Try as we might to stop it, summer is slowly winding down here in Michigan. You know what that means: autumn is nearly upon us. While it’s tough to accept the chillier weather, there’s still a certain excitement to welcoming the new season here in the Great Lakes State. If you’re ready for crisp leaves, hot cider, and plenty of pumpkins, here are 11 must-visit harvest festivals to explore throughout Michigan this fall.

1. Bangor Apple Festival (September 15-16, Bangor)

Now in its 39th year of operation, this fun-filled festival in downtown Bangor will help you get excited about the fall season. Enjoy live music, a parade, an antique and classic car show, and plenty of delicious food. If you’re looking to stretch your legs, sign up to participate in the 5K Apple Run/Walk event! For more information, click here.

2. Appleumpkin Festival (October 14-15, Tecumseh)

Visitors of all ages will have a blast at this festival, which has entertained autumn enthusiasts for 24 years. Peruse an arts and crafts fair, visit the area’s flea market, take a spin on a carnival ride, or take a short drive out to Kapnick Orchards to really get into the fall spirit. To learn more, click here.

3. Detroit Fall Beer Festival (October 27-28, Detroit)

What’s fall without a healthy dose of Michigan-made beer? Presented by the Michigan Brewers Guild, this event takes place within Detroit’s beloved Eastern Market and features live music — as well as over 700 varieties of delicious craft beer. This is a 21+ event, and tickets must be purchased in advance. Find details by clicking here.

4. Scarecrow Fest (October 14-15 and 21-22, Frankenmuth)

Downtown Frankenmuth bustles with excitement during its annual Scarecrow Fest, which draws in visitors each year with all sorts of fall-themed fun. With unique activities like pumpkin bowling, a doggie trick-or-treat event, and even a pumpkin catapult, you’ll be in the fall spirit in no time. To learn more, click here.

5. St. John’s Parish Applefest (September 14-17, Fenton)

This community classic in Fenton has drawn in fun-loving locals and visitors alike for 50 years, and 2017 will be no exception! Hosted by St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, Applefest is overflowing with the sights and tastes of fall. Indulge in a few apple dumplings or sip on apple cider, partake in a variety of games, and enjoy live entertainment. For more details, click here.

6. Boyne City Harvest Festival (September 30, 2017)

This one-day event is a classic fall celebration, complete with vendor booths selling crafts and other goodies, live music, hay rides, and even a scarecrow-making contest. Bring along a little spending money to this festival — you’ll want to pick up some homemade honey, jam, or apple butter! To learn more about the Boyne City Harvest Festival, click here.

7. Fayette Fall Fest (October 7, Fayette Historic State Park)

Located at the historic Fayette Townsite, this fall fest is an absolute blast for children and parents alike. Enjoy trick-or-treating, hay rides, and more. If you choose to make a mini vacation out of it, snag a site at the park’s campground and participate in the festival’s campsite-decorating contest! What’s not to love? Learn more about this fun event by clicking here.

8. Apple Daze Festival (October 1, Dexter)

Head to Monument Park in downtown Dexter for a delightful small-town harvest festival, which truly has a little something for everyone. Peruse craft booths, take part in an apple pie-eating contest, or simply appreciate the stunning fall foliage as you stroll through the area. We can’t imagine a better way to welcome the arrival of autumn in Michigan. Please note: the photo above is from a previous year's event. The 2017 Apple Daze Festival will take place on October 1st! Find out more by clicking here.

9. HearseFest (September 16, Hell)

Michigan’s quirkiest little town lives up to its name with the 16th annual HearseFest, which is exactly what it sounds like: a celebration of all things spooky and strange! This family-friendly event features pinewood derby races, unique performance art, and — yes — hearses. Find out more about this one-of-a-kind fall celebration in Hell by clicking here.

10. Howard City Harvest Festival (September 16, Howard City)

The lovely little village of Howard City comes to life every September with its fun-filled Harvest Festival. With parades, pageants, arts and crafts, and everything in between, this is autumn fun at its finest. If you’re feeling lucky, sign up to take part in the festival’s horseshoe tournament! For details about this exciting event, click here.

11. Hops & Props On The River (September 16, Manistee)

This delightful festival in Manistee gets residents and visitors alike out on the water to enjoy a day full of beer, wine, and cider-tasting. Attendees can peruse an array of beautiful wooden boats, listen to live music, and bask in the chilly fall weather. While it’s not your typical autumn festival, Hops & Props is sure to become one of your new favorites. To learn more about the event, click here.

Have you attended any of these wonderful fall festivals in the Great Lakes State? We’d love to hear about your favorite experiences in the comment section below. Now, what are you waiting for? Get out there and bask in the beauty of our new season!