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 2022.
Nov 1-13 Living Lights – Grand Rapids
As the weather gets cooler, the animals you see out and about in zoos start to change too. It’s a great time to pay a visit. At John Ball, the experienced is enhanced with this nightly light show. Enjoy the wonders of living creatures that light up the night, as well as the dark waters. Vibrant lights and sounds will transform the park, enriching the appreciation of wildlife and wild places found all around us. Everyone will love the one-way trail of interactive lights. Kids will relish the opportunity for black light face painting. Parents might especially enjoy popping by on a Wednesday for a throwback to the past. Nov 2 is 80s Rock ‘n’ Roll Night, while Nov 9 is 90s Pop Night.
Nov 3-10 East Lansing Film Festival – East Lansing
It’s hard to believe, but this annual fest of flicks is celebrating its silver anniversary this year. That’s twenty-five years of introducing people to unique, independent films. Movie lovers will find a combination of documentaries, short films, student films, and features from which to choose. Screenings take place either at the East Lansing Hannah Community Center, or Studio C at Meridian Mall in Okemos.
Nov 4-12 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. Local chefs are even creating some specialty dishes just for the event. Before you go, it only takes a couple minutes to sign up online for the Restaurant Week GR Digital Pass. Then use it to check in to at least three participating restaurants between November 4-12. You’ll receive an exclusive foodie-themed gift. Plus, you’ll earn a digital coupon for a return visit to each restaurant you visit. As an added bonus, $1 per check-in (up to $5,000) will be donated to a scholarship fund for aspiring foodservice professionals, so your orders help support the future of the local culinary scene.
Nov 5 Treetops Michigan Beer and Wine Festival – Gaylord
Spend the evening mingling and tasting an array of Michigan craft beer, cider, and wine. Learn about beer and wine making, tasting notes, and the operations of local beer and wine makers. Between sips, enjoy spectacular food stations from the Treetops culinary team. Each $40 ticket includes 10 tastings and a souvenir glass or mug. Participating beverage makers include Bell’s, Blake’s, Founders, Jolly Pumpkin, North Peak, Perrin, and Short’s, among others. The tasting event is followed by an after party in the Convention Center from 10pm-1am, which features a DJ, dancing and a cash bar.
Nov 5-6 Mid-Michigan Rock Show – Midland
Serious rockhounds and those who are just aspiring, will find something to love at this annual event, celebrating its 28th year. Located at the Chippewa Nature Center, it features educational displays, presentations and activities for all ages related to identification and collection of rocks and fossils. There will also be special children’s events and a scavenger hunt for all ages. Dealers will be providing rocks, minerals, fossils, and limited jewelry for sale.
Nov 8-12 Five Nations Hockey Tournament – Plymouth
On the outskirts of Hockeytown, namely Plymouth, some of the best young hockey players in the world are going head-to-head this month. This is the first international tournament played at USA Hockey Arena since the U17 Five Nations in December 2018, when the Russians beat Team USA in overtime to take home the championship. Come cheer on the USA as they battle Czechia, Finland, Sweden and Switzerland throughout the week. All tickets for the Five Nations will be sold as day passes – one ticket provides entry to both games on a given day.
Nov 11-18 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 tour from Nov. 11-18, for specials at participating breweries and restaurants all week long. Sign up online for the Beer Week pass to get the details Check in to five or more locations on this pass and you’ll win a Traverse City Beer Week t-shirt. The passport will notify you when you’re eligible and you can pick up the shirt at the Traverse City Tourism Visitor Center.
Nov 12 Flint Short Film Freakout – Flint
Do you, or someone you love, go into spooky withdrawal when all of the Halloween hoopla goes way? Fear not. Flint has got you covered with this wacky, one-day scarefest, featuring short horror films from all around the world. Organizers of the new event promise thrills, chills, and weirdness aplenty. Check it out at Flint’s historic all-ages punk club, the Flint Local 432.
Nov 18 Silver Bells in the City – Lansing
This might be our favorite day of the year to visit Lansing. Silver Bells in the City is an ideal family event to kick off the holiday season. Enjoy the Electric Light Parade, which steps off at 6:00 pm at the corner of Lenawee Street and South Washington Square. Then feel some holiday spirit and state pride swell, with the lighting of the Christmas tree. Get your carol on at the Community Sing. Wait for the big finale with a Firefly drone light show and a stunning fireworks display over the Capitol (weather permitting). You’ll also be able to shop a holiday market with local vendors and pop into a nearby eatery or pub to soak up the energy on this electrifying evening in the capital.
Nov 18 Holidays in the Heart of the City – Saginaw
Re likely destination than Lansing for you, then don’t miss Holidays in the Heart of the City. It takes place on Friday, November 18, 2022 from 5:30-8:30pm. Enjoy free Christmas Concerts. Get some old-fashioned joy with a horse-drawn wagon ride on Ezra Rust Drive. Explore the city’s cultural gems with open houses at many venues including the Children’s Zoo, Andersen Enrichment Center, Japanese Tea House, The Montague Inn and the Mexican American Council. There will also be free pony rides for the kids in Borchard Park, food vendors on the streets, and other surprises.
Nov 18-19 International Wine, Beer, and Food Festival – Grand Rapids
Named a Best Fall Wine Festival Not to Miss by Forbes.com, this fest has established itself as Michigan’s annual tasting event for drinking aficionados. More than 1,200 wines, beers, ciders and spirits from around the world, along with many local options, are featured alongside creations from the area’s finest restaurants. Whether you’re a connoisseur who lives and breathes for the finer things in life, or a novice looking for an introduction to the world of food and spirits, this is the place to be. Hours are 4pm-10pm on Fri Nov 18, and 2pm-10pm on Sat, Nov 19. Single day admission is $20.
Nov 24 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 size of the floats. 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.
Join us on social media for ongoing discussions about fun events and Michigan travel destinations. Tweet @BuyMichiganNow and let us know when you make it to one of our 12 things to do in Michigan in November 2022. For next month’s event highlights, or to get ideas for your local bucket list, be sure to visit our Michigan Tourism page.
Leave A Comment
You must be logged in to post a comment.