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Fall in the Keweenaw brings a wide variety of events and celebrations to get you in the autumn mood! From music festivals to Oktoberfests, there’s no shortage of ways to explore the Copper Country and soak in those glorious Keweenaw fall colors! We’ve got the shortlist of Keweenaw fall events to kick off your stellar fall Upper Peninsula adventure!
End of Summer Celebration
September 7, 2024
Hancock’s annual “End of Summer Celebration” bids farewell to a glorious Keweenaw summer in a big way. Tons of family-friendly events and entertainment will take place on Quincy Avenue and the Quincy Green, culminating in a laser show extravaganza.
GeekU.P. Chibi
September 7, 2024
Located at MTU’s Memorial Union Building (MUB), GeekU.P. celebrates all things geek culture! This mini-con hosts workshops, panels, gaming tourneys, alongside art vendors, cosplayers, and more. Discover local comic authors, fellow cosplayers and geeks while raising money for charity!
Yoop! Fest
September 20-22, 2024
If you think you know Midwest Indie, you need Yoop! Fest. Get your education in Keweenaw and Midwest underground and indie music during this fall festival gem put on by local record purveyor, Kitschy Spirit Records. This multi-day event brings Keweenaw, Upper Peninsula, and Midwest bands to the historic Calumet Theatre stage.
PARADE OF NATIONS MULTICULTURAL FESTIVAL
September 21, 2024
Cheer on The Parade of Nations during this annual celebration of worldwide culture and national awareness in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula! Michigan Tech International students and Keweenaw community members hoist their flags alongside themed floats from the Rozsa Center to the Dee Stadium! The parade is capped with multicultural food and family-friendly entertainment at the Dee Stadium.
The Parade of Nations celebrates diversity, unity, and community with flags, cultural display, and floats! (Photo: Deb Paver)
OKTOBERFEST AT THE HARBOR HAUS
September 28, 2024
Get a kickstart on the fall season in Copper Harbor during the Harbor Haus's annual Oktoberfest! Held inside The Vue events center at the Haus, enjoy UP craft Oktoberfest beer, German/Austrian food, live polka music, and dancing! Enjoy the beginning of fall colors on your drive north and raise your mug to the Copper Country! Prost!
50th Annual Copper Country Color Tour
September 28, 2024
Cycling enthusiasts can get immersed in some serious fall color during the annual Copper Country Color Tour, hosted by MTU’s Copper Country Cycling Club. Since 1974, this event offers a variety of long distance cycling routes along Lake Superior shorelines and Keweenaw forests in full fall color.
New Music in the Mine
October 3, 2024
Copper Country mining history meets incredible musical displays inside the Quincy Mine Hoist House. Michigan Tech music brings new music by contemporary composers into this historic acoustic Keweenaw mining marvel. Ambient and revelatory, this is sure to be the only sold-out show you’ll attend that requires a hard hat!
PLAIDURDAY
October 4, 2024
Plaidurday is the celebration of the Yooper-beloved pattern plaid. Keeping lumberjacks, coal miners and true Yoopers warm and cozy for decades – you see it everywhere. It occurs on the first Friday of October each year, and was first observed in 2011. Many adaptations have evolved and you can celebrate the holiday by simply putting on plaid! The more plaid the better - join on the Houghton High School Football field and be a part of the yearly record-breaking attempt!
The Keweenaw remains the champion in most plaid-wearing Yoopers in one location! (Photo: Michigan Tech)
Brew Street
October 4, 2024
Plaidurday evening, flannel-wearing folks can head down to Brew Street (Lakeshore Drive), to enjoy a lively beer garden with music, food trucks, and a brief history lesson about the Lakeshore’s development over the years by the Carnegie Museum. Once part of the original Lakeshore layout, "Brew Street" was located behind the former Haas Brewery, running from Dodge to Isle Royale Street, between the railroad track and Shelden Avenue. Brew Street is a fundraiser for the Carnegie Museum, a Keweenaw National Historical Park Heritage Site.
HOUGHTON FALL FEST
October 5, 2024
Fall Fest takes place in Houghton at the Waterfront Pier. All are welcome to enjoy autumn themed activities and goodies for the whole family. This cozy Canal-side autumn festival features tractor rides along the Portage Canal, fall flavors, live music, and fun fall-themed games!
Keweenaw Color Run
October 5, 2024
This fun, untimed walk/run is the perfect way to celebrate fall and get active with friends and family. Get ready to be doused in vibrant colors throughout the course, and don't forget to wear your wildest outfit (especially if it's plaid)! The race culminates at the lively Downtown Houghton Fall Fest at the Houghton Waterfront Pier.
Heart the Heartlands - Brockway Color Viewing
October 5, 2024
Join The Nature Conservancy (TNC) and Eagle Harbor Township at the top of Brockway Mountain to view the beautiful fall colors of the Keweenaw Heartlands. Learn more about the community-driven Heartlands project while weighing in on the public areas of Brockway Mountain and how Eagle Harbor Township can improve your visit to this iconic location.
OKTOBERFEST IN SOUTH RANGE
Date TBD
Oktoberfest in South Range returns with a fun-filled day of events! Start the day with a pancake breakfast at Range Lounge, participate in a 5K/10K walk/ run at Veteran's Memorial Park, and then enjoy family-friendly fun and music in the park. Hit up Main Street for a Classic Car Show, or stop by the Keweenaw Brewing Company cannery for their annual Open House. Refreshments, like traditional brats, sauerkraut, and pretzels & cheese will be available, along with live music to keep you dancing into the night!
Heart the Heartlands - ATV Slow Ride
October 12, 2024
Bring your ATV for a slow ride through the Keweenaw Heartlands guided by the Keweenaw ATV Club and The Nature Conservancy! Ride starts at the Mariner North Resort in Copper Harbor and makes a loop that will take approximately 4.5-5.5 hours. Stop at scenic spots along the way for breaks and to discuss the trails, the Heartlands project, and the project's impact on the future of recreation in the Keweenaw.
41 North FILM FESTIVAL
November 7-10, 2024
The 41 North Film Festival showcases recent independent films and filmmakers from around the region, country, and world. Located at the Rozsa, the 41 North Film Festival covers a variety of topics and themes in both short film and full-length features!
