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.
Week of September 1-7
Week of September 8-14
Week of September 15-21
Week of September 22-28
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.
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!
Read MoreAutumn 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…
Read MoreDowntown Lansing Zombie Walk
Lock your doors and board up the windows! The 15th annual Downtown Lansing Zombie Walk rises from the grave on Saturday October 4, 2025, and…
Read MoreGrand 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…
Read MoreGrand Ledge Fall Festival
There will be crafters and vendors (including pottery, wood work, candles, handmade craft items, and businesses doing outreach) around three…
Read MorePOP-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…
Read MoreHow-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…
Read MoreSkeleton Invasion! At the R.E. Olds Transportation Museum
Skeletons have taken over the museum! Try to solve our Skeleton Search by gathering clues to decipher a secret message. Enjoy Halloween candy and…
Read MoreJack O' Lanterns Unleashed
Jack O' Lanterns Unleased has served as the premier family friendly event in the greater Lansing area for the last 5 years! Walk the half mile…
Read MoreWeek 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…
Read MoreScare 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…
Read MoreJack O' Lanterns Unleashed
Jack O' Lanterns Unleased has served as the premier family friendly event in the greater Lansing area for the last 5 years! Walk the half mile…
Read MoreBoo 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…
Read MoreMichigan State University Football vs UCLA
It's Homecoming! Let's cheer on the Spartans as they take the field at Spartan Stadium. Whether you're in the stands, attending a great tailgate…
Read MoreWeek 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…
Read MoreHarvest Festival
This year, our Harvest Festival will feature craft vendor Tano Studio and sponsor McLaren Health Plan! Count on the Allen Farmers Market for…
Read MoreHowloween: Dog Trick-or-Treating
For over 25 years, Dog Trick-or-Treating at Preuss Pets has been the howl-o-ween event you don’t want to miss, and it’s back! It’s festive, it’s…
Read MoreRoyal 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…
Read MoreWitches 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…
Read MoreFenner's Annual Apple Butter Festival
The sweet smoke curling through the crisp air. The crackling of the fire. The fiddle playing. The children laughing. The creaking of the copper…
Read MoreTrunk 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
Read MoreJack O' Lanterns Unleashed
Jack O' Lanterns Unleased has served as the premier family friendly event in the greater Lansing area for the last 5 years! Walk the half mile…
Read MoreBoo 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…
Read MoreWeek of October 20-26
Trick or Treat on the Square
Michigan’s Downtown is about to get a whole lot spookier! A spooky tradition for the decades, on Friday, Oct. 24 from 5 to 7 p.m., Trick or Treat…
Read MoreDoggie Trick-or-Treat in Mason
Bring your dog to trick or treat around downtown Mason! While the name may say trick or treat this event is all treats for your dog! There is an…
Read MoreTrick 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…
Read MoreArachnoBROADia!
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…
Read MoreBoo 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…
Read MoreJack O' Lanterns Unleashed
Jack O' Lanterns Unleased has served as the premier family friendly event in the greater Lansing area for the last 5 years! Walk the half mile…
Read MoreMichigan State University Football vs U of M
Let's cheer on the Spartans as they take the field at Spartan Stadium. Whether you're in the stands, attending a great tailgate or watching the…
Read MoreWeek 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…
Read MoreThe Official Halloween Bar Crawl
Get Spooky With Us This Halloween! Round up your boo crew, show off your costumes, and prepare for a night of creepy cocktails, chills, and…
Read MoreDog Man: The Musical
A Hilarious, Heartfelt Family Adventure! Based on the worldwide bestselling hit series, Dog Man: The Musical is a hilarious and heartwarming…
Read MoreJack O' Lanterns Unleashed
Jack O' Lanterns Unleased has served as the premier family friendly event in the greater Lansing area for the last 5 years! Walk the half mile…
Read MorePlan 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.