Hello, October! Fall Fun Happens Here in Jackson
October is here…
And with it comes the swirl of fall colors, cozy layers (needed with these 80 degree afternoons still), and so many ways to enjoy our community together. This month is filled with family-friendly festivals, concerts, and pumpkin adventures all around Jackson. Whether you’re looking for a free night of music, a farm day with hayrides and cider, or a safe space for kids to trick-or-treat, you’ll find something to love in Jackson this season.
What’s Happening in Jackson This October
Fall Harvest Festival at Ella Sharp Museum
A seasonal staple. Enjoy free entry, historic building tours, pumpkin decorating, craft vendors, and even a petting zoo.
Date: Saturday, October 5
Location: Ella Sharp Museum
Harmony Gardeners Halloween Kickoff Concert
A night of music, costumes, and spooky fun with The Harmony Gardeners. Expect favorites like Monster Boogie and The Monster Mash.
Date: Tuesday, October 7, 6:00–7:00 PM
Location: Cascades Rotary Bandshell – Free and family-friendly
Harmony Hoedown / Fall Festival
Live music, seasonal vibes, and fun for all ages.
Date: Saturday, October 18, 10:00 AM–1:00 PM
Location: First UMC, 275 W. Michigan Ave.
Dahlem Center Goblin Walks
A beloved fall tradition. Families walk candle-lit trails, meet “goblins” of the forest, and learn about Michigan’s nocturnal animals in a not-too-scary setting.
Dates: Friday, October 24 & Saturday, October 25 (advance tickets required)
Location: Dahlem Center
Jackson College Spooktacular 2025
A free, family-friendly night with decorated trick-or-treat stations, costumes, and activities.
Date: Thursday, October 24, 5:30–7:00 PM
Location: Jackson College, Central Campus
Halloween Town Trunk-Or-Treat
A community celebration with decorated trunks and candy galore.
Date: Tuesday, October 28, 5:00–7:00 PM
Location: Keeley Park (Jackson County Fairgrounds)
Fall Festivals at Meckley’s Flavor Fruit Farm
Every weekend in October (Oct. 4/5, 11/12, 18/19, 25/26). Donuts, cider, food trucks, and family fun.
Red Egg Farm (Spring Arbor)
Hayrides, pumpkins, donuts, animal feeding, and a corn maze on a working farm. Open weekends through Oct. 26.
Red Egg Farm
The Village Collective Meetup
We’ll be gathering this October 29th for our next meetup!
Fall Fun Beyond Events
Even if you don’t make it to everything, October offers endless little joys. Some simple ways to savor the season around Jackson:
Take a Fall Color Tour: Experience Jackson has mapped out routes that highlight peak colors, covered bridges, and scenic drives through the county. Mid-October is usually best.
Shop the Grand River Farmers Market: Open through fall with fresh produce, baked goods, and local vendors right downtown.
Visit Local Orchards and Farm Stands: Stop at farm markets around the county for apples, donuts, cider, and pumpkins.
Explore Family-Friendly Fall Activities: Join In Jackson highlights corn mazes, apple picking, cozy coffee shops, and kid-friendly outings all season long.
Enjoy Local Trails: A golden-hour walk through Cascades Park, the Falling Waters Trail, or Dahlem Nature Center is one of the simplest and best ways to enjoy autumn.
A Season to Savor
October reminds us that change can be beautiful- the leaves, the air, the rhythms of community life. These gatherings, big and small, help us slow down and remember what really matters: being present with our kids, our neighbors, and one another.
So pull out the sweaters, pour the cider, and step into the season. There’s plenty happening in Jackson this month, and we hope to see you at one of these events or at our Village Collective meetup. Together, let’s make October a month to remember.
