It’s no secret the Silver Lake area is known for its splendid beauty and brilliant colors in the autumn months.
New for 2022! Silverback Offroad and Sunbuggy ORV Rentals will be open everyday until the ORV area closes October 31! Silver Lake ORV Rentals
With the dunes and lakeshore as a backdrop, the radiance of the trees always astounds. This year, we expect peak color to be mid October, and don’t forget the last day to enjoy riding the dunes is October 31st — so, plan your vacation accordingly!
Here are a few of our favorite fall festivals and activities you won’t want to miss while you’re here.
Silver Lake Area Fall Festivals
Steinfest Celebration at Golden Sands Golf Course & Bucket Bar
October 1st 4pm – 11pm
Commemorate the end of summer by attending the famed Steinfest at Golden Sands Golf Course & Bucket Bar. This favorite event, cherished by all golf and beer lovers, allows you to try your hand at keg rolling, keg tossing, an obstacle course, and of course — stein hoisting!
Shelby 2022 Harvest Festival – Farm To Table
October 1st, 2022 12pm-7pm
Put on by Shelby Township, The Village, The Chamber, and Schools of Shelby. The 2021 Harvest Festival is back. Saturday from 12pm to 7pm visit downtown Shelby (on Michigan Avenue) for a fresh farm to table meal, live music, antique car show, carnival games, and more. Pig roast serviced from 4pm-6pm.
Pentwater Area Fall Festivals
Head to nearby Pentwater to seek out even more autumn fun!
30th Annual Fall Fest Arts and Crafts Show
September 24th 10am – 5pm & September 25th 10am – 3pm
Stop by to do some shopping on the Village Green. Skilled crafters, artisans, and collectors will be selling their makes and wares all weekend — plus live music!
25th Annual Oktoberfest
October 9th 10 am
Join the long-standing tradition of Oktoberfest in downtown Pentwater. All-day activities include the famed Stout Stumble 5K, the Classic Car and Hot Rod Show, live music, great food, and much more!
More Family Activities and Sightseeing Near Silver Lake
Lewis Adventure Farm & Zoo
Enjoy loads of family fun at Lewis Adventure Farm & Zoo. Choose pumpkins in the Pumpkin Patch, find your way through the Corn Maze, pick your own apples, ride the BumpAlong Barrel Train, and much more! Fall activities and events run through October 31st.
Mac Wood’s Dune Rides
Take a 7-mile tour on a Mac Wood’s dune buggy and see the dunes like you never have before! Learn their history and how they were formed — plus what fulgurites and piping plovers are! Hurry to get your tickets now because Mac Wood’s will close for the season after October 2nd.
Craig’s Cruisers Family Fun Center
Spend the day go-karting, mini golfing, and bumper boating with the fam! Although hours are limited to just a few final Saturdays and Sundays (the season ends October 2nd), there’s still time to enjoy all that Craig’s Cruisers has to offer.
Getting a jumpstart on planning your autumn getaway?
Make sure the Silver Lake Sand Dunes are a part of your big adventure!
It all starts here. Check out our Lodging page to find the perfect place to stay. Our Food & Drink page features listings of popular area eateries, and you’ll find even more ideas for fall fun on our Things to Do page.
For additional information on the Silver Lake Sand Dunes and how best to enjoy your vacation at the dunes, take a look at our Visitors Guide.