Urban St. Eat. Shop. Play. Local.
Design Legacy on Display
MillerKnoll Unveiled Archives
Showcases Evolution of Modern Design
FALL AT OX-BOW
BRUNCH
SUNDAY SOJOURN
September 14, 11:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.
BLOODY BRUNCH
October 18, 10:00 a.m. or 12:00 p.m. seatings
FAMILY FUN
OX-BOW GOES TO HECK
October 18, 1:00 p.m.–5:00 p.m .
Enjoy this kid friendly halloween matinee event!
DINNER
HARVEST DINNER
October 4
Chef, Food Journalist, and two time James Beard Award Winner, Amy Thielen will join us at Ox-Bow this fall to craft a true midwestern harvest meal.
LATE NIGHT
CAVERN TAVERN
October 25, 6:00–10:00 p.m.
Attend the hottest free pre-party in town before getting your freak on at the Douglas Halloween Parade for Adults!
13–OCT. 11, 2025
Join the Ox-Bow community to make something new in an ART ON THE MEADOW WORKSHOP. These offerings invite our West Michigan neighbors and visitors to participate in affordable, multi-level, and intergenerational creative experiences from plein air painting to candlestick making, fabric marbling, and more.
Forever learners register today for Fall workshops!!
www.ox-bow.o rg/arton-the-meadowworkshops
Urban St.
Publisher Jason Hosko
Editorial Editor: Lisa Enos
Contributors: Rob Alway, Elizabeth Granger, Amy Piper, Gabriel Rose
Design
Creative Director: Lindsay Richards
Art Director: Justin Stenson
Senior Production Artist: Stephanie Daniel
Photography: Rob Alway, Lisa Enos, Elizabeth Granger, Bethany Kruger, Todd Reed
Sales
General Inquiries: advertising@hour-media.com
Account Executives: Nick Irwin, Maddy Gill
Production
Production Manager: Crystal Nelson
Production Assistant: Alessandra Taranta
Account Manager: Elizabeth Kowalik
IT Director: Jeremy Leland
Circulation
Circulation Manager: Cindy Fish
Web
Digital Director: Travis Cleveland
Sr. Digital Development Specialist: Luanne Lim
Administration Director Of Business Operations: Kathie Gorecki
Media Associate: Kayla Yucha
Senior Accounting Associate: Andrew Kotzian
Accounting Associates: Austin Schmelzle, Jenna Glod
Published By Hour Media
CEO: Stefan Wanczyk
President: John Balardo
On the cover: MillerKnoll unveils archives in exhibition showcasing the evolution of modern furniture from the 1920s to today. Image credit: Nicholas Calcott for MillerKnoll.
Urban St. is published in March, May, July, September and November by Hour Media. Publishing office: 5750 New King Drive, Ste. 100, Troy, MI 48098. Telephone (248) 691-1800. Send event calendar submissions to LEnos@Hour-Media.com. Urban St. is not responsible for unsolicited contributions.
Words worth repeating
As summer fades, there’s still a lot happening around the Lakeshore. In this issue, we’re excited to spotlight some of the local gems that continue to evolve while keeping their roots rmly planted—and others for people who like to stay on the move, like the subject of our feature story—Allegan Event.
Elizabeth Granger explores Roll On Muskegon, a bicycling group that will help you embrace and look forward to the cooler evenings ahead. If you nd yourself in Muskegon before 3 p.m. on any given day between Tuesday and Saturday, be sure to check out Fatty Lumpkins Sandwich Shack. You gotta try it!
In the southern reaches of the Urban Street coverage area, we found two must-try destinations. If you haven’t been to Zeeland lately, Frank’s Diner has expanded, and there’s now even more room to enjoy classic diner meals and new pub-style burgers—along with a full bar to complement the nostalgia. If you’re heading down to Fennville for Goose Fest, the What Not Inn remains a spirited go-to worthy of a visit.
In Grand Haven, the annual Art at the Yard event transforms a former lumberyard into a gallery where local artists showcase their work. It’s a fun way to enjoy art in a casual, community-driven setting. We also take you inside the MillerKnoll archives, where decades of design history have been carefully preserved and displayed museum-style in a space that’s both impressive and immersive. It’s a fascinating look at how creativity and innovation have shaped the community—all under one roof.
Amy Piper takes us behind the scenes of a noodle competition with an insightful story about the ourishing Asian American community in our midst. For those looking to add something new to their fall menus, we’ve included two recipes: one inspired by a trip Up North, and another for a “pizza” that’s perfect for game day or casual gatherings.
As we move into fall, there’s no shortage of people and places to celebrate—whether it’s checking out a new activity or rediscovering an established eatery, there are plenty of ways to enjoy the season as it unfolds.
Lisa Enos Editor
On Our Radar
Kirk Cousins Surprises Salon Customers with Visit
NFL quarterback and Holland native Kirk Cousins surprised customers at a local salon earlier this summer by covering the cost of their haircuts. Using his new “Hall of Fade” VIP card — introduced in Season 2 of Netflix’s Quarterback — Cousins triggered a perk that grants free haircuts to everyone present during his appointment. Though first announced at a Great Clips in Atlanta, Cousins chose Holland for the card’s debut. During the visit, the four-time Pro Bowler chatted with customers and stylists, posed for photos, and celebrated the hometown that helped shape his career.
Grand Haven’s Hispanic Heritage Festival Returns with New Leadership
The Grand Haven Hispanic Heritage Festival returns Saturday, Sept. 20, 2025, from 8:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. at the Musical Fountain—this time under new leadership. Earlier this year, the Hispanic Center of Western Michigan acquired Tri-Cities Puentes Initiative, a nonprofit known for connecting Lakeshore communities through culture and education. Programs like Lakeshore Latinas, the Lupita Reyes Scholarship, and LEADeres Lakeshore are now under HCWM’s management, further expanding its reach across the region. The partnership strengthens longstanding community efforts to celebrate Hispanic heritage through meaningful connection. Learn more at hispanic-center.org
Healthy Breakfast for Busy Families on the Go
Start the school year strong with Nourished Mornings by Renee Kohley, a Grand Haven-based author and founder of Raising Generation Nourished. Her latest cookbook is filled with quick, whole-food breakfast recipes designed for busy families. Options like BLT Stuffed Waffles, Fruit & Cream Oatmeal Muffins, and DIY Acai Bowls are kid-friendly and nutrient-packed. Kohley also shares practical tips to help parents ditch sugary cereals in favor of meals that fuel focus and energy. The book empowers families to create healthy routines—without the stress. More at raisinggenerationnourished.com
Mallory Shotwell Takes the Lead at Holland Area Arts Council
Mallory Shotwell is now executive director of the Holland Area Arts Council, bringing a background in arts education, nonprofit leadership, and community programming. Shotwell founded Madison Community Discourse in Wisconsin and worked as curator and educator at the Arts + Literature Laboratory. A er moving to Michigan, she contributed to ArtPrize and launched Cultivate, a Grand Rapids artist-run initiative. At HAAC, she leads operations and programming to expand access to the arts throughout the Lakeshore region. Learn more at hollandarts.org
Allegan Event:
WEST MICHIGAN’S ULTIMATE FAMILY ADVENTURE DESTINATION
By Gabriel Rose
Picture this: You’re desperately searching for somewhere to take the kids that won’t make you want to hide in the bathroom scrolling your phone. You need a place where they can burn o energy while you actually enjoy yourself. Welcome to Allegan Event, the family entertainment center that’s been quietly revolutionizing how West Michigan families have fun since 2017. Allegan Event is West Michigan’s top-rated adventure park located just 30 minutes from Grand Rapids, Kalamazoo, and Holland. What started as Jim and Michelle Liggett’s vision has transformed into Michigan’s largest indoor ropes course and a destination that’s climbing to the top of every family’s bucket list.
