As fall colors fade, this month presents a lot of opportunities to walk a popular trail, stroll an empty beach, and enjoy the quiet moments before the skiers and snowmobilers come out in throngs. Fun awaits at our 12 things to do in Michigan in November.
Nov 1-30 Silver Lake State Park Riding Season – Silver Lake
Equestrians can ride along Lake Michigan at Silver Lake Dunes during the shoreline horseback riding season Nov. 1-30. The registration fee is $10 per horse per day, and 125 slots are available each day. Registration opens 8 a.m. Sunday, Sept. 1.
Nov 1-9 Restaurant Week GR – Grand Rapids
WalletHub recently named Grand Rapids one of America’s best foodie cities. If you’ve ever been, then you’ll understand why. If not, then this is the perfect week for some culinary exploration. This year, participating restaurants will offer a choice between two savory options: a standard menu with two or more courses for $25 or a chef’s choice with two or more courses for a higher price-to-be-determined by the restaurant. Many eateries will offer additional dessert or drink pairings. Before you go, it only takes a couple minutes to sign up online for the Restaurant Week GR Digital Pass, and an opportunity to earn prizes as you check into various participating venues.
Nov 3 All Things Detroit: Holiday Experience – Detroit
With the scent of Christmas pines in the air, Eastern Market is a fun destination even as cold temps set in. Warm up inside and do some serious shopping at this annual marketplace featuring more than 200 small businesses. It’s the perfect opportunity to find something locally-made for everyone on your list. Then pop on over to Detroit City Distillery to celebrate your success with a hot toddy.
Nov 3-10 Dow Tennis Classic – Midland
Since its inception in 1989, the Dow Tennis Classic is the longest-run professional women’s tennis tournament in Michigan. In fact, it’s the only professional tennis tournament in the state. Head to the Greater Midland Tennis Center to catch the action as 60 female athletes try to make it big on the world tour. Who knows, you may just see the next Serena Williams. She was born in Saginaw after all.
Nov 8 World Ballet Company: Swan Lake – Pontiac
Swan Lake, the ballet of all ballets, will be performed one night only by the World Ballet Company. See the iconic Dance of the Little Swans, count the 32 fouettés performed by the Odile, and immerse yourself in magical Tchaikovsky's music. The production will feature richly detailed, hand-painted sets and over 150 radiant costumes that bring fresh representation to this timeless classic. The World Ballet Company presents the most beloved and iconic ballets of our time in cities nationwide.
Nov 7-14 East Lansing Film Festival – East Lansing
It’s hard to believe, but this annual fest of flicks has been a part of the Lansing community for more than a quarter of a century. It provides an excellent opportunity to go back into the theater and enjoy independent films alongside other movie buffs. Cinema fans will find a well-curated selection of features, documentaries, and short films from which to choose.
Nov 8-10 Motor City Comic Con – Novi
Fans of pop culture will be delighted to know that Motor City Comic Con is returning to the Suburban Collection Showplace. There will be plenty of photo ops, games to play, and people to meet. Join in on the cosplay contest. Test your skills in the escape room. Discover amazing new creations. Attend a panel discussion. Get a celebrity autograph. Priscilla Presley, Robert Englund, Ron Perlman, Alan Ruck, Andy Serkis, Kiefer Sutherland, Barry Bostwick, Manny Jacinto, Logic, Joel McHale, and many more, are currently slated to appear.
Nov 8-16 Traverse City Beer Week – Traverse City
During the calm that is the month between color tours and holiday extravaganzas, Traverse City is a key destination for beer lovers. Gather some friends and go on a self-guided brew tour from November 8-16. Sign up online for the Beer Week pass to get the details and even discounts, as you check into participating breweries and other venues. Throughout Beer Week, if you check into five or more participating TCBW businesses on the passport, you will be rewarded with a beer week t-shirt.
Nov 9 Flapjack and Flannel Festival – Traverse City
If you plan to experience TC Restaurant Week, then we recommend including November 9 into your plans so you can stop by this Jacobs Farm between Noon and 6pm for this fun fest. Wear your flannel. Drink delicious beers, wines, and cocktails paired with flapjacks. Plus, you can see World Champion Lumberjacks in head to head competition as seen on ESPN. They’ll be chopping, sawing, axe-throwing, log-rolling and speed-climbing. It’s a great combination of action-packed fun and comedy. The event also includes live music. Tickets are $35 in advance or $45 at the door. Your ticket includes admission, 2 drink tokens good for 2-8oz pours, and a pancake. Kid tickets are $15 for admission, 1 non-alcoholic drink token and a pancake.
Nov 21-23 International Wine, Beer, and Food Festival – Grand Rapids
Named a Best Fall Wine Festival Not to Miss by Forbes.com, this fest has really established itself as Michigan’s annual tasting event for drinking aficionados. More than 1,200 wines, beers, ciders and spirits from around the world, including many local options we love, are featured. They are complemented by creations from the area’s finest restaurants. Whether you’re a connoisseur or just a novice, this a fun event to explore. Single day admission is $20.
Nov 23 Handcuffed in Detroit, The Harry Houdini Bus Tour – Detroit
Join Detroit History Tours for a three-hour adventure into Houdini's time in Detroit; spanning his first appearance in the Motor City to his untimely Halloween death, from 1900 to 1926. Together with your guide, you’ll also explore the highlights of a cross-section of Houdini's life; from his early heart-stopping and death-defying escapes to his later stage shows, focusing as much on debunking fraudulent spiritualists as escaping handcuffs. From his first show in Detroit as "The King of Handcuffs" to his last performance on earth, we'll track the locations, stories, and enduring legends of Harry Houdini in Detroit.
Nov 28 America’s Thanksgiving Parade – Detroit
Some of us go every year, while others have only seen it on TV. This is an event that every Michigander should experience in person at least once. Pick your spot on Woodward Avenue and marvel at the creativity of the floats and size of those inflatables. Watch each team work hard to keep their colorful helium-filled balloons from catching a breeze and drifting off to Canada. Cheer on those high school marching bands. Get charmed by the Distinguished Clown Corps, and have fun trying to identify each of the famous Big Heads. It’s a tremendous way to start your Thanksgiving holiday. If you can’t make it down this year, then look for the broadcast on WDIV.
As you explore Michigan this November, take time to enjoy the little moments that make this time of year special. Whether you're embarking on a family tradition or trying something new, there's something for everyone this season.
Happy November, and Happy Thanksgiving!
