September Things To Do: Truck parade, Irish music, Civil War Muster, Fiesta, and more

Now that summer is winding down, it’s time to focus on fall fun along the Lakeshore. Residents can easily find interesting and exciting September events. From parades to festivals to fiestas, art shows to sidewalk sales, and 5Ks to fairs, there are plenty of things to do in September in Allegan, Muskegon, and Ottawa counties. This list includes options for everyone, regardless of age, ability, or interest. 

A Couple Strong Belts
Saugatuck Center for the Arts, 400 Culver St., Saugatuck
Friday, Sept. 2, 7:30 p.m.
Cost: $65
Marya Grandy and Tommy Vendafreddo return to Saugatuck for a one-night performance. Performing together since 2016, this dynamic duo is sure to entertain!
Details: https://sc4a.org/event/a-couple-strong-belts/

Muskegon Polish Festival
Hackley Park, 350 W. Webster Ave.
Friday, Sept. 2, and Saturday, Sept. 3, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Cost: $10 (21 older); kids free
Polish (and American) food and beer; polka dancing and polka music; vendors selling T-shirts, pottery, jewelry, Polish fare, face painting, balloon sculptures, and a great kids' area. And register to win a 2011 Jeep Wrangler Sport Soft Top (must be 18 or older to enter).
Details: www.muskegonpolishfest.com

“Hairless Joe” C-47 Airplane Rides
Muskegon County Airport, 99 Sinclair Drive, Muskegon
Saturday, Sept. 3, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Cost: $225 per person (some restrictions apply, see website for more information)
Take a thrilling 20-minute flight aboard this standard military aircraft. The Hairless Joe C-47 operated on every continent during World War II.
Details: https://www.yankeeairmuseum.org/fly

Milwaukee Clipper Labor Day Party
Milwaukee Clipper, 2098 Lakeshore Drive, Muskegon
Saturday, Sept. 3, 6:30–9:30 p.m.
Cost: Free for members; $10 for non-members
Celebrate Labor Day aboard the Milwaukee Clipper; food and fun for all ages!
Details: https://bit.ly/3PW9M3c

Holland/Zeeland Labor Day Truck Parade
Monday, Sept. 5, 9:15 a.m. (begins)
Cost: Free
This parade of trucks of all sizes honors the companies and employees of the Holland/Zeeland area. Beginning in downtown Zeeland at 9:15 a.m., the convoy rolls through downtown Holland and ends at the Holland Civic Center, 150 W. Eighth St., at 9:45 a.m. with free ice cream and giveaways.
Details: https://www.facebook.com/truckparade/


16^th Annual Labor Day Community Walk 
Begins at the Hart-Montague Bike Trail Head (east end of Spring Street, behind Whitehall Products and Montague Foods in Montague)
Monday, Sept. 5, 10 a.m.
Cost: Free
Fun for all ages, walkers are invited to stay for healthy refreshments at the Whitehall Chamber of Commerce following the walk or continue walking along the path.
Details: https://www.whitelake.org/event/white-lake-area-labor-day-community-walk/

Labor Day Bridge Walk
Begins near the Third Street Bridge, Grand Haven
Monday, Sept. 5, 9–11 a.m.
Cost: Free
Gather your friends and family and join in the fun of this annual 3.5-mile walk.
Details: https://visitgrandhaven.com/event/labor-day-bridge-walk-2022/


Allegan County Fair
Allegan County Fairgrounds, 150 Douglas St., Allegan
Friday, Sept. 9, through Saturday, Sept. 17 (hours vary)
There is definitely something for everyone at the fair — rides, concerts, farm animals, off-road demo derby, senior citizens’ day, ladies' day, veterans’ day, family day, harness racing, rodeo, and tractor pull. Check out the website for details, specials, and the daily schedule.
Details: www.allegancountyfair.com

Fall Peddler’s Market
Church Street, downtown Zeeland
Saturday, Sept. 10, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
This unique open-air lifestyle market features live music and one-of-a-kind vendors peddling specialty wares. New this fall, the Little Peddler’s Market features kids peddling their wares!
Details: Fall Peddlers' Market | Zeeland, MI (cityofzeeland.com)

