October 1–26
Downtown Grand Haven
A new tradition is being brought to Grand Haven this fall. Over 150 five-foot decorated skeletons will be placed around the downtown area. Participating businesses will have ballots available to vote for their skeleton. This will span the entire month of October, where skeletons will be judged by a popular vote based on originality, humor, and scariness. The final results will be revealed by the end of the “bone season.” Check out details here.
October 2–4
Times vary
Downtown Zeeland
This is one event you will not want to miss. This three-day event features a Pumpkinfest 5k, Pet Show Contest (yes, the dogs will be dressed in costumes), The Great BYOP Pumpkin Roll, a Pumpkin Pie Eating Contest, a Tractor Pull, and of course, a parade to top it all off. There are chances for both adults and young kids to stay entertained, so be sure to show up! Some events require sign ups, so please visit the website.
Friday, October 3 from 10:30am–10:00pm
Saturday, October 4 from 8:00am–7:00pm
Downtown Holland
This is a weekend you won’t want to miss. The streets of Holland will be filled with “all things fall,” ranging from professional pumpkin carving, a jack-o-lantern display, hayrides, an artisan vendor market, street performers, and more. The events will be held in and around downtown, from the Civic Center to Windmill Island Gardens. The hub of the festival will be held in Downtown Holland and Window on the Waterfront. Be sure to check out the schedule of events here.
October 8
5:30–7:30pm
Hudsonville
Hosted by Fair Haven Church, this free, festive event features trunk-or-treating, lots and lots of candy, prizes, a petting zoo, and free hotdogs. There will be food trucks available for other options. Be sure to come dressed up and ready for a fun evening. Please visit the event page here for further details.
October 11
10am–8pm
Holland
While we know Bowerman’s for blueberries, during the fall months the farm is all-in on pumpkins. This is the owners' second annual festival ever. From 10am to 4pm, there will be activities for all ages, and from 5pm to 8pm, the patio will be open for live music, pizza, hard cider, and wine. There will be sweet fall treats available throughout the event. Be sure to check it out! It will be hosted at their other location on James Street. Visit the event page here.
October 11
10:00am–3:00pm
Hudsonville
This fall event, sponsored by Todd Wenzel Chevrolet, is hosted on the stretch of Harvey Street. The activities will span from hayrides, pony rides, free cider and donuts, a petting zoo, and mini train rides to pumpkin paintings, cornhole, and an inflatable corn maze. There is so much to do, especially for the little ones in your family. There will also be food trucks from Pronto Pups, Electric Hero, and Vitale’s Pizza. If you’re tired, make sure to stop in at 317 Coffee for a pick-me-up while the kiddos are out playing. Take a moment to view everything this event has to offer here.
October 16
5pm
Hudsonville
Many of us will say, “Wow, it’s not even Halloween and they’re already changing out the stores for Christmas.” And that is true. While The Found Cottage may be closed for a few days, it’s because the staff is completely revamping their storefront for a wintry theme. They will reopen on October 16th at 5pm for everyone to come witness their snowy, holiday-centric pieces.
October 16
3pm–7pm
Zeeland
If you’re looking to get your pooch out of the house, take him to Autumn Farm Co. for this fall-themed event. Here, you and your pup can enjoy a pumpkin patch, corn maze, and other fun activities geared toward your furry friend. Make sure to check out the event’s page here!
October 16–18
6pm–9pm
Allendale
Hosted by Second Church in Allendale, the annual Pumpkin Walk features a trail of over 600 carved and lit pumpkins. You’ll have the opportunity to grab some fall treats after you walk through the trails. It’s welcome to all ages, and you can even carve a pumpkin to have featured on the trail. For further information, please visit the event page here.
October 26
10:00am–4:00pm
Downtown Grand Haven
After the bones are judged, the downtown area will be transformed into the ultimate spooky experience (although not too spooky). There will be spooky stories, a costume contest, trick-or-treating held around downtown, a haunted museum, and other opportunities for the kiddos to walk around in their costumes. There will be Touch-A-Truck, Haunted Cookie Decorating, and a sensory-friendly Haunted House. For more information, please visit the event page here.
Sierra Ozolins is a West Michigan native, currently a student at Hope College. As an athlete, she is passionate about fitness—from running to weightlifting. With a interest for politics and lifestyle, she is intrigued how local culture, community, and everyday events shape the world around her—often with an iced coffee in hand and her dog by her side.