There’s no better place than Saugatuck/Douglas to enjoy the quintessential outdoor autumn activities like picking apples, navigating a corn maze, or hiking the dunes to see the fall colors in all their glory. But if you’re looking to add different kinds of adventures to your fall getaway, check out these special activities. 

Fill Your Cup

If you’re in the mood for a locally crafted libation, look no further than the Saugatuck/Douglas area in the fall. Bring the whole family to Crane’s Cider Fest Saturday, September 10. Help Crane’s celebrate its 50th anniversary with food and desserts, ciders and wine, a pie-eating contest, and hayrides. Vinylicious and Nate Holley will provide the music, while author Jennifer Clark will give two readings of her children’s book, Oh, What Do You See in Room 21 C?. 

Microbrew fan? Visit Waypost Brewing Co. on Saturday, October 1, for a day of fall festivities on the farm during their Lager Fest—honoring the light, golden beer beloved by many. Sample some of your old favorites from the cellar, and try new varieties yet to be released. Come for a pint and stay for the Lumberjack throwing in the afternoon!

More of a wine lover? Don your most eclectic duds and stop by the Modales Nouveau Festival on Saturday, November 19. Sample a variety of estate-grown wines and great food as you warm yourself at one of the bonfires burning on the property all day. Celebrate in the spirit of Beaujolai Noveau, a red wine often drunk to celebrate the end of harvest.

Take A Walk On The Art Side

During the 45th Annual Fall Gallery Stroll, you can wander through more than 20 galleries and studios of local, regional, and national artists. This is your opportunity to chat with the artists, watch live demos, enjoy live music, and sample delicious bites and refreshments while expanding your artistic horizons. Explore work in various mediums, including contemporary painting, found material sculpture, hand-blown glass, and pottery. This tour is also a great time to watch the leaves change colors as you stroll the beautiful streets of Saugatuck and Douglas. Come see all the Art Coast has to offer on Saturday, October 8, and Sunday, October 9.

Join the Party

Stroll scenic Main Street in downtown Douglas and support local community groups at the annual Douglas Oktoberfest on Saturday, October 8. Explore vendors offering crafts, food, and unique displays that keep people coming back year after year. Throughout the day, you’ll enjoy entertainment from singers, bands, choral and dance groups, and variety shows. For the kids, check out rides and games on the church lawn, including inflatables, a train, and an obstacle course. 

If you’ve got big ideas for this year’s Halloween costume, you won’t want to miss the annual Halloween Parade for Adults in Douglas on Saturday, October 29. Leave the kiddos with a sitter, dress up in your Halloween finery, and line up for one of the most unique parades you will ever experience. Thousands of spectators from across the country come to watch the giant parade mascot, the Pumpkin King, rise from the ashes at 10 pm to get the party started!

Don’t Miss the Boat

A boat ride is an unforgettable way to view the changing red and gold leaves dotting the shoreline. Take your fall color tour on the Star of Saugatuck paddlewheel boat, which offers cruises down the Kalamazoo River on weekends through October. Enjoy stunning views of the beautiful fall landscape on the open upper deck or the enclosed lower deck, along with an offering of fine wines, domestic beers, and signature cocktails. For a ghoulishly good time, the Star of Saugatuck is offering a 90-minute themed Boo’s Cruise for adults 21+ on October 29 with music, drink specials, a costume contest, and a few other tricks and treats. October 30th is the Kid’s Halloween Cruise and the last date of the year for public cruises.