These last few weeks of summer have been pretty mild, and it has got me thinking about fall.
While Autumn doesn’t officially start until September 22, I am already thinking ahead to those cool brisk days.
Here’s a bonus — Getting out and enjoying metro Detroit doesn’t have to cost a ton of money. I tried to keep most of the 27 things right around $5 per person.
1. Grab some hot apple cider and donuts from one of the many orchards and cider mills
If you haven’t checked out our list of of Metro Detroit cider mills, now is the time. There are plenty of orchards and cider mills around town to choose from. A cup of cider and a donut will come in under $5.
2. Relive your glory days by catching a high school football game
I know we’re nothing like Texas, but there is something endearing about our love of football. Surely there’s a cousin or a someone in the family who could use you cheering them on on a Friday night this weekend. Be sure to stick around during halftime to catch the marching band show. Those kids have practiced for hours to get that show down.
3. Get your fall decorations at Eastern Market
Get your corn stalks, pumpkins, and straw bales from the farmers at Eastern Market. You’
4. Take a drive to check out the fall colors
There are plenty of great scenic roads throughout Metro Detroit. One of my favorite drives is along Hines Drive, starting in Northville and ending in Dearborn.
5. 3rd Annual Murals in the Market
This week long event takes place September 21 through 28. Come explore Eastern Market and check out the 50 new pieces of public art. There are events happening throughout the week, so be sure to check out the schedule on the Murals in the Market website.
6. DLECTRICITY
On the evenings of September 22 and 23 Midtown will turn into a light show. Check out the DLECTRICITY website for all of the artists and schedule. Want to make an entire day of art? Check out Murals in the Market during the day and then head to Midtown for DLECTRICITY.
7. Take in the fall colors while biking the Dequindre Cut
Get out and ride those cycles before the S-word shows up.
8. Check out a live storytelling show
The Ghost Light Bar in Hamtramck hosts a monthly storytelling event called The Ant Hill. The show is on the second Tuesday of the month. If you have a story that fits the theme drop your name in the hat and you could hop on stage to tell your own story. The best part is that there is no cover to get in.
9. Detroit Design Festival
This is the seventh annual Detroit Design Festival, and it is sure to be a good time. The festival takes place September 26 through 30. There is so many aspect to the festival, but some of the highlights include Eastern Market After Dark, Light Up Livernois, and the pop up putt putt courses.
10. Catch some classic movies at the Redford Theatre
The upcoming lineup of movies at the Redford Theatre is pretty spectacular, the best part is the majority of the movies only cost $5 per person. Looking ahead into November there will be a John Candy tribute on November 18.
11. Hike through a tree covered trail
Get outside and find a tree lined trail and take in the colors of autumn. Looking for a nice trail? Check out the Paint Creek Trail in Oakland County. It’s 8.9 miles and takes your through Rochester, Rochester Hills, Oakland Township, Orion Township, and Lake Orion.
12. Go play in the streets during Open Streets
Open Streets is returning to Detroit for the second year on October 1. This year the route will begin at Beacon Park and end in Mexicantown. There will be plenty of activities going on during the five hour event.
13. Try to find the Great Pumpkin
Now that I have a kid we have started a tradition of going to the pumpkin patch to find our pumpkins. There are plenty of pumpkin patches around town, but The Pumpkin Factory in Belleville has a pretty nice set up. Plus this is probably the cheapest place I have found for hay rides at only $3 per person. Oh and pumpkins will cost ya $.40 cents a pound.
14. Explore Hamtramck’s art scene
The Hamtramck Neighborhood Art Festival will be on Saturday, October 14. This art festival is a strolling one and will take place in homes, porches, sidewalks and storefronts throughout Hamtramck.
15. Grab your popcorn and catch a movie at the Penn Theatre in Plymouth
During the month of October the Penn will showcase classic horror films on Thursday nights. On the weekends they will feature newer films. The best part is that you only have to drop $3 per person to see these movies. Be sure to bring you cash because they don’t take any plastic. You can find the schedule for the Penn Theatre here.
16. Celebrate the Harvest at Palmer Park on October 1st
Head over to Palmer Park to celebrate the fall with the Harvest Green Party. The picnic will be held from 2:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m.
17. Explore Belle Isle
There is no wrong way to enjoy Belle Isle. My favorite time to to take a drive through the woods on Belle Isle is in the fall. Also when it is chilly remember to utilize the Belle Isle Nature Center, Dossin Great Lakes Museum, Aquarium, and Conservatory.
18. Enjoy Michigan agriculture by baking a pie
Let’s face it, you’re going to have an over abundance of apples and pumpkins if you keep going to these orchards, pumpkin patches and farmers markets. Why not let the flour fly and bake a nice pie.
19. Organize a chili cook off with your friends and family
Remember that pumpkin picking tradition my family has? It includes a family chili cook off. Let me let you in on a little secret, our parents chili always wins.
20. Check out the changes happening downtown by grabbing a free walking tour
There are so many changes downtown in the past few years, if you’re not downtown all the time you might not see the changes. Check out the free walking tours through Seven Point Two Tours.
21. Get friendly with those Jack O’Lanterns
Once you have picked out the perfect pumpkin it is time to carve that bad boy. Getting a few people together for a carving party is more fun then doing it alone.
22. Check out the DIY Street Fair in Ferndale
This is the 10th year for the DIY Street Fair in Ferndale on September 22 through 24. There will be tons of great vendors, live music and food.
23. The Final All Things Detroit for 2017
Ask Jennyfer has turned All Things Detroit into a great showcase for small business owners. Head over to Eastern Market on November 5 to get your shopping on. There is a $5 cover to get in.
24. Volunteer for Angel’s Night
The City of Detroit is currently looking for volunteers to patrol the streets on October 29-31. You can register to be a volunteer on the City of Detroit website.
25. Check out the ofrendas at the Detroit Institute of Arts
The DIA will be displaying a collection of ofrendas from October 13 through November 13. These altars are used during Dia de Muertos (Day of the Dead) in Mexico and other Latin American cultures.
26. Help plant 100,000 Daffodils
The Belle Isle Conservancy is looking to plant 100,000 Daffodils on the island on the morning of October 14. More here.
27. America’s Thanksgiving Day Parade
I don’t know about you, but I think Detroit throws one hell of a Thanksgiving Day Parade. This is our last chance to embrace autumn before being inundated by the holiday season.
