Leaf peeping for red, gold, and crimson treetops is the main attraction in October. Outdoor hikes, wine tours, and fall festivals add to the splendor of autumn.
It’s almost like a second summer, only we’ve traded swimsuits for sweatshirts and beach days for bonfires. Autumn weekends around Sleeping Bear Dunes include stops by farm stands, pumpkin patches, and dive bars – capped off with hayrides, hot cider, and football.
The region’s art centers host popular art exhibitions and classes in October. Carve out time to explore some art on your color tour this fall, or if you need something to do on a rainy day.
Old Art Building, Leland
If you are in the area for early fall color, visit the OAB 2024 Open Studio Reception & Exhibit. The exhibit is open daily 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. through Saturday, Oct. 5. This show represents the work of a group of visual artists who meet weekly at the Old Art Building.
The Old Art Building hosts its 2024 Member Exhibit from Saturday, Oct. 26 to Saturday, Nov. 3. This exhibit only lasts a week, so make sure to stop in to see original work from roughly 30 member artists. The opening reception kicks off the exhibition 5-7 p.m. Friday, October 25.
For a hands-on experience, register for Metalsmithing: Beach Stone Pendant or Ring. Create a Lake Michigan beach stone pendant or ring during this introductory metalsmithing workshop. Class runs 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Friday, October 11.
To register or view the full event schedule, visit oldartbuilding.com/calendar.
Glen Arbor Arts Center, Glen Arbor
Michigan writer Elyse Durham will give a public presentation at 10 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 3 at Glen Arbor Arts Center. Durham was selected for one of GAAC’s 2024 artist residencies. She will use the residency to work on her second novel, Heaven On Earth, and will talk about her project during the free presentation.
Enjoy a guided walk-and-talk through Shrines and Altars, and Wild Things at 1 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 13. Sarah Bearup-Neal, GAAC gallery manager, leads a conversational tour of the exhibits.
Shrines + Altars runs through Oct. 24 and explores what we hold sacred. Both offer ways to create space for memory, reverence, and reflection. Wild Things features collages by Benzie County artist Claudia Keglovitz and pays homage to the natural world – and the creatures in it. This small show in the GAAC’s Lobby Gallery runs through Dec. 19.
Classes this fall include Fall Color Landscape Photography, Oct. 7; Japanese Shibori Stitch Resist and Stitchery Workshop, Oct. 11; Forming Fiber, Oct. 19; and Creating Decorative Papers, Oct. 26. Several holiday-themed classes will be offered in November. Visit the class schedule to register.
Oliver Art Center, Frankfort
One of Oliver Art Center’s most popular shows, Creative Kaleidoscope: Annual Juried Exhibit, is on display through Friday, October 18.
Peruse the work of talented regional artists in the Beck and Borwell Galleries. The juried show highlights a range of exceptional artwork selected by independent jurors Mark Mehaffey and Liz Celeste.
You won’t want to miss this display of regional talent with awards in the following categories:
BEST IN SHOW $500:
Greg Jaris “Cormorant Vase”
2D ARTWORK CATEGORY:
1st Place $300: Katie Ward “Dad Life”
2D MIXED MEDIA ARTWORK CATEGORY:
1st Place $300: Louise Cameron “Main Street Frankfort”
3D ARTWORK CATEGORY:
1st Place $300: Amanda Sheppard “All the King’s Men”
An artists’ talk will be held 4-6 p.m. October 18, with free admission, to close out the show.
Transfiguration: The Art of Upcycling is on display Oct. 11-Nov. 8 in the Fisher Room. Transfiguration showcases artists who breathe new life into the discarded. Get ready for surprising trash-to-treasure art made from everyday objects most of us overlook.
Oliver Art Center hosts classes and events throughout the year. Visit oliverartcenterfrankfort.org for more information.
Fall Festivals
You don’t have to drive far to find a roadside farm stand, where you can pick up a pumpkin or bag of apples. But dedicated harvest festivals also make for a day of family fun.
Help the Leelanau Outdoor Center (LOC) on Pyramid Point celebrate 20 years! The LOC will host a Fall Festival on Saturday, Oct. 5, where attendees can try zipline, archery, climbing wall, pumpkin carving, hay rides, and more.
The outdoor center will be open to all from 1-5 p.m. Cost: $15/person to access all the activities. Concessions available. For more details, visit locprograms.org/events
Join the fun at the Frankfort Fall Festival on Saturday, Oct. 12 includes craft fair from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. in Open Space Park in downtown Frankfort. The Fall Festival Parade begins at 11 a.m. on Main Street.
The 3rd annual Cornhole Tournament starts at 12 p.m. with the finals at 3 p.m. Other activities include live music, food, beer tent, kids’ games, and a Giant Pumpkin drop. Learn more at cca.frankfort-elberta.com.
In Suttons Bay, the annual Fall Finale Artisan & Wine Walk takes place Friday, Oct. 18. The Fall Finale Walk is a chance to visit downtown stores, view work from local artisans, and sample local fare and refreshments. Receive a stamp on the walking guide & enter to Win $150 in Gift Cards from participating businesses. Information: suttonsbaychamber.com/fall-artisan-wine-walk.
Marla R. Miller is a freelance travel writer and content writer who enjoys exploring the Sleeping Bear area. Visit her website at marlarmiller.com.