Saturday, October 10, 2026
Enjoy Activities in Greater Lowell Throughout the Day
Lowell’s Harvest Celebration features shopping with vendors during the Autumn Marketplace along the riverwalk and on Main Street, pumpkin decorating, a Chili for Charity Cook-off, the Harvest Hustle 5K Run/Walk and more!
Free parking at all Harvest Celebration activities and fun for the whole family! This is a rain or shine event – please dress accordingly.
FFA Pancake Breakfast & WWC Apple Tasting – 11715 Vergennes St SE, Lowell. Breakfast 8 AM to 11:30 AM; Apple Tasting 9 AM to Noon. Hosted by the Lowell FFA and Wittenbach Wege Center, $5 includes a pancake breakfast and Michigan apple tasting to support WWC programs. Enjoy the facilities, native plant gardens, and trails.
Pumpkin Decorating on the Lowell Showboat VI, 10 AM to 4 PM. Hosted by Lowell Light & Power, with pumpkins donated by Heidi’s Farmstand & Bakery. While supplies last.
Autumn Marketplace Booths
The Market will run from 10 AM to 4 PM. Vendors will be assigned a spot on the sidewalk adjacent to Main Street or along the riverwalk. October weather can be cold, so dress accordingly. This is a rain or shine event. Interested in applying? Follow the link to learn more.
Chili for Charity Cook Off
While you’re here, enjoy the Chili for Charity Cook Off! Tasting and judging will happen from 1 PM to 3 PM (while chili supplies last) and requires a wristband to sample.
MAXIMUM OF 350 WRISTBANDS AVAILABLE.
Starting Tuesday, October 6, at 9 AM, wristbands will be sold online for $10 each. Online sales will end on Friday, October 9, at 3 PM. After that time, any remaining wristbands will be for sale at the Lowell Area Chamber of Commerce booth on Saturday, October 10, starting at 10 AM.
About the Cook-off:
The Chili for Charity Cook-Off is open to public entry. The Cook-off winner will receive bragging rights, LowellBucks, and a trophy to keep. In addition, each group entered is competing on behalf of a Lowell Area nonprofit!
There are two chances for your favorite Lowell Area nonprofit to win!
1. Judges’ Vote – Matching Donation Prize Money, currently $3,500
2. Popular Vote – Free Expo Booth + $350 Marketing Allowance
Deadline to enter your chili extended to Friday, October 2, 2026.
Update, as of September 25, 2026: The nonprofit prize (judges’ vote) is now up to $3,500. Thank you to our matching sponsors AIC Insurance Services, Herbruck’s, Herrington’s Waste Services, J&K Roadside Assistance, The Buckius Team/Pettit Properties, and Timpson Transport.
The Chamber reserves the right to add additional award categories and prizes at any time. Named nonprofit must be a Member of the Lowell Area Chamber of Commerce.
Harvest Hustle 5K Run/Walk
Lace up your shoes and get ready for the Harvest Hustle Fall Classic 5K Run/Walk! This event is family-friendly, stroller, and dog-friendly. The event will be chip-timed!
LOCATION: The run/walk starts near the North Grand River Riverfront Park in the Impact Church parking lot (11840 Fulton St, Lowell, MI), runs on the Lowell Area Trailway, through both the North and South Grand River Riverfront Parks, crossing over (twice!) the beautiful Lowell Wooden Footbridge. The course has asphalt and gravel.
FEE:
- 18 and under – $20
- Adults – $35* (*If two adults in a family register, children of that family may participate at a substantial discount!) Please contact Barb Hoogenboom directly at hoogenbb@gvsu.edu to request a family discount.
Additional details on the RunSignUp page.
