It’s fall, y’all.
The leaves are changing, the pumpkins are out and West Michigan is giving us plenty of reasons to get outside and enjoy the season. From a musical trip to the final frontier to hayrides, giant pumpkins and a one-night art show inside a historic lumberyard, here are four things to do this weekend.
Friday, October 2
The Music of Star Trek
Kick off the weekend with a familiar musical score — and take a trip to the final frontier without ever leaving Grand Rapids.
The Grand Rapids Symphony presents The Music of Star Trek, conducted by Bob Bernhardt, at DeVos Performance Hall. The concert brings the iconic music of the Star Trek universe to the concert stage, making it a fun night out for longtime fans and anyone who appreciates a great film and television score.
WHEN: Friday, October 2, at 7:30 p.m.
WHERE: DeVos Performance Hall, 303 Monroe Ave. NW, Grand Rapids
COST: Ticket prices vary.
TICKETS: grsymphony.org
The concert will also be performed Saturday, October 3, at 7:30 p.m. at DeVos Performance Hall. A Sunday, October 4, performance is scheduled for 3 p.m. at the Hastings Performing Arts Center.
Fall Fest in Downtown Holland
Make a day of it in Holland during Downtown Holland’s annual Fall Fest, a two-day celebration packed with plenty of reasons to embrace the season.
Friday’s festivities include Tulip Time’s Community Tulip Planting at Window on the Waterfront from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Volunteers can help plant 75,000 tulip bulbs that will bloom next spring for Tulip Time.
The Fall Fest Makers Market takes over the Holland Civic Center Place from 2 to 7 p.m., featuring more than 50 local artisans and crafters selling everything from jewelry and artwork to home décor, clothing and specialty foods.
Then head downtown from 3 to 7 p.m. to watch professional pumpkin carvers Danny Kissel, Dean Murray and Greg Butauski turn giant pumpkins into elaborate works of art at GDK Park.
And don’t miss the annual Fire Truck Parade, beginning at 7 p.m. on 8th Street. The parade features fire trucks and emergency vehicles from public safety departments throughout West Michigan. Families can head to the Holland Civic Center afterward for fire-safety activities and demonstrations.
WHEN: Friday, October 2
WHERE: Downtown Holland, including GDK Park, Window on the Waterfront and Holland Civic Center Place
Holland Civic Center Place: 150 W. 8th St., Holland
COST: Fall Fest is free. Some individual activities require registration or admission.
DETAILS: hollandfallfest.com
Saturday, October 3
Blandford Nature Center Harvest Festival
Grab the family and head outside for some classic fall fun at Blandford Nature Center’s annual Harvest Festival.
The festival takes place throughout Blandford Nature Center and Blandford Farm, with admission including hayrides, music, crafts, fresh-pressed apple cider demonstrations and samples, wildlife presentations, photo opportunities and interactive farm activities.
The Log Cabin, Blacksmith Shop, Schoolhouse and Animal Barn will also be open, giving visitors a chance to explore some of the historic and natural features of the Blandford campus.
Wildlife presentations will take place at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. in the auditorium. West Michigan Jewels of Africa will provide live music featuring some instruments made from the Blandford Farm.
Food and concessions will be available for purchase, including El Caribe Food Truck.
WHEN: Saturday, October 3, 10 a.m.–3 p.m.
WHERE: Blandford Nature Center, 1715 Hillburn Ave. NW, Grand Rapids
Farm check-in: 3145 Milo St. NW, Grand Rapids
COST: $10 for members; $15 for non-members; free for children age 2 and under.
DETAILS AND TICKETS: blandfordnaturecenter.org/events
Pre-registration is strongly encouraged. Groups of four or more paying participants who register online before 8 a.m. October 3 can receive 20 percent off with the code HARVEST2026.
Art at the Yard
Head to Grand Haven for a night of art, music and community at Art at the Yard, a one-night pop-up art show and sale inside Baker Lumber.
Forty-five artists from the Lakeshore Visual Arts Collective will show and sell their work, transforming the historic Grand Haven business into a gallery for the evening.
Expect a little bit of everything, including paintings, photography, jewelry, blown glass, sculpture and ceramics. The event also features live music from Park Road Revival, with Copper Cobras — a band made up of Grand Haven High School students — opening the show.
There will also be a cash bar and Pizza Plug food truck on site.
A $10 suggested donation will be collected at the door, and 10 percent of all art sales will benefit the Grand Haven Schools Foundation.
WHEN: Saturday, October 3, 5–8 p.m.
WHERE: Baker Lumber, Grand Haven
COST: $10 suggested donation
DETAILS: lakeshorevac.com
Art at the Yard is presented by the Lakeshore Visual Arts Collective in partnership with the Grand Haven Schools Foundation. The event supports arts and education in the Grand Haven community while giving shoppers a chance to take home something made by a local artist.