Story and Photos
Adventurers ascend the colorful climbing wall.
e moment you walk through the doors, you’ll understand why this place generates such buzz. e multi-level ropes course immediately commands your attention, suspended dramatically above the other attractions like something out of an adventure movie.
is isn’t your typical family entertainment center with dated carpet and broken arcade games. Allegan Event represents a new generation of family fun that prioritizes both safety and genuine thrills.
The Main Event: Ropes Course and Sky Rails
Explore our heart-pumping bi-level Sky Trail® ropes course with Sky Rail™ zip rails sitting at heights up to 35 feet. With dozens of obstacles spread across the suspended course, kids can spend hours navigating challenges that test
their balance, courage, and determination.
e two zip lines provide that perfect adrenaline rush nale, letting adventurers soar across the facility with the satisfaction of conquering their fears.
For families with younger children, Little kids under 48” are able to explore the Sky Tykes® course, ensuring no one gets le out of the action. e course design accommodates multiple skill levels, from tentative rst-timers to con dent climbers ready to tackle every challenge.
Climbing Walls: More Than Just Up and Down
e indoor rock climbing section showcases impressive variety with 16 di erent Clip ‘n Climb® walls, each presenting unique challenges that keep even experienced climbers engaged. e ice-themed climbing wall,
A towering obstacle course.
featuring wooden stakes for holds, stands out as a particularly creative twist that transforms traditional climbing into an immersive experience.
Two speed climbing walls add a competitive element perfect for friends and families who want to race against each other. These walls transform climbing from a solitary challenge into a social activity that generates cheers and friendly rivalry.
Gaming and Arcade: Beyond the Classics
The arcade strikes an impressive balance between cutting-edge immersive experiences and beloved classics. While you’ll find traditional favorites like skeeball and ring-the-bell games, the facility also features modern gaming experiences that utilize the latest technology to create truly engaging adventures.
Food, Drinks, and Parent-Friendly Features
One of Allegan Event’s smartest design decisions involves the food court positioning. Parents can maintain clear sightlines to all indoor activities while enjoying adult beverages and surprisingly diverse food options. Enjoy our food and beverage area offering
pizza, combos, drinks along with ice cream products that provide the perfect treat for celebrating conquered challenges.
The outdoor seating area extends the parent-friendly atmosphere with cornhole and hook-and-ring games. It’s a recognition that family fun works best when everyone has something engaging to do.
Outdoor adventures: Beyond the Building
Planning Your Visit
The outdoor components include mini golf and a seasonal maze that provide fresh air alternatives to the indoor excitement. Coming soon they are adding 6 outdoor ziplines called the Sky Tour® Zipline Experience! These outdoor elements ensure that repeat visits feel fresh and that families can customize their experience based on weather, mood, and energy levels.
The Business Model That Makes Sense
This is a one hour reservation. Your reservation includes the time for check-in, outfitting all participants with safety equipment, adventure experience on the attraction(s), and return to the floor to remove your safety equipment. This structured approach ensures safety while maximizing fun during your visit.
The pricing structure acknowledges that families want value for their entertainment dollars. Members enjoy unlimited access benefits, and Endless Adventure recurring monthly members receive a special price of only $6.99! for special events, making regular visits financially feasible for local families.
Whether you’re in Grand Rapids, Kalamazoo, South Haven, or St. Joseph, hopping over to Allegan Event Family Adventure Center is worth the drive. The facility’s central location makes it accessible for day trips from multiple cities, while the variety of activities justifies longer visits.
And adults can visit without kids too: Allegan Event is growing into one of the region’s unexpected date night destinations, proving that adventure entertainment appeals to all demographics.
Cornhole.
Zipline Coming soon!
Mini Golf.
A FUSION F of MORE M THAN JUST FLAVOR T
Nestled between sandy beaches and charming downtowns, Michigan’s Lakeshore communities—Holland, Muskegon, Grand Haven, and Saugatuck—have long celebrated Dutch heritage as their cultural hallmark. But beyond the tulips and windmills, a quieter transformation is underway in these lakeshore towns. e scents of lemongrass, soy, ginger, and grilled short ribs ll the air. From Buddhist temples to fusion noodle bowls cra ed by second-generation entrepreneurs, the in ux of populations from Vietnam, ailand, Cambodia, Laos, and Korea has made for a diverse Asian
Lakeshore community, bringing with them traditions from their culture and creating new ones along West Michigan’s lakeshore.
“ ere were two major immigration waves. e rst involved refugees, and the second included those with factory jobs, encouraging family and friends from California or Texas to relocate for better working conditions,” said Charles Elwood, President of the West Michigan Asian Association.
Today, Asian culture is visible through food, events, faith, and businesses. From festivals to family-run restaurants, these stories demonstrate that fusion is more than just a
The Great Rotary Asian Noodle Cook Off
culinary phenomenon; it is a cultural evolution, another identity for the community.
Stories like that of Holland-born Mary Lou Nguyen, a second-generation Vietnamese American restaurateur, highlight pathways of community building. Her parents came as teenagers. She remembers how they chose to settle in Holland, where the community felt less overwhelming than in big cities. Over time, economic opportunity, a desire for stability, and support from established Asian families turned the Lakeshore into a place where new arrivals could see a future.
Nguyen and her Vietnamese-born husband, Son Lam, started an Asian take-out business from their home during the pandemic, blending bold avors and inspiration from their travels. Now, their restaurant, Up Leaf Café, o ers classic Asian dishes like Korean beef bowls and rice noodle wraps, appealing to both traditional and evolving tastes. e fast-casual venue o ers counter
service. ey also have gluten-free options. e décor features custom red oak furniture cra ed in Vietnam from American wood, creating a space that feels both familiar and new. When local college volleyball teams ll the dining room or customers rave about the unique avors, it’s clear that this business does more than serve food. ey also nurture belonging and connection. e Asian in uence on the Lakeshore is perhaps most noticeable in its food scene. Local Asian supermarkets, owned and operated by Vietnamese, Cambodian, and Lao families, truck in fresh bok choy and roast duck from
The Rotary event featured a dance performance.
Charles Elwood presents a plaque to the winners of the noodle cookoff.
Chicago or via air freight from Florida, helping families stay connected to their culinary roots.
A new event that has captured the hearts of this cuisine-loving commmunity is the Great Rotary Asian Noodle Cookoff. Chefs and restaurant owners from a variety of backgrounds bring their best dishes to the competition. The event combines tradition with experimentation and features a wide range of culinary creations.
In 2025, the Singapore Room in Saugatuck— which is not owned by members of the afforementioned immigrant communities— won the cookoff with its Dan Dan noodles. “We said, ‘You appreciate Asian culture, and you make great noodles. Would you like to participate?’ They did and won the cook-off,” said Elwood. “It was a cool win because we represented everybody interested in Asian cultures. They were outsiders trying to understand our culture and language. We brought them into our competition, and they won. We were all okay with it. They did a great job representing our art, so we gave
(them) a trophy for Building a Bridge, which was fusion.”
The Great Rotary Asian Noodle Cookoff now plans to expand to include Hispanic and Dutch cuisines, reflecting the Lakeshore’s multicultural reality. In 2026, the event will become The Great Rotary International Cookoff.
More than cuisine, the gathering featured Thai and Polynesian dancers in traditional dress, adding cultural depth to the event. Religious and civic groups support these festivals. The presence of two Buddhist temples in Holland, alongside Vietnamese Catholic congregations, underscores the region’s growing spiritual diversity.
Fusion extends beyond food to include the experience of cultivating a multicultural community. Whether it’s through spicy noodles, temple chimes, or shared laughter, these elements add richness to the region. As traditions continue to evolve, the Lakeshore transforms into a place where cultures not only coexist but also blend seamlessly at the table and beyond.
Award Winning Dan Dan Noodles from Singapore Room
Design Legacy on Display
By Lisa Enos
This October, design lovers will have the rare opportunity to step into a space where the past, present and future of modernism converge.
