By Biba Adams, Staff Writer and Report for America corps member
The Detroit Riverfront Conservancy’s crowd-pleasing Detroit Harvest Fest, with 40 food trucks and beverage vendors, four entertainment stages, trick or treating, hands-on activities, fitness classes, outdoor movies and more takes place this weekend, Saturday, October 3 and Sunday, October 4 at Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Centennial Park from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. both days.
This year’s event will again be one of the largest gatherings of food trucks held in Michigan in 2026, with 40 food trucks and carts stationed along West Jefferson and featuring fare such as Mediterranean, Mexican, vegetarian, Indian, Caribbean, gourmet desserts and much more. Many trucks will also feature a “tasting menu” with smaller portions and lower price point to encourage guests to enjoy more food options.
Come experience the many tastes of Detroit with some of the city’s most popular food trucks including Balkan House (Bosnian and Eastern European), Cousins Maine Lobster (seafood), Egg Roll Diva (crispy egg rolls), Fork in Nigeria (Nigerian), Boss Hog (barbecue), Island Noodles (Hawaiian), Paradise Street Eats (Indian), Tacos El Caballo (Mexican), Xavier Jammin’ Caribbean Fusion (Caribbean) and more. Michigan Lottery is the Food Truck Rally Sponsor.
“Ralph Wilson Park is the perfect setting for Detroit Harvest Fest with its sweeping city views and incredible amenities,” said Rachel Frierson, chief operating officer for the Detroit Riverfront Conservancy. “Over the years, Detroit Harvest Fest has become one of the most-anticipated fall events throughout the community and we have another great one planned with food, family-friendly fun, live performances, movies and so much more this October.”
The event will also feature performances including a head-lining performance by Larry Lee & Back in the Day Band (R&B), Ballet Folklorico Moyocoyani Izel (Mexican folk dancing), Motor City Street Dance Academy (break dancing), Detroit Drum & Dance (percussion), Detroit House Collective (House) and more.
This year marks the first time that there will be an outdoor movies component at Detroit Harvest Fest. On Saturday afternoon, guests are invited to gather at the DTE Foundation Summit for a showing of the Halloween classic, Hocus Pocus beginning at 6 p.m.
The Sunday matinee movie at 2 p.m. will be the animated family-friendly favorite, Hotel Transylvania. Each of the movies were selected by riverfront visitors who cast their votes earlier this summer. Huron-Clinton Metroparks is the Movies Sponsor.
Guests of all ages can show off their best spellbinding style whether it’s wicked or whimsical during a witch-themed costume contest Saturday at 5 p.m., right before Hocus Pocus. There will be prizes for the most enchanting costumes. Guests can come a bit early for spooky soap making with Detroit CHEMpreneurIST, themed drinks and other surprises beginning at 3 p.m.
On Sunday at 1 p.m., four-legged friends get their chance to strut their stuff and show off their most creative, spooky or funny looks. There will be prizes from Premier Pet Supply for the most creative costumes.
Pet owners can visit the River Terrace for dog ice cream from Sweet Paws Creamery, activities with Michigan Humane and photo opps with Huron-Clinton Metroparks.
Both contests take place at the Summit Main Stage.
Historically, Detroit Harvest Fest took place along the Dequindre Cut, but after the overwhelmingly positive response the Conservancy received after moving the event to Ralph Wilson Park last fall to celebrate the opening of the newest public space along the riverfront, the decision was made for Ralph Wilson Park to be the new home to the beloved festival.
Admission is $5 per person for advance ticket sales and $8 at the gates the weekend of the event. There’s also a family four-pack of tickets for $15 available for a limited time during the advance sales period. Children ages three and under, seniors (65+), and active-duty military are admitted free. Tickets can be purchased in advance at: https://www.showpass.com/2026-detroit-harvest-fest/
Find Biba at Biba.Adams@MIChronicle.com