Nate Heffron, city manager, city of Negaunee

NEGAUNEE — As the old saying goes, I have bad news and good news. First, the bad news. Our short summer is coming to an end, or by the time you read this, it may completely be gone. However, as I mentioned, there is good news.

Fall Fest 2025 is coming to Downtown Negaunee from noon-5 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 27. This family friendly event, hosted by the city’s Downtown Development Authority along with generous sponsors, is entering its second year.

The event was so successful and well attended last year, organizers could not pass up the opportunity to invite everyone back to Forge Their Adventures in Negaunee.

The festival of fun will include:

• S’mores station

• Multiple fire trucks and fire hall tours

• Tractor hayrides

• Live music

• Miniature pony rides and petting zoo

• Food trucks and vendors

• Pumpkin painting

• Cookie decorating

• Face painting

• A kid’s fun zone complete with bounce houses and other activities

• And much more

While you enjoy the festival, we encourage you to browse the local shops and eateries on Iron Street. Many businesses will offer specials and interactive activities for children.

The other good news is, most of these activities are offered for free. That’s right, no cover charge or tickets. Activities that have an associated cost will be clearly marked at each location.

Food trucks and vendors will be on standby near the bandshell serving up goodies. Stop on by, we’ll have plenty of picnic tables out where you can grab a seat. You can also find a place to sit in one of our many downtown parks. Attendees also have the option of dining at their favorite downtown Negaunee restaurant.

There are also plenty of places to enjoy your favorite adult beverage as you travel through our downtown social district.

With so many opportunities to choose from, it’s bound to be a great day to harvest fun with friends and family in our new downtown. Negaunee has so much to see, with many great spaces where you can meet up with friends, make memories and enjoy all our beautiful amenities.

I also want to thank the sponsors who are making this celebration possible. They include NMU, Range Communications, Circle K, Munson Retirement Solutions, Sunny 101.9 FM, GFL, Carey, and Park Chiropractic. Please be sure to thank them too, many will be at the festival helping to ensure everything goes as planned.