October Events in the Ann Arbor Area feature a range of exciting festivals and activities, so gear up and get your Halloween costume ready because the spookiest time of the year has arrived! Whether you want to catch a scary movie or celebrate all things Gilmore Girls — these are the best October events in Ann Arbor, Chelsea, Dexter, Ypsilanti, Belleville, and beyond!
Arts + Culture
Indian Art and Frontier Antiques Show | Ann Arbor
5055 Ann Arbor-Saline Road
October 12th
Check out this unique antique show at the Washtenaw Farm Council Grounds this October. Kicking off at 9:00 AM, attendees can peruse a massive event filled with one-of-a-kind displays and sales of 18th and 19th-century furs, beadwork, frontier weapons, pottery, pipes, and much more! You never know what you’ll find at a show like this, so arrive with an open mind and see what speaks to you. Admission can be purchased at the door.
A2 Artoberfest | Ann Arbor
Downtown Ann Arbor
October 12th & 13th
Ann Arbor’s annual A2 Artoberfest is a celebration of all things creative. The event will be stretched across Ann Street and North Fourth Avenue from Huron into the Kerrytown area. The fest will feature 100 jury-selected artists, live entertainment, an array of food vendors, as well as art activities for attendees to participate in. There will be several options for adult beverages as well. Peruse the artistry, sip on a refreshing drink, and savor the beautiful fall weather as you jam out to live music. Parking will be available in the structure on the corner of Ann and Ashley Streets or in the structure on 4th Avenue and Washington Street. The A2 Fest is going zero waste, which means there will be recycling and compost options, as well as educational materials on how artists, vendors, and attendees can help to support these environmentally friendly efforts.
Community Celebrations
Moonster Mash | Chelsea
20179 McKernan Drive
October 6th
Take a trip to the Barn Sanctuary for the Moonster Mash event in Chelsea. From 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM, attendees can celebrate the spookiest time of the year at this annual get-together. Enjoy delicious plant-based foods from local food trucks (Vegano Italiano and Craveable) and yummy donuts from the Botanical Bakeshop. Sip on some cider while the kids trick-or-treat at the various stations, or take part in an arts and crafts activity. There will also be face painting and prizes awarded for coming in costume! In addition, you can meet some of the barn’s adorable residents with the Goat or Potbelly Experiences. Tickets are $25 for an adult general admission, and $15 for kids.
Witches Night Out | Manchester
Downtown Manchester
October 12th
Get in the holiday spirit this October with shopping, sipping, and fun in Manchester. Stores will be festive and ready to welcome any and all witches. Enjoy spooky treats, dancing, dining, games, raffles, and an array of store specials. New at the Witches Night Out this year is a silent disco dance event from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM where you can learn the Thriller dance! Business Bingo is also back, with awesome prize baskets worth $150 each. Costumes are optional but encouraged. If you think you have what it takes, enter the witches cackle contest on the Manchester Mill Porch. Prizes will be awarded to those with the loudest and scariest cackle, so start practicing!
Sports
Run Scream Run | Ypsilanti
5565 Merritt Road
October 12th
If you’re brave enough, check out the number one horror attraction in Michigan — Wiard’s Orchard. This festive race is walker- and runner-friendly, so don’t worry if you can’t keep up with the front of the pack. Both the 5K and the 10K include about a mile on gravel roads within the orchard; the remainder is on asphalt and the cross-country course in Rolling Hills County Park. Upon completion of the race, you’ll receive a fun custom medal, as well as post-race cider and donuts! Also take advantage of orchard discounts. Registration is currently open, so secure your spot and get ready for an adventure.
Making Strides of Ann Arbor | Ann Arbor
4800 East Huron Drive
October 12th
Hosted at Washtenaw Community College, Making Strides of Ann Arbor is more than just a walk. It’s a movement! It doesn’t matter who you are or where you are — you can make an impact. Support for the Making Strides movement helps the American Cancer Society continue its fight against breast cancer. This three-mile walk or run through the campus is a great way to get active for a good cause. There will be music, a photo booth, snacks, and a Survivor & Thriver tent. Whether you yourself have experienced the effects of breast cancer or have a loved one who was diagnosed, this event is a great way to connect with others in the community who have had a similar experience. Check-in opens at 9:00 AM and the walk starts at 10:00 AM.
Probility Ann Arbor Marathon | Ann Arbor
209 South Ashley Street
October 13th
Lace up your sneakers on Sunday, October 13th for the annual Ann Arbor Marathon. Whether you’re an avid runner or you just want to participate, there are a half marathon, 10K, and 5K options available, as well as a marathon relay. “E-race” the stigma by supporting local mental health charities as you run through the vibrant streets of downtown Ann Arbor. Racers will get a panoramic view of the University of Michigan campus and enjoy the sights of the Huron River and Gallup Park, as well as the Nichols Arboretum. The marathon is USATF certified, making it a qualifier for both the Boston and New York Marathons. Registration ranges from $41.25 to $290, depending on which event you choose to run in. There are also virtual participation options if you’re out of town!
Food + Drink
Uncork a Cure for ALS | Ann Arbor
1928 Packard Street
October 10th
York Food & Drink is hosting this event to help raise money for a good cause. From 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM, help support the 2nd annual Uncork a Cure for ALS event and enjoy an evening of food, drink, and entertainment. There will be an online auction as well for anybody wanting to participate. Last year’s event brought in nearly 200 attendees and raised more than $25,000 for ALS research! Help make this year’s event even bigger and better. Early registration is priced at $100 and is bumped up to $125 after September 25th and at the door.
7th Annual Bombers, Berries & Brews | Belleville
47884 D Street
October 12th
Head over to the Michigan Flight Museum for the 7th rendition of this annual festival celebrating local breweries and wineries, as well as historic aircraft. On Saturday, from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM, check out the displays and sip on your beverage of choice. This event is for 21 and up, so if you have kiddos — consider a babysitter for the night so you can enjoy a relaxed evening. General admission is priced at $46.88 and includes 12 tasting tickets. Additional tickets can be purchased at $5 for 5 tasting tickets. Designated drivers get free admittance to the event. There are limited registrations available, so make sure to grab yours in advance to ensure your spot.
Happy October!
We hope that you’ve found a handful of events that you’re looking forward to this October. Whether you love all things aircraft or want to challenge yourself at the Ann Arbor Marathon, there’s plenty going on in the area next month. Enjoy the cooler weather and get ready for the holiday season because it’s almost upon us!