MillerKnoll, the West Michigan-based global design powerhouse, has unveiled the MillerKnoll Archives—a 12,000-square-foot research and exhibition center located at the company’s Design Yard headquarters in Holland. More than a celebration of furniture, the archives are a curated experience tracing over a century of influential design.
The new facility brings together, for the first time, the archival collections of Herman Miller and Knoll—two of the most iconic names in modern furniture. The result is a museum-like space where visitors can experience the evolution of design thinking, from early prototypes to present-day innovations.
“The debut of the MillerKnoll Archives invites our communities to experience design history—and imagine its future—in one
dynamic space,” said Ben Watson, chief creative and product officer at MillerKnoll.
Designed in collaboration with New York consultancy Standard Issue, the archives are divided into three thoughtfully curated zones: an exhibition space, open storage, and a reading room.
The inaugural exhibition, Manufacturing Modern, anchors the experience. Through a striking selection of furniture and ephemera, the show explores the parallel and often intertwining histories of Herman Miller and Knoll. On display are iconic works by Florence Knoll, Charles and Ray Eames, Eero Saarinen, and Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, among others. Together, their designs helped define the aesthetics and ideals of 20th-century modernism—and their influence still resonates across offices and homes today.
In the open storage area, over 300 design pieces are on view, tracing the evolution
MillerKnoll Unveils Museum-Like Archives in Holland
of modern furniture from the 1920s to the present. Rare gems include a prototype of the Womb® Chair gifted by Eero Saarinen to his mother, Loja; office innovations by Florence Knoll; and groundbreaking work by Gilbert Rohde first shown at the 1933 World’s Fair. Complementing the furniture, wall-mounted art racks showcase advertising and photography by Herbert Matter, George Nelson, and the Eameses.
Next door, the reading room offers a quiet, scholarly counterpoint. Here, researchers and design enthusiasts alike can dive deep into more than 250 linear feet of archival materials. Highlights include engineering drawings for the Eames Lounge Chair, layout mockups by Florence Knoll, and internal memoranda that reveal the rigor and experimentation behind now-classic pieces.
“Bringing together the Herman Miller and Knoll archival collections has been an incredible privilege,” said Amy Auscherman, MillerKnoll’s director of archives and brand heritage. “It has been the opportunity of a lifetime to collaborate across brands to unite our shared history, preserve our culture of innovation, and ensure these important design legacies remain accessible for generations to come.”
Although initial tours offered in partnership with the Cranbrook Art Museum sold out quickly this summer, new tours will resume in October, this time in collaboration with Docomomo US. For the most current tour schedules or to inquire about future openings, visit millerknoll.com or contact the Cranbrook Art Museum at (248) 645-3323 or artmuseum@cranbrook.edu.
PHOTOS COURTESY OF NICHOLAS CALCOTT FOR MILLERKNOLL
Herman Miller seating designs by Ray Wilkes,Don Chadwick,Bill Stumpf, and Charles & Ray Eames, 1970–1977.
Harry Bertoia, Untitled, 1958. Brass and steel.
Early-1960s Action Office desks and prototypes by Robert Propst for Herman Miller, displayed before a grid wall of archival graphics and ads from Herman Miller and Knoll.
Hatching a New Plan
Fennville Goose Fest flies in new direction
By Kathie Sutin
Forty years ago folks began flocking to Fennville in October to celebrate the geese that y overhead every spring and fall.
Fennville’s Goose Festival took ight in 1985 as the small Allegan County town tried to convince Amtrak it deserved a stop on the train’s Chicago-Grand Rapids route.
Tra c with festival-goers from Chicago never surged as hoped, and Amtrak axed the stop but the Goose Festival ew on racking up enthusiastic fans.
Now, decades of honking good times later, festival fatigue is setting in.
Long-time volunteers have new commitments and are stepping back a er giving “10 to 12 years of their lives to the festival,” City Manager Katie Beemer said.
With few new volunteers, festival fans feared Fennville’s goose (festival) was cooked.
But tentative plans were hatched to roll goose activities into September’s Fourth Friday event this year. Beemer says she’s “85 percent sure” the “Gosling Festival” will y. It’s slated for Sept. 26. with extended hours until 8 p.m. — and food trucks.
A carnival — a festival favorite for years — will happen the second week in October. With the carnival’s usual downtown site under construction, it’s moving to the school campus.
Beemer called the scaled back event a “pause” allowing o cials to “reimagine” its signature festival. “We are not saying the goose festival is cancelled permanently,” she said.
Caption TK
The Goose Festival Midway archival photo.
Thousands visit the festival each year. “That’s a lot of stress on our small town,” she said. “And vacant parcels used for the festival are now being developed.”
Still Beemer and others are hopeful a new generation of goose leaders will emerge. “The city would welcome any help,” she said.
Check the festival website for latebreaking details before heading to Fennville next month. Or the trek could morph into a wild goose chase. fennvillegoosefestival.com
Goose Fest organizers.
Goose Festival attendees gather for the big parade.
A goose float travels down the main parade route.
P AST M EETS P RESENT AT FRANK’S Zeeland’s Oldest Restaurant
by Gabriel Rose
Walk through the red-and-white checkered door of Frank’s Diner in Zeeland, and you’re instantly transported to an era when diners were the heart of small-town America. I visited Frank’s on a weekday a ernoon expecting a quiet lunch and instead found a bustling hub packed with locals. e jukebox spun classic oldies as vintage Coca-Cola signs and black-andwhite photos lled the walls. Even the oors held the past—classic red and white checks underfoot and red bar stools pulled up to a grill that’s very much part of the show. Here, the cooking happens in full view, with burgers sizzling on the grill just steps from your table.
ough the grill-side bar remains part of the original diner experience, change is in the air. Since Tim and Teresa VanderZwagg took over in 2023, they’ve ushered in a new chapter with the launch of Frank’s East, a neighboring expansion that complements the nostalgia of the original.
e shi from the diner’s former smash burgers to a more pub-style patty is one of the few menu changes—but it’s not a reinvention. If anything, Frank’s East adds to the charm. It’s the kind of place where every demographic feels welcome: where a blue-collar lunch break transitions into a family dinner, and where locals catch the game over a drink a er work. You can still get a hearty, a ordable breakfast or a good burger, but now there’s more room to linger. e addition o ers not just elbow room but elevated comfort—complete with handicapped-accessible restrooms and a relaxed dining vibe. It’s not uncommon to see folks pop next door from the main diner, co ee in hand, to scope out the new space.
Frank’s East may be the shiny new addition, but it stands rmly on a century-old foundation of tradition.
e history of Frank’s Diner dates back to 1924, making it the longest-running restaurant in the Zeeland and Holland area.
Frank’s is bustling on a hot day in July. A restaurant worker can be seen preparing shakes.
It started not as a burger joint, but as Dionise Confectionary, a humble shop opened by Italian immigrants Frank and Mary Dionise. What began as a storefront selling exotic fruits and handmade chocolates eventually grew into a beloved local institution. Frank’s was the place for roasted peanuts, sundaes, and sodas.
Despite the hardships of the Great Depression and World War II, Frank’s survived—and evolved. During the war, Frank added a grill and fryer to the back, and suddenly Frank’s had burgers and fries.
In the decades that followed, Frank’s would pass through several generations of the Dionise family—each adding their own flair. Though the restaurant eventually left Dionise hands, the mission remains intact under new ownership. The essence of Frank’s—its food, its warmth, its unshakable place in Zeeland’s heart—has stayed the same. There are regulars who remember coming in 80 years ago for a 10-cent sundae, and today, class reunions still gather at Frank’s to relive their “good ol’ days.”
With the introduction of Frank’s East and its exposed Veneklasen brick walls—crafted from Zeeland’s own historic brickyard—the restaurant hasn’t just expanded physically; it’s deepened its roots in local heritage. Historic photos of Zeeland hang proudly inside. Frank’s continues to grow without forgetting who it is.
Frank’s
134 E. Main Ave. Zeeland 616-772-7085 frankszeeland.com
The Burger.
