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Holland Fall Fest 2026: Everything You Need to Know Before You Go

Professional pumpkin carving, the Fire Truck Parade, a makers market, tulip planting, hayrides, family activities, and more return to Downtown Holland October 2–3.

Fall is one of the best times to experience Holland, Michigan, and one of the season’s biggest events is almost here. Holland Fall Fest returns Friday, October 2 and Saturday, October 3, 2026, bringing two full days of seasonal activities to Downtown Holland, the Holland Civic Center, Window on the Waterfront, and Windmill Island Gardens.

The event brings together some of Holland’s most recognizable local destinations for a weekend filled with professional pumpkin carving, shopping, family activities, community traditions, and plenty of reasons to spend the day downtown.

Watch Professional Pumpkin Carvers in Downtown Holland

One of the signature attractions of Holland Fall Fest is the live professional pumpkin carving.

Visitors can watch giant pumpkins transformed into detailed works of art throughout the weekend. Carving begins Friday afternoon at GDK Park along 8th Street and continues Saturday throughout Downtown Holland.

Finished pumpkins will also be displayed around downtown, giving visitors another reason to explore 8th Street and stop into local shops and restaurants along the way.

For families, photographers, and anyone looking for something uniquely fall-themed, the pumpkin carving is one of the highlights of the weekend.

Friday, October 2

Fall Fest begins Friday with activities spread across Downtown Holland and the surrounding area.

Community tulip planting takes place at Window on the Waterfront, giving residents and visitors the opportunity to help plant bulbs that will eventually become part of Holland’s famous spring tulip displays.

The Fall Fest Makers Market also opens Friday afternoon at Holland Civic Center Place, featuring local makers and vendors.

Professional pumpkin carving begins later in the afternoon at GDK Park, providing an opportunity to watch the artists work before the evening festivities begin.

Friday night concludes with one of the weekend’s most popular traditions: the Fire Truck Parade.

The parade begins at 7:00 p.m. and travels through Downtown Holland toward Holland Civic Center Place. Following the parade, visitors can attend a fire department open house featuring fire-safety demonstrations, activities, and other family-friendly experiences.

Saturday, October 3

Saturday offers a full schedule of activities throughout Holland.

The Holland Farmers Market will be open in the morning and early afternoon, making it an easy place to start the day with fresh produce, baked goods, flowers, and other locally made products.

The Makers Market also continues Saturday at Holland Civic Center Place.

At Windmill Island Gardens, families can enjoy Touch A Truck and hayrides during the morning and early afternoon. It is also an opportunity to explore one of Holland’s most recognizable attractions while enjoying the cooler fall weather.

Back near the Farmers Market, children can participate in mini pumpkin painting while supplies last.

Community tulip planting continues Saturday, and street performers will add even more activity throughout Downtown Holland during the afternoon.

Professional pumpkin carving also continues through Saturday evening.

Don’t Miss the Pumpkin Photo Wall

Fall Fest will also feature a large pumpkin photo wall near GDK Park on 8th Street.

It is an easy stop for families, couples, and groups looking for a seasonal photo while walking through downtown.

Between the pumpkin displays, fall decorations, shops, restaurants, and activity throughout 8th Street, Downtown Holland should have plenty of opportunities for fall photos throughout the weekend.

Make a Day of It in Downtown Holland

One of the best parts of Holland Fall Fest is how easy it is to turn the event into a full day downtown.

Start with the Holland Farmers Market, walk through the Makers Market, watch the pumpkin carvers, and spend some time exploring the shops along 8th Street.

Downtown Holland also offers plenty of options for coffee, lunch, dinner, and drinks, making it easy to take a break between activities.

If you have additional time, you can continue the day with a visit to Windmill Island Gardens or head toward the lakeshore for a walk along Lake Michigan.

Turn Fall Fest Into a West Michigan Weekend

If you are visiting Holland from outside the area, Fall Fest can also be the starting point for a longer fall weekend.

October is a great time to explore the West Michigan lakeshore. Consider adding a hike, apple orchard visit, scenic drive, brewery or winery stop, or trip to Lake Michigan to your itinerary.

Mt. Pisgah, Holland State Park, Tunnel Park, and the surrounding lakeshore communities all provide additional ways to experience the area during fall.

You could also make a short trip south toward Saugatuck and Douglas or north toward Grand Haven if you want to explore more of the lakeshore.

Holland Fall Fest 2026 Schedule

Friday, October 2

Community Tulip Planting
10:30 a.m.–12:00 p.m. and 1:00–3:00 p.m.

Fall Fest Makers Market
2:00–7:00 p.m.

Professional Pumpkin Carving
3:00–7:00 p.m.

Proost! Tasting Tours
3:00 p.m., 4:00 p.m., and 5:00 p.m.

Fire Truck Parade
7:00 p.m.

Fire Department Open House
Approximately 7:30–9:00 p.m.

Saturday, October 3

Holland Farmers Market
8:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m.

Fall Fest Makers Market
8:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.

Touch A Truck & Hayrides
9:30 a.m.–1:00 p.m.

Pumpkin Painting
10:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m.

Street Performers
12:00–4:00 p.m.

Professional Pumpkin Carving
12:00–7:00 p.m.

Proost! Tasting Tours
3:00 p.m., 4:00 p.m., and 5:00 p.m.

Experience Fall in Holland

Holland may be best known for tulips in the spring and Lake Michigan in the summer, but fall brings a completely different atmosphere to the area.

Cooler temperatures, changing leaves, local markets, downtown events, restaurants, trails, and the lakeshore make October a great time to experience the community.

Holland Fall Fest is a good example of the year-round events that help make Downtown Holland a gathering place for both residents and visitors.

Whether you are coming for the professional pumpkin carving, bringing the kids to Touch A Truck, helping plant tulips, shopping the Makers Market, or simply spending an afternoon downtown, Holland Fall Fest 2026 offers plenty to experience throughout October 2–3.