11 Must-See Michigan Events in November 2026

Now that the months end in "-ber", you know the holiday season is close at hand.

In between prepping the house for Thanksgiving company and getting a head start on Christmas shopping, make time to take in some of the cool events Michigan has in store this November.

Here are 11 of our favorites.

Art Coast Food & Wine Festival / Saugatuck-Douglas / November 5-7, 2026

Come hungry, because the Art Coast Food & Wine Festival brings together more than 20 celebrated chefs, 30+ restaurants and Michigan wineries for three days of culinary fun.

The Art Coast Food & Wine Festival brings three days of delicious food, fine wine and culinary creativity to Saugatuck and Douglas November 5 through 7. (Photo via Mantra Media on Unsplash)

From gourmet dinners to wine tastings and cooking demonstrations, it's a chance to experience some of West Michigan's best flavors in one of its prettiest settings.

Traverse City Beer Week / Traverse City / November 6-14, 2026

If you appreciate a good craft beer, Traverse City is giving you nine days' worth of reasons to visit, with participating breweries, pubs and restaurants offering special releases and discounts during Traverse City Beer Week.

Traverse City Beer Week celebrates Northern Michigan's thriving craft beer scene with special events and tastings November 6 through 14. (Photo via George Cox on Unsplash)

Grab a Beer Week passport, explore the local brewing scene and discover a new favorite!

All Things Detroit: Holiday Experience / Detroit / November 8, 2026

Forget fighting the crowds at the mall. Detroit's Eastern Market is bringing together more than 200 local makers and small businesses for one massive holiday shopping experience called All Things Detroit: Holiday Experience.

More than 200 small businesses and local makers come together for All Things Detroit: Holiday Experience at Detroit's Eastern Market on November 8. (Photo via Kenny Elshoff on Unsplash)

Expect handmade gifts, unique finds, food trucks, live DJs and even a chance to snap a photo with Santa.

Holiday Shopping Night at Impression 5 / Lansing / November 13, 2026

Who says a science museum is just for kids?

Lansing's Impression 5 Science Center combines science, shopping and holiday fun during its adults-only Holiday Shopping Night on November 13. (Photo via Rana Mia on Unsplash)

Impression 5 Science Center is hosting an adults-only holiday shopping night featuring hands-on demonstrations, unique gifts, live music, food and drinks.

Motor City Comic Con / Novi / November 13-15, 2026

Superheroes, sci-fi fans, comic book collectors and cosplay enthusiasts will take over Novi's Vibe Credit Union Showplace for Motor City Comic Con - basically three days of pop-culture overload.

Motor City Comic Con brings celebrities, comic creators and colorful cosplay to Novi's Vibe Credit Union Showplace November 13 through 15. (Photo via Brad Switzer on Unsplash)

Celebrity appearances, autograph sessions, special panels and elaborate costumes make this one of Michigan's biggest celebrations of all things geeky... and I mean that in the best possible way.

MSU Global Festival / East Lansing / November 15, 2026

You can experience cultures from around the world without ever leaving East Lansing when Michigan State University hosts its annual Global Festival.

Michigan State University's Global Festival celebrates cultures from around the world at the International Center in East Lansing on November 15. (Photo via Olek Buzunov on Unsplash)

This free event fills the International Center with cultural exhibits, live music and dance performances, interactive activities and unique gifts representing countries around the globe.

Silver Bells in the City / Lansing / November 20, 2026

For many of us in Mid-Michigan, Christmas doesn't officially begin until Silver Bells in the City lights up downtown Lansing with its spectacular Electric Light Parade and the lighting of Michigan's official Christmas tree.

Silver Bells in the City returns to downtown Lansing on November 20 with its beloved Electric Light Parade, Christmas tree lighting and fireworks. (Photos via Canva and Michigan Department of Technology, Management & Budget)

Throw in holiday shopping, festive music, a drone show and fireworks over the Capitol, and you've got one of the biggest nights of the year in Lansing.

Grand Rapids International Wine, Beer & Food Festival / Grand Rapids / November 20-21, 2026

Come thirsty and bring your appetite, because DeVos Place will be packed with more than 1,200 wines, beers, ciders and spirits from around the world, plus food from some of West Michigan's finest restaurants during the Grand Rapids International Wine, Beer & Food Festival.

The Grand Rapids International Wine, Beer & Food Festival serves up two days of delicious discoveries at DeVos Place, November 20 and 21. (Photo via Rafael Rodrigues on Unsplash)

Whether you know your Cabernet from your Chardonnay or just enjoy trying something new, there's plenty here to keep your taste buds busy.

Wonderland of Lights at Potter Park Zoo / Lansing / Select nights beginning November 21, 2026

Potter Park Zoo gets a magical holiday makeover as thousands of twinkling lights illuminate the walkways and turn the grounds into a winter wonderland.

Wonderland of Lights transforms Lansing's Potter Park Zoo into a sparkling holiday attraction beginning November 21, with select dates through December. (Photo via Bryan Dickerson on Unsplash)

Visitors can enjoy festive music, colorful displays and visits with Santa on select evenings, making Wonderland of Lights one of Lansing's family Christmas traditions.

America's Thanksgiving Parade / Detroit / November 26, 2026

Detroit is pulling out all the stops for the 100th America's Thanksgiving Parade, featuring enormous balloons, colorful floats, marching bands and plenty of holiday spirit along Woodward Avenue.

America's Thanksgiving Parade celebrates its historic 100th edition with floats, balloons and marching bands in downtown Detroit on November 26. (Photo via David Trinks on Unsplash)

It's one of Michigan's most treasured Thanksgiving traditions, and this milestone celebration promises to be especially memorable.

Frankenmuth Christmas Experience Kickoff / Frankenmuth / November 27, 2026

Nobody does Christmas quite like Frankenmuth, and Michigan's Little Bavaria officially kicks off the season with an evening of ice skating, free cookies and hot cocoa, Santa visits and a spectacular tree lighting.