CiderFest
Crane’s Pie Pantry Restaurant and Winery, 6054 124th Ave., Fennville
Saturday, Sept. 10, noon to 5 p.m.
Cost: $15; kids 12 and younger admitted free
Enjoy an afternoon filled with live music, hayrides, a corn maze, a pie-eating contest, and, of course, delicious food, hard cider, and wine as Crane’s celebrates its 50th anniversary.
Details: https://www.saugatuck.com/event/crane-s-ciderfest-50th-anniversary-celebration/

Art on Center Gallery Stroll
Center Street, Downtown Douglas
Saturday, Sept. 10, 5–7 p.m.
Cost: Free
Peruse six fine art galleries in downtown Douglas while eying fabulous works of art, sipping libations, and enjoying new creations.
Details: https://saugatuck.com/event/art-on-center/

Artisan, Craft, Bohemian Sale
3410 Babylon Road
Saturday, Sept. 10, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., Allegan
Cost: Free
Enjoy an amazing gathering of creators, crafters, artisans, artists, music, and food in a laid-back, casual atmosphere. You’re sure to find a treasure to take home!
Details: https://allevents.in/allegan/artisan-craft-bohemian-sale/200022594889311

WEEK 2

FellinloveFarm is hosting Unicorns and Mermaids event.

Unicorns & Mermaids
6364 144^th Ave., Holland (FellinloveFarm)
Sunday, Sept. 11, 2–5 p.m.
Cost: $5 per person donation appreciated
See beautiful unicorns and mermaids at this unique event at a farm filled with all sorts of animals.
Details: https://fellinlovefarm.com/farm-schedule-calendar/

Concert in the Cove
15 Park St., Saugatuck
Sunday, Sept. 11, 2 p.m.
Cost: Free
Hop in your boat, canoe, or kayak (or rent one), and join the boat parade that begins at Saugatuck Yacht Club. Then enjoy some great music by Nate Holley.
Details: https://saugatuck.com/event/concert-in-the-cove

Holland-Haven Marathon, Half Marathon, 8K Race Holland/Grand Haven
Starting times and locations vary depending on the race
Sunday, Sept. 11
Cost: varies depending on race
Races for all ages and abilities; every race finisher receives a commemorative medal; check the website for details.
Details: https://hollandhavenmarathon.com

Michigan Irish Music Festival, Muskegon
Heritage Landing, 1050 7^th St.
Thursday-Sunday, Sept. 15–18 (times vary, check website)
Cost: Ticket prices vary; can buy tickets online
Join in the fun of a three-day festival day along with a Thursday pub preview party! Live Irish entertainment daily, including traditional Irish folk music, Celtic rock, storytelling and Irish dance, Irish food, and shopping in the Irish Market and Irish Store; crafts for kids in the Wee Ones Area.
Details: https://michiganirish.org

Hispanic Heritage Fiesta, Grand Haven
Throughout Grand Haven. Check the website for specifics
Friday, Sept. 16, through Saturday, Sept. 24
Cost: Depends on the event
Parade, restaurant week, concerts, Selena look-alike contest, fiesta with live music, and dancing in the street. Fun for folks of all ages!
Details: https://www.tcpuentes.org/fiesta/fiesta-2022


Rock, Mineral and Jewelry Show, Holland
Soccer Stop Sportsplex, 5 River Hills Drive 
Friday-Sunday, Sept. 16–18 (opens at 10 a.m., closing times vary)
Cost: $3, adults; children, students, and military admitted free
You won’t want to miss this annual show featuring rocks, minerals, an artisan market, fossils, kids’ games, Petoskey stones, and a silent auction.
Details: https://www.tulipcity.org/club-show.html

Harvest Festival at Benjamin’s Hope
Benjamin’s Hope, 15468 Riley St., Holland 
Saturday, Sept. 17, 3–6 p.m.
Cost: Free
Enjoy a fun-filled afternoon with hayrides, games, live music, food, first responder vehicles, outdoor activities, and even a full HO model train layout, thanks to the Holland Model Train Club.
Details: https://www.benjaminshope.net

