Greater Lansing Fall Festivals & Events Guide

Fall is one of the best times to visit Greater Lansing. September and October are packed with annual traditions, Michigan State football weekends, cultural festivals, Halloween events, and family-friendly fun.

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 Festivals

With festivals happening nearly every weekend here are some of the season's signature events. Visit our Events Calendar for the full lineup of festivals, concerts, sporting events, and more.

Charlotte Frontier Days

September 9-13, 2026
One of Michigan's longest-running community festivals, Charlotte Frontier Days brings together carnival rides, a parade, live entertainment, food vendors, and family activities. Don't miss crowd favorites like the outdoor rodeo, the downtown parade, and live country music in the Frontier Saloon.

Oktoberfest 

September 11, 2026 
New this year, downtown Lansing's Oktoberfest brings German-inspired food, beer, live music, and games to the heart of the city. The event is family-friendly, and kids get in free.

Michigan BluesFest

September 16-19, 2026 
One of Michigan's premier blues festivals, Michigan BluesFest fills Old Town Lansing with nationally recognized musicians, local food, and a lively atmosphere every September. While you're there, stroll through Old Town's Social District, where you can sip and explore local shops, historic architecture, and cozy gathering spots. Just down the road, check out the new Fish Ladder Music Park along the Grand River.

517 Hispanic Heritage Festival

September 17-20, 2026
Celebrate Hispanic culture through live music, dance performances, authentic cuisine, art, and family-friendly activities in downtown Lansing. There's so much to see and do during this festival, from dozens of food vendors and local artisans to energetic dance performances, live music, and exciting luchador wrestling.
 

Fall Traditions

These are the fall traditions locals look forward to every year, and they're experiences visitors won't want to miss either!

MSU Football

Fall Saturdays in East Lansing are unlike anything else. Tailgating, cheering crowds, and Spartan traditions fill campus with excitement. Listen closely and you'll hear the bells of Beaumont Tower followed by the familiar chant of "Go Green!" and the response, "Go White!" The home opener kicks off on September 4, 2026, against Toledo, while Homecoming takes place on October 10, 2026, against Illinois. Get the full lineup of home games here.

Planning to attend a game? Check out our Spartan Football Guide for parking, tailgating tips, restaurants, and more.

Uncle John's Cider Mill

Located in nearby St. Johns, Uncle John's kicks off fall on September 19, 2026 with the opening of its pumpkin patch, corn maze, pumpkin train, and more. Be sure to grab fresh cider and donuts, sample locally made hard cider and wine, and enjoy one of Michigan's favorite fall traditions.

Choice Farm Market

Starting in September, Choice Farm Market's Fall Fun Pass includes access to the corn maze, cow train, pumpkin house, and more family-friendly attractions. While you're there, stop by Burgdorf's Winery tasting room to sample locally made wines.

Phillips Orchards & Cider Mill

Located in St. Johns, Phillips Orchards & Cider Mill is a fall favorite for fresh cider, warm donuts, and U-pick apples, available from September through mid-October. Weekend horse-drawn wagon rides make it an even more memorable fall outing.
 

October Festivals

October is for Halloween, but don't overlook these fall festivals! Here are a few you won't want to miss. Visit our Events Calendar for the full lineup of festivals, Halloween events, and more.

Grand Ledge Fall Festival & Beerfest

October 3, 2026
Spend the day exploring Grand Ledge's annual Fall Festival, where three parks are filled with fall fun for all ages. The festival stretches from Jaycee Park along the River Trail to Island Park, featuring artisan vendors, free pumpkins for kids, pony rides, a petting zoo, food trucks, live demonstrations, and plenty of family-friendly activities. Beer lovers can then head to Fitzgerald Field for Grand Ledge Beerfest, featuring Michigan craft beer, cider, food trucks, and scenic riverfront views.

East Lansing Film Festival 

October 22-27, 2026
The East Lansing Film Festival, Michigan's longest-running independent film festival, showcases feature films, documentaries, shorts, and student productions from around the world. The festival also includes filmmaker Q&A sessions, parties, and audience awards celebrating the year's favorite films.
This year's festival marks the final East Lansing Film Festival, making it the last opportunity to experience this longtime Michigan tradition. If you've always wanted to attend, now is the time to add it to your calendar.

Chili Cookoff

October 24, 2026
The annual Chili Cookoff returns to Jackson Field, bringing together local restaurants, friendly competition, and plenty of opportunities to sample some of the area's best chili.

Fenner's Annual Apple Butter Festival

October 24, 2026
Celebrate Michigan's fall traditions at Fenner Nature Center with fresh apple butter and cider, local food trucks, live music, hands-on demonstrations, crafts, and family-friendly activities that showcase the region's agricultural heritage. 
 

Halloween Events

Greater Lansing really embraces the Halloween spirit in October. There are so many trick-or-treat events, spooky performances, and family-friendly celebrations happening every weekend, it feels like a new event pops up every day.

Here are just a few highlights. For the full lineup of Halloween events, visit our Holiday Calendar. We do our best to track Halloween happenings from across the Greater Lansing region, and we update the calendar regularly as new events are announced.

Family-Friendly Halloween

Boo at the Zoo

Saturdays and Sundays, October 10-25, 2026
Boo at the Zoo at Potter Park Zoo is a family favorite where kids can wear their costumes, trick-or-treat throughout the zoo, visit their favorite animals, and enjoy fun Halloween activities along the way.

Jack-O'-Lanterns Unleashed

TBD
The Ingham County Fairgrounds transforms into a glowing pumpkin trail filled with dozens of uniquely carved jack-o'-lanterns. Families can also enjoy Halloween-themed carnival rides, games, and other family-friendly attractions.

ArachnoBROADia

TBD
Spend a spooky afternoon at the Eli and Edythe Broad Art Museum making Halloween crafts before exploring the fascinating creepy-crawly creatures at the MSU Bug House.

Spooky Halloween Events

Downtown Lansing Zombie Walk

October 3, 2026
This free event in downtown Lansing welcomes zombies of all ages to gather at Impression 5 Science Center before shambling through downtown to the Michigan State Capitol.

Witches on the Town

October 17, 2026
Adults can trick-or-treat at participating businesses while kids join in the fun with food trucks, Halloween vendors, crafts, costume contests, and plenty of witchy activities throughout historic downtown Mason.

The Rocky Horror Picture Show

October 25, 2026
Experience the cult classic at Wharton Center, featuring original cast member Barry Bostwick ("Brad Majors") for a screening of the newly restored 4K film. The evening also includes a live shadow cast, audience participation, a costume contest, memorabilia displays, and more.

The Halloween Bar Crawl

October 31, 2026
Celebrate Halloween in downtown Lansing! Dress in costume and enjoy participating bars, exclusive drink specials, costume contests, and an after-party to end the night. Get your tickets here!

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.