The History.
The Shake.
PHOTOS: EXTERIOR & COKE SIGN LISA ENOS. SHAKE: GABRIEL ROSE. BURGER: COURTESY FRANK’S
ROLL ON MUSKEGON
ROLL ON MUSKEGON
Rides every Monday through October.
Some ride their bikes to get to the Farmers Market in Muskegon. Others, from farther away, drive vehicles that carry their bikes. And at 6:30 p.m. sharp each Monday, they all begin their slow roll through town.
Roll On Muskegon.
It’s the 10th season for the weekly bike ride. e group is spearheaded by Muskegon’s Melanie and Ray McLeod. Each week’s route, always different, is planned by Muskegon’s Pat Burke, who rides in the lead. ere’s always a stop somewhere along the way for a mini-history lesson, o en presented by Melanie McLeod but sometimes by a guest speaker. At a recent stop at the Muskegon Museum of Art, former museum director Judy Hayner introduced the coming public art sculpture titled “Twister, Again,” which will be near the museum’s parking lot. It’s being bought by private donations through the MuskegonCity Public Art Initiative. Hayner is the initiative’s project director. e standing joke is that the speaker always gets a standing ovation – because it’s always outdoors and the bikers stand with their bikes.
About 50 people ride each week, covering maybe 8 miles in an hour-and-a-half. Rider Karen Hasper of Muskegon calls it “a fun social ride at a party pace,” meaning you can talk to the person next to you. “You get to meet a lot of cool people,” she said.
e only thing needed for this free event is your own bike. Helmets are not required but they are encouraged. Just show up.
A couple members of the group, known as route rangers, block intersections so the entire group of bikers can quickly ride through together.
“ e overall intent is to get motorists, and the community, used to seeing adults on bicycles having fun,” said Ray McLeod.
“Normal people” riding as a group in a predictable fashion “as a Monday night happy parade.” Not racers, not marathoners. ey stay in one lane of tra c, usually riding three wide. “We don’t want to give the impression that we’re road hogs,” he said.
ese are pedal bikes, some fancy and expensive, others not. Mostly standard two-wheelers but also recumbents and adult three-wheelers. Once a unicycle; another time a high wheeler. Peter Johnson of Whitehall rides an English racer that’s 97 years old.
Riders are of all levels. ey include children riding alongside their parents or grandparents; sometimes very small children ride in a trailer behind a bike. Adults range from their 20s into their 80s.
Patterned a er slow roll biking in Detroit, Muskegon’s group was formed in 2016 by owners of a local bike shop. e McLeods took the reins a year later.
e rides begin in March and end around Halloween. ey’re weather-dependent. Notices are posted on the Roll On Muskegon Facebook page.
Melanie and Ray McCleod
Story and photos by Elizabeth Granger
CRESCENT ROLL VEGGIE PIZZA
By Lisa Enos
Hosting a game-day watch party? Need a dish to pass at a family reunion? Looking out for other vegetarians at the all-meat cookout? This Crescent Roll Veggie Pizza has you covered. It’s simple, colorful and surprisingly filling — don’t be shocked if it disappears fast.
INGREDIENTS
2 cans (8 ounces each) refrigerated crescent roll dough
1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
1 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
1 packet (1 ounce) ranch seasoning mix, or homemade
2 cups mixed fresh vegetables, finely chopped (such as broccoli, carrots, bell peppers, cauliflower or cucumbers)
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
1 to 2 tablespoons fresh dill or parsley, chopped (optional)
INSTRUCTIONS
Preheat oven to 375 F.
Prepare the crust: Unroll the crescent dough and press into a 13-by-9-inch baking sheet, sealing seams to form a single layer. Bake 10 to 12 minutes, or until golden brown. Let cool completely.
Make the spread: In a medium bowl, mix cream cheese, sour cream and ranch seasoning until smooth.
Assemble: Spread the cream cheese mixture over the cooled crust.
Top with vegetables: Sprinkle chopped veggies evenly over the top.
Add optional toppings: If using, sprinkle cheddar cheese and fresh herbs.
Chill: Refrigerate at least 30 minutes before slicing into squares or triangles. Serve cold.
TIPS
Mix in your favorite veggies — cherry tomatoes, red onions and zucchini all work well.
For a lighter option, use low-fat cream cheese and yogurt.
Chop vegetables in advance to speed up assembly.
Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to two days.
VARIATIONS
Vegan: Use dairy-free cream cheese, vegan sour cream or cashew cream, and plant-based shredded cheese or nutritional yeast.
Spicy: Replace ranch mix with taco seasoning or add 1 teaspoon cayenne to the ranch. Use jalapeños, banana peppers or radishes for heat, and swap in pepper jack cheese.
Gluten-free: Substitute gluten-free pizza or crescent dough. Confirm ranch mix is glutenfree.
Ham version: Replace 1 cup of vegetables with diced cooked ham. Use Swiss or provolone cheese instead of cheddar. For seasoning, try Italian mix or stick with ranch.
Feel free to mix and match to suit the crowd.
URBAN ST. READS
Fall Reads Courtesy of The Book Cellar in Grand Haven
As summer winds down and new releases hit the shelves, it’s the perfect time to refresh your reading list. Whether you’re into chilling ghost stories, gripping thrillers, or heartwarming fiction, there’s something here for every kind of reader.
This selection of standout titles comes to us from the beloved independent bookstore The Book Cellar — proud host of the upcoming Third Coast Author Festival, happening March 21, 2026. Save the date!
King Sorrow
By Joe Hill
Widows Point: the Complete Haunting
By Richard and WH Chizmar
Publishing October 21
A remarkable collaboration between father and son that tells a terrifying ghost story that Stephen King hails as the perfect story for a dark and stormy night.
Meet Richard and Billy at the Book Cellars fall event on October 1
is chilling tale comes from the mind of Stephen King’s son. It’s a tale of dark academia and unexpected consequences from six friends dabbling in the occult and calling for King Sorrow. Sure to be one of the hottest reads this fall season.
The Kings Ransom
by Janet Evanovich
Publishing November 11
is long-awaited sequel to the Recovery Agent takes us on a global hunt at a breakneck speed as our hero, Gabriella Rose, hunts missing masterpieces of art. Dark forces, murder, corruption, and a global conspiracy await. Don’t miss out on this action-packed thriller.
The Things Gods Break
By Abigail Owen
Publishing October 21 is is the sequel to the Games Gods Play which was previously reviewed as the best book of 2024. A er a jaw dropping clihanger Raiders will be breaking all sorts of records to nd out what Hades is willing to do to retrieve his true love.
My Friends
By Fredrick Backman
Available now
Best selling Author Backman returns with a deeply moving and funny tale of four teenagers whose friendship creates a bond so powerful that it changes a complete stranger’s life 25 years later. eir transcendent piece of art is the centerpiece for this masterpiece.
Sunrise on the Reaping
Catch the newest Hunger Games book in so cover this fall. e best selling Sunrise on the Reaping By Suzanne Collins hits shelves soon. is captivating story tells of the life of Haymitch Abernathy. is thrill ride of a young adult book will prepare you for the next movie coming soon.
Broken country
By Claire Leslie Hall
The Book Cellar
In the tradition of “Where the Crawdads Sing” this thrilling period piece unearths a love triangle of dangerous and deadly secrets. Don’t miss a single twist or turn this fantastic read.
8 N. 7th Street in Grand Haven 616-296-0465
The Book Cellar also has at least 3 major events each month. Author meet and greets, parties, give aways and music are monthly events! Get all the details at www.thirdcoastfest.org
The What-Not Inn:
Where
Where
Fennville
Gathers
Fennville Gathers
Jazz, Burgers, and a Half-Century of Comfort
By Gabriel Rose
On the quiet rural stretch of M-89 in Fennville sits a place you might miss if you weren’t looking for it. But for those in the know, e What-Not Inn is more than just a restaurant—it’s a hometown xture. Locals call it simply “ e What Not,” and for decades it’s been where community and comfort food come together.
