Editor’s note: This article was published in Grand Traverse Scene magazine’s Fall 2025 issue. Pick up a free copy at area hotels, visitor’s centers, chambers of commerce or at the Record-Eagle building on Front Street. Click here to read GT Scene in its entirety online.
Ongoing through October
Jacob’s Farm Corn Maze
Jacob’s Farm is a 40-acre centennial farm on M72, boasting a 10-acre corn maze that caters to all ages from late August through October. The design of the maze changes every year and has puzzles throughout for those who want an extra challenge. The farm also has tractor and horse-drawn carriage rides, a kid’s play zone, u-pick orchards and a full bar and kitchen. General admission is $15, tickets for children ages 5 to 11 are $10 and kids 4 and under are free. Jacob’s Farm is located at 7100 E. Traverse Highway in Traverse City.
Downtown Traverse City Ghost Tours
Haunted Traverse Tours offers ghost tours in downtown Traverse City through October. Each tour takes participants on a 11-block, 90-minute walk along Front Street, south Union Street and Hannah Park. The end of the tour includes ghost hunting at Traverse City’s first official cemetery with “ghost hunting equipment,” states the website. Tickets range from $15 to $50 per person depending on the tour. Visit hauntedtraverse.com for more information.
Asylum After Dark
Spend the evening at northern Michigan’s old state asylum, roaming the grounds once occupied by mentally ill patients. “Explore one of our most popular cottages from attic to basement as scenes from our historic past are played out in dramatic fashion,” states the event page website. Located at The Village at Grand Traverse Commons, tours take roughly 90 minutes and run every 20 minutes. The tour costs $35 per person for those 16 and older only. Visit thevillagetc.com/tour.
Pond Hill Fall Fest Weekends
Pond Hill, located in Harbor Springs, hosts Fall Fest Weekends from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. every Saturday and Sunday from Sept. 23 to Oct. 29. The “pumpkin paradise” is open to all ages. Activities include the Shoot our Squash Rocket 2.0, pumpkin smashing, pumpkin bowling down Vineyard Hill, hot cider and donuts, hayrides, live music, a bounce house on select weekends, pumpkin patch with giant pumpkins, gourds and winter squash brick oven homemade pizza, wine tasting tent and craft beer and hard cider. For more information, call 231-526-3276. Pond Hill is located at 5699 S. Lake Shore Dr. in Harbor Springs.
Scheduled
Saturday, Sept. 13
Comedy to the Rescue in Petoskey
Crooked Tree Arts Center in Petoskey will host Comedy to the Rescue at 6 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 13. The evening consists of stand-up comedy and “supports the Little Traverse Bay Humane Society (LTBHS) and our mission to help pets and the people who love them,” states the website listing. Tickets are $30 per person and includes a drink ticket. There will also be a cash bar on hand. Raffle baskets and LTBHS merchandise will be for sale and “100 percent of your ticket goes directly to help animals in need.” Crooked Tree Arts Center is located at 461 E. Mitchell St. in Petoskey. For more information, call 231-347-4337.
Saturday, Sept. 20
Taste of Harbor Springs
The 30th annual Taste of Harbor Springs takes place noon to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 20 at Marina Park in downtown Harbor Springs. Hosted by the Harbor Springs Area Chamber of Commerce, the event showcases local culinary talent with small bites from area restaurants. Tickets purchased before 5 p.m., Monday, Sept. 15 are $35 a piece, and are $50 a ticket after that date. VIP tickets are $100 and include special event entry, a commemorative cup, guaranteed tent seating, and an exclusive 30th anniversary clear acrylic tray. Live music by the Rivertown Jazz band will be performed on the Harbor Springs waterfront. For more information, visit https://www.harborspringschamber.com/.
Saturday, Oct. 11
The Highlands Harvest Fest
The harvest festival includes family friendly activities, including face painting, cookie decorating, burlap sack racing, a juggler, pumpkin ring toss, yard games, cider, and donuts. “Take part in the autumn Highlands Stein Hoisting event (2 p.m.) for a chance to win a gift card. Sign-up will happen at the event,” states the event’s listing. Tickets are $20 per person. Kids ages 5 and under can join for free. Tickets include a scenic chairlift ride.
Friday, Oct. 17
Fall Artisan & Wine Walk in Suttons Bay
The annual event will take place from 5 to 8 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 17 in downtown Suttons Bay. Local artisans will showcase their work and restaurants will be open for food and refreshments. A printed out walking guide will be passed out to participants with names of all participating merchants along with the artists they’re hosting. Get your guide stamped and enter to win $150 in gifts from local businesses. This event is sponsored by the Suttons Bay Chamber of Commerce. For more information, visit https://www.suttonsbaychamber.com/fall-artisan-wine-walk.
Saturday Oct. 25
17th Annual Zombie Run
TART Trails will hold its 17th Annual Zombie Run — a zombie themed 5K that takes place at 9 a.m. at Right Brain Brewery. The brewery is hosting the run/walk where participants are encouraged to dress like zombies. Beer will be available at the finish line, followed by a medal ceremony, costume prizes, music, post-race refreshments and socializing. Tickets for adults 18 and up are $30. Students 17 and under are $25. The cost jumps $5 a ticket the day of the event register at traversetrails.org/event/zombie-run. All proceeds go to TART Trails, a nonprofit dedicated to recreation and alternative transportation in northern Michigan. Right Brain Brewery is located at 225 E. Sixteenth Street in Traverse City.
Saturday, Oct. 25
Downtown TC Halloween Walk
Grab your treat bag, as businesses in downtown Traverse City will pass out candy and other goodies at the annual Downtown Traverse City Halloween Walk. Traverse City Tourism hosts the trick-or-treat extravaganza with participating downtown-area stores. For more information, visit traversecity.com or call 231-922-2050.
Sunday, Oct. 26
Fall Fido Fest in Suttons Bay
Black Star Farms in Suttons Bay will host the third annual Fall Fido Fest hosted by Contigo Dogs — a company that sells affordable, handmade products for dogs. “Bring your pup and enjoy an afternoon of fun with 20+ vendors, including rescues, vet clinics, small businesses, and more,” states Black Star Farms website. Face painting, a doggie costume contest, agility course, food vendors and prizes are included. For more information visit https://blackstarfarms.com/fall-fido-fest/.
Friday, Oct. 31
Suttons Bay Village Trick or Treat
The Village of Suttons Bay will host trick-or-treating through the village where participating businesses will hand out candy and other treats from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. The event is followed by a trunk or treat at the Suttons Bay Fire Station. This is a free event. For more information, email info@leelanauchamber.com.