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As the summer heat wanes and autumn approaches, Metro Detroit comes alive with a diverse array of events that cater to all interests. From art fairs and festive street celebrations to haunted harvests and fan festivals, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Here’s a roundup of the must-attend events happening this September in Metro Detroit…
MICHIGAN RENAISSANCE FESTIVAL
Weekends from August 17 – September 29, 2024
12600 Dixie Highway, Holly
Journey back in time to the 16th century at the annual Michigan Renaissance Festival, running every weekend in September from 9 a.m. until 7 p.m., plus Labor Day and Festival Friday, September 27th. With themed weekends, the fun is even more apparent, with themes like Wonders of the World, Shamrocks & Shenanigans, and Harvest Huzzah, to name a few. This festival features jousting knights, costumed performers, artisan markets, and an array of medieval entertainment. It’s an immersive experience that transports visitors to a bygone era.
RUN WILD
September 8, 2024
8450 West 10 Mile Road, Royal Oak
Grab your running shoes and join thousands of runners and walkers on September 8th for Run Wild for the Detroit Zoo. Attendees can compete in a 5K run or enjoy a leisurely stroll through the zoo with a Fun Walk. “Run Wild for the Detroit Zoo raises critical funds for the Ruth Roby Glancy Animal Health Complex and helps us provide outstanding veterinary care for the animals at the Detroit Zoo and Belle Isle Nature Center,” shares Sarah Culton, Communications Manager for the Detroit Zoo. “This is a great event for a good cause, so lace up those running shoes and join us!”
FALL FESTIVAL
September 14 – October 27, 2024
50240 Martz Road, Belleville
Celebrate the arrival of fall at DeBuck’s Family Farm Fall Festival! From the expansive 15-acre corn maze and a pumpkin patch roaming over 20 acres, there is quite a bit to explore. With a range of activities including wagon rides, giant cornhole, a candy cannon, and more, a visit to the farm will be fun for the whole family. Paired with fresh donuts, funnel cakes, and kettle corn, there’s nothing like a fall day of fun!
FUNKY FERNDALE ART FAIR
September 20 – 22, 2024
West of Woodward on Nine Mile Road, Ferndale
This year marks the 23rd Funky Ferndale Art Fair, taking place from September 20th through 22nd. This event runs from Friday 3 – 7:30 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. – 7:30 p.m., and Sunday 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. As the fair is expanding into the parking lot on Planovan at Nine Mile, even more artists will be present than before. With over 150 booths, some event features include Dale Teachout, an artist who works with found garbage, who will be building a large installation with audience participants, along with the hands-on ‘Floral Mural’, where attendees can help glue freeze-dried flower petals to a board to create a giant flower. Mark Loeb of Integrity Shows shares some insight into a few new artists this year: “Emily Combs creates semi-realistic scenes by carving wood and assembling as many as 100 pieces. Jason Mullins makes elegantly shaped clay vessels and then adds graffiti-style details to make them feel more contemporary. Emily Grocki draws digital illustrations that are funky, whimsical, and wonky.”
DIY STREET FAIR
September 20 – 22, 2024
East of Woodward on Nine Mile Road, Ferndale
Also in Ferndale, the DIY Street Fair is celebrating its 20th year. This juried fine art fair is dedicated to edgier art and has successfully done so for 2 decades now. Krista Johnston, Artistic Director, highlights the true spirit of the DIY Street Fair: “The DIY Street Fair is an annual 3-day event in Ferndale where artists, bands, local restaurants, Michigan breweries, and others who live and work with a Do-It-Yourself ethic, converge for one big celebration.” Held between 9 Mile Road and East Troy Street, this day-to-night fair is a must-visit, with hours as follows: Friday the 20th from 6 p.m. until midnight, Saturday from 11 a.m. until midnight, and Sunday from 11 a.m. until 9 p.m. Attendance is free and the three-day fair hosts a variety of food trucks to keep you satisfied while shopping.
HAUNTED HARVEST
September 21, 2024
30712 Michigan Avenue, Westland
Eloise Asylum is known for all things haunted, and as the perfect kick-off for the spooky season, Haunted Harvest will be from 11 a.m. until 7 p.m. on the 21st. “Eloise Asylum is known as one of the most haunted places in the U.S. and hosts paranormal tours, history tours, an escape room, and the award-winning haunted house in October,” shares Paranormal Manager Jenny Hand. This former psychiatric complex was built in the early 1830s and for Haunted Harvest, you can explore the haunted grounds for frightful fun! Free to attend, you can explore the grounds, check out vendors, and indulge in seasonal treats. While you’re there, you can purchase tickets to the informative tours or escape room to amplify your haunting experience.
DESTINATION STARS HOLLOW
September 21, 2024
Downtown Brighton
On September 21st, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Downtown Brighton will transform into Stars Hollow, the fictional hometown of the beloved TV show “Gilmore Girls.” Destination Stars Hollow: A Gilmore Fan Celebration brings the charm and nostalgia of the show to life, and event organizers share, “Shops on Main Street will take on the identity of a Gilmore location or a character theme with shopping and fun activities. Activities include a Knit-a-Thon at the AMP, a strolling Troubadour, trivia, Friday Night Dinners, a town hall meeting, and a look-a-like contest.” This event aims to remind visitors of the charm and warmth of small-town living, as the series, “embodies a sanctuary of familiarity, a place that resonates with the essence of home and reminds us of what Brighton and all small towns could be with a bit of cinematic fairy dust.”
