12 things to do in Michigan in November 2019

Thanksgiving is coming soon, but first there is a ton of other fun to be had. Check out these 12 things to do in Michigan in November 2019.

Nov 1-5 East Lansing Film Festival – East Lansing

The East Lansing Film Festival is the longest-running non-experimental film festival in the state. The goal is to bring independent films to mid-Michigan. Consequently, fostering filmmaking in the region. The fest includes dramas, comedies, documentaries and short films. This year’s event features Arctic, Blood Memory, Extra Ordinary, Meant to Be Broken and Saint-Frances.

Nov 3 All Things Detroit Holiday Edition – Detroit

With all the amazing art, eats, and shops, there’s never a bad time for a trip to Eastern Market. The opportunities increase when this event returns. It adds plenty of additional shopping opportunities in sheds 3, 4, and 5. Beat the crowd tickets may be purchased online for $15 each. They include advance shopping opportunities at 9:30 a.m. You’ll also get one complimentary item from a participating food truck, one beverage voucher, and a tote bag. General admission tickets are $5, for which doors open at 11 a.m.

Nov 6 TEDx – Detroit

If you’re seeking inspiration, this event may be just the ticket. It features presentations from academics, artists, investors, entrepreneurs, and innovators. This year’s notable lineup includes HGTV’s Nicole Curtis, Oscar and Grammy winner Luis Resto. Other highly anticipated speakers include best-selling author Ebony Roberts and humanitarian Najah Bazzy. Former Lieutenant Governor and current SBAM President, Brian Calley, will also take the stage. The event takes place at Masonic Temple.

Nov 8-15 Traverse City Beer Week – Traverse City

Test your beverage IQ at the TC Ale Trail IPA Challenge. Run a beer-themed 5k called the Great Beerd Run. Get out your coziest flannel and join the Flapjack and Flannel Festival. These quirky events and others are all part of Traverse City Beer Week.

Nov 10 Capitol Park Strolling Brunch Tour– Detroit

Perhaps it’s time to explore Capitol Park. That’s the triangular area of downtown Detroit loosely bound by Woodward Avenue, State Street, Washington Boulevard, and Grand River. The best wat to do that is on a walking tour. Plus, this one includes food! Experience the revitalization of this historic part of the city. A knowledgeable guide will share fun facts and stories. Learn about the history of Michigan’s first Capitol and the underground railroad. You can also check out the unique architecture, new housing, cool retail and street art. Along the way, you’ll pop into some unique places and visit 4 or 5 new eateries. Enjoy specialty eats like egg sandwiches, cheeses, biscuits, pizza, veggies, fruit, noodles, sweets and more. It is, after all, a strolling brunch.

Nov 13 Making It in Michigan Conference & Marketplace – Lansing

Whether you’re looking to start or grow a food business of your own, want to find products to sell in your store, or are a foodie who loves to discover locally-made products, this event has something for you. The conference highlights 11 different educational strategies covering product development, marketing and compliance. The neighboring marketplace features entrepreneurs eager to share their stories and their products with each passerby.

Nov 13-24 Cocktail Week – Grand Rapids

It’s all about sipping local in Grand Rapids in November. In addition to the many Michigan breweries and wineries participating in the International Wine, Beer and Food Festival at DeVos Place, venues around the town are highlighting their craft cocktail skills. Events include a pub crawl, whiskey tasting, game night, book-signing and distillery tours.

Nov 15 North vs. South Brewery Battle – Acme

Head to Grand Traverse Resort for an epic battle featuring the Short’s and Greenbush brewing companies. There will be six battle stations with beers from each with food to pair. Brewery representatives will be on hand to shed light on each of the contenders. Guests will choose the winner by voting once at each station. The winner will be announced at the conclusion of the event. Tickets are $25 and attendees must be 21 or over.

Nov 17 An Evening with Mitch Albom – Traverse City

Internationally renowned and best-selling author Mitch Albom will take the stage at Opera House for a discussion of his latest effort, Chika: A little Girl, an Earthquake, and the Making of a Family. The book chronicles the story of a Haitian orphan named Chika Jeune, who was born just before the earthquake that decimated Haiti in 2010. When her mother died giving birth to a baby brother, Chika was brought to an orphanage operated by Albom in Port Au Prince. He and his wife, Janine, brought Chika home to Detroit for medical help, but were unable to save her from an inoperable brain tumor. Still, she taught them that a relationship built on love, no matter the blows, can never be lost. The $35 ticket includes admission and a hardcover copy of the book. Albom will be signing books after the Q&A.

Nov 22 Silver Bells in the City – Lansing

There are lots of fun tree lighting ceremonies around the state, but none have the added advantage of the State Capitol as a backdrop. Silver Bells in the City attracts over 80,000 people to Lansing each year. The Electric Light Parade kicks things of at 6pm to welcome the holiday season with lighted floats and the arrival of Santa. The parade is followed by the lighting of the state’s official Christmas Tree and a community singalong. Next come spectacular fireworks over the capitol, followed by a free concert from pop star and ‘80s icon, Tiffany, along with the Mega 80’s.

Nov 23 Rose Abdoo & Rose Abdon’t – Detroit

Michigan native and performer Rose Abdoo returns home to deliver her smash one woman show. The actress who is best known for her television work on popular shows like That’s So Raven, Parenthood, and Gilmore Girls is no stranger to the stage. The Second City alum and winner of L.A. Weekly‘s Female Solo Performer of the Year Award knows how to delight a live crowd. After a lifetime of being asked “What are you?” she eagerly answers the question in this hilarious and unique show. Drawing on characters from her childhood in Metro Detroit and her career in show business, Abdoo will have you wondering: Why does skin color or having an unusual last name even matter? The special engagement includes 6pm 9pm performance at JET Theatre in Walled Lake.

Nov 29 Holiday Celebration and Candlewalk – Frankenmuth

With Bronner’s nestled in Michigan’s Little Bavaria, the town is closely associated with the Christmas season year-round, yet for the residents of Frankenmuth it doesn’t really begin to take hold until this special event. Join the festivities staring at the River Place Shops at 6pm, then candlewalk to the Chamber Platz in the center of town for the lighting of the Tannenbaum. Santa will be in the Chamber Pavilion from 6:30-8:30 p.m.

Join the conversation on social media and let us know which of our 12 things to do in Michigan in November 2019, you got a chance to enjoy. Tag @BuyMichiganNow in your posts. For our things to do in Michigan next month and other travel tips, be sure to visit our Michigan Tourism page.