You sure don’t want to get out the fall clothes yet, but it is never too soon to start making plans to take advantage of upcoming events in Detroit as the weather turns.

Here’s a good place to start. The fall schedule has just been released for free events at DTE Energy’s Beacon Park. The park is located at the corner of Grand River and Cass Ave., and there are events for all ages.

The 4th Annual Parktoberfest is Sept. 21 – 23 with three full days of free activities and entertainment. The German-style festival will feature the Big Biergarten Tent, a selection of craft, seasonal and Oktoberfest biers, ceremonial and specialty keg tappings, traditional German sausages, pretzels and other fall-inspired food. There will also be live music, kids activities, traditional dance and stein-hoisting and keg lifting competitions.

Football fans of all ages can be part of the Detroit Lions Tailgate Parties. There will be music, lawn games, signature drinks from Lumen, ticket giveaways, tailgate fare for purchase and games live-streamed on the big screen under the comfort of a tent. The party kicks off two hours prior to the following home games:

• Monday, Sept. 10 Lions vs. NY Jets, 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.
• Sunday, Sept. 23 Lions vs. New England Patriots, 6 p.m. to midnight
• Sunday, Oct. 28 Lions vs. Seattle Seahawks, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Sunday, Nov. 18 Lions vs. Carolina Panthers, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Sunday, Dec. 2 Lions vs. LA Rams, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

There’s also a special day for Michigan State and University of Michigan fans. The big game is Saturday, Oct. 20. If you can’t get a ticket you can catch it