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Photo courtesy of Glenlore Trails
Autumn in Metro Detroit is more than apple picking and pumpkin carving; it’s a season full of festivals, farm fun, and celebrations. All family-friendly, there are an abundance of ways to experience fall to the fullest, whether it be at a lively farm or a nighttime trail. Plan for the season, and check out these family-friendly fall festivities…
Bowers School Farm
1219 East Square Lake Road, Bloomfield Hills
The Fall Festival at Bowers School Farm runs on Fridays and Saturdays in October, offering a mix of classic farm activities and seasonal surprises. Families can explore the brand-new corn maze, climb the hay tower, visit animals, ride wagons, and enjoy live music on Fridays, while kids bounce on the jump pad or get their faces painted on Saturdays. Adults can unwind in the Beer Garden, with hard cider from Griffin Claw Brewing. Special weekends add even more excitement, including a Makers Market on October 3 and 4 and Halloweekend on October 24 and 25 with trick-or-treating, snake encounters, campfires, and line dancing on the 24th. Admission tickets must be purchased online in advance.
MSU Tollgate Farm and Education Center
28115 Meadowbrook Road, Novi
Pumpkinfest returns October 4 at MSU Tollgate Farm with wagon rides, pumpkin picking, live music, and hands-on activities that benefit youth programs at the farm. “At Tollgate Farm, Pumpkinfest isn’t just about pumpkins; it’s about connection. The event helps support youth education in agriculture and sustainability, while giving visitors of all ages a hands-on experience with the farm…every part of the festival ties back to learning and fun!” said Katie Peet, Director. Other October highlights include Autumn After Hours with square dancing in the barn (October 11), a Trunk or Treat trail ending at the animal barn (October 18), and Folklore Nights night hikes exploring myths and legends under the stars (October 24).
DeBuck’s Family Farm
50240 Martz Road, Belleville
Since 2009, DeBuck’s Family Farm has hosted a Fall Festival filled with attractions for every age. Thursdays through Sundays, guests can make their way through a massive 15-acre corn maze, pick pumpkins in a 20-acre patch, or enjoy endless activities from wagon rides and slides to a pirate ship playground and candy cannon shows on weekends. Seasonal displays and photo ops set the perfect fall backdrop, while add-ons like apple cannons and paintball bring fun to the next level. It’s an all-day destination for families, friends, and anyone eager to soak up the season.
Glenlore Trails
3860 Newton Road, Commerce Township
This fall, Glenlore Trails transforms its illuminated forest into The Witching Hour, an immersive night walk where witches cast spells and glowing magic fills the trees. Families and couples alike can explore winding paths of light, sound, and interactive features, with magic wands that influence the trail experience. “One of the big hits from last year was the interactive magic wands, and we’re excited to share that they’ll still work this year. Of course, new wands are available too. This time, guests can train their wand at three separate stations, and the choices they make will carry through the trail, influencing how it responds as they interact with it,” shares Co-Founder Scott Schoeneberger. He adds, “Every year, we like to push Glenlore Trails a little further, and Witching Hour is no exception. Guests will see new lighting, projection, and sound woven into the woods to keep the surprises coming. And because an evening out is about more than just the trail, we’re bringing back the bar and adding food trucks to make it a full night out.” Thursdays through Sundays, head out to Commerce Township after the sun goes down for an evening full of fun.
Downtown Detroit Partnership
Multiple locations in Metro Detroit
Downtown Detroit Partnership ensures that Detroit also gets festive in October with family-friendly and pet-focused events across its parks. Campus Martius hosts its Lil’ Boo Bash on October 5, featuring free entertainment, costumes, hands-on activities, and giveaways for the family. At Grand Circus Park, dogs take the spotlight on October 25 for Howl-o-ween, a themed party with treats, costume contests, and prizes for pups and their people. Beacon Park brings back Cider in the City on October 11 and 12, and 18 and 19, where guests can enjoy hayrides, donuts, cider, crafts, and live music at a pop-up pumpkin patch downtown. And at Cadillac Square, Downtown Street Eats continues through October 10, with dozens of food trucks serving up lunch options during the week.
Fall in Metro Detroit is brimming with opportunities to celebrate, whether it’s a glowing night walk through the woods, a lively farm festival with animals and corn mazes, or cider and donuts Downtown. With events big and small, the season offers something for every family, friend group, or fall fan looking to make the most of Michigan’s crisp, colorful autumn.
This article has been updated to include new information. The original article was authored by Katie Goncalves.
