Think there’s nothing to do in Michigan once summer ends? Think again. From September through October, Greater Lansing is packed with festivals, cultural celebrations, MSU football games, rodeos, haunted houses, pumpkin patches, and fun Halloween events. There’s something exciting happening every single week.

Thinking of making it a full experience? Book a hotel and stay close to the action! You’ll find plenty of places to unwind after a fun-filled day.

Pro tip: Follow our “What’s Happening This Week in Lansing” Reels on Instagram and Facebook for more things to do, and check our events calendar for full details.

September

September is packed with one-of-a-kind events. Lansing Lit invites book lovers on a unique book crawl around town, while MSU hosts football home games and welcomes cowgirls and cowboys to the Michigan Heritage Rodeo. Don’t miss local favorites such as Michigan BlueFest, Charlotte Frontier Days, and the Annual Dance by the River Pow Wow.

Uncle John's Cider Mill

Hayrides, pumpkin patches, cider, and donuts. Get your fall on at Uncle John's Cider Mill in St. John's. Perfect for a…

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October

October brings a full lineup of fall fun to Greater Lansing. The beloved Chili Cookoff returns to spice up the season with tasty competition and community spirit. Halloween events are in full swing, including the popular weekly Boo at the Zoo at Potter Park Zoo and Jack O' Lanterns Unleashed at Ingham County Fairgrounds. Catch Broadway shows and musicals at the Wharton Center, and enjoy festive trick-or-treating events around town.

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Week of September 29 - October 5

Chili Cookoff

The Chili Cookoff is making its fiery return to Jackson Field. Mark your calendars — more delicious details coming soon!

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Autumn on the Island

All things Fall in downtown Eaton Rapids! Lots of fun for the kids and family at a low cost. The day begins at 10 a.m. strolling around downtown…

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Grand Ledge Beer Fest

This event is being held in conjunction with the Grand Ledge Fall Festival, so bring the family to Fall Fest which extends from Jaycee Park along…

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POP-Ity Fall Festival

Join the fun! It's a day to embrace fall's arrival with hot cocoa, apple cider slushies, apple cotton candy. Pick up a FREE small theater…

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How-To Halloween

Fire up your proton packs because we’re busting GHOSTS at the 11th annual How-To Halloween, a free outdoor festival featuring: • Interactive…

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Week of October 6-12

Trick or Treating

Come and “trick-or-treat” the Lansing Mall at the displays set up by local businesses and groups. A $1 fee per child will be collected at the…

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Scare on the Square IV

Scare on the Square year 4 Get ready for an unforgettable night at "Scare on the Square"! Join us in downtown Lansing for a spooktacular event…

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Boo at the Zoo!

🎃✨ Get ready for a bewitching adventure at Boo at the Zoo 2025! ✨🎃 This year, we’re brewing up more Halloween magic than ever before! Gather…

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Week of October 13-19

Beauty And The Beast

Be Our Guest at Disney’s 30th Anniversary production of Beauty and the Beast, the breathtaking musical filled with the romance and grandeur…

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Harvest Festival

This year, our Harvest Festival will feature craft vendor Tano Studio and sponsor McLaren Health Plan! Count on the Allen Farmers Market for…

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Royal Scot Truck R Treat

Halloween Trunk R Treat Event, Touch a Truck. All Local Businesses Coming together to give back to our community in a Fun Safe Environment. There…

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Witches on the Town 2025

Calling all witches, warlocks and those alike!! You have been summoned to attend our 8th Annual Witches on the Town in downtown Mason. Put on…

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Trunk or Treat

Stop by Haven House's Trunk or Treat event to see fun decorations, take a fall picture, and enjoy some candy! Costumes are optional

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Boo at the Zoo!

🎃✨ Get ready for a bewitching adventure at Boo at the Zoo 2025! ✨🎃 This year, we’re brewing up more Halloween magic than ever before! Gather…

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Week of October 20-26

Trick or Treat Trail

Are you ready for some Halloween fun? We are super excited to invite you to the City of Lansing's annual Trick or Treat Trail! It’s going to be…

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ArachnoBROADia!

Join us for a spooky afternoon of eight-legged fun for all ages, inspired by artwork from the MSU Broad Art Museum’s collection! Get creative…

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Boo at the Zoo!

🎃✨ Get ready for a bewitching adventure at Boo at the Zoo 2025! ✨🎃 This year, we’re brewing up more Halloween magic than ever before! Gather…

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Week of October 27 - November 2

Trick or Treat

Join us on the last night of Jack O' Lanterns Unleased on Halloween night for a time of free trick or treating for ages 12 and under in the Main…

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Dog Man: The Musical

A Hilarious, Heartfelt Family Adventure! Based on the worldwide bestselling hit series, Dog Man: The Musical is a hilarious and heartwarming…

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15+ Fall Patios

Discover breweries, wineries and distilleries ready to welcome you with vibrant views and fall flavored spirits and…

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Awaken Haunted Attraction

Experience a terrifying, immersive haunted house in Leslie, Michigan, with detailed sets, live actors, and new scares…

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Plan Your Stay

With so many festivals to explore, why not turn your visit into a weekend getaway? Stay in a Downtown Lansing hotel for walkable access to multiple events, or choose a cozy stay in East Lansing near Michigan State University. Pair your festival plans with local dining, riverfront parks, and attractions like the Michigan State Capitol or Impression 5 Science Center.

Photography: Wit & Folly (header image—at Michigan BluesFest) and our wonderful members and #lovelansing community—a special thanks for their awesome imagery and social media posts.