Events of October 2, 3, and 4, 2026

Friday, October 2

Grand River Farmers Market at the Downtown Pavilion. 9 AM to 2 PM. On Fridays, you can visit the Grand River Farmer’s Market at the downtown pavilion, located in the parking lot of Grand River Brewery. The Friday market is open from 9 am until 2 pm. With familiar faces, seasonal produce, and local makers, the market is a vibrant place to shop, connect, and support our local farmers. Grow Jackson is focused on expanding access to local food, creating year-round opportunities, and making every market visit a fun and meaningful experience for all.

Jackson Antique & Collectible Show. 10 AM to 5 PM. Thousands of treasures, one amazing weekend! Admission $5 per person, 12 and under free. Keeley Park, 200 West Ganson Street, Jackson. Saturday only: Cruising for the Cause Car Show (11 AM to 4:30 PM to benefit Shriners Children’s Hospital.

The Wizard of Oz. 7 PM. Presented by Center Stage Jackson. There’s no place like home… and there’s no place like Center Stage Jackson! Follow the Yellow Brick Road with Dorothy, Toto, Scarecrow, Tin Man, Cowardly Lion, and all your favorite characters in this beloved family classic. Filled with unforgettable songs, colorful costumes, and timeless adventure, The Wizard of Oz brings L. Frank Baum’s magical story to life for audiences of all ages. Performance Dates: Friday, October 2, 2026 – 7:00 PM EAST CAST, Saturday, October 3, 2026 – 7:00 PM WEST CAST, and Sunday, October 4, 2026 – 3:00 PM EAST CAST. Baughman Theatre, Potter Center, Jackson College. Tickets here.

Halloween Nite Lites. Halloween 2026 Nite Lites Drive Thru & Train Rides Thru Show (approx. 2 miles). Located At Michigan International Speedway, 12626 US 12 Brooklyn. October 1-31 (EXCEPT OCT. 24)
Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays 8:00 – 10:00 PM.ADMISSION:
For the drive thru, admission is charged per car load, regardless of the number of passengers in the vehicle. For the train, you must purchase a ticket for each person who needs a seat. Halloween Drive Thru Entrance is Off M-50. $30 per car. Event page here.

The Odyssey: An Epic Week at the Michigan Theatre. Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey comes to the Michigan Theatre of Jackson for seven showings from September 25 through October 2. Written and directed by Christopher Nolan, this adaptation of Homer’s legendary story stars Matt Damon as Odysseus, the king of Ithaca, on his dangerous journey home after the Trojan War. SHOWTIMES: Friday, 10/2 at 2:00 PM. General Admission: $5 at the door. Doors open 30 minutes before showings. Michigan Theatre of Jackson.

Saturday, October 3

ORS Oktoberfest 10K, 5K and Kids Superhero Run. Get Ready to Run, Celebrate, and Make a Difference! The 2026 ORS Oktoberfest 10K / 5K & Kids Superhero Run is back — and it’s bigger, better, and more fun than ever! Lace Up for an Epic Race Day! Orthopaedic Rehab Specialists is gearing up to deliver an unforgettable experience right in downtown Jackson, bringing easy access and great energy to the heart of the city. This year’s course blends the strongest elements from past events into one standout route you’ll be excited to take on. Calling All Superheroes! The Kids Superhero Run is a fan favorite, and it’s back with even more excitement! Kids 10 and under will race alongside adult superheroes (yes, costumes are encouraged!) in a fun-filled dash packed with adventure. Will a villain appear? Only our heroes can find out! We’re also proud to partner with Distracted Driver Awareness, the official sponsor of the Kids Superhero Run. Don’t miss out — sign up, suit up, and show up! Whether you’re racing, cheering, or just soaking in the fun, the 2026 ORS Oktoberfest event is where community, celebration, and purpose collide. Registration and more information here.

Autumn at the Arbor: Donut Dash 5K. 9:30 AM. Whether you’re walking or running, the Donut Dash has become a Homecoming favorite as you make your way around SAU’s campus. Most importantly, there will be donuts at every mile mark and at the finish! All proceeds go to support SAU Track and Cross Country and SOAR Jackson. Register Today! McDonald Athletic Center, Spring Arbor University.

Autumn at the Arbor. 11 AM to 3 PM. Celebrate Autumn at the Arbor with a full afternoon of festivities! Before the big soccer game, join us for a festival packed with games, pumpkin painting, donuts, cider, and inflatables. Browse our local vendor fair, grab a bite from the food trucks, and enjoy live music with the SAU family! Women’s and Men’s Basketball Scrimmages, Softball Alumni Game, Tennis Pro-Am, Science Atrium Open House, Esports Facility Tour and more! Homecoming Soccer Game vs Taylor at 3 PM. Spring Arbor University.

City of Jackson Fire Department Open House. 11 AM to 2 PM. Jackson Fire Station. Bring your family and friends for a high-energy, action-packed day filled with excitement, activities, and a rare behind-the-scenes look at your local heroes in action. Live vehicle extraction, kids’ smoke trailer, spray a real fire hose! See the Haz-Mat and Technical Rescue teams and gear up close. Kid friendly games, giveaways, guided tours of the fire station. Meet real firefighters! Free food and refreshments. Special guests and community partners include Henry Ford Jackson, Jackson Community Ambulance, JDART, Jackson Police Department and Jackson County Sheriff’s Department.

