SAULT STE. MARIE — School is back in session and temperatures are getting cooler in Sault Ste. Marie.
Soon, leaves will be changing color and apple cider and pumpkin spice will be on display at grocery stores. With the fall season comes many popular activities for Sault residents to look forward to.
Here’s what we’re most excited for this fall:
The 2025 Soo Film Festival is happening Sept. 10-14 in Sault Ste. Marie.
Soo Film Festival
The annual Soo Film Festival begins Wednesday, Sept. 10 with a full slate of new local and regional films. The first two days of films will be screened at the Bayliss Public Library for free. From Friday, Sept. 12 through Sunday, Sept. 14, movies will be shown at the historic Sault Theatre and tickets will be required.
The annual festival includes narrative features, documentaries, shorts, animated films and music videos.
A full lineup of films can be found at soofilmfestival.org.
More: Soo Film Festival 2025: What to know before you go
More: Film festivals have helped keep Michigan moviemaking alive since end of state incentives
Bird’s Eye Outfitters will host the Oktoberfest & Beer Olympics on Saturday, Sept. 13, 2025.
Oktoberfest
Local gastropub Bird’s Eye Outfitters is bringing back their popular Oktoberfest for 2025.
Starting at 5 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 13 at Bird’s Eye, 107 E. Portage Ave., the Oktoberfest & Beer Olympics will feature games, beer, food and more fun activities.
Participants can take part in a Stein Hoisting Contest alongside other friendly competitions. Costumes are encouraged!
Find out more at facebook.com/birdseyeoutfitters.
A Soo Locks Famous Boat Tours passes through the locks.
More: As summer winds down, fall colors draw nearer: When will leaves change in Michigan?
Fall Sunset Color Tours
The Famous Soo Locks Boat Tours are offering a chance to see the fall colors along the St. Marys River up close and personal.
On Saturdays during the fall season, starting Sept. 13, the business is offering a unique two-hour trip. The tour will go through the Soo Locks, past waterfront landmarks and observe the setting sun.
For tickets or more information, visit famoussoolocks.com.
More: Michigan state park fall harvest festivals, Halloween celebrations: 2025 camping dates
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People view the Lower Falls at Tahquamenon Falls State Park.
Tahquamenon Falls
There are fewer places in the Eastern Upper Peninsula better to admire the changing fall colors than at Tahquamenon Falls State Park.
Located a short drive from Sault Ste. Marie near Paradise, the park includes one of the largest waterfalls east of the Mississippi River. It encompasses nearly 50,000 acres and stretches 13-plus miles, with the Upper and Lower falls providing breathtaking scenic views.
The park is open year-round to visitors for hiking and camping. The Tahquamenon Falls State Park Harvest Festival is set for Sept. 27 and will include hayrides, pumpkin decorating, archery and more.
More: Northern Michigan summer fun: Drop into Tahquamenon Falls State Park for the day
Several local farms will be offering pumpkin picking, corn mazes, hayrides and other famously fun fall activities this year.
Corn mazes and pumpkin patches
Several local farms will be offering pumpkin picking, corn mazes, hayrides and other famously fun fall activities.
For example, Davis Farms, located at 1858 Brevort Lake Road in Moran, and Ditmyer’s Red Barn Farm, located at 2664 W. 5 Mile Road in Sault Ste. Marie, are among the local businesses that typically host fall activities for families.
Don’t forget to check out your local farmers markets for fresh seasonal produce!
— Contact Brendan Wiesner: BWiesner@Sooeveningnews.com
This article originally appeared on The Sault News: 5 of our favorite fall activities in the Eastern Upper Peninsula