The air is crisp, the leaves are starting to change, and fall has officially arrived in Detroit. With the new season comes a shift in energy, inviting everyone to embrace cozy vibes with fresh fashion, seasonal treats, and fun activities.
If you’re looking to build the ultimate fall bucket list, metro Detroit is packed with events and experiences that make this time of year extra lit.
Here are the best ways to soak up the season in and around Detroit.
Sip on fall-flavored alcohol at local breweries
As the weather cools down for fall, metro Detroit’s drinking scene heats up with seasonal flavors. Whether you’re in the mood for a Michigan-made beer or a craft cocktail with an autumn twist, there are plenty of spots to try. Visit Griffin Claw Brewing Co., Grand Trunk Pub, and Atwater Brewery to taste some of the best fall-inspired beers around. Credit: Facebook, Left Hand Brewing Company Thou shalt visit Eastern Market.
Summer means it’s farmers market season, and Detroit’s top farmers Market is Eastern Market, filled with produce, flowers, and various vendors weekly. On Saturdays, vendors sell everything from tacos to produce to flowers. On Sundays, the space is packed with local jewelers and artists. Surrounding walls and warehouses are adorned with murals and live music is played at nearby venues. This is one great place to take visitors who want to be immersed in Detroit’s culture. Credit: Shutterstock Catch a Lions game
Fall means football in Detroit, and for sports lovers, there’s no better way to experience the season than catching a Detroit Lions game at Ford Field. You don’t even have to be in the stands, just tailgating on the outskirts of the stadium before kickoff is enough. Nothing beats the energy of cheering for your home team, especially since the Lions have been heating up. Credit: Shutterstock Cider in the City at Beacon Park
ciderinthecity.com
No need to leave the city for the fall essentials — Beacon Park’s Cider in the City brings all the autumn vibes downtown. Enjoy fresh cider, doughnuts, and pumpkin decorating every weekend in October. Credit: Courtesy of Downtown Detroit Partnership Try pumpkin spice lattes at local coffee shops
The most basic bitch drink is in season and metro Detroit’s coffee shops have got it. Hot or iced — a pumpkin spice latte is the perfect pick-me-up on a cool fall day. Credit: Facebook, Dessert Oasis Coffee Roasters Detroit Harvest Fest
detroitharvestfest.com
Taking over the Dequindre Cut from Oct. 5-6, Detroit Harvest Fest offers family-friendly fun, live music, and a huge food truck rally. With activities like pumpkin decorating and hayrides, it’s a great way to celebrate fall with the whole family while supporting local vendors. Credit: Facebook, Detroit Harvest Fest & Food Truck Rally Saturday, Oct. 26. (Mike Pfeiffer) Credit: Mike Pfeiffer Visit local cider mills
No fall is complete without a visit to a cider mill, and we have plenty surrounding Detroit. Head out to Yates, Blake’s, or another spot for the classic experience of sipping fresh cider, devouring cinnamon-sugar doughnuts, and picking out a pumpkin. Pro tip: Go early in the season to beat the weekend crowds and enjoy the fall vibes in peace. Credit: Facebook, Blake’s Lyon Township Take the kids to Detroit Zoo Boo
This annual event offers a fun environment for kids to trick-or-treat among spooky, but not too scary, zoo exhibits. With plenty of activities, festive decorations, and of course, candy, it’s a perfect way to get into the Halloween spirit with the little ones. Credit: Facebook, Detroit Zoo Experience Oktoberfest at local bars
You don’t have to fly to Munich to experience Oktoberfest — Detroit bars bring the Bavarian festival to you. Brown Iron Brewhouse and HopCat are just some of the many great spots to enjoy traditional German food, pints of beer, and a lively Oktoberfest energy in metro Detroit this year. Credit: Facebook, Brown Iron Brewhouse Get lit at Halloween pop-up bars
Detroit’s nightlife embraces Halloween with spooky pop-up bars that make the season extra uniquely fun. Spots like Nightmare on Bagley and Black Lagoon serve up creepy cocktails and over-the-top décor to get you in the Halloween spirit. These spots are perfect for a one-of-a-kind evening out with friends. Credit: Courtesy photo Attend the Detroit Fall Beer Festival
mibeer.com
This annual festival returns to Eastern Market on Oct. 19 this year with over 700 craft brews from more than 80 Michigan breweries. With live music, food vendors, and plenty of fall flavors on tap, it’s a must for anyone who enjoys sipping local brews. Credit: Derek Dandridge Have a bonfire
Fall is cool enough to host a cozy bonfire without melting your face off. Gather your friends or family for marshmallow toasting and s’mores in your backyard. Credit: Shutterstock Go wine tasting at local wineries
You don’t have to drive far to enjoy great wine this fall. Detroit Vineyards offers tastings of local wines, while a short trip to places like Michigan By The Bottle Tasting Room in Shelby Township gives you even more options, many with autumnal notes of spice and fruit. Credit: Detroit Vineyards/Facebook Bring out the fall fashion
For some fashion lovers, the summer heat is not ideal. The cooler fall weather allows stylish Detroiters to layer up with all the best clothing items. Plus, you can take the cozy sweaters, leather jackets, and stylish boots out of the closet. Credit: Kassandra Maraz Take a weekend trip
When you need an escape from the city, fall is the perfect time to explore Michigan’s small towns or take a trip to the Upper Peninsula. Head to Frankenmuth for Bavarian charm or up north to see fall colors at places like Pictured Rocks. There are tons of spots just a short or long drive from Detroit that make for great weekend road trips. Credit: Shutterstock See colorful leaves
Red, gold, and orange leaves light up Michigan parks and trails in the fall. A scenic drive or simple walk in Belle Isle is all you need to get a beautiful look. Plus, the colorful foliage makes for great photo ops. Credit: Facebook, Tunnel of Trees, M119 Best Haunted House: Erebus Haunted Attraction
18 S. Perry St., Pontiac; 248-332-7884; hauntedpontiac.com Credit: Facebook, Erebus Haunted Attraction Tahquamenon Falls State Park
41382 W. M 123, Paradise; 906-492-3415; dnr.state.mi.us
Tahquamenon Falls State Park is over 50,000 acres which gives visitors and hikers a lot to explore and look at. Credit: Tahquamenon Falls State Park / Facebook Dress to impress for Halloween
One of the best parts of fall is Halloween, and the holiday is not the same if you don’t dress up. It’s the time to put your creativity to the test and make sure your costume skills are on point for the day and through the night. Maybe even think of something Detroit-inspired to rep the 313. Credit: Shutterstock Detroit has tons of events and experiences for a great fall bucket list. Credit: Shutterstock
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