November in Michigan: 11 can’t-miss events across the state
Discover the top events happening in Michigan this November, from food festivals to Christmas markets.
Summertime in Michigan seems to get most of the spotlight, but there’s plenty of fun to be had in the Great Lakes State in the fall, too—especially as we approach the holiday season. From food festivals and concerts to charity balls and artist markets, November is packed with exciting things to do and see.
Keep reading to learn more about the must-attend events in Michigan this November, organized by region.
Events in Metro Detroit
Elle King’s Baby Daddy’s Weekend Tour
The Fillmore Detroit, 2115 Woodward Ave., Detroit
Elle King is coming to Fillmore Detroit on November 7 as part of her Baby Daddy’s Weekend Tour. The show is inspired by King’s single “Baby Daddy’s Weekend,” about which King wrote on Instagram: “This one’s for the people who deserve a good summer. It’s for people who need a break from their kids but miss them when they aren’t around. It’s for the people working two jobs, the people who never get to put themselves first! It’s a song for all the people who make this world go round. Life isn’t always fun and games, but when it is, it’s my Baby Daddy’s Weekend.”
If you can’t make the Detroit show, King will also be in Grand Rapids on November 15.
Motor City Comic Con
Suburban Collection Showplace, 46100 Grand River Ave., Novi
Get your pop culture fix at Motor City Comic Con November 8-10. This fun-filled weekend offers tons of attractions and activities, including panels, sketch duels, a cosplay contest, a kids den, and an after party. There will be plenty of celebrity appearances too, from stars including “Star Trek” actor George Takei, Tait Fletcher (of “Breaking Bad” and “John Wick”), and Cam Clarke, who voiced Leonardo in the original “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.”
Detroit Tree Lighting Ceremony
Campus Martius Park, 800 Woodward Ave., Detroit
Kick off the holiday season with an evening of festive merriment in Detroit. The Detroit Tree Lighting Ceremony, a cherished tradition now in its 20th year, will take place on November 17 and include an appearance by Santa and some Olympic figure skaters, as well as live entertainment from local performers. Lighting attractions add to the festive feel. You can also get started on your holiday shopping, indulge in treats from various food trucks, and sip on hot chocolate.
Turkey Trot
The starting line for the event is near Griswold and Fort St. in Detroit
Detroit’s Turkey Trot is a Thanksgiving tradition in Motown. The annual event occurs right before America’s Thanksgiving Parade and is often called the “parade before the parade” because participants dress up in costumes and spectators come from across the state to watch.
If you’re interested in running in the Turkey Trot, you can register here. If you prefer to watch, you can click here to learn more about the event.
Events in the Grand Rapids Metropolitan Area
Restaurant Week GR
Multiple locations throughout Grand Rapids
Treat your tastebuds to an array of exceptional eats at Restaurant Week GR. The 15th annual event takes place from November 1-9 and will feature special reduced-price menus from Grand Rapids’ best restaurants. This year’s participating restaurants and menus haven’t been shared yet, but you can sign up here to view the menus when they become available in late October.
Grand Rapids International Wine, Beer, and Food Festival
DeVos Place, 303 Monroe Ave. NW, Grand Rapids
Restaurant Week GR isn’t the only food-focused event happening in Grand Rapids this November. At the Grand Rapids International Wine, Beer, and Food Festival, over the course of three days, you can hear from industry professionals like Nicole Roché Triplett, Michigan’s first black winemaker, watch live cooking presentations, and sample food from Grand Rapids’ top restaurants alongside wines, beers, ciders, and spirits.
The 17th annual Grand Rapids International Wine, Beer, and Food Festival will take place from November 21-23. Get your tickets here.
Kerstmarkt
Civic Center Market Place, 150 W. 8th St., Holland
Kerstmarkt, a European-style holiday market, opens for the season on November 23. The market acts as a hub for local artisans to show off and sell their crafts and homemade goods and aims to promote the Dutch Kerstmarkt (Christmas market) tradition in Holland. Attendees can shop for a wide variety of items, from handcrafted soaps and jewelry to clothing and candy.
If you can’t make it on opening weekend, don’t stress. The market is open every weekend through December 21 and will feature special events, such as dog sled demos, carolers, and visits from Santa.
Events in Greater Lansing
Sneakerball 2024
Cadillac Room, 1115 S. Washington Ave., Lansing
Show off your dance moves—and your most fashionable footwear—at Sneakerball 2024. Hosted by Footprints of Michigan, an organization that distributes new and gently used footwear to those in need, Sneakerball attendees are encouraged to dress up and dance the night away. The event will take place on November 2 and is meant to raise awareness and funds for Footprints of Michigan.
Women in the Arts Festival
Edgewood United Church, 469 N. Hagadorn Rd, East Lansing
Celebrate female creators and performers at the 39th annual Women in the Arts Festival on November 8 and 9. In the festival’s artist market, you can shop for paintings, pottery, textiles, books, and other items created by local female artists. Throughout the weekend, there will also be a number of performances (music, spoken word, dance, etc.) and headlining acts on Friday and Saturday nights (these performances require tickets, while all other activities are free and open to the public).
If you can’t join in person, you can still support the event by participating in the live online auction.
Silver Bells in the City
Downtown Lansing
Get into the holiday spirit at Silver Bells in the City in downtown Lansing on November 22. Start your evening in Silver Bells Village, where you can enjoy refreshments and do some holiday shopping. Then, check out the Electric Light Parade before watching the lighting of the official State of Michigan Christmas tree in front of the capitol building. But the fun doesn’t stop there. End the evening with a drone light show and fireworks.
Events in Traverse City
Flapjack & Flannel Festival
Timber Ridge Resort, 4050 E Hammond Rd., Traverse City
Grab your favorite flannel shirt and bring your appetite to the Flapjack & Flannel Festival in Traverse City on November 9. Try tasty twists on traditional flapjacks (think barbeque and chili flapjacks) while sipping beer, wine, cocktails, and fall-themed specialty beverages. After you fuel up, be sure to check out the lumberjack show featuring log rolling, axe throwing, and more, and enjoy the live music by two local bands.
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