Hello, September! Traverse City Area Happenings
September in Northern Michigan is pure magic. The air is crisp, the skies are bright, and the summer crowds begin to thin—making it the perfect time to explore everything the Traverse City area has to offer. From international fireworks and art festivals to historic bike tours and vineyard races, September is where summer’s energy meets autumn’s charm. Whether you’re planning a cozy couples’ getaway or a family weekend full of adventure, this month’s lineup won’t disappoint.
🌞 Summer-Long Events
May – October – Interlochen Farmers Markets
Thursdays 2–7pm and Sundays 9am–2pm at Interlochen Corners. Over 60 vendors offering local produce, food, and crafts. Pets welcome!
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May – October – Sara Hardy Downtown Farmers Market
Wednesdays 8am–12pm and Saturdays 7:30am–2pm in downtown TC’s Parking Lot B. One of Michigan’s largest grower-only markets.
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June – September – Traverse City Horse Shows
National-level hunter/jumper competitions run all summer long.
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July 2 – October 15 – Wine Down Wednesdays
Wednesday Evenings – Escape the crowds with a semi-private wine tasting offered by a local winery expert on The Discovery.
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September Events
September 5 – An Evening with Bryan Gruley | Featured Book “Bitterfrost” – The Alluvion
National Writers Series is kicking off the fall season with Traverse City’s Pulitzer Prize-winning author, Bryan Gruley and his brand-new crime thriller: Bitterfrost.
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September 5 & 6 – International Fireworks Championship – Turtle Creek Stadium
This year, six incredible teams from around the world—China, Poland, Serbia, Portugal, Canada, and the USA—will light up the sky in an epic battle for fireworks supremacy.
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September 5 & 12 – Historic Bike Tours – Sleeping Bear National Lakeshore
Bring your own bike, or rent through The Cyclery in Glen Arbor at a discount. Book the bike tour first to get the discount promo code.
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September 6 – Laughs on the Saw Path – Legacy Art Park
90-minutes of original improvisational comedy from Northern Michigan’s most outrageous and fun performing troupe.
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September 6 & 7 – The Munga Grit USA Traverse City 2025
Annual single-stage mountain bike race. 173 Miles, 6000 Feet elevation in 24 hours. On the Leelanau, Betsie Valley and Sleeping Bear Trails
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September 12-17 – Inaugural Traverse City Mural Festival
Seven Walls. One Creative Week. The inaugural festival will take place in the NoBo neighborhood’s Eighth Street corridor, from Lake Avenue to Barlow Street.
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September 13-14 – Downtown Traverse City Art Fair – Open Space Park
Get ready for an artistic explosion in Traverse City! These annual art fairs, hosted by the Downtown Traverse City Association, are bursting with talent, each vendor is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered.
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September 13 – Great Lakes Strongest Man VII – Pro/Am – Turtle Creek Stadium
Great Lakes Strongest Man has competitors from various countries and has been viewed all over the world! In places like the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Puerto Rico, Lithuania, and Australia.
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September 14 – Ironman 70.3 Michigan – Frankfort
Come experience IRONMAN 70.3 Michigan and find out why this race received so many Athlete Choice Awards accolades in 2022, 2023, & 2024!
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September 20 – 40th Annual Leelanau Harvest Bicycle Tour
The Leelanau Harvest Tour is a great biking adventure for both families and single riders as the fall colors begin to show and apple trees are laden with fruit.
September 20 – More Than Four 5.04k – Union Street
Join the 2nd annual 5.04K, uniting our community to recognize children battling cancer. 100% of net proceeds from the 5.04K will go directly to pediatric cancer research teams and supporting families dealing with pediatric cancer.
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September 21 – 45 North Vineyard Wine Run 5K – 45 North Vineyard
Like Running or Walking? Love Wine? This race is for you!
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September 23 – An Evening with Mary Roach | Featured Book “Replaceable You: Adventures in Human Anatomy” – City Opera House
The National Series is welcoming Mary Roach back to Traverse City for her latest book–Replaceable You: Adventures in Human Anatomy. Replaceable You offers a rollicking exploration of cutting-edge regenerative medicine.
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🍂 Don’t Forget the Everyday Fun
Between all the festivals and concerts, take time to enjoy the everyday magic of Northern Michigan. Some guest favorites include:
- Hiking Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
- Wine tasting on Old Mission and Leelanau Peninsulas
- Biking the TART Trail or hiking the Boardman River Trail
- Downtown shopping, coffee shops, and art galleries
- Boating or paddling on Grand Traverse Bay
- Golfing the area’s scenic courses
- Relaxing beach days at Clinch Park or Bryant Park
Don’t Skip September in Northern Michigan!
September is often overlooked, but it might just be the best month to visit Northern Michigan. There’s still warmth in the sun, color in the trees, and excitement in the air. Whether you’re cheering on Ironman athletes, strolling through art fairs, or savoring a quiet glass of wine at sunset, every day offers something special. Make Dyer Lake Vacation Home your home base and experience the perfect blend of activity and tranquility. 🍷🚴♀️🍁
Looking to stay in Traverse City?
Looking for the perfect place to stay in Traverse City? Our vacation home is centrally located, just minutes from Downtown Traverse City and an easy drive to surrounding activities. Whether you’re here to relax on the beaches, explore local wineries, or set sail on a sunset cruise, you’ll be right in the heart of it all.
Skip the extra fees—book direct and save! Or, if you prefer, you can reserve your stay through Airbnb.
📅 Ready to plan your getaway? Book now and experience everything the Traverse City area has to offer!
