Fall arrives in West Michigan with a packed calendar of festivals celebrating history, music, harvest traditions, art and Halloween — offering plenty of reasons to get outside and make the most of the season.
From a living-history weekend that brings Revolutionary and Civil War eras to life to four days of Irish music on the lakeshore, these five festivals offer something for just about every kind of fall festivalgoer.
Van Raalte Farm Civil (and Revolutionary) War Muster — Sept. 19-20
The crack of muskets, the sound of cavalry and the rhythm of fife and drum will return to Holland’s Van Raalte Farm this fall — but this time, the battlefield stretches back before the Civil War.
The 17th annual Van Raalte Farm Civil War Muster will expand Sept. 19-20 to include Revolutionary War living-history programming in celebration of America’s 250th anniversary. Visitors can encounter British redcoats, colonial camps, founding-era figures and Civil War soldiers across the farm’s 160 acres.
“We are expanding the program to include the Revolutionary War period, because of the nation’s 250th,” said organizer Rick Veenhoven.
The addition means visitors will see historical interpreters portraying George and Martha Washington, John and Abigail Adams, and Thomas and Martha Jefferson. The presidents also will take part in a panel where guests can ask questions and hear responses while they remain in period character.
The weekend’s expanded programming will join traditional Civil War features, including battle reenactments, Union and Confederate encampments, cavalry, artillery and infantry demonstrations. This year’s Civil War battle scenario will commemorate the 165th anniversary of the First Battle of Bull Run.
Veenhoven said the muster has always been about creating an experience that goes beyond watching a reenactment from a distance.
“We bring in very good interpreters,” he said, noting that some participants portray historical figures professionally.
Among this year’s interpreters will be Abraham Lincoln, Ulysses S. Grant, Robert E. Lee and Harriet Tubman. The event also will feature historical artifacts, military demonstrations and period music.
A major addition will be the Freedom Truck Mobile Museum, an 18-wheeler traveling exhibit focused on America’s founding and 250 years of history. The expandable mobile museum will be available during the muster and Education Day, when hundreds of fifth-grade students visit the farm.
Veenhoven said the setting itself is part of what makes the event stand out.
“Sort of like an amphitheater, everyone can sit on the hill, beautiful grassy field,” he said. “It’s very real to experience. You don’t see any commercialism. I think it’s a very beautiful and highly visible site to enjoy something like that.”
Visitors can also explore the historic farmhouse, built in 1870, and enjoy food and beverages in an authentic military tavern inside the barn. The free weekend event includes complimentary parking and shuttle service.
Michigan Irish Music Festival — Sept. 17-20
The Michigan Irish Music Festival returns to Heritage Landing in Muskegon Sept. 17-20, bringing four days of traditional Irish music, Celtic culture and entertainment to the lakeshore.
The 2026 lineup features legendary performers and contemporary acts, including Scythian alongside Andy Irvine, Altan and Solas.
Scythian blends Celtic, Eastern European and Appalachian influences into high-energy performances, while Irvine, Altan and Solas offer fans a rare chance to see three influential traditional Irish acts together.
The weekend also includes The East Pointers, Screaming Orphans, Gothard Sisters, Dave Curley & Colin Farrell, Elias Alexander, George Murphy, Seamus Kennedy, Bastard Bearded Irishmen, Not Your Daideó’s Céilí featuring Éamonn de Cógáin and more.
Beyond the music, festivalgoers can enjoy Irish food, cultural demonstrations and vendors.
Holland Fall Fest — Oct. 2-3
Downtown Holland’s Fall Fest returns Oct. 2-3, transforming city streets into a celebration of autumn.
Activities include fall-themed games at the Holland Farmers Market, with pumpkin patch games, candy-filled hay stacks, bean bag toss and other seasonal activities.
The festival’s signature attraction is the professional pumpkin carving showcase, featuring top pumpkin carvers, including Food Network alumni. Visitors can watch artists create elaborate designs and view finished works throughout the weekend.
The event also features live street performers, balloon artists and face painting along 8th Street. The Fall Fest Makers Market at the Holland Civic Center Place features more than 75 local artisans offering pottery, jewelry, candles, artwork, food and handmade goods.
Visitors can also enjoy a traditional hayride at Windmill Island Gardens.
Fennville Goose Festival — Oct. 9-11
Fennville’s Goose Festival returns Oct. 9-11, continuing a hometown tradition that has brought the community together for decades.
The festival began in 1985 as an effort to encourage Amtrak to restore a stop in Fennville, but it quickly became a celebration of its own.
Highlights include the Goose Market, food trucks, a car show, fun runs and races, and the annual Goose Festival Parade.
Young entrepreneurs can take part in the Gosling Market, where vendors age 17 and younger can sell handmade crafts, artwork, jewelry and other creations.
Halloween in Saugatuck-Douglas — Oct. 31
Halloween in Saugatuck and Douglas combines family-friendly festivities with one of Michigan’s most memorable adult Halloween celebrations.
The centerpiece is the Douglas Halloween Parade for Adults, returning Oct. 31 with its nighttime procession through downtown Douglas. The parade features creative costumes, elaborate characters and the giant Pumpkin King leading the celebration down Center Street.
The evening begins with pre-parade festivities, including the Cavern Tavern Pre-Party hosted by Ox-Bow House, featuring art, drinks and live music from the Great Lakes Brass Band. Parade lineup begins at 9 p.m. near the Old School House, with the parade stepping off at 10 p.m.
Earlier in the weekend, families can enjoy events such as the Family Halloween Pet Parade & Party in Saugatuck and Glow in the Park.
With themed cruises, costume contests and Halloween celebrations throughout the community, Saugatuck-Douglas offers a full weekend of spooky-season fun.
