nosferatu
Celebrate spooky season at The Music House Museum with a special presentation of the1922 silent film Nosferatu accompanied by Interlochen Arts Academy Staff Pianist, Steve Larson and Percussionist Keith Aleo.
