Isabella County fall activities bring fun for the whole family this season

From Friday night lights to everything pumpkin spice, Fall is one of the most exciting times of year in the central Michigan region. Here are a few local events to consider adding to your Fall calendar.

CMU Farmers Market
Stay sustainable this fall and buy local from the CMU Farmers Market each Friday and Saturday from September 8 through October 20. The market will be open from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and feature a variety of local vendors including Ignite Donuts, the Twisted Fork food truck, Creation Coffee, and more. Homegrown produce, fresh-cut flowers, homemade macaroons and baked goods, candles, jewelry, and soap are just some of the items shoppers can expect to find. The market is located on CMU’s campus in lot 30 next to the School of Music. A map of CMU’s parking lots can be found here. 
P.S. The Mt. Pleasant Farmers’ Markets downtown and at Island Park also continue though October. Find their schedules here. 

Art Reach of Mid Michigan’s Spellcasting for Art Witches
Join Art Reach of Mid Michigan for their Spellcasting for Art Witches event on Tuesday, September 26 from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Led by “art witch” Deborah Clark and empowerment astrologer Rachel Pope, attendees will be guided in learning three spells to be cast with creativity and art supplies. This lighthearted and fun event is open to all skill levels. Art supplies will be provided. The event will be held in the Idonea Hersee Classroom at Art Reach located at 111 E. Broadway in Mt. Pleasant. Tickets can be purchased here. 

Double D Farms: Family Fun Day
Take a trip to the farm for Double D Farms: Family Fun Day. This free event will feature activities for the whole family including: a craft show; face painting; wagon rides; pumpkin pie contests; a dog show; and much more. Delicious fall treats like apple cider and donuts will also be available. The event will take place on September 30 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Double D Farms is located at 8060 W. Airline Rd in Wiedman. 

Veterans Memorial Library Book Sale
Hit the books this back-to-school season by attending the Veterans Memorial Library Book Sale. The event will begin on October 4 from 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. for Friends of the Library only. K-12 teachers, homeschool teachers, and pre-service teachers are also welcome from 2:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. on this day. The sale is to the public on October 5 and 6 from 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. On October 7 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. the sale will be running a $3-a-bag special where customers will be able to fill a provided bag with books for just $3.

Chippewa Watershed Conservancy’s Annual Fall Festival
Join the Chippewa Watershed Conservancy at the Little Flower Barn in Lake Isabella on October 5 for their Annual Fall Fundraiser. The event will feature an evening on food, drinks, live music, and fundraising drawings to celebrate the Conservancy’s mission. All proceeds support the Conservancy to help with annual operating expenses, educational programs and more.
A sunrise captured at Chippewa Watershed Conservancy's Bundy Hill / Courtesy Adam Miedema
Harvest Art Fest & Food Truck Alley in Shepherd
Enjoy a weekend in Shepherd for the Harvest Art Fest & Food Truck Alley at Shepherd High School. This family oriented event will take place on October 7 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and October 8 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. There will be food trucks dishing out various cuisines, as well as a bounce house, carnival games, prizes, and plenty of art for everyone to enjoy. 

CMU Homecoming Football Game
Football fans unite on Saturday, October 8 for Central Michigan University’s Homecoming football game. Join CMU fans at Kelly/Shorts Stadium to watch the Chippewas play against Ball State University. Kick off is at 3:30 p.m. CMU students will be granted free admission to the student section with a valid CMU ID card. The full CMU Homecoming 2023 schedule of celebrations can be found here.

Look Who’s Talking Luncheon with Wendy Groll
The annual Look Who’s Talking Luncheon is back once again thanks to the Mt. Pleasant Area Community Foundation. On October 10 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Soaring Eagle Conference Center, Wendy Groll will speak about how to “Use Your Powers for Good!” Ticket proceeds support the Women's Initiative, an endowed fund of the Mt. Pleasant Area Community Foundation benefiting Isabella County women and girls. 

Glow in the Park 5K 
Participants will run/walk through the City park system decorated in their glow gear. This is a fun, non-timed 5K event for all ages. To register visit: www.mt-pleasant.org/specialevents. Registration deadline is October 13. Space is limited, so register early.
Registration fees: $28 (adult); $18 (6-12 years old); Free (0-5 years old).
Participants will receive a t-shirt, medal and glow supplies.

Mid Michigan College’s Deadwood Grove Haunted House
For those looking to get their adrenaline going this season, visit Mid Michigan College’s Deadwood Grove Haunted Forest at their Harrison campus location. This annual event (now in its 11th year) is led by Mid Michigan College students and benefits Pi Theta Kappa, the honors society for two-year college students.This spooky “haunted house” themed event will take place on Fridays and Saturdays from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. beginning October 20 and ending October 28, and allows attendees to experience the extensive public trail system on the Harrison campus.Tickets can be purchased online or at the event. 

Mt. Pleasant Discovery Museum’s Halloween Carnival
The Mt. Pleasant Discovery Museum’s annual Halloween carnival returns October 20. Located at 5093 E. Remus Road in Mt. Pleasant, the event will run from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. and offer various activities for all ages. The event will include a costume contest, various vendors, themed inflatables, sweet treats, games, and more. Wristbands will be sold for entry. Wristband presale will begin October 1 and will also be available on-site. 

Downtown Mt. Pleasant Pumpkin Promenade 2023
The Pumpkin Promenade is scheduled for Monday, October 31 from 4-6 p.m. in downtown Mt. Pleasant. Children 12 years and under are invited to dress in their Halloween costumes, trick-or-treat at participating downtown businesses, and enjoy fun, creative activities hosted by For Art’s Sake. This is a free event.
P.S. City of Mt. Pleasant Trick or Treating – October 31, 2023 from 6-8 p.m.