GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (ABC 4)- Celebrate the final weekend of September with family-friendly events and activities across West Michigan! Discover local happenings using Maranda’s Weekend Fun Guide.

Final weekend of ArtPrize in Grand Rapids

Downtown Grand Rapids will be the place to be as this year’s ArtPrize concludes on Saturday! Explore hundreds of artworks created by Michigan and international talent across various mediums and venues. From 6:30-10 p.m., on Saturday, enjoy the ultimate closing ceremony. Details.

‘Very Eric Carle’ exhibit at the Grand Rapids Children’s Museum

Photo courtesy of the Grand Rapids Children’s Museum

Last weekend, a new exhibit opened at the Grand Rapids Children’s Museum! “Very Eric Carle: A Very Hungry, Quiet, Lonely, Clumsy, Busy Exhibit” offers visitors a unique opportunity to step into the pages of Eric Carle’s colorful picture books. The exhibit is open through Jan. 5, 2025. Details.

Harvest Festival at Benjamin’s Hope

On Saturday, from 3-6 p.m., join Benjamin’s Hope for a free and all-abilities event at their Harvest Festival! Guests can celebrate all things fall with hayrides, food, outdoor activities, live music and games. Details

BIGGBY B The One 5K Walk/Run

Photo courtesy of BIGGBY COFFEE.

Lace-up your sneakers for a great cause! BIGGBY of West Michigan’s 4th Annual B The One 5K Walk/Run returns Sunday, Sept. 29, at the Grant Pavilion in Millennium Park. From 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., guests of all ages can raise awareness can raise awareness of mental health issues and “be the one for someone struggling with mental health.”

Proceeds will benefit iunderstand love heals. Details.

All-Star Stunt Dogs at Gull Meadow Farms

Photo courtesy of Getty Images.

Dogs are not only adorable, but they’re also very talented, and Gull Meadow Farms is putting their abilities on display! This Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, America’s favorite stunt dogs, recognized on Good Morning America and the Oprah Winfrey Show will perform big air stunts, back-flips, handstands and more! See details here.

Tricks and Treats and Michigan’s Adventure

Halloween may be more than one month away, but Michigan’s Adventure is getting into the holiday spirit by hosting “Tricks and Treats” every Saturday and Sunday through Oct. 13. Experience delicious seasonal treats, family-friendly activities, rides, contests and mischievous tricks! Learn more information here

48th Annual Rockford Harvest Festival

Rockford's Harvest Fest starts Sept. 22, 2023. (Courtesy Rockford Chamber of Commerce)
Rockford’s Harvest Fest starts Sept. 22, 2023. (Courtesy Rockford Chamber of Commerce)

Join the Rockford Chamber of Commerce for their 48th Annual Harvest Fest! The two-day event, from Sept. 27 to Sept. 29, features a chili cookoff, hayrides, animal rides, a tractor show and parade, crafters, live entertainment and more. Details

‘Walk the Walk for Breast Cancer’

Photo courtesy of the Battle Creek Community Foundation.

On Saturday, Sept. 28, the Battle Creek Community Foundation is hosting an event that empowers the community to join the fight against breast cancer.

At 10 a.m., guests of all ages and abilities can participate in a 2-mile walk. Following the walk, participants can enjoy an after-party featuring bounce houses for kids, free food, informational booths and much more. Details.

Fall activities and attractions

Photo courtesy of Getty Images.

Now that fall is officially here, embrace this time of year with seasonal activities and attractions! Visit a cider mill, go apple picking, find the perfect pumpkin at a local patch, or get lost in a corn maze! This guide features local places across West Michigan to explore.

September Festivals in West Michigan

September is nearing its end, and several West Michigan businesses and organizations are hosting exciting and family-friendly festivals this weekend. See what’s happening near you here.