As summer gives way to cooler breezes and golden leaves, September brings a fresh burst of energy to southeastern Michigan. From the return of college students to the start of the football season and local harvest festivals, this is a month filled with celebration and community. Whether you’re enjoying celebrations in Milan or Saline, a football game in Ann Arbor or Ypsilanti, or a scenic event in the countryside, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

We’ve rounded up the best events happening throughout the region – so grab your calendar and get ready to make the most of early fall in Washtenaw County and beyond.

Arts + Culture

2025 Michigan Playwrights Festival

Theatre NOVA, 410 W Huron St, Ann Arbor

September 11th-14th

📷 Photos courtesy of Theatre NOVA

Come and witness the premiere of fresh stories by Michigan-based writers during Theatre NOVA’s Michigan Playwrights Festival. For one dynamic weekend, five original full-length plays are presented as staged readings, followed by audience talkbacks. This year’s lineup includes intriguing titles such as I Am A Sword, Matrescence, Blue Star Highway, and These My Queens.

With tickets priced at $10 per show or an all-inclusive festival pass for $30, the festival offers an accessible introduction to new theatre. Theatre NOVA’s commitment to nurturing local playwrights and engaging audiences makes this event more than entertainment – it’s a cultural platform for emerging voices across the state. If you’re eager to celebrate bold storytelling, diverse perspectives, and Ann Arbor’s creative energy this September, the Michigan Playwrights Festival is a can’t-miss highlight.

The Street Art Encounter

Downtown Ann Arbor, S Main St
September 12th, 12-8 p.m.

Ann Arbor transforms into a living canvas for The Street Art Encounter, a one-day splash of color and creativity in the heart of downtown. From noon until sundown, local and regional muralists, chalk artists, and installation creators bring streets and sidewalks alive with vibrant live art, allowing the public to engage with art in real time.

This family-friendly event invites spectators of all ages to watch masterpieces unfold beneath their feet and over their heads – without gallery walls or barriers getting in the way. Visitors can stroll through unfolding murals, chat with artists, and even participate in interactive art zones that invite public collaboration. As the first-ever Encounter held downtown, it offers a rich new way to experience art and community in Ann Arbor’s public spaces.

Creative Mornings Ann Arbor

Cahoots Cafe, 206 E Huron St Suite 2, Ann Arbor
September 26th, 8:30-10 a.m.

📷 Photos courtesy of Creative Mornings

Start your day with community and creativity at Creative Mornings Ann Arbor, part of the global CreativeMornings series. Hosted at Cahoots Café, this monthly pop-up coffee chat offers a free, informal breakfast gathering where local creatives share stories around a theme.

September’s topic is “Blossom”, and the featured speaker is Mary Thiefels, an Ann Arbor-based creative known for her inspiring work in hospitality and community spaces. The event is facilitated by Liz Barney, who will guide the conversation and audience Q&A. Together, they’ll explore what it means to grow and flourish in community, whether through personal growth, creative work, or cultivating supportive environments.

Guests can enjoy complimentary coffee and light morning snacks while connecting with fellow artists, entrepreneurs, and curious minds. Attendance is free and open to all, though space is often limited – arriving early is recommended to make the most of the welcoming atmosphere. Whether you’re a student, professional, or local enthusiast, Creative Mornings offers a peaceful yet energizing way to begin your fall weekend.

Community Celebrations

Barn Raiser for the B2B Trail

Frutig Farms, 7650 Scio Church Rd, Ann Arbor
September 10th, 5:30-8:30 p.m.

📷 Photos courtesy of HWPI

Join the Huron Waterloo Pathways Initiative (HWPI) for their Third Annual Barn Raiser, a spirited fundraiser to support the expansion of Washtenaw County’s Border to Border Trail (B2B Trail) – a beloved pathway project aiming to connect communities like Ann Arbor, Dexter, and Ypsilanti with safe, non‑motorized trail access.

