October in Ann Arbor is pure magic. The air gets crisp, the cider flows, and the calendar fills up fast. Whether you're a lifelong local or new to town, here's your month-long guide to the very best of fall in Washtenaw County.
Week 1: The Month Kicks Off (Oct 1-11)
Michigan Arts Festival, Oct 1-31: a month-long celebration of the arts across all of U-M's campuses with performances, exhibitions, workshops, and community events.
Perfectly Paired, Cider and Cheese, Oct 2, 6:00-6:30 PM at Zingerman's: join beverage buyer Jackson and cheese curator Scott for an evening of pairing, and leave with a new favorite cider.
Meet Me in Stars Hollow, Oct 2-3, 9:00 AM-8:00 PM at Rock Paper Scissors: the fifth annual Gilmore Girls weekend.
Milan Coffee Off, Oct 3, 8:00 AM-12:00 PM at Tolan Square: coffee experts and roastery owners share the latest techniques and demos.
Apple Daze, Oct 3, 10:00 AM-5:00 PM at Monument Park in downtown Dexter: classic cars, kids' activities, live music, and a great fall day.
Wine + Candle-Making Workshop, Oct 7, 6:00-8:00 PM at York: relaxed candle-making with beautiful scents in a warm tasting room.
Comedian Jay Stevens, Oct 8, 7:15-8:45 PM at Ann Arbor Comedy Showcase: 20+ years of stand-up.
Pickleball Mixer to Benefit The Women's Center, Oct 9, 5:30-10:00 PM at Wolverine Pickleball: community, fun, and a great cause.
U-M Men's Soccer vs. Penn State, Oct 9, 7:00 PM. Go Blue!
Milan Fright Night, Oct 10, 8:00 PM at The Hack House Museum: outdoor screening of Scream, bonfires, a concession stand, and tarot readings by Moon Mama LLC (first come, first served; rated R).
Witches Night Out, Oct 10, 5:00-11:00 PM in the Downtown Manchester Social District: sip and shop with your witchy besties.
Trick or Treat on the River, Oct 11, 12:00-4:00 PM at Gallup Canoe Livery: spooky music, themed treat stations, and family games on the Huron River.
Week 2: Mid-Month Fun (Oct 13-20)
Neighbour Andy, Oct 13, 7:00 PM at The Blind Pig: an evening where music and community come together.
Black Lagoon Pop Up, Oct 14 at Huna Bar: a dark, metal-inspired Halloween haven with eerie cocktail menus.
Elevate HER Summit, Oct 15, 5:30 PM at Crisler Center: a high-impact Michigan Athletics event championing opportunities for women in athletics.
Michigan's Premier Haunted Thrill Park, Oct 16, 7:15 PM at Wiard's Orchards: five haunted attractions in one location, for the brave.
U-M Football vs. Penn State, Oct 17, time TBA. Go Blue!
Wiard's Orchards & Country Fair, Oct 17: fresh cider and donuts, apple and pumpkin picking, a corn maze, wagon rides, mini golf, inflatables, a petting farm, giant slides, paintball, and more.
Fall Big House Tours, Oct 18, 1:00-3:00 PM at Michigan Stadium: go behind the scenes of the largest stadium in the Western Hemisphere, including the locker room.
Mural Painting for Absolute Beginners, Oct 20, 6:30-8:30 PM at LulCo Design Co: a 5-part workshop series to paint your own murals.
Week 3: Halloween Week (Oct 21-30)
Saline Trunk or Treat, Oct 21, 6:30-8:30 PM at the KeyBank Parking Lot: safe, family-friendly trick-or-treating for little ghosts and superheroes.
Succulent Planting Party, Oct 22, 6:00 PM at BrightWorks Forest Cove: bring a little green indoors this winter.
U-M Football vs. Indiana, Oct 24, time TBD. Go Blue!
U-M Women's Soccer vs. Penn State, Oct 25, 1:00 PM. Go Blue!
Black Wine Nights: CarnEVIL, Oct 27, 6:30-9:00 PM at Vinology: a celebration of fall German food, wine, and culture.
Live Music Wednesdays, Oct 28, 6:30-9:30 PM at The Village Tap: incredible combos and a mini blues set.
U-M Women's Soccer vs. Ohio State, Oct 30, 7:00 PM. Go Blue!
One Last Gathering at the Farm, Oct 30, 6:00-10:00 PM at Cornman Farms: Ann Arbor Distilling Company unveils a limited bourbon drop crafted with heirloom corn grown in Dexter.
However you spend your October, I hope it's full of crisp air, warm cider, and good people. And if you're thinking about making Ann Arbor your home base for seasons like this, I'd love to help you find your place. Reach out anytime through the contact page.
A Look Around October
