Mackinac Island fudge, Oktoberfest and other fall activities are still taking place on Mackinac Island before island businesses slow down for the end of tourist season in late October.
The first weekend in October, Oct. 2-3, brings the Fall Fudge Festival to the island, a celebration of the beloved Mackinac Island treat, per the Mackinac Island Tourism Bureau.
"This festival blends the island’s iconic fudge with fall-themed festivities sure to delight the biggest fall and fudge fanatics. Wander the charming streets lined with fall decor, enjoy scenic bike rides through vibrant foliage, and savor the sweet flavors that make Mackinac Island famous," the bureau says.
Macktoberfest, Mackinac Island's take on the Bavarian-themed festival, is the following
weekend, Oct. 9-10, according to the Island House Hotel.
"Taking place October 9-10, 2026, this 21+ weekend getaway is packed with Bavarian cheer, mouthwatering food, and lively entertainment. Whether you’re a beer enthusiast or just looking for an unforgettable fall escape, Macktoberfest has something for everyone," the hotel's website says.
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Here's what to know when visiting Mackinac Island this fall.
When is the Fall Fudge Festival?
Mackinac Island's Fall Fudge Festival is Oct. 2-3.
At the festival, you can get a taste of the iconic Mackinac Island fudge and fall and fudge-flavored food and drinks, watch live fudge making demonstrations and lumberjack shows, go on hay rides, compete in a speed jigsaw puzzle contest, do pumpkin painting and enjoy partner and line dancing, per the Mackinac Island Tourism Bureau.
When is Macktoberfest?
Macktoberfest on Mackinac Island is Oct. 9-10.
The Bavarian-style festival will offer revelers ages 21 and older a chance to enjoy beer and wine, games, live entertainment and Bavarian cuisine, all while dressed in German attire, per the Island House Hotel.
What's there to do on Mackinac Island?
Until the end of October, there are a variety of events taking place on the island, including:
- Sip N' Sail sunset cruises run through Oct. 31
- Picnic boat tours run until Sept. 30
- "Somewhere in Time" screenings taking place weekly through Oct. 21
- Signature Sips of Mission Points on Fridays until Oct. 16
- Straits Pride Festival takes place Sept. 17-20
- The Great Turtle Run takes place Oct. 24
When does Mackinac Island's tourism season end?
Tourism season on Mackinac Island typically runs until October, the Mackinac Island Tourism Bureau says, but the island remains open to visitors year-round. One of the sure signs of the end of the season is the "closing" of the Grand Hotel, which will happen Oct. 24-26, capping off the resort's 140th season.
How can you get to Mackinac Island?
Ferry services carry visitors to Mackinac Island from Mackinaw City in the Lower Peninsula and St. Ignace in the Upper Peninsula. You can also get to the island by private boat or cruise. Flight options include personal planes, commercial flights or Fresh Air Aviation's air taxi service from St. Ignace.
Until Oct. 4, Shepler's Mackinac Island Ferry is operating on limited routes for its fall schedule, then it will again cut back routes for its Oct. 5-25 schedule and Oct. 26-31 schedule.
Last trips are at 6:30 and 7 p.m. (with some additions) until Oct. 4. After that, trips move to 5:30 and 6 p.m., and finally there will be six hourly ferries in late October with the last ferries at 4:30 and 5 p.m.
Arnold Transit Company ferries run about once an hour from 7:30 and 8 a.m. and then 7 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. in the evening.
From Oct. 26-31, there will be only six ferry trips from Mackinaw City, with departures from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and back to the mainland starting at 8 a.m. until 5 p.m.
Where is Mackinac Island?
Mackinac Island is located within the Straits of Mackinac in Lake Huron. It's a few miles offshore from both St. Ignace and Mackinaw City.
Contact Jenna Prestininzi: jprestininzi@freepress.com.
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: When does Mackinac Island close? There's still time to visit this fall
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