Fans of the early 2000s "Gilmore Girls" TV series will pack Brighton this weekend, Sept. 26-27, for the third annual weekend celebrating the beloved television series.
Destination Starz Hollow, formerly Destination Stars Hollow, will see downtown Brighton
in southeast Michigan's Livingston County embrace the "Gilmore Girls" theme for a weekend of fun-filled activities at local businesses and institutions.The event takes place Sept. 26-27, with a busy schedule each day, according to the Destination Starz Hollow's website. Attendees can enjoy photo opportunities, knitting marathons, a book club, Easter egg hunt, dancing, trivia and more, with dozens of local businesses to join in.
Missing 'Gilmore Girls'? Stream show here
"Shops, streets, and neighbors
transform into the fictional fall town we all know and love, complete with themed treats, charming photo moments, and beloved town traditions. For a few dreamy days, visitors get to feel like they’ve stepped straight into their favorite episode," the event's website says.
Here's what to know about Starz Hollow in Brighton.
What is 'Gilmore Girls'?
"Gilmore Girls" is an American television show that aired for seven seasons from 2000 to 2007, according to IMDb.
The series followed the lives and relationship between fictional single mother Lorelai Gilmore and her daughter Rory Gilmore, living in the fictional town Stars Hollow, Connecticut, known for its quirky charm and tight-knit community.
The series starred actress Lauren Graham as Lorelai Gilmore, Alexis Bledel as Rory Gilmore, Scott Patterson as Luke Danes, Stars Hollow's grumpy but lovable diner owner, Sean Gunn as Kirk Gleason, Kelly Bishop as matriarch Emily Gilmore, and Melissa McCarthy as Sookie St. James.
Created by Amy Sherman-Palladino, the show made over $172 million in domestic video sales, according to The Numbers.
When is Destination Starz Hollow?
Destination Starz Hollow takes place from 9:30 a.m.-9 p.m. Sept. 26, and 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Sept. 27 in downtown Brighton.
What is Destination Starz Hollow?
Destination Starz Hollow, formerly Destination Stars Hollow, brings to life fans' dream of a real-life version of the fictional town featured in the TV series, Stars Hollow, turning Brighton into a temporary tribute to the show’s idyllic setting.
Participating businesses take on different identities inspired by the show, with themed decorations and curated experiences to create an immersive experience that transforms Brighton into a fan’s dream.
Kathleen London and Laura Boote launched the extremely popular event in 2024. At first a single-day affair, the celebration has quickly grown into a weekend-long extravaganza that draws tens of thousands of people — along with some of the show's cast members — to Brighton.
Can you meet the cast?
There will be four meet-and-greet opportunities with actor Scott Patterson, but two were already sold out and a third was "going fast," according to the event website. Tickets are $75 per event.
Coffee dates with Patterson are also available on Sept. 26 with tickets going for $350, and on Sept. 27 with Sean Gunn, with tickets going for $295.
Coffee and Cotillions with Kelly Bishop, is sold out for Sept. 27. The Third Gilmore Girl Q & A tickets with Bishop for Sept. 26 were available as limited release for $75.
There are four Stars Hollow Social Club events, though they're all sold out, according to the event website.
A Stars Hollow Secrets Q & A for Sept. 26 are available as limited release for $100.
What businesses are participating in Destination Starz Hollow?
Here are some Brighton businesses and buildings offering an immersive experience during the event, according to the event's Facebook page:
- 2 Dandelions Bookshop
- Art Ventures
- The Artisan's Bench
- Bourbons
- Brass + Oak
- Brighton Bar & Grill
- Brighton Coffeehouse
- Brighton Area Historical Society & Brighton Art Guild
- Captain's on Main
- Cooper & Binkley Jewelers
- Coral Sash
- Culture Beer and Cheese
- El Arbol Taqueria
- Fund a Life
- Hush
- Ivory Vines
- Jezebels Saloon
- Jackie's Custard
- Lu & Carl's
- McClements Farm Country Store
- Natural View Market
- Oh My Lolli!
- Salt & Light Kids Co.
- Sidecar Slider Bar
- St. Paul's Episcopal Church
- Simply Skin
- Spun Sugar Shoppe
- The Spice & Tea Exchange of Brighton
- The White Dress
- Tribute Salon & MedSpa
- Vista at Brighton
- Urban Farm Decor
- Wallflower Mercantile
- Wood 'N Things
- Blank Slate Creamery
- Buckely Jolley
- Ciao Amici's
- Everbowl
- Label
- LG Scott & Co.
- Lolly Ella
- Grand River Gifts
- Wentworth Real Estate Group
What's the event schedule for Destination Starz Hollow?
The weekend is packed with events, including the following, per the event's Facebook page:
Saturday, Sept. 26 at Brighton's The AMP:
- 9:30-10 a.m. - Town Hall
- 9:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. - Easter Egg Hunt
- 10 a.m. to noon - Movie time with MJR
- Noon to 1 p.m. - Fashion Show
- 1-2 p.m. - Book Club
- 2-3 p.m. - Bop It Contest
- 3-4 p.m. - Basket Bidding
- 4-6 p.m. - Movie time with MJR
- 6-7 p.m. - Look a Like Contest
- 7-9 p.m. - Free trivia showdown
Saturday, Sept. 26 at St. Paul's:
- 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. - Knitting Marathon
- 2-6 p.m. - Knitting Marathon
Sunday, Sept. 27 at Brighton's The AMP:
- 9:30 a.m. to noon - Dance-a-Thon
- 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. - Easter Egg Hunt
- Noon to 1 p.m. - Bop It Contest
- 1-3 p.m. - Free Trivia
- 3-4 p.m. - Troubadour Showcase
- 4 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. - Meet Lake Trust Credit Union
- 4:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. - Town Hall
Where can I park for Destination Starz Hollow?
Organizers have provided a map of downtown Brighton outlining public parking in the area on the event's Facebook page.
Free parking will also be available at Brighton High School, according to the Facebook page.
Are there shuttles to Destination Starz Hollow?
Yes, organizers are offering shuttles to and from events in Brighton along two routes, according to a map the event's Facebook page.
Shuttles will run every 20 minutes from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Sept. 26, with a break from 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m., and on Sept. 27 from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., with a break from 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Route A starts at the MJR Movie Theater and includes stops at Holiday Inn Express (2A); Candlewood, Hampton, Homewood (3A); Meijer Parking Lot (4A); Main Street Round-about (5A) and Backlot after 3 p.m. on Saturday (6A), per the map.
Route B starts at Spencer Park N Ride and stops at BAS Schools Lot (2B), Down Town Parking Lot (3B) and Miller School/Tot Spot (4B).
How does Michigan figure into the 'Gilmore Girls' storyline?
In the show, Rory Gilmore aspires to be a journalist and later pursues a career in journalism.
The Detroit Free Press gets a brief nod in the series in episode 17 of season 7, which aired in 2007. During a conversation about Rory's post-college job search, she lists the Detroit Free Press among several newspapers where she’s applying. Her grandmother, Emily, calls the paper “quite reputable.”
Livingston Daily contributed.
Contact Jenna Prestininzi: jprestininzi@freepress.com.
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: 'Gilmore Girls' fans set to descend on Brighton. Where to park, events
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