There’s no better place than Saugatuck/Douglas to enjoy the quintessential outdoor autumn activities like picking apples, navigating a corn maze, or hiking the dunes to see the fall colors in all their glory. But if you’re looking to add different kinds of adventures to your fall getaway, check out these special activities. 

Fill Your Cup

If you’re in the mood for a locally crafted libation, look no further than the Saugatuck/Douglas area in the fall. Bring the whole family to Crane’s Cider Fest on Saturday, September 9, where everyone can enjoy food and desserts, ciders and wine, a pie-eating contest, live music, hayrides, and, of course, their fabulous corn maze. 

Microbrew fan? Visit Waypost Brewing Co. on Saturday, September 30, for a day of fall festivities on the farm during their Lager Fest—honoring the light, golden beer beloved by many. Sample some of your old favorites from the cellar, and try new varieties yet to be released. Come for a pint and stay for the live music, stein holding contests, barrel roll races, and hot poked beers. 

Catch A Flick

Experience A Taste of Michigan: A Fresh Coast Films Roadshow, a delicious fusion of films and food, on September 28 at the Saugatuck Center of the Arts. A highly-curated series of short films set against the spectacular beauty of Marquette in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula will be shown. Enjoy a taste of fresh and flavorful local bites, created by Chef Mindy Trafman and inspired by the shorts on screen at this multisensory event. As a special treat, you’ll have the exclusive opportunity to meet artist Rae Lang, the visionary and designer behind this year’s festival poster, who will be onsite signing posters and selling prints.

Celebrate independent film during the annual Saugatuck Film Fest on Saturday, November 4, at the historic Saugatuck Women’s Club. Activities include screenings of short and feature-length film submissions, a prize-winning feature film, selections from Ox-Bow School of Art alumni, artist Q&A, awards presentation, and additional online screenings.

Take A Walk On The Art Side

On Saturday, September 16, in Wicks Park, Saugatuck will be holding an Art in the Park event, where artwork and fine crafts from local and regional artists will be featured alongside live Americana-style music. Take a stroll through all the booths and pick up something inspiring to bring home.

Visitors are invited to experience the creative process in action during the 34th Blue Coast Artists Annual Studio Tour. This free event takes place the weekend of October 7-8. See a piece of pottery form on the potter's wheel, learn how a wood bowl is created on a lathe, watch a rock's inner beauty appear through the lapidary craft, and experience trees coming alive through brushstrokes. These are just a few of the demonstrations that art lovers of all ages are sure to enjoy during this exciting event.

During the 46th Annual Fall Gallery Stroll on Saturday, October 14, you can wander through more than 20 galleries and studios of local, regional, and national artists. This is your opportunity to chat with the artists, watch live demos, enjoy live music, and sample delicious bites and refreshments while expanding your artistic horizons. Explore work in various mediums, including contemporary painting, found material sculpture, hand-blown glass, and pottery. This tour is also a great time to watch the leaves change colors as you stroll the beautiful streets of Saugatuck and Douglas. 

Join the Party

Join us October 12-15 for Fennville's Annual Goose Festival. Featuring carnival rides, games, live music, a parade, 5K run, and more, this event is sure to be fun for the entire family. Enjoy delicious food and drinks from Salt of the Earth, Root Café, and El Jaripeo, as well as tasty fare from local food trucks.

Stroll scenic Main Street in downtown Douglas and support local community groups at the annual Douglas Oktoberfest on Saturday, October 14. Explore vendors offering crafts, food, and unique displays that keep people coming back year after year. Throughout the day, you’ll enjoy entertainment from singers, bands, choral and dance groups, and variety shows. For the kids, check out rides and games on the church lawn, including inflatables, a train, and an obstacle course. 

If you’ve got big ideas for this year’s Halloween costume, you won’t want to miss the annual Halloween Parade for Adults in Douglas on Saturday, October 28. Leave the kiddos with a sitter, dress up in your Halloween finery, and line up for one of the most unique parades you will ever experience. Thousands of spectators from across the country come to watch the giant parade mascot, the Pumpkin King, rise from the ashes at 10 pm to get the party started! 

Don’t Miss the Boat

A boat ride is an unforgettable way to view the changing red and gold leaves dotting the shoreline. Take your fall color tour on the Star of Saugatuck paddlewheel boat, which offers cruises down the Kalamazoo River on weekends through October. Enjoy stunning views of the beautiful fall landscape on the open upper deck or the enclosed lower deck, along with an offering of fine wines, domestic beers, and signature cocktails. For a ghoulishly good time, the Star of Saugatuck is offering a 90-minute themed Boo’s Cruise for adults 21+ on October 28 with music, drink specials, a costume contest, and a few other tricks and treats. October 29th is the Kid’s Halloween Cruise and the last date of the year for public cruises.