Despite the warm, sunny weather for this upcoming weekend, it is fall. The leaves are looking wonderful, depending on your location, but the leaves will peak before you know it. And with the start of fall, we have many towns celebrating with fall, harvest, and Oktoberfest style events.
On Friday, Traverse City will have a kind of Oktoberfest… the 13th Annual TC Germanfest, from 6pm till 10pm at the Trinity Lutheran Church & School, Traverse City
There are a limited number of at-the-door-tickets are available for $35. Enjoy your time with food, friends and footloose festivities! This year, they’ll introduce “the really big strudel!” You will gaze upon this wonder as soon as you enter and then get to enjoy this fabulous dessert later in the evening. You can also buy your drink tokens at the event. They take credit cards and cash. The fun will flow freely once you’re in the tent and the band keeps you hopping all night! They also have an online auction thru September 28th. Further details at: TCGermanFest.org.
For the ladies, Witches Night Out will happen from 5pm-9pm along E. Lake St. in Petoskey for a wickedly fun evening. You won’t want to miss the shopping, treats, photo ops, and all kinds of hocus pocus. You’ll be able to take part in the Witches Night Out scavenger hunt! Stop by participating businesses to collect letters, reveal the secret phrase, and return your page to Grandpa Shorter’s Gifts for a chance to win big! Plus, wrap up a night of wicked shopping and dining, and head to Pennsylvania Park for Hocus Pocus. At 8:30pm. More details at… PetoskeyChamber.com
Now, onto the area Fall and Harvest Festivals…
Saturday morning, the Boyne City Harvest Festival will be held in downtown Boyne City. This festival is the culminating event of the outdoor farmers market at Veterans Park, featuring children’s games & local harvests. Enjoy fall fun & decorations. It is a free event. Details at: BoyneCityMainStreet.com
Another harvest festival on Saturday morning, the 27th Annual Bellaire Harvest Festival, from 10am till 5pm in downtown Bellaire along Broad St. There will be a scarecrow contest, craft & farm market, square dancing, kid-friendly activities, local food & craft beer, & more. Complete details at for this event is at BellaireChamber.org/harvest-festival
The Elk Rapids Fall Festival, this free event will start at noon on River Street in Elk Rapids. This family-friendly celebration of autumn will feature local vendors, kids’ activities, live music from Sandi and The Bandits, line dancing, seasonal treats like cider, donuts, & caramel apples & much more.
I know this is a Fun Five, but I had to get in an honorable mention because this is a worthwhile event. It is the Fall Harvest Celebration at Challenge Mountain, Friday afternoon from 4pm till 6pm at 2205 N. Springbrook Rd, Boyne Falls. This event is intended for teens and adults with physical, intellectual and developmental disabilities. They will celebrate the season with a delish “chuck wagon” dinner, along with treats, games and music. It will be a rootin-tootin good time at Challenge Mountain this Friday afternoon! Details about this event and about is Challenge Mountain, go to ChallengeMTN.org
Have a great, safe weekend and enjoy! – John Kelly
