Top Ten Outdoor Events for October 2022
Overview of the top ten outdoor events that we're looking forward to during our favorite month of the year. Happy Fall!
I’ve said it once, twice, and possibly a thousand times: nothing beats October. Crisp fall mornings, warm days, screensaver-worthy foliage, less crowded trails and campgrounds, open season for hunting, and premiere road racing…and, finally, the launch of this business! We’re pretty stoked on October to say the least.
Each month, the Expedition Detroit team will do some heavy lifting on researching the best upcoming outdoor events for your viewing and attending pleasure. Full disclosure, we’re only scratching the surface here for October - this month is jam-packed with exciting, relaxing, adrenaline-pumping, and/or educational opportunities for our region to engage in. Whittling this article down to 10 events was a monumental feat, but any of these events will be a highlight of the best month to explore our corner of the Great Lakes. We think you’ll agree.
1. Attend a Michigan DNR Fall Festival
Throughout October | Various State Parks and Recreation Areas
Looking for a festive autumnal getaway? Well, there’s a good chance that if you camp at one of Michigan’s 103 state parks and recreation areas during the month of October, you will find yourself conveniently camping in the midst of a DNR-sponsored Fall Harvest Festival. The tradition that started at Metamora-Hadley State Recreation Area over 30 years ago has spread throughout the Detroit region, with most festival events only open to weekend campers. The festivities include hay rides, pumpkin carving, trick-or-treating, costume contests, haunted trails, nature programs, and horse-drawn carriage rides. Oh, and don’t forget to explore some of the most beautiful trails in the State of Michigan while you’re at it.
2. Get in the Woods for Whitetail Deer Bow Season
Throughout October | Statewide in Michigan
Fall technically starts on September 23rd, but the overwhelming consensus among Michigan outdoorsmen is that the season kicks off the moment that you get into your stand on Bow Opening Day on October 1st. Months of gear preparation, scouting, land maintenance, target practice, and stand assembly have led to this moment. The temperature may be slightly warmer than preferred, but there’s no better place to sit back, watch the changing leaves wave in the wind, and wait for that buck of a lifetime to wander your way.
Be sure to check out our post on this year's hunting regulations before heading into the woods!
3. Run the Probility Ann Arbor Marathon
October 2nd | Ann Arbor, MI | 8 a.m.
October is peak marathon season in Michigan, and the Probility Ann Arbor Marathon provides the perfect event to kick the season into high gear. The race offers several event options, including kids’ races, relay, 5K, 10K, half marathon, 19-mile run, and full marathon events. The highlights of the marathon and half marathon courses include running through the heart of the University of Michigan’s campus and along one of the most scenic stretches of the Huron River. Better yet, the race’s sponsors are committing all of the event’s fundraising efforts to organizations that help and support mental health issues, including free registration entries for participants that are recovering from addiction.
4. Hike and Sip at North 42 Degrees Estate Winery
Throughout October | Essex, ON | 10 a.m.
If a good hike and great wine in peak fall colors don’t get you excited for fall, then you just might be a lost cause. For the rest of us, our friends across the border at North 42 Degrees Estate Winery host a weekly “Hike 42 Degrees” event where hikers and tasters alike can enjoy the winery’s 40 acres of colorful Carolinian forest. The event’s entry ticket includes a guided hike, wine tasting, and an outdoor camp-style gourmet lunch prepared by the Bistro 42 Culinary Team.
5. Raise a Stein to an Oktoberfest Race
October 9th | Royal Oak, MI | 8 a.m.
Prost! It is a scientifically proven fact that beer tastes better after a race, especially when paired with a Bavarian-style pretzel and mustard. Celebrate Oktoberfest in Royal Oak by racing in Kona Running’s Oktoberfest Run, which includes an 800m “fun run,” 5K, and 10K events. The post-race festivities, which naturally consist of live Bavarian music, beer, and snacks, will occur in Royal Oak’s new Centennial Commons park.
6. Hike Under the Full Hunter’s Moon
October 9th | Oakwoods Metropark | 7 p.m.
October’s full moon - appropriately named the “Hunter’s Moon” - will reach its peak on October 9th. Be sure to catch a glimpse of this bright orange moon by heading over to Oakwoods Metropark for a guided “