Looking to make your autumn more eventful? Race through tunnels of colorful trees and crunching leaves, cheer on a pack of sled dogs as they eagerly prepare for winters' anticipated UP200 races, get into the Halloween spirit with a paranormal lighthouse tour or binge-watch inspirational flicks between your pick of epic outdoor tours—whatever you're U.P. for, October in Marquette is filled with fall foliage and festivities.
Marquette Fall Enduro
Saturday, October 1st
The Enduro is the ultimate autumn mountain bike race. At Marquette Mountain, you'll begin with a casual climb to the top with your buddies before making your way down for a timed run. Choose from several stages of varying difficulty and length to match and test your skills.
Fall Phantasm: Festival of Myth and Fire
Saturday, October 1st
Immerse yourself in a phantasmic experience for a night at Lakenenland Sculpture Park, full of fantastical creatures, music, and theatrical performances. This fundraiser for Marquette Fringe Festival will include glow-in-the-dark costume building stations, games, local food vendors, and an entrancing elixir bar featuring festive and flavorful non-alcoholic concoctions.
UP200 Dryland Dash
Saturday, October 8th
These dogs may not be dashing through the snow, but the fall foliage is definitely a treat. Watch the teams train and compete throughout 1-2 mile courses on the Negaunee Park ski trail system. Then return to Marquette in February for the ever-popular UP200 sled dog races, and cheer on the sled dogs at the snowy starting line on Washington St. in downtown Marquette.
Fresh Coast Film Festival
Thursday-Sunday, Oct. 13-16th
This documentary film festival celebrates the best of the best in the Midwest—the Great Lakes and the great outdoors. Expect Fresh Coast to make even bigger waves this year with 80+ films, 11 outdoor tours, 6 film venues, and 4 days of entertainment, conversation, and inspiration.
Lake Superior Performance Rally
Friday-Saturday, Oct. 14-15th
The Lake Superior Performance Rally is an epic motor-sport race that is just as exhilarating to spectate as it is to race. It takes place on dirt roads with many quick turns, and with 65+ drivers spaced apart at the starting line, the goal is for the fastest overall time. The cars range from brand new purpose-built Subaru’s to Ford Fiestas, Escort Cosworths, Volkswagen Jettas and Golfs, Audis, Mazda RX-7s, Mitsubishi Evos, Lexus’, and even a Chevy Colorado.
Downtown Marquette Fall Farmers Market
Every Saturday from 9 AM -1 PM until mid-Dec.
Crisp autumn air and cooler weather paired with a hot coffee or cider—a fall morning really doesn't get any better than with a quick trip to the Farmers Market. From picking out the perfect U.P. pumpkin for your porch to selecting the best fresh produce for your favorite autumn recipe, the Downtown Marquette Farmers Market feels just a little more *magical* in the fall.
