Pull your sweaters out of storage and sip your cider: It’s time to hit up these fall activities in Lansing.
For fall fanatics, the arrival of October is comparable to Christmas morning. After a long year of snowy days, early springtime slush, and (ew!) sunny summer days, it’s finally time to embrace all things autumn: crunchy leaves, apple cider, orchards galore, cinnamon-dusted donuts, pumpkin spice everything, and—perhaps most thrilling—sweater weather.
In the Lansing area, fall is the perfect time to make memories with loved ones and experience the region’s natural and manmade wonders. With school in full swing and the holidays around the bend, though, October can be daunting. To help you narrow down your calendar and plan for the weeks ahead, we’ve compiled a list of 11 fun things to do in Lansing this month.
1. Indulge in deliciousness at the Lansing Chili Cook-Off
Jackson Field, 505 E. Michigan Ave.
October 24, 3 p.m.-9 p.m.
Chili fans, your time to shine has arrived. The Lansing Chili Cook-Off might just be the most delicious event in town this year. Head to Jackson Field on the 24th to sample chili from a plethora of local makers, then check out carnival rides and beer tents for even more fun.
Adult tickets are $15 and include unlimited chili-tasting from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., though the festival runs from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. Kids 12 and under are admitted for $10.
2. Find fall fun at Uncle John’s Cider Mill
8614 US-127, St Johns
Open daily from 9 a.m.-7 p.m.
Venture to nearby St. Johns for a visit to Uncle John’s Cider Mill, where you can enjoy the quintessential autumn experience in a charming, serene setting.
There’s fall fun around every corner, from a “pie barn” chock full of baked goods to a taproom and—of course—a bona fide cider mill where you can watch fresh cider pressing or pick up a caramel apple. Don’t leave without selecting a few apple varieties to sample when you get home.
3. Stretch your legs on a seasonal run
Burchard Park, 220 E. Maple Street
October 25, 9 a.m.
The Spooky Sprint at Burchard Park has a little something for everyone, regardless of fitness level. Adult participants can complete a 5K, 10K, or half-marathon course, while little ones will love the just-for-fun “kids’ dash.”
To top it all off, the environment promises to be supportive and fun—plus, there will be lots of people running in costumes. Endorphins and funny costumes? Be sure to count us in. Find times, trail maps, and registration details here.
4. Grab a meal at the Soup Spoon Café
1419 E. Michigan Ave.
Monday-Saturday, 8 a.m.-9 p.m.
Is there anything more fitting during fall than a piping hot bowl of soup? When temperatures drop, Lansing’s Soup Soon Café offers an unforgettable menu full of breakfast plates, hearty sandwiches, and (you guessed it) soup!
Options include chicken noodle, French onion, and watermelon gazpacho, along with a rotating menu of three additional flavors. Round it out with homemade dessert.
5. Have a wildly fun time at the zoo
Potter Park Zoo, 1301 S. Pennsylvania Ave.
Saturdays and Sundays between Oct. 10-Oct. 25, 12 p.m.-5 p.m.
Potter Park Zoo is a local favorite all year long, and fall is no exception. For a family-friendly autumn outing, mark your calendar for Boo at the Zoo, which runs weekends from Oct. 10 through Oct. 25.
Between noon and 5 p.m., visitors can explore the zoo and admire animals while showing off their costumes and stopping at trick-or-treat stations throughout. Fall and Halloween-inspired decor and tons of fun photo ops will be on display—sounds frightfully fun to us. Ticket prices vary by age and county of residence, but you can find info online.
6. Take a fall walk at Woldumar Nature Center
5739 Old Lansing Rd.
Trails open daily from dawn to dusk
There are 180 magnificent acres to explore at Woldumar Nature Center, where outdoor beauty and reconnection with the land are easy to find.
You don’t need to be an expert outdoorsperson to spend time on the center’s five miles of trails, which wind through forested areas, open prairies, and alongside the Grand River. While trails are free to access, guests are encouraged to leave a $2 donation upon visiting the center to help support its mission.
7. Visit Horrocks Farm Market
7420 W. Saginaw Hwy
Daily, 7 a.m.-10 p.m.
You could spend hours upon hours at Horrocks Farm Market and never unearth all its wonders (which just means you’ll need to add multiple visits to your Lansing fall calendar). This place is a wonderland for foodies, plant parents, candy fanatics, and home decor enthusiasts alike, offering a seemingly endless collection of gifts and goods.
But this isn’t your ordinary market—live music, a beer garden, and an on-site wine bar set Horrocks apart. For October music and event details, visit their website.
8. Take your dog trick-or-treating at Howloween
1127 N. Cedar Street
October 16, 4 p.m.-7 p.m.
Who says human kids should have all the fun in October? This Halloween, bring your four-legged besties to the aptly named Howloween at Preuss Pets for a seasonal parade of costumed dogs and their humans.
Dogs will, of course, receive plenty of treats for their participation, and visitors and participants alike will have a blast admiring cute, creative costumes on breeds of all shapes and sizes.
9. Enjoy an eerily fun candlelight concert
Central United Methodist Church, 215 North Capitol Ave.
October 30, 6:30 p.m. and 8:45 p.m. (two shows)
Ever seen ads for candlelight concerts, which seem to be taking the world of orchestral performances by storm in recent years? Here’s your chance to see the whimsical show up-close and personal—with an awesome October twist.
On October 30, a string quartet will take to the stage at Central United Methodist Church to play recognizable pieces from The Addams Family to The Exorcist in their “Haunted Evening of Halloween Classics” event. It’s just creepy enough to get you in the Halloween spirit, but beautiful enough to let you relax and appreciate the music of such talented performers. Tickets are available online and begin at $30.
10. Appreciate fall colors and flavors at the Apple Butter Festival
Fenner Nature Center, 2020 East Mount Hope Ave.
Oct. 24-25, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.
Whether you’re a newbie to apple butter or a lifelong fan, there’s sure to be something delightful waiting for you at Fenner Nature Center’s annual Apple Butter Festival on Oct. 24-25. Admission is free, though nature center staff greatly appreciate a donation. During the festival, sample all sorts of apple-butter-based treats, listen to live music, and simply appreciate the fresh air and autumn leaves.
11. Go trick-or-treating, of course
October 31, 5 p.m.-8 p.m. in most of Greater Lansing
We couldn’t conclude a list of things to do in October in Lansing without mentioning the highlight for most kids and many of their parents: Halloween night itself. Official city trick-or-treating will happen between 5 p.m. and 8 p.m. on Saturday, October 31.
Don’t forget to snap a few photos of your kids in their costumes and treat them extra nicely—remember, they’re about to have a unique sense of power as they wield their full candy bags over your head.