Held at the picturesque Frutig Farms in Scio Township, the event features live music by Djangophonique, lawn games, local food catered by Wesley’s, an open bar plus wine pull, and a silent auction – all designed to celebrate community and progress. Tickets are $100 each, with children admitted for free. The event also includes a presentation on upcoming trail milestones and plans for 2026.

Hot Rods Annual Car & Bike Show

Wilson Park, 89 Wabash St, Milan
September 13th, 10 a.m.

📷 Photos courtesy of Hot Rods

Gearheads and community supporters alike should rev up for the Hot Rods Annual Car & Bike Show at Wilson Park in Milan. Now in its fifth year, this vibrant show draws everything from classic cars and custom bikes to vintage rides and modern favorites, across more than 15 judged categories. It’s more than just a display – it’s a full day of automotive pride and community connection.

Organized by the Hot Rods Motorcycle Awareness & Suicide Prevention Foundation, this family-friendly event supports local causes throughout Michigan. Admission is usually modest – often around $10, with proceeds benefitting motorcycle safety initiatives and suicide prevention programs. Expect fun, free extras, open to the public – food vendors, live music, and raffle items – plus plenty of friendly car culture camaraderie.

Registration, which opens at 9 a.m., is $15 for cars and $10 for motorcycles. Visit their Facebook page linked above for more information.

Oktoberfest

109 W Michigan Ave, Saline
September 19th-20th, 5 p.m.

Saline’s historic downtown transforms into a spirited Bavarian-style festival for the 20th Annual Saline Oktoberfest, hosted by Saline Main Street. This event is $10 for adults 21+ and kicks off Friday evening with German heritage celebrations, complete with a Golden Keg Tapping ceremony, a fun lederhosen and dirndl costume contest, and a Wiener Dog Race on Saturday afternoon for the whole family to enjoy. It’s a weekend packed with music, games, and community festivities.

Join neighbors and visitors alike to enjoy live entertainment plus classic fair food, bratwurst, beer vendors, a bustling Kinderplatz area for kids, and interactive games like hammerspiel. Whether you’re dancing to folk tunes, sampling local brews, or cheering on race dogs, Oktoberfest brings infectious community energy to Washtenaw County.

Sports

EMU Football vs. LIU Sharks

Rynearson Stadium, 799 N Hewitt Rd, Ypsilanti
September 6th, 7 p.m.

📷 Photos courtesy of Eastern Michigan Athletics

Kick off September with some Eagle Pride at this energetic home opener as the Eastern Michigan Eagles take on the Long Island University (LIU) Sharks at Rynearson Stadium. Known locally as “The Factory,” Rynearson Stadium is one of the few FBS fields with a gray turf, a visual standout in the Mid-American Conference, and a beloved landmark on EMU’s west campus.

This matchup starts at 7 p.m. and is part of the campus- and community-themed EMU Block Party on game night – a perfect blend of football tradition and pre‑game festivities. Expect tailgating, music, spirited fans in maize and green, and a lively atmosphere that unites students, alumni, and local families. 

Tickets generally start at around $25 in advance of game day for all seating areas. Value packs offer discounted bundles: $120 for a Little Caesars pack (4 tickets, 4 slices of pizza, 4 drinks), $80 for reserved seating, and $60 for general admission (home or visitor side). Group tickets are $8 each for groups of 15 or more. Additional offers for faculty, alumni, youth, and ADA seating are available by calling the Eastern Athletics Ticket Office at (734) 487-3669.

U-M Wolverines vs. CMU Chips

Michigan Stadium, 1201 S Main St, Ann Arbor
September 13th, 12 p.m.

Millennia of fandom, maize‑and‑blue pride, and student energy come together in a quintessential Ann Arbor experience: Michigan Football at “The Big House.” On September 13th, the Wolverines will host Central Michigan’s Chippewas at noon – a marquee matchup during Parents Weekend and the first-ever school-year game between the two programs in Ann Arbor.