The Origins of a Local Legend
e What-Not Inn opened its doors in 1973 as a true all-in-one stop: a gas station, restaurant, and ice cream shop catering to both Fennville residents and travelers en route to nearby campsites and Lake Michigan. at multipurpose beginning is how it earned the name “What-Not.” It was a bit of everything. Over time, the pumps disappeared, but the charm stayed. What remained was a restaurant so dependable, many make it a tradition to stop in on their way to or from Saugatuck. Undergoing several changes in ownership over the years, the What-Not transitioned into a full-time eatery and music venue.
Jazz Goes Here.
Today, it serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner with a side of live music three nights a week—Saturday, Sunday, and Monday. The consistency and welcoming atmosphere have turned it into a go-to spot for both regulars and newcomers.
Inside the Inn
Walking into The What-Not Inn feels like stepping into someone’s well-worn living room. The walls are a patchwork of rustic wood paneling, and there’s a second dining room that glows with the warmth of a fireplace. The open kitchen means you can see your food being prepared by a team that runs on good vibes and shared laughs.
The place draws a mostly older, local crowd with deep roots in the area, many of whom come specifically for the music. Monday night jazz sessions with the house trio—Wally, Jack, and Rick—are a staple, and other live performances round out the weekend lineup. And in a detail that locals chuckle about, the restrooms have curtains instead of doors. It’s quirky, sure, but it’s also part of the Inn’s unfiltered charm.
Food That Delivers
This isn’t fine dining, and that’s the point. The What-Not Inn serves classic comfort food done right.
The burgers are thick, still pink inside, and charred for maximum flavor. The lake perch fry—available as a basket or entree—is flaky, golden, and clearly hand-battered. And if you’re staying for dessert, the signature lava cake, served warm with two scoops of vanilla ice cream, will leave a lasting impression.
Weekly Specials That Hit the Spot
The weekly food specials are one of the best reasons to come back regularly:
Happy Hour: Monday through Friday from 1–4 p.m.
Monday: Homemade meatloaf with two side dishes – $15.95
Wednesday: Wet Burrito Platter with beef and beans, lettuce, tomato, onion, and black olives, plus Spanish rice, sour cream, and salsa – $13.95
Thursday: Burger Basket with a 4oz burger, fries, and homemade slaw – $8.75
Friday: Fish Fry featuring hand-breaded Pollock, fries, slaw, and hushpuppies –$15.95
Saturday: House-recipe BBQ ribs with two side dishes. Half rack \$20.95 / Full rack $36.95
Sunday: Breakfast served from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.; slow-roasted pot roast dinner with mashed potatoes, gravy, and vegetables at 4 p.m. – $16.95
Lake Perch Fry.
PHOTOS BY LISA ENOS
Read the Sign.
WALHALLA SUNSET
By Lisa Enos
INGREDIENTS
2 oz. Wild Berry Absolut
2 oz. Triple Sec
6 oz. 7-up
4 oz. Pineapple Juice Dash of Grenadine (for color)
Tucked deep in the Michigan wilds, where forest meets river and quiet hangs in the air like mist off the Pere Marquette, Walhalla feels like a place out of time. With its roots in Norse myth and German heritage, and its soul shaped by centuries of Indigenous presence, this small community hums with the kind of still magic that only untouched land can hold.
The Walhalla Sunset is a tribute to that blend of serenity and legend—a drink that tastes like dusk on the riverbank, where the breeze carries wild berries and the warmth of fading sun. Tropical pineapple notes nod to faraway dreams, while the wild berry and grenadine swirl like a northern sky in midsummer. Sip slowly. Let it take you somewhere sacred.
Recipe
by Tracy Czarnopys Beechnau
Giving Back
Lumber yard hosts pop-up art show
Event raises funds for local schools
Story & Photos by Elizabeth Granger
The annual Art at the Yard does just what its sponsor, Lakeshore Visal Arts Collective, intends: Bringing innovative arts events to unexpected places on the Lakeshore.
So scattered among the 2x4s and 4x6s, among the crown moldings and shiplap, among the red oak and maple, patrons will find exquisite nature scenes, and portraits, and abstracts in oils, acrylics, watercolors. Smaller pieces that include jewelry will be atop thick bunks of lumber.
The saw room will become a makeshift bar. The band will be nestled in a space that showcases doors and sheeting and plywood.
All for just the briefest moment, with a threehour art pop-up beginning at 5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 4, at Baker Lumber in Grand Haven.
It’s become an annual event, with the lumber company hosting its tenth art sale this fall. Artists benefit from their sales. A $10 suggested donation and 10% of artists’ sales will go to the Grand Haven Schools Foundation. LVAC is a 501c3 organization that helps non-profits.
Susan Bays, executive director of the Grand Haven Schools Foundation, said last year’s event at the lumberyard was “a huge benefit for the foundation. Education should be at the forefront of our minds.”
The foundation raises funds for five grant initiatives – pre-school scholarships, mini-grants for teachers, field trip grants for the four Title 1 elementary schools, new teacher classroom library grants and district impact grants.
“Living with art made by someone you know or that you meet at these events is at the heart of the ‘why,’” said LVAC president Maggie Bandstra. “If some piece of art resonates with you, take it home and know that someone here made it.”
She added, “Putting art in unexpected places communicates that it’s available and accessible to everyone. Supporting people who make artwork is also important so they can continue to do that.”
The idea of creating the artists’ collective began in 2012; soon it hosted a few small pop-up shows. Bandstra continued, “Nada (Baker) came to
one of those initial events and said, ‘Let’s do one of these at the lumber yard.’ She’s a wonderful community-minded business owner; she wanted to partner with us.”
“The artists want to be in it,” Baker, of Baker Lumber, said. “Everyone’s working toward a common goal – that includes friendships and connections (as well as funds for the school foundation). I always buy something because it speaks to me.”
Artist Leslie Victor, LVAC co-chair of the event, added, “Artists love this. The situation is generous for them, and for the foundation.”
Items for sale will be by artists working in a variety of mediums that included watercolor, oil, ink, wood, photography, glass, ceramics, and jewelry. There will be framed paintings, bowls, earrings and necklaces and bracelets, and more.
“Talk to the artists,” Bandstra said. “Find out why they made their pieces.”
LVAC hosts a couple other pop-ups as well as smaller trunk shows throughout the year. The organization continues to look for additional spaces for one-night, pop-up art shows. Old warehouses, working offices, car dealerships, train depots, ... Information is available at the Lakeshore Visual Arts Collective’s website or Facebook.
Art at the Yard
D. Baker & Son Lumber Co. 720 Pennoyer Ave.
Grand Haven, Michigan 5-8 p.m. Oct. 4
Patrons eye art pieces interspersed among pieces of lumber at Art at the Yard.
Artwork is cleverly placed among lumber at the annual Art at the Yard pop-up at Baker Lumber in Grand Haven.
Fatty Lumpkin’s Sandwich Shack
By Lisa Enos
Why is it that the least pretentious places seem to serve the most crave-worthy food? About four years ago—mid-pandemic—I stumbled across this humble little spot in Muskegon called Fatty Lumpkin’s Sandwich Shack. Ever since, I haven’t stopped thinking about it.
First off, the hours are brutal if you don’t live nearby: Tuesday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. There have been so many days I’ve been jonesing for a Fatty Lumpkin’s fix, but just not in Muskegon at the right time. Coming from Grand Rapids, it’s a rare treat. But if I lived closer, I’d probably become a Fatty Lumpkin myself.
I once ordered it for the whole crew while working on a true crime show. Even the LA folks with their “refined palates” were impressed. And why wouldn’t they be? The quality of the meat is top-notch. I recently had Ol Gilly’s Classic Reuben—easily the best I’ve had this side of Ann Arbor (yes, I see you, Zingerman’s). Tender corned beef, real Russian dressing (none of that Thousand Island copout unless you ask for it), soft toasted rye that doesn’t overwhelm, and the perfect amount of sauerkraut and Swiss. Every component hits just right.
