Top Ten Outdoor Events for November 2022
The leaves and temperatures may be rapidly dropping, but the Detroit region's outdoor events calendar will stay vibrant throughout November. Here is the Expedition Detroit rundown of the top ten outdoor events that we're excited about attending. Happy Turkey Month!
You read it here first: November is the most underrated month for outdoor recreation throughout the entire year.
While some recreationists may be tempted to view this month as a "shoulder season" - the transitory guide from the peak autumn colors of October to the fresh snowfall of December - we are immensely excited about the outdoor action that you can only experience during November, especially when it comes to these 10 premiere outdoor events.
In the spirit of Thanksgiving, we would like to publish that we're extremely thankful for the hosts and vendors that brave the cooling temperatures to stage these end-of-season events. We invite you to share in our gratitude by joining in with one, two, or all of these top 10 outdoor events for November.
1. Run with the Dead for Día de los Muertos
November 5th | Southwest Detroit | 9 a.m.
Spoiler alert - this Saturday, November 5th, will be a jam-packed day for outdoor events in the Detroit region. The festivities begin with Detroit's predominantly Latinx community that will continue to honor and celebrate the dear-departed well into the first week of November. El Día de los Muertos - "the Day of the Dead" in Spanish - is one of the most widely-celebrated cultural holidays across the United States, especially among Southwest Detroit's residents of Mexican heritage. As part of the festive celebrations, the Southwest Detroit Business Association is hosting its annual "Run of the Dead" 5K/10K race and fundraiser for the Center of Music & Performing Arts Southwest. Don't forget to pack in family photos of your ancestors to add to the festival's ofrenda.
2. Burn Through the Trails at the Bonfyre Trail Fest
November 5th | Waterloo State Recreation Area | 10 a.m.
While colorful running skeletons will own the streets of Southwest Detroit, the trails on the western rim of the Detroit region will also be set ablaze with excitement on Saturday morning during the Bonfyre Trail Fest. Bonfyre represents the last event of RF Event's fantastic "GOAT Trail Series" for the 2022 season, and will include 5, 10, and 18-mile trail races. The perks of this trail runner's dream event go far beyond the post-race beer garden, live music, and roaring bonfire - we at Expedition Detroit simply can't wait to run the famous, roller-coaster DTE Energy Foundation Trails at Waterloo State Recreation Area. We will see you across the finish line and at the bonfire (beer in hand)!
3. Give a Hoot at the Owl Festival
November 5th | Oakwoods Metropark | 6 p.m.
Closing out the triple-crown for November 5th, Oakwoods Metropark is hosting its family-centered "Owl Festival" this Saturday evening. Described as a celebration of "everything owl," this festival will feature exhibits and activities intended to highlight and educate on all of the different species of owls found within Michigan. Specific events will include owl pellet dissection, games, crafts, owl presentations, and several owl prowls.
4. Run the Stony Creek Marathon
November 6th | Stony Creek Metropark | 10 a.m.
Marathoners, rejoice! While most regions close up shop for racing season in October, Detroit has saved one of its best and most scenic for the tail-end of the year. Stony Creek Metropark will host its annual marathon event this Sunday morning, which also includes 5K, 10K, Half-Marathon, and 50K events. So whether you're trying to squeeze in one last 5K before the real end of the season - or have a crazy 50K itch that needs to be scratched for you wild ultra runners - the Stony Creek Marathon has the perfect race for you!
5. Get in the Woods for Whitetail Deer Firearm Opening Day
November 15th | Statewide in Michigan
Waking up on the morning of November 15th in Michigan can be an interesting experience for non-hunters. No, it's not a delayed Fourth of July party or a Civil War reenactment kicking off at 7:30 a.m. on a Tuesday. You are in fact witnessing, as my father-in-law would say, the "official-unofficial Michigan state holiday" - the opening day of whitetail deer firearm season. The most celebrated day of the year for hunters and the single most important day of the year for the Michigan DNR's conservation efforts. A festive day that we at Expedition Detroit encourage all of our readers to participate in, even if that's just by purchasing a tag to financially support the DNR's operations and protection of our precious natural resources. </