Michigan Stadium regularly attracts crowds of over 100,000 and holds the NCAA record for attendance – a reason why game day here feels electric. A pre‑game walk across campus or tailgating on South University adds to the tradition, and don’t miss the moment when the team runs down to touch the “Go Blue – M Club” banner before kickoff, to the tune of The Victors marching band. Tickets start around $100, and early arrivals will find plenty of energy, music, local food vendors, and that classic Big House atmosphere, whether you’re a diehard fan or just soaking in the scene.

Food + Drink

Barley-BBQ-Beats Ann Arbor

Revel Run, 555 S Dancer Rd, Chelsea
September 11th, 5-9 p.m.

Celebrate the final year of Arbor Hospice’s signature fundraiser, Barley, BBQ & Beats, hosted at Revel Run in Chelsea – just a short drive from Ann Arbor. Enjoy a night of craft cocktails by Michigan distillers, BBQ from local pit masters, and music by The Ragbirds and Motor City Josh and the Big 3. All proceeds will support Arbor Hospice’s compassionate end-of-life care in the local community.

For $65 in advance (or $75 at the door), guests receive three BBQ servings and three cocktail tokens, with extra tokens for additional servings available for purchase. Don’t miss the online auction featuring a truly unique collector’s item – the Heisman Heroes Football – signed by 24 Trophy winners, including Michigan’s own Desmond Howard. Additional packages showcase community-inspired experiences and items that reflect the spirit of Barley, BBQ & Beats.

This strolling-style, 21+ event offers a spirited way to support a great cause while enjoying some of Michigan’s best flavors and live entertainment under the early fall sky. Tickets are expected to sell fast – grab them early for a night of BBQ, music, and community connection.

Veganfest

301 W Michigan Ave, Ypsilanti
September 14th, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Keep plant-based living and community spirit alive at Ypsi Vegan Fest 2025, hosted in downtown Ypsilanti. Presented by VegMichigan and Stone & Spoon, this festival brings together local vegan food vendors, wellness organizations, artisans, and animal rescue groups for a fun, inclusive afternoon of tastes and discovery.

Explore an impressive lineup of vendors – including Ben & Jerry’s Ann Arbor, Plant Based Coneys, Karma Wellness Kitchen, and Sweet Creations by Michele – offering everything from decadent desserts to hearty meals. The festival also features wellness booths, local shopping from businesses like “The Age of Asparagus” and “Envision Positive,” as well as representatives from nonprofits such as Barn Sanctuary and Humane Society of Huron Valley.

With free admission, this all-access event is perfect for families, food lovers, and those curious about plant-based choices. You can sip, snack, shop, and learn, all while supporting local businesses and community initiatives. Whether you’re a dedicated vegan or just looking for something fresh and delicious, Ypsi Vegan Fest is a flavorful highlight of early September in the A2-Ypsi region.

Downtown Milan Beer Walk

Downtown Milan, E Main St
September 26th, 5:30-9 p.m.

Get ready for a fun-filled Friday evening at Downtown Milan’s annual Beer Walk, hosted along the charming streets of the downtown historic district. Sample 15+ beer tastings from 8+ local businesses and breweries – featuring more than 20 Michigan-crafted beers – while enjoying light snacks and browsing unique shops and vendors. Tickets are $50 each (plus fees).

This well-loved fall event blends small-town charm with big flavor, complete with live music in Tolan Square, and opportunities to connect with local brewers and friends as you stroll the beautifully preserved Main Street.

Whether you’re a craft beer aficionado or just looking for a lively way to spend a fall evening, the Downtown Milan Beer Walk offers downtown energy, community spirit, and a taste of Michigan’s brewing scene wrapped in local charm. Tickets sell quickly – grab yours early to savor the fun!

Happy September!

From college football showdowns to street art festivals, brew walks, and vegan feasts, September in Ann Arbor, Ypsilanti, and the surrounding towns is bursting with energy and community spirit. The changing leaves bring more than just cooler weather – they set the stage for fresh experiences, fun traditions, and opportunities to connect with your community. Whether you’re here for the local flavors, artistic flair, live music, or just to soak up the season, there’s no shortage of ways to celebrate the start of fall in Southeast Michigan. So, get out there and make the most of this vibrant and event-filled month.