They’ve got fun variations like Bert’s Beach Reuben and Dirty D’s Russian Reuben, plus sandwiches with names that’ll make you laugh while you drool—Clucky You, Kickin’ Chicken, Hammy Some Salami, and more. If your sandwich shop doesn’t have punny names, I automatically dock it points.
According to Brett Gilbert, one of the owners, the name Fatty Lumpkin comes from a sandwich invented by his then-wife and dubbed by a shop owner back in Fort Lauderdale. The name stuck, and now it lives on deliciously in Muskegon.
There’s a cozy annex for indoor dining, side yard seating, and a greenspace with a pergola that doubles as a picnic spot and overflow parking. If you’re not looking to turn into a Fatty Lumpkin, they’ve got salads and homemade soups—but really, go for the sandwich.
You gotta try it!
FaTTY lUMPKIN’S SaNDWICH SHaCK 971 Washington Ave, Muskegon, MI 49441
SAUGATUCK & DOUGLAS
buttonartgallery.com
1 (269) 857-2175
buttongallery neart@gmail.com
@buttongallery @buttongallery
FAB FINDS
Grand Haven & Spring Lake
Windermere House
304 W Savidge St, Spring Lake
Phillippe Deshoulieres Normandies
Limoges Canape Plates. $9 each
106 Washington Ave, Grand Haven DIY Wooden 3D Puzzle Sakura Tree House
104 Washington Ave, Grand Haven
128 Washington Ave, Grand Haven
Monte Carlo Short Sleeve T-shirt $22, Long Sleeve $28
Heart Necklace $36, Heart Bracelets $32, Sun Hat $28, Phoebe Sweater $84, Wide Leg Denim $118
MACkite
$39
Lee & Birch
SilverFire Gallery & Gifts
124 Washington Ave, Grand Haven
Hocus Pocus Inspired Leather Journal with Eye. Sm $45 - Lg $85. Bigfoot and Dragon Shot Glass $15 Each
That Hat
NEW LOCATION! 109 Washington Ave, Grand Haven
Jeanne Simmons Accessories
“Beth” and “Mary” Hats $38-$40
Marushka
121 Washington Ave, Grand Haven
“Celebrate Nature with Marushka” Classic Crewneck Sweatshirts $32, ¾ Sleeve All Cotton Slub $39
Buffalo Bob’s
136 Washington Ave, Grand Haven
Favorite Daughter Logo Sweatshirt and Hoodie $88-$98
FAB FINDS
Holland & Zeeland
Fustini’s Oils & Vinegars
Borr’s Shoes & Accessories
51 E 8th St, Holland
Kizik Hands Free, Step In Shoes. Men’s and Women’s “Vegas” Shoes $140
24 E 8th St, Holland Artist Cruet $46.95, 18 Year Traditional Balsamic 375ML $22.95, 750ML $41.95, Olive Embossed Dipping Plate $12.95
Glik’s Mens Shop
28 E 8th St, Holland
7Diamonds REV Quarter Zip $125, Elevate Quarter Zip $125 Out of the Box
48 E 8th St, Holland Variety of Handmade Rugs Made by Local Artist. “Muffin” $99.99
Glenda’s Lakewood Florals
FAB FINDS
Saugatuck & Douglas
Lucia’s World Emporium
NEW LOCATION! 142 Butler St, Saugatuck
Wild Woolies Handfelted Critter Clutches $34
161 Blue Star Hwy, Douglas
Vintage “Block Spal” Diner Dishes. Prices Range from $22-$32 for Each Piece
Santa Fe Trading Co.
325 Butler St, Saugatuck
Ladies Scully Genuine Leather Coat $359
Button Gallery
33 Center St Downtown, Douglas
“The Jetty” by Artist Krista Reuter $2,800
Lakeshore Pet Boutique
10 W Center St, Douglas Woof LickMat $12.99 and LickMix Calming Spread $19.99
American Spoon
308 Butler St, Saugatuck Large Candied Pecans $39.95, Salted Maple Caramel $13.95, Apple & Cinnamon Preserves $12.95
The Owl House
303 Butler St, Saugatuck Haw Creek Forge Dragonfly Wall Art $86.25
For the Love of Shoes
306 Butler St, Saugatuck Birkenstock Boston $169.95, Boston Big Buckle $179.95, Lutry $154.95
Calendar of Events
FARMERS MARKETS
Muskegon
The Muskegon Farmer’s Market, operated by the City of Muskegon, showcases the best locally grown produce, flowers, plants, handmade goods, and baked treats. It also features The Flea, offering a variety of unique items for sale. The market is open Saturdays only through April, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. From May through November 30, it’s open Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., with the Flea market available on Wednesdays and Thursdays through September. Located at 242 W. Western Ave. Visit muskegonfarmersmarket.com for more details.
Grand Haven
Grand Haven Farmers Market, Chinook Pier, 301 N. Harbor Dr. — The market, hosted by the Chamber of Commerce Grand Haven, Spring Lake, and Ferrysburg, offers fresh, Michigan-grown foods and local goods. Open on Wednesdays and Saturdays, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. through October 29. No dogs or smoking allowed. For more details, visit visitgrandhaven.com/event.
Holland
Holland Farmers Market, Eighth Street Market Place, 150 W. 8th St. — Open every Wednesday and Saturday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. through October 26. Shoppers will find fresh produce, flowers, local goods, and an exciting array of homemade goods. Starting November 5 the market will be open Wednesdays
and Saturdays, from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. through November 29. A erward the indoor winter market is then held Saturdays only, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. For more information, visit hollandfarmersmarket.com.
Saugatuck
Saugatuck Center for the Arts Outdoor Summer Market — Support local at this seasonal market where West Michigan farmers offer freshly picked fruits and vegetables, along with artisan baked goods, all-natural honey, maple syrup, farm-fresh eggs, cheese, meats, microgreens, preserves, gluten-free and vegan options, dips, and more. The market is open every Friday from May 24 to September 27, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. For more information, visit sc4a.org/event/summer-market.
Spring Lake
Spring Lake Farm & Garden Market. Discover fresh flavors and community spirit every Thursday through Oct. 9, from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. at Tanglefoot Park, 312 W. Exchange St., Spring Lake. Free. visitgrandhaven.com
Calendar of Events
AUGUST
Aug. 20
Hudsonville: Hudsonville Community Fair. 5235 Park Ave — Join the Scottville Clown Band at the Hudsonville Community Fair, a beloved annual event full of family-friendly activities, local food, carnival rides, and more! The band takes the stage at 7 p.m., bringing music and laughs for all ages. Experience the charm of one of Michigan’s longest-running fairs while enjoying the unmatched entertainment of the Clown Band.
Aug. 23
Muskegon: 10th Burning Foot Beer Festival at Pere Marquette Beach. Celebrate craft beer at the 10th Burning Foot Beer Festival, featuring local breweries, live music, and beachside fun at Pere Marquette Beach. For more information, visit burningfoot.beer.
Aug. 23
Holland: Bark in the Park welcomes dog lovers to Windmill Island Gardens for agility demonstrations, vendor booths, and pet-friendly fun from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Location: Windmill Island Gardens, Holland. Fee: Free. holland.org.
Aug. 26
Fruitport: Dancing Into Sunset @ Pomona Park, 69 W Fruitport Rd. Spend your evening lakeside at Dancing Into Sunset in Fruitport’s Pomona Park! The Scottville Clown Band will perform starting at 7 p.m., providing a joyful soundtrack to an evening of dancing, community, and summer celebration. Bring a chair, your dancing shoes, and enjoy one of the final concerts of the season in this beautiful park setting.
Aug. 29–30
Muskegon: Muskegon Polish Festival at Hackley Park. Experience Polish culture at the Muskegon Polish Festival, featuring traditional food, music, and entertainment at Hackley Park. For more details, contact Donna Piasecki at 231-750-7015.
