When you want to celebrate everything cozy and rustic about northern Michigan, you will find yourself attending the Flapjack & Flannel Festival right here in the area. This local event is set against the wooded backdrop of Timber Ridge and features a lively mix of food, drink, and entertainment designed to keep spirits high even as the temperatures dip. Visitors and locals can expect a hearty menu that goes beyond the namesake flapjacks. Local food vendors serve BBQ, chili, and seasonal comfort dishes while local breweries, cideries, and distilleries offer warming beverages to pair with the fare. The Jack Pine Lumberjack Show brings wood-chopping and log-rolling excitement while a steady lineup of regional bands, including Drew Hale and Little Dipper, provide the live music backdrop.

The Flapjack & Flannel Festival is all about casual and fun vibes where families enjoy games and activities. Friends gather over craft beers and everyone embraces the chance to show off their favorite flannel. As one of the final festivals before winter sets in, Flapjack & Flannel delivers that last burst of autumn warmth and community connection. Enjoy this local event taking place here in Traverse City on November 15th at the Timber Ridge RV & Recreation Resort.

Early October brings some additional fall events, including the Shop and Sip Fall Festival to Mt. Holiday Ski Hill. This festival is where peak color surrounds a bustling outdoor marketplace. Local makers, craft vendors, and food trucks line the grounds offering everything from artisan goods to seasonal snacks. Live music keeps the atmosphere festive while family-friendly activities like face painting and pumpkin picking add charm to the event. The real draw, however, is the setting with Shop and Sip Festival perched on the slopes of Mt. Holiday. Guests can shop, sip, and snack while taking in sweeping views of Traverse City’s autumn canopy. They say a little retail therapy is what any fall vacation needs. Stop by the Shop and Sip Fall Festival taking place on October 4th.

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Downtown Traverse City embraces the Halloween spirit each year with festive window displays and a community trick-or-treat walk. Local shops decorate their storefronts in creative, spooky, or harvest-themed designs that turn the streets into a colorful outdoor gallery. Halloween is really about the kids so families can wander downtown in costume while the children collect treats and enjoy the live entertainment that has been set up. This local event captures the heart of Traverse City’s community spirit that is welcoming, family-friendly, and visually delightful. The Downtown Halloween Walk and other nearby events take place on October 25th here in Traverse City.

September marks the beginning of harvest season and Traverse City’s neighboring Leelanau Peninsula celebrates with a month-long event that showcases the region’s vineyards. The local wineries here in the area are a sought out experience with local vineyards producing sweet grapes for their wines. Participating wineries offer special tastings, harvest-themed food pairings, and exclusive perks for wine club members. It’s the perfect way to experience the area’s natural beauty as grapevines glow golden against a backdrop of rolling hills. Harvest Days provides a relaxed and flavorful way to enjoy autumn in Michigan’s wine country. Don’t miss out on Leelanau Peninsula Harvest Days taking place during the month of September.

Beer lovers rejoice in November as Traverse City Beer Week takes over with a series of tastings, brewery tours, and beer-paired dinners. This is a week-long experience that is also complemented with special beer releases too. The Traverse City Beer Week Passport encourages visitors to explore multiple breweries and taprooms each offering unique seasonal or experimental brews. The cozy and relaxed atmosphere of the week is perfect for chilly November evenings. Whether you’re sampling a pumpkin ale or a rich porter, Traverse City Beer Week is a delicious way to explore Traverse City’s thriving craft beer scene. This year’s event will run from November 7th through the 15th.

Plan A Fall Journey to Traverse City!

These lively events are just a portion of the fun you will find here in Traverse City during the fall season. Reserve one of our vacation rentals here in the area that will offer luxury accommodations and close proximity to all of these fall events.