Ella Sharp Museum Fall Harvest Festival. 11 AM to 3 PM. A Victorian autumn. Old traditions. And a few ghost stories.Join us on Ella Sharp Museum’s Historic Farmlane for the Fall Harvest Festival, where the season comes alive with pumpkin painting, local craftsman, food vendors, kid-friendly activities, and more!But the highlight awaits inside Ella’s Farmhouse… Step inside and be transported back in time through ghost stories and traditions from the past. Free.

Grand River Farmers Market at River & Rail. 9 AM to 2 PM. The Grand River Farmer’s Market is open on Saturdays from 9 am until 2 pm at the NEW River & Rail Farm Stop, at 137 W. North St., Jackson, MI 49202 (located inside the walls of the Historic State Prison near Art 634). Plenty of parking! Entertainment and multiple vendors. With familiar faces, seasonal produce, and local makers, the market is a vibrant place to shop, connect, and support our local farmers. Grow Jackson is focused on expanding access to local food, creating year-round opportunities, and making every market visit a fun and meaningful experience for all.

Grass Lake Oktoberfest. 2 PM to 7 PM. This grand celebration of German culture includes hearty food, cold drinks, good company and LIVE music. Everything is set in the picturesque town of Grass Lake on a Fall afternoon in Michigan. a selection of 25+ craft beers, wines, and ciders, Food trucks (Funky Dawgs, Maison Wurst, and The Great American Food Truck), and arts and crafts vendors. Entertainment Lineup: 2:00pm & 6:30pm The Brian & Steve Tucker Duo, 3:30pm & 5:00pm Ann Arbor Music Academy; Bavarian Show, 4:10pm & 5:30pm 5 Second Rule. Lost Railway Museum proudly hosts this celebration, and all proceeds go directly toward preserving the history of Grass Lake.

St. Maria Goretti Garage Sale. 8 AM to 5 PM. Fabulous finds! Clothing, jewelry, kitchen, home, holiday, floral, furniture, toys and more. Cash sales only. Queen of the Miraculous Medal Parish, Rectory garage, 606 South Wisner Street, Jackson.

Parma Day. All day in the Village of Parma. Village of Parma, Michigan Featuring a parade, vendors, foam pit, live music, community fun and more! The only events with a charge is the 5K fundraiser run, corn hole, Parma Library Book Sale and feed for the petting zoo. Everything else is completely free, axe throwing, video game trailer, and the foam party. Village Hope Church runs the kids zone and the Parma Sandstone Fire Department hosts fire safety fun. Event schedule here.

JCAS Catnip Pillow Team presents 1st Annual Craft Show. 9 AM to 3 PM. Jackson County Animal Shelter, 3370 Spring Arbor Road. Crafts, Quilt Raffle, Food Trucks. Admission: a pet care item. Affordable gifts for all ages and budgets. Proceeds benefit the JCAS Emergency Medical Fund.

The Wizard of Oz. 7 PM. Presented by Center Stage Jackson. There’s no place like home… and there’s no place like Center Stage Jackson! Follow the Yellow Brick Road with Dorothy, Toto, Scarecrow, Tin Man, Cowardly Lion, and all your favorite characters in this beloved family classic. Filled with unforgettable songs, colorful costumes, and timeless adventure, The Wizard of Oz brings L. Frank Baum’s magical story to life for audiences of all ages. Performance Dates: Saturday, October 3, 2026 – 7:00 PM WEST CAST, and Sunday, October 4, 2026 – 3:00 PM EAST CAST. Baughman Theatre, Potter Center, Jackson College. Tickets here.

Sunday, October 4

The Wizard of Oz. 7 PM. Presented by Center Stage Jackson. There’s no place like home… and there’s no place like Center Stage Jackson! Follow the Yellow Brick Road with Dorothy, Toto, Scarecrow, Tin Man, Cowardly Lion, and all your favorite characters in this beloved family classic. Filled with unforgettable songs, colorful costumes, and timeless adventure, The Wizard of Oz brings L. Frank Baum’s magical story to life for audiences of all ages. Performance Dates: Sunday, October 4, 2026 – 3:00 PM EAST CAST. Baughman Theatre, Potter Center, Jackson College. Tickets here.

Chris Janson in Concert. 7 PM. Award-winning artist, producer and songwriter Chris Janson kicks off the season with his high-energy show and No. 1 country hits. Don’t miss hearing his biggest hits such as “Buy Me A Boat,” “Fix A Drink,” “Good Vibes,” “All I Need Is You,” “Done,” “Drunk Girl” and more! Tickets start at $35.Ticket Information: Season package discounts available for those purchasing 3 or more shows. For complete ticket info visit; jccmi.edu/pottercenter. Box office open Mon-Fri 10am-4pm. Phone: 517-796-8600. Potter Center Music Hall, Jackson College.