FueldFed Car Show
Center Street, Downtown Douglas
Saturday, Sept. 17, 9–11 a.m.
Cost: Free 
This is your chance to get “up-close and personal” with classic European cars and chat with their owners.
Details: https://www.saugatuck.com/event/fueldfed-car-show/


WEEK 3

Spectators watch the 2019 Civil War Muster at Van Raalte Farm. (Mary Bale)


13^th Annual Van Raalte Farm Civil War Muster
Van Raalte Farm, 848 E. 24^th St., Holland
Saturday, Sept. 17, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Sunday, Sept. 18, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Cost: Free
Wander through the encampments of Union and Confederate soldiers, and watch as the Battle of Antietam unfolds before your eyes. Featuring renowned re-enactor Fritz Klein as President
Abraham Lincoln, you will hear the roar of cannons, and see such historical figures as Gens. Robert E. Lee and Stonewall Jackson, as well as Harriet Tubman. Plus you can tour the historic home of Benjamin Van Raalte, a Civil War veteran, and son of Holland’s founder.
Details: VanRaalte Farm Civil War Muster (wpcomstaging.com)

Merchants & Makers
Holland Civic Center Place, 150 W. Eighth St., Holland 
Sunday, Sept. 18, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Cost: Free
Over 100 makers will fill the site of the Holland Farmers Market; shop ’til you drop, feast on food truck fare, and enjoy the music of Plain Jane Glory. Bring non-perishable food items to donate to Community Action House.
Details: https://www.holland.org/events/merchants-and-makers-0


WEEK 4

Allegan Antiques Market September Show is the state's largest antique show. Allegan Antiques Market September Show is the state's largest antique show. Allegan Antiques Market September Show is the state's largest antique show.

Grand Haven Hispanic Heritage Fiesta
Grand Haven Central Park, 421 Columbus Ave
Saturday, Sept 24, 11 a.m. to evening
Cost: Free
The second weekend of the Grand Haven Hispanic Heritage Fiesta continues with the parade of flags, music and dance performances, food vendors, food trucks, mercado, children's activities, beverage and spirits tent. 
Details: https://www.tcpuentes.org/fiesta/fiesta-2022

Allegan Antiques Market September Show
Allegan County Fairgrounds, 150 Allegan County Fair Drive, Allegan
Sunday, Sept. 25, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Cost: $5, free parking
Started in 1978 and now boasting over 400 vendors, this is Michigan’s largest antique show
Details: Michigan Antique Show - Allegan Antiques

Beer School: Historical Beer
Guardian Brewing Company 3657 63^rd St., Saugatuck
Wednesday, Sept. 28, 7–8 p.m.
Cost: $15
Learn about and sample six different styles of beer brewed in the United States and around the world.
Details: https://saugatuck.com/event/beer-school-historical-beer/

Farms are the Tapas 2022
The Red Shed, 5301 Barry Street, Hudsonville
Thursday, Sept. 29, 6-8 p.m. 
Cost: $50
Ottawa County’s premier farmland preservation fundraising event features local chefs creating locally sourced signature tapas dishes as part of a friendly competition to win the coveted Harvest Knife Award. Guests will have an opportunity to taste tapas dishes; vote on their favorite dish and bid on silent auction items.
Details: https://bit.ly/3SlQvtH

Ox-Bow Friday Night Open House
Oxbow Campus, 3540 Rupprecht Way, Saugatuck
Friday, Sept. 30, 5–9 p.m.
Cost: Free
You won’t want to miss this fall art sale, featuring artists from the greater Saugatuck/Douglas community. There will also be food, beverages, and entertainment.
Details: https://saugatuck.com/event/ox-bow-friday-night-open-house-2/

Need suggestions for specific destinations or activities, check out these tourism resources for details:
Holland Area Visitors Bureau
Grand Haven CVB
Ottawa County Parks & Recreation
Saugatuck CVB
Allegan County Parks & Recreation