Aug. 31–Sept. 1
Muskegon: 21st Annual Cars for Cancer Car Show The annual Labor Day Cars for Cancer Weekend returns to 5500 Harvey St., Suite 1. The event features classic cars, a raffle, live music and a pin-up contest, with proceeds benefiting the Johnson Family Cancer Center. kicks of at 5 p.m. Sunday and includes a 6:30 p.m. cruise. The main show is on Labor Day from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., with the pin-up contest at 9:30 a.m. Registration is $10; spectators attend free. Visit the Muskegon’s Labor Day Cars For Cancer Facebook page for cruise route and more information.
SEPTEMBER
Sept. 1
Holland: Labor Day Truck Parade. Parade featuring over 75 semi trucks from local manufacturers on Sept. 1, starting at MillerKnoll on N Fairview Rd in Zeeland at 9:15 a m., traveling through Downtown Holland, and ending at the Holland Civic Center Place, 150 W. 8th St., Holland. Free. downtownholland.com
Sept. 1
Grand Haven: Grand Haven Musical Fountain. Synchronized water, light, and music show with
20-minute performances featuring different themes each night on Sept. 1, and continuing Fridays and Saturdays through September at Lynne Sherwood Waterfront Stadium, 1 N. Harbor Drive, Grand Haven. Free. visitgrandhaven.com
Sept. 4
Holland: Art on the Island Gala. Enjoy, vote on, and buy artwork inspired by Windmill Island Gardens on Sept. 4, from 6 – 8 p.m. at Windmill Island Gardens, 1 Lincoln Ave., Holland. Pricing varies by artwork purchases. downtownholland.com
Sept. 5
Grand Haven: Grand Haven First Friday. Downtown shops, restaurants, and bars open with live music, treats, drinks, sales, artist pop-ups, surprises, and a Gallery Uptown Open House featuring new art exhibits on Sept. 5, Oct. 3, and Nov. 7, from 5-8 p.m. at Downtown Grand Haven. Free. visitgrandhaven.com
Sept. 6
Fennville: Annual Crane’s Cider Fest Celebration. Don’t miss this fall favorite that celebrates fall and the apple harvest with food, desserts, ciders, wine, plus the “legendary” Quad Township Pie-Eating Contest. Accented with live music by the Lexi and Calvin Hinds Duo, the fun takes place noon – 5 p.m. at Crane’s Pie Pantry Restaurant & Winery, 6054 124th Ave. in Fennville. Free admission. saugatuck.com
Sept. 6
Saugatuck: Annual Mt. Baldhead Challenge. 10K+ and Half Marathon through trails, dunes, waterfront, and streets on Sept. 6, starting at 9 a.m. at Oval Beach, 690 Perryman St. Saugatuck. Registration fees apply. saugatuck.com
Sept. 6
Zeeland: Zeeland Fall Peddlers’ Market. Market on Sept. 6, from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. at Church Street, with The Little Pleddlers’ Market near the fountain at the corner of Church & Central. Free. feelthezeel.com
September 11–14
Muskegon: Michigan Irish Music Festival. Annual festival featuring live music from Ally the Piper, Barley Saints, Colm Keegan, Crossbow, and more! Celtic dancers, food, beverages, and even canines all converge at Heritage Landing, 1050 Seventh St., Muskegon. Ticket prices vary. michiganirish.org
Cider Fest
Sept. 13
Calendar of Events
Saugatuck: Art in the Park. Art in Park Saugatuck will be held on Saturday, September 13, 10 a.m.– 4 p.m. in Wicks Park. Local and regional artists will be selling their artwork and fine crafts. Also enjoy live Americana style music., 449 Water St. Free. saugatuck.com
Sept. 13
Douglas: Art in Douglas. Lively event featuring Douglas galleries, downtown businesses, and live music on Sept. 13, at the History Center, located at 130 Center St., Douglas. Free. saugatuck.com
Sept. 20
Muskegona: V is for Victory: Salute to Silversides Fundraiser — Dive into history with drinks, dinner, music, and a program highlighting the courage of our veterans, the commitment of our community, and the vital mission of the USS Silversides Submarine Museum. Every dollar raised helps maintain and dry dock this historic vessel, ensuring her hull remains strong and her story lives on. Event Tickets include: Hors D’oeuvres and Dinner by Hearthstone, two drink tickets, raffle and silent auction access. Doors open at 5:30 p.m., silent auction begins at 6 p.m. Dinner at 7 p.m., and awards presentation begins at 8 p.m. USS Silversides Submarine Museum,1346 Bluff St., Musekgon. PRICE: $100 - $10,000. Learn more at silversidesmuseum.org.
Sept. 20
Saugatuck: Wine on the Water. Themed cruise on the Star of Saugatuck paddlewheel boat with fine wines, domestic beers, and signature cocktails. Cruises depart from 716 Water St., Saugatuck at 3 p.m. 21 years and older. Valid ID required. Ticket prices vary. saugatuck.com
Sept. 20-21
Holland: Van Raalte Farm Civil War Muster. This annual immersive Civil War-era experience begins Saturday at 9 a.m. when the camp opens to the public, with military drills, historical figure impressions, and more starting at 10 a.m. The day concludes with a campfire at 9 p.m. On Sunday, the camp reopens at 9 a.m., featuring a period-style church service and kids’ drills, leading up to the main reenactment battle, which begins at 2 p.m. The event wraps up by 4 p.m. Van Raalte Farm Park, 1076 E. 16th St., Holland. holland.org
Sept. 26
Fennville: 4th Fridays in Fennville. Vibrant monthly event where local businesses, artists, and musicians come together to celebrate community spirit on Sept. 26, from 5-7 p.m. at Downtown Fennville, 125 S. Maple St., Fennville. Free. saugatuck.com CELEBRATE THE CITY
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Sept. 26-28
Calendar of Events
Holland: Holland State Park Fall Festival. Fun events for the entire family including donuts and cider with the hosts, photo scavenger hunt, crafts and games, site decoration contest, pet costume contest, costumed candy collection, and a night hike on Sept. 26-28, at Holland State Park, 2215 Ottawa Beach Road, Holland (for registered campers only at Lake Macatawa Campground). Free for campers. michigan.gov
Sept. 27-28
Saugatuck: AppleFest at Virtue Cider. Weekend with live music, games, production tours, pig roast, bonfires, and food on Sept. 27-28, at Virtue Cider, 2170 62nd St., Fennville (near Saugatuck). Free admission. saugatuck.com
OCTOBER
Oct. 2–4
Zeeland: Pumpkinfest. Get ready for four days of fall fun at Pumpkinfest! On Wednesday, Oct. 1, kick things off with the Avenue of Art Walking Tour on Main Street. Thursday, Oct. 2 brings story time at the library, plus carriage rides, circus performers, face painting, and henna downtown. Friday, Oct. 3 features food vendors, KIDZFEST, a retirement party for the mayor, BINGO, a kids tractor pull, a corn hole tournament, live music, and a laser light show. Saturday, Oct. 4 includes a 5K run, band concert, more food and KIDZFEST, the Pumpkin Roll, pet costume contest, a parade, pie eating contest, and more live music to close out the weekend. This free, fun-filled event takes place in downtown Zeeland. For more details visit zeelandfestivals.com.
