Fall Festivals, Pumpkins & Hayrides
Fall in Grand Rapids is magical for families, with crisp air, colorful leaves, and special seasonal events popping up throughout the area. From harvest festivals and car shows to trick-or-treat celebrations, there's something to get everyone excited about autumn. We've rounded up the best family-friendly fall activities happening right now so you can plan your weekend adventures.
Michigan's Farm Garden Autumn Family Activities
Drop-in harvest activities and seasonal learning at Michigan's Farm Garden; Fri–Sat 10am–2pm, Sun 11am–2pm.
Autumn Weekends Live Music with Bahar Ensemble
Live music, food, and fall fun at Frederik Meijer Gardens' scenic amphitheater.
Pumpkin Fest
Three-weekend pumpkin festival with axe-throwing, live music & farm fun at Bowerman's.
Highlands Fall Festival
Farm animals, food trucks, and fall fun at Thunder Acres Highlands.
Autumn Weekends Live Music with The Music Medicine Collective
Live music and fall harvest fun in the beautiful amphitheater at Frederik Meijer Gardens.
Candy Harvest
Candy Harvest in Grand Rapids
Brush Studio Paint & Sip - Starry Starry Pumpkin Patch
Brush Studio Paint & Sip - Starry Starry Pumpkin Patch in Grand Rapids
Haunts & Howls
Trunk-or-treating & Halloween fun with dogs at Humane Society of West Michigan.
Boo Bash Cookie Decorating Class
Halloween cookie-decorating class at Spruced Studio — cute, spooky, no-scares crafting.
Ada Village Pumpkin Prowl 2026
Spooky trick-or-treating event in Ada Village with thousands of costumed kids celebrating Halloween.
Autumn Weekends Live Music with Selkie
Relax on the lawn for live music, food, and harvest fun at the Meijer Gardens Amphitheater.
Hallowee-Ones: Parade and Programming at Meijer Gardens
Family Halloween parade and activities at Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park.
Celebrate Fall at Parkside Farm with the Pygmy Goats!
Free fall farm event with hayrides, tours, and petting pygmy goats at Parkside Farm.
Harvest In Bloom
Craft a festive fall floral arrangement in a charming pumpkin vase at this workshop.
Cats & Crafts: Pumpkin Ornaments
Craft pumpkin ornaments while hanging out with rescue cats at Holland Cat Cove.
Boo at the Barn
Spooky Halloween fun at Critter Barn: maze, corn pit, donuts, and costumes.
Autumn Weekends Live Music with The Fall Upwards Duo
Relaxed outdoor live music & fall festivities at Frederik Meijer Gardens Amphitheater.
Zeeland's Trick or Treat
Halloween trick-or-treat on Main Street with cider, donuts, and photo ops in downtown Zeeland.
MINI LEATHER PUMPKIN CLASS
Create a soft leather stuffed pumpkin with hand-molded leaves at Tandy Leather.
Autumn Weekends: Live Music with The Morning Yells
Outdoor autumn concert with The Morning Yells at Frederik Meijer Gardens Amphitheater.
Hot Cider Hustle Half Marathon
Halloween-themed half marathon, 10K, and 5K run on October 31st with treats and souvenirs.
Glitter & Glam Pumpkins Workshop
Transform faux pumpkins into glittery fall décor at this creative craft workshop.
Autumn Weekends at Meijer Gardens
Live music, seasonal food, and daytime activities make autumn special at Meijer Gardens—great for family memories.
Hallowee-Ones: Parade and Programming
Dress-up parade and autumn-meets-Halloween fun at Lena Meijer Children's Garden—parades at 11 am and 1 pm.
Good to know
- What fall festivals are happening in Grand Rapids right now?
- The Alto Harvest Festival and Car Show is a great autumn event happening in the area. Zeeland also hosts a Trick or Treat celebration—check their websites for exact dates and times, as these events typically happen in September through October.
- Are fall festivals in Grand Rapids free for families?
- Most harvest festivals and community trick-or-treat events are free or very low-cost, though some activities within the festivals may have small fees. Check individual event pages for parking and admission details.
- What should I bring to fall festivals with kids?
- Bring layers and jackets since fall weather is unpredictable, comfortable walking shoes, and hand sanitizer or wipes. For evening events like trick-or-treat, consider a flashlight or glow stick for safety.
- What ages are fall festivals good for?
- Harvest festivals and car shows typically appeal to all ages, from toddlers to teens, though the activities vary—some focus on games and entertainment while others highlight farm activities or vehicles. Trick-or-treat events are perfect for young children.