Just One Michigan Celebration is Competing to be the Best Fall Festival in the Nation
I'll be the first to say there's a whole lot of summer left! I'm so not ready for sweaters and football, c'mon, I need a few more sunny days at the beach! But I know a lot of folks, especially in Michigan, get pumped for fall and like to start planning their autumn activities now.
Well, here's a fall festival that should be on your radar! It's the only Michigan celebration competing in a new USA Today 10Best readers' poll on the best fall festivals in the nation. A panel of experts has chosen 20 stellar fall fests from around the country, and now it's time for a public vote.
The Michigan festival competing is the Silver Lake Sand Dunes Apple & BBQ Festival!
What to Expect at the Silver Lake Sand Dunes Apple & BBQ Festival
It's coming up Friday, September 11 and Saturday, September 12, 2026. Taking place right at Golden Township Park in Mears, this two-day outdoor event brings together scenic dune views, crisp lake air, and everything we love about autumn in Michigan.
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Festivalgoers can look forward to live music and DJ entertainment under the beer tent, a craft show with over 140 local makers, a classic auto and ORV show, axe throwing, and kid-friendly activities like pony rides and a petting zoo. If you want to get moving, there is the annual Apple A Day 5K, plus the famous apple pie eating contest for those who prefer to eat their harvest treats instead.
Then, of course, there is the food. Aside from fresh local apples and whole pies, you will find a massive lineup of food trucks serving up slow-roasted meats, sweet treats, and festival classics.
READ MORE: Can This Michigan Gem Keep Its Crown As the Best Fall Destination in America?
2026 Festival Food Trucks and Local Vendors
This year's lineup of vendors includes:
- A Smoke Show
- Big Reds BBQ
- Get Stuffed Concessions
- Hillbilly Fry Trailer
- Holly’s Dog House LLC
- Holy Smokers BBQ
- Mata’s Fun Foods
- R&T’s Colossal Kitchen
- Sanders Mobile Shop, LLC
- THE BBQ GUYS
- Tiki Boiz Island Grill
- Two Bones BBQ
- Waffle Stix
- Woodland Farm Market
- Big Moe's BBQ
- Blue Star Meats
- Lela's Kettle Corn
How to Vote for Michigan in USA Today’s 10Best Contest
If you want to help West Michigan take the crown this year, make sure to cast your vote! You can vote once per day until voting closes on Monday, September 7 at noon. The top 10 winning festivals will be officially announced on Wednesday, September 16.
Everywhere Josh and Jase Went During Their Summer In Michigan
Gallery Credit: Tommy McNeill