Oct. 3
Holland: Fire Truck Parade. Parade featuring fire trucks from across the region on Oct. 3, at 7 p.m., starting at 8th Street and Columbia Avenue, ending at Holland Civic Center Place, 150 W. 8th St., Holland, with an open house including demonstrations and giveaways from 7:30-9 p.m. Free. downtownholland.com
Oct. 3-4
Holland: Fall Festival. Fall into fun at the 2025 Fall Festival in Downtown Holland! Here’s what you can expect each day: On Friday, Oct. 3, the festival kicks off with the nation’s top professional pumpkin carvers— some of them Food Network alumni—showcasing their skills live downtown. You can watch them carve huge pumpkins and enjoy the amazing finished displays throughout the weekend. On Oct. 4, the fun continues with pumpkin painting for kids at the Holland Farmers Market from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., where pumpkins, paint, and brushes are provided for just $1 each thanks to local
donors. There will be fall-themed games with prizes and free barrel rides courtesy of Visser Farms. Over at Windmill Island Garden, hayrides will take visitors around the island during the Artisan Market. The cost is $1 per person, plus a $5 entry fee for the gardens. Meanwhile, downtown street performers will bring the streets to life with live music, balloon animals, free face painting, and more from noon to 4 p.m. Throughout the festival, enjoy food vendors, live music, and plenty of family-friendly activities to make the most of the season. Free. holland.org
Oct. 4
Saugatuck: Douglas Oktoberfest. Vendors with crafts, food, unique displays, and entertainment from singers, bands, choral/dance groups, and variety shows on Oct. 4, 9–4 p.m. at Beery Field Park, 333 Water St., Saugatuck. Free. saugatuck.com
Oct. 4
Holland: Classics II: Heroes & Villains. Experience the magic of Mozart’s Overture to Don Giovanni, the intensity of Prokofiev’s Violin Concerto No. 2, and the power of Beethoven’s groundbreaking Eroica Symphony, performed by the Holland Symphony under the direction of Johannes Müller Stosch, with guest violinist Moni Simeonov. The concert starts at 7:30 p.m. at West Ottawa Performing Arts Center, 3685 Butternut Drive, Holland. Ticket prices vary. holland.org
Oct. 4
Saugatuck: The 13th Annual Vine Wine’d. Now in its 13th year, this annual run offers a scenic 5K or relaxed 1-mile course through vineyards, meadows, and forested trails. Runners experience the sights, smells, and tastes of harvest season while winding through growing vineyards. After the race, enjoy live music, wine and cider by the glass, and optional food at the post-race party. Online registration is available, with packet pick-up offered the day before and the morning of the race.The race begins at 10 a.m. Music starts at 10:30 a.m. Fenn Valley Vineyards, 6130 122nd Ave., findarace.com
Oct. 4
Spring Lake: North Shore Trail Run. Join a trail run with 10K, 5K, or 2K Kids Run options on Oct. 4, starting at 9 a.m. at North Ottawa Dunes County Park, 18775 North Shore Drive, Spring Lake. Registration fees apply. northshoretrailrun.com
Oct. 4
Saugatuck: Blue Coast Artists Annual StudioTour. Tour eight artists’ studios between South Haven and Saugatuck. Each site will feature original artwork and refreshments, with many artisans offering demonstrations in mediums like pottery, wood bowl creation, lapidary craft, and tree art. This free event takes plece between the hours of 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. saugatuck.com
Oct. 9 and 10
Saugatuck: Music That Raised Us presents “The Motown Sound” The Saugatuck Center for the Arts presents The Motown Sound, a fresh take on the music that defined a generation. Produced by Music That Raised Us, this high-energy tribute celebrates the legacy of Motown Records with new artist collaborations and an updated setlist. Featuring some of Michigan’s top
Pumpkinfest
Calendar of Events
talent, the show brings Hitsville USA to life through the timeless songs and stories that shaped American music. Two nights. Shows start at 7 p.m. at Saugatuck Center for the Arts, 400 Culver St., Saugatuck. Tickets start at $25. Visit sc4a.org
Oct. 25
Grand Haven: Bones About Town Fall Festival. Get ready for some frightfully fun competition— skeletons will be taking over Grand Haven from October 1 through 24, leading up to a lively Fall Festival downtown and in Centertown on October 25. Community members can vote for their favorite displays in three categories: most original, funniest, and spookiest. Voting is open daily and wraps up at noon on October 24, so keep your eyes peeled and cast your vote before the bones are put to rest! Free. visitgrandhaven.com
Oct. 11
Muskegon: Super Saturday at the Muskegon Museum of Art: Nature Sketched in Gold Family-friendly art activity Each Super Saturday is inspired by a piece of art from the MMA permanent collection or a current exhibition at 296 W. Webster Ave. Free. Check website for times. visitmuskegon.org
Oct. 11
Saugatuck: Wine on the Water. Themed cruise on the Star of Saugatuck paddlewheel boat with fine wines, domestic beers, and signature cocktails. Cruises depart from 716 Water St., Saugatuck at 3 p.m. 21 years and older. Valid ID required. Ticket prices vary. saugatuck.com
Oct. 11
Saugatuck: Ox-Bow Second Saturday Event. Enjoy gallery strolls throughout downtown Douglas, with a stop at Ox-Bow House to explore a fresh selection of artist-made goods. The House will be open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., with a special artist reception from 4 to 5 p.m. celebrating the creators featured in the current exhibition. 137 Center Street, Douglas. Free. ox-bow.org
Oct. 11-12
Saugatuck: Annual Fall Gallery Stroll. The Art Coast of Michigan Fall Gallery Stroll invites visitors to explore galleries and studios throughout Saugatuck and Douglas, featuring local, regional, and national artists. The event includes live demonstrations, music, and refreshments, and runs from 4 to 8 p.m. both days. Free and open to the public, the stroll offers a vibrant mix of creativity and fall charm, set against the backdrop of Michigan’s autumn colors. saugatuck.com.
Oct. 12
Grand Haven: Mija Retreat. A wellness retreat for Latinas at Connor Bayou, 12945 North Cedar Drive, Grand Haven. Begins at 10 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. mijaleadershipcoaching.com
Oct. 14
Muskegon: Homeschool Days: The Muskegon Museum of History & Science invites homeschooling families to take part in an engaging, hour-and-a-half program focused on prehistoric hunting and life. The session includes a group introduction followed
by hands-on activity stations designed for a range of age levels. Families are then welcome to explore the museum at their own pace. 430 Clay Ave., Muskegon. Free. lakeshoremuseum.org
Oct. 18
Saugatuck: Bourbon on the Boat. Themed cruise on the Star of Saugatuck paddlewheel boat for bourbon lovers, with fine wines, domestic beers, and signature cocktails. Cruise departs from 716 Water St., Saugatuck at 3 p.m. 21+ only. Ticket prices vary. saugatuck.com
Oct. 19
Fennville: The Go Rounds. Live music performance on Oct. 19, at 7 p.m. at Salt of the Earth, a restaurant that offers a rustic dining experience, featuring scratch-made dishes crafted from fresh, seasonal ingredients, located at 114 E. Main St., Fennville. saltoftheearthfennville. com/events
Oct. 23
Muskegon: Harvest Fest. Fundraising event featuring a menu created by the Culinary Institute of Michigan paired with a variety of local, craft and domestic beverages. Guests will enjoy live music, 50/50 raffle, silent auction, and much more!, from 5-8 p.m. at 336 W Clay Ave., Muskegon. $85. muskegonrotary.org
Oct. 25
Holland: Trick-or-Treating. Downtown Holland will come alive with costumes and candy as kids trickor-treat their way through local shops. From 10 a.m. to noon, participating merchants will hand out treats to young visitors in costume. Families are invited to stroll the streets, enjoy the festive spirit, and celebrate Halloween in a safe, welcoming setting. Downtown Holland wishes everyone a happy Halloween! Free. downtownholland.com
Oct. 25
Douglas: Douglas Halloween Parade for Adults. The streets of downtown Douglas will fill with wild costumes, music, and Halloween spirit during the annual Halloween Parade for Adults. This beloved event draws hundreds of spectators and costumed participants for a night of bold creativity and lively celebration. The parade steps off after dark and is followed by parties throughout town. Expect the unexpected—this is Halloween, Douglas-style. Parade starts at 10 p,m. Line-up for the parade starts at 9 p.m. in front of the Old School House on Center Street. Free. saugatuck.com
Harvest Fest
