Fall festivities feature plenty of fun

It's time to pull out the long sleeves, but that doesn't mean you need to hide away in your house yet. There are plenty of activities coming up in the Blue Water area that celebrate the changing colors, dark nights, and just-chilly-enough weather of fall. As many events pop up in autumn as in summer, so get out there and catch the opportunities of this fleeting season. Here's what is coming up:

Port Huron Beer Festival

Sept. 23, 1-7 p.m.

http://www.phbeerfest.com/

https://www.facebook.com/phbeerfest/

http://www.wolverinemarketporthuron.com/port-huron-beer-festival.html

Wolverine Market partners with Citizens for a Vibrant Community to put on this annual event that brings not only brews, but food, music from local bands, knowledge, and fun to its Kiefer Park backdrop. The market's owner, Andy Bakko, says it is the best beer festival on this side of the state, and that people travel for it. Close to 40 breweries and more than 200 beers, predominantly Michigan-made, will be represented and ready to be sampled, along with some international options. Aficionados can look forward to exclusives, limited releases and seasonal pours.

"We try to get the most unique variety possible. You don't want to go to a beer festival and try mainstream stuff," Bakko says.

For those who aren't into beer, there will be ciders, mead, and wine with an accompanying sommelier, along with Michigan-made food items like barbecue sauce. Tickets are on sale now for $40, $10 more at the door, and include a cup and 15 sampling tokens.

Fall Arts & Crafts Show

Sept. 30, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Oct. 1, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

http://www.bluewaterconventioncenter.com/holiday-craft-show

A variety of crafters and tinkerers show off their creations at this Blue Water Convention Center show. This event boasts everything handmade from candles to birdhouses and cup cozies, says Blue Water Convention Center Event Coordinator Jackie Freeman. It would be a perfect place to walk through and browse vendors for out-of-the-ordinary, personalized holiday gifts, and it's a steal at only $1 per ticket (per day) for an afternoon out.

Art Hop
Oct. 6, 6-9 p.m.

https://m.facebook.com/ArtHop2017/

Twice a year, business and art mix for one of Port Huron's most popular (and free!) events.

"Artists display their work throughout the downtown while guests ‘hop' from one location to the next," DDA Director Natalie Watson explains.

Art Hop centers around artists who adorn businesses that act as venues with their designs, so use this as another reason to visit your favorite restaurant or store. Venues often heighten the entertainment with music and enticing menus, plus there will be street musicians outside as well as campfire ghost stories told by Desmond District Demons. Most of the spring hop's locations, such as Kate's Downtown and The Raven Café, will be hosting again next month, as well as a few newcomers like Grand Trunk Marketplace. Blue Water Area Transit will be sending a free trolley to make it easier for patrons to get to multiple locations, and the Huron Physical Arts Center will have open gym childcare from 7 to 9 p.m. for $5 per child with a waiver.

Rocky Horror Show

Oct. 20, 8 p.m.
Oct. 21, 8 p.m. and 11:59 p.m.

http://www.mcmorran.com/event/the-rocky-horror-show/

If the words, "Let's do the time warp again," mean nothing to you, you have been missing out since the 1970s and need to be introduced to the absurd Rocky Horror Show. If they do, you've probably already got your tickets. The musical is a cult classic, especially popular around Halloween, known for getting audiences off of their feet, singing along, and interacting with a bizarre cast of characters including mad transvestite scientist Dr. Frank N. Furter. For its ninth season, the Rocky Horror Show will be at McMorran Place performed by a local group. You can get involved in the action for $20, $25, or $30.

Desmond District Demons Film Festival

Oct. 27 and 28

https://filmfreeway.com/festival/DesmondDistrictDemons

The Desmond District Demons' Night of Film has grown into a full blown film festival. The inaugural event was so popular last year that attendees had to stand because of full seats in Loft 912. This year, it expanded into Sperry's Moviehouse (and Loft 912) and will span two days. Another change is that judging will take place, and international film submissions are being accepted. So far, 18 counties have sent more than 150 horror pieces to be considered. The entries are competing for Best Short, Best Feature, Audience Choice, Best International Short, Scariest, and Best Michigan Made Short. Keep an eye on the website for a list of film showings, which are each priced at $15 and include either features or short film blocks.

Port Huron Recreation Department's Halloween Stroll

Oct. 28, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

http://porthuronrec.com/all-special-events/

Twenty-eight years later, many families still look forward to the Halloween Stroll at Sanborn Park. Over 30 businesses and local organizations set up booths near the woods where they hand out candy and vie to win best decorated station. All ages can pass through the family friendly haunted house. There will also be a petting zoo, train, and games in the middle of it all. Costumes are encouraged; goblins, witches, and monsters welcome! Tickets are $4 per resident and $6 non-resident if preregistered at Palmer Park, or $10 on the day of the event.

Blake's Big Apple

http://blakefarms.com/haunted-attractions/