With ample space and advanced safety features, the Blazer ensures every journey is as enjoyable as the destination.
Photo of Glenlore Trails courtesy of Carolyn Hall
As the crisp autumn breeze sweeps through Metro Detroit, it’s time to embrace all the joys of the season! From pumpkin patches and hayrides to enchanting forests and an exciting local festival or two, Metro Detroit offers an abundance of fall-themed events that the entire family will enjoy. Whether you’re looking for a festive day on the farm or a unique, magical experience, these fall activities will make your autumn one to remember…
BOWERS SCHOOL FARM
October 4 – 6
1219 East Square Lake Road, Bloomfield Hills
Kicking off the fall season, Friends of Bowers Farm is hosting a 21+ event, Bourbon, Barns & Beyond, “a night of top-notch bourbon, rustic barn vibes, and refreshing brews on October 4th,” shares Laurie Simonelli. You can expect axe throwing, live music, delicious food, and sampling over 75 varieties of bourbon, brews, wine, cocktails, and more. For family-friendly fun, the weekend’s Bowers School Farm Fall Festival has something for all ages. At the farm, you’ll find everything from wagon trips and pumpkins to play spaces, magic shows, corn hole tournaments, and farm animals. For food, choose from pulled pork, brats, cider, donuts, and more farm-fresh goodies. For the adults, check out the Beer Garden for brews and hard cider to enjoy. The farm fun doesn’t have to end on the 6th, however. “After the festival weekend, we will continue with our Open Barn on the last three weekends in October, allowing folks to come out and meet our animals, take a wagon ride and pick a pumpkin, have fun on our bounce pad, and of course enjoy our farm fresh food on Fridays-Sundays in October. Farm After Five will also continue those last three Fridays in October allowing enjoyment of Open Barn with craft beer for adults along with live music.”
DETROIT HARVEST FESTIVAL
October 5 – 6
Dequindre Cut
The Detroit Riverfront Conservancy is hosting its annual Detroit Harvest Fest & Food Truck Rally featuring 50+ food trucks and live music across four music stages. Located on the Dequindre Cut Greenway, there will be activities for the whole family to enjoy and admission is free for children under 3. With trick-or-treating alleys, a pumpkin patch, craft stations, and spooky science to look forward to, kids are set to have a great time. There is set to be a Dog & Cat Howl-O-Ween contest (register in advance to participate!) and an Inflatable Fun Park too. At the Dequindre Cut Freight Yard, attendees can find the transformed Cirque de Freight Yard with tarot cards, specialty cocktails, a petting zoo, carnival games, and more at this spooky circus-themed party. With a diverse lineup of performances and vendors, the festival brings a bit of everything to the heart of Detroit, ensuring a fun-filled weekend for the entire family.
MSU TOLLGATE FARM AND EDUCATION CENTER PUMPKINFEST
October 5 – 6
28115 Meadowbrook Road, Novi
It’s all things fall at the MSU Tollgate Farm Pumpkinfest and the activity list is extensive. From wagon rides to the pumpkin patch and fishing, there’s no shortage of things to watch, do, and learn about at this festival. Communications Coordinator Steve Julin shares, “Embrace the vibrant hues of autumn at Pumpkinfest 2024, a delightful harvest celebration on a historic 160-acre farm! Hop aboard a hayride and journey to the pumpkin patch, where you’ll discover the perfect pumpkin to take home. This year’s festival is bursting with family fun, featuring live music to sway to, adorable farm animals to meet, and educational exhibits to spark curiosity. Let the little ones explore the children’s play area, get lost in a mini corn maze, and embark on a storybook trail. Discover fascinating insects at the MSU Bug House, unleash your creativity with pumpkin painting, and capture unforgettable memories with photo opportunities galore. With musical performances, self-guided garden strolls, fishing, and more, Pumpkinfest is the ultimate fall outing.” With free parking and no charge for those 2 and under entering, it is the perfect way to dive into fall festivities as a family.
APPLEUMPKIN FESTIVAL
October 12 – 13
309 East Chicago Boulevard, Tecumseh
Celebrate 30 years of fun at the Tecumseh Appleumpkin Festival on October 12th and 13th! Appleumpkin’s Festival Chairperson Jan Fox shares, “The Appleumpkin Festival is a great family-friendly event with something for everyone.” This event will feature over 300 vendors throughout the downtown area, with artists, food trucks, helicopter rides, carnival games, and free kids activities. Between the Antique Street Fair and shopping throughout the streets, there is something for everyone. With three stages, live entertainment will be sure to keep the energy high. While you’re visiting, “you can ride the free shuttle out to the Kapnick Orchard Apple Festival that runs in conjunction with the Appleumpkin Festival. Two great festivals in one fantastic fall weekend in Tecumseh.”
DETROIT FALL BEER FESTIVAL
October 19
Eastern Market
For those who enjoy craft beer, the Detroit Fall Beer Festival, hosted by the Michigan Brewers Guild, is a must-attend event. Held on October 19 at Eastern Market, this 21+ festival features hundreds of craft beers from Michigan breweries. It’s the perfect opportunity to sample seasonal brews and explore new flavors, all while soaking in the festive atmosphere. Tickets to enter provide 15 tokens to sample the brews, while live music and local food trucks with beer-friendly menu items add to the experience, making it a great way to spend a fall weekend in Detroit.
DEBUCK’S FAMILY FARM
September 14 – October 27
50240 Martz Road, Belleville
DeBuck’s Family Farm is a fall favorite for many. With over 20 activities available, including a corn maze, a giant slide, straw mountains, and more, this farm is packed with excitement for visitors of all ages. Spend the day navigating through towering corn, picking up the perfect pumpkin, or taking a scenic wagon ride through the beautiful farm. Kids will love jumping on the giant jump pad, riding along the Trike Track, and running around the Pirate-themed playscape. On the weekends, you’ll find pedal cars and a candy cannon. And don’t forget the fall treats—cider, donuts, cider slushies, and more to complete your visit!
GLENLORE TRAILS ENCHANTED
September 20 – November 3
3860 Newton Road, Commerce Charter Township
For a truly magical experience, take a trip to Glenlore Trails in Commerce Township. “Magic awaits in the enchanted forest! Starting September 20th, venture into a spellbound forest where the line between mortals and magic recedes. Glenlore Trails presents Enchanted: A magical Halloween adventure through an enchanted forest filled with wistful wraiths, frolicking fairies, and the weird wayward witch of the woods,” shares Sarah Belanger, Director of Marketing. The forest transforms into an enchanting realm with exciting lighting and interactive stations throughout the woods, perfect for families, date nights, or anyone looking for an imaginative Halloween experience. With a mile-long trail to explore, concessions, and special 21+ events, visiting will be an evening you won’t forget!
This article has been updated to include new information. The original article was authored by Katie Goncalves.
