Cozy adventures for your autumn agenda
Pumpkin patch magic. Chili cookoffs. Oktoberfest, farm dinners, and craft meet-ups. If you’re craving peak autumn vibes, Harbor Country’s fall events lineup checks the boxes. We’ve curated a list of some of our favorites to help you plan. Bring a sweater and your taste for adventure—or hot apple cider.
Maker’s Halloween Meet-Up at Handmade Studio
October 24 | Sawyer
At this Halloween party-slash-craft night, creative spirits gather for a night of snacking, chatting, and low-pressure making. An artist-run space, Handmade’s an inviting hub for all skill levels and media, with a Riso printer, darkroom, kiln, screen-printing rig, and a plethora of hand-making tools on site. Bring your own work in progress or try one of Handmade’s (spooky) supplied crafts.
Dog Halloween Costume Contest at River St. Joe
October 24 | Buchanan
For dog owners, dog lovers, and anyone in search of an adorably raucous all-ages Halloween party. The brewery and farm’s seventh annual Dog Halloween Costume Contest is a guaranteed mood brightener. And it supports a great cause: The $5 entry fee benefits a local pup rescue, Homeward Bound Animal Welfare Group, bringing adoptable dogs to the monster bash.
Bizarre Bazaar at Lakeside Inn
October 24 | Lakeside
Lakeside Inn has a long history as a haven for creative types, both as guests at the hotel and artists in residence. Their annual art market showcases work by alums of the Lakeside Inn Artists Residency Program, which invites artists to live and create in the property’s under-the-radar studios. From 11 am to 4 pm, browse shoppable wares by painters, ceramicists, photographers, leather workers, and more visual artists from the program. Also on the agenda: A raku-fired ceramics demo, barbecue from Wood Stock & Grill, and live music by Adam Schubert (a.k.a. Ulna).
Murder Mystery Dinner: A Masquerade at Journeyman Distillery
October 30 | Three Oaks
There’s a ‘killer’ on the loose in Journeyman’s historic Featherbone Factory… and they could be sitting next to you. At this murder-mystery game night, tickets include a multi-course dinner, cash bar, and clues to help you crack the case. Masquerade-ball attire is optional. Wearing your detective’s hat is what it’s all about. $65
Monster Bash at Petite Acres
October 30 | Three Oaks
Live ghost-story tellers, palm and tarot readers, zombies on the dance floor… they’re partying like it’s All Hallow’s Eve at Petite Acre’s immersive Monster Bash. Equal parts live theater experience and costumed dance party, the spooky shenanigans go down around a bonfire on the great lawn and in the property’s French-inspired chateau. Tickets include signature cocktails, open bar, and heavy apps to keep you boogying. $135
Mushroom Hike at Sugarwood Forest Preserve
October 31 | Three Oaks, MI
Fall’s a prime time for mushroom hunting, and Chikaming Open Lands offers tips for responsible foraging on this guided hike through the woods. Led by local ‘fungus fanatic’ Charlie Havens, it’s a journey for aspiring shroomists, experienced foragers, and anyone fascinated by the mysterious, complex world of mushrooms. Wind through the scenic trails at Sugarwood Forest Preserve while you sharpen your eye and soak up stunning fall color.
Register | Explore Chikaming Open Lands
Coursed Granor Farm Dinners
Select Fridays & Saturdays | Three Oaks
Set in a stunning dine-in greenhouse, Granor Farm’s popular ticketed dinner series is a treat. Tour the farm before settling in for a multicourse, Granor-grown organic meal celebrating the expansive food culture of Southwest Michigan. Because menus are never repeated, it’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience every time. Tickets often sell out, so plan early for the best chance at seats. $175+
Goat Hikes at Verdant Hollow Farm
Saturdays | Buchanan
A guided hour-long walk through gardens, pasture, hardwood forest—and yes, hollow—with the farm’s goat herd as your companions and ambassadors. Next level for any nature (and baby-goat video) lover, it’s a delightfully simple way to explore a beautiful place with its adorably engaging residents. Ages 5 and up. $25
Tickets | Explore Verdant Hollow
THROWBACK THURSDAYS AT VICKERS THEATRE
Thursdays | Three Oaks
Vickers’ historic main street movie house hosts a weekly screening of vintage blockbusters worthy of leaving your home screen. On October’s appropriately horrific roster: three Hitchcock classics, The Adams Family, and Close Encounters of the Third Kind. Get a real-buttered popcorn and a glass of wine, then enjoy the show.
Fall Harvest at Dinges Farm
Through October 31 | Three Oaks
The quintessential spot for pumpkin picking and old-school fun, the Dinges farmstead is where beloved fall traditions grow like squash vines. Think hayrides, games, a corn maze, and kid-friendly Halloween attractions. Plus gourds, pumpkins, and squash in heirloom varieties and colors to make front porches look perfectly autumnal.
Dinner & Drinks at Granor Farm
Select Fridays | Three Oaks
In honor of the life-affirming power of gathering like-minded folks around the table, Dinner & Drinks invites some of Granor’s collaborators to cohost warm, welcoming family-style meals. On autumn’s guest lineup: the Midwestern Artisan Grain Collaborative, Union Pier’s Seedz Brewery, and Chicago’s Pickled Prince. $150
Early Warnings
Nov 7 & 8: Autumn Artisan Market at Journeyman Distillery in Three Oaks
Nov 8: Fall Big Cup Tournament at Journeyman Distillery in Three Oaks
Nov 21: Thanksgiving & Artisan Market at Granor Farm in Three Oaks
Nov 23: Thanksgiving turkey pick-up at Farmette in New Buffalo
Nov 27: Christmas tree season begins at Dudeck’s Pine Country in Rolling Prairie, IN
Dec 4: Chris White Trio presents ‘A Charlie Brown Christmas’ at Acorn Theater in Three Oaks
Check back often. New events are added as they’re announced.
words Lena Singer, Sylvie Darling, Collette DiJohn Kemper
updated October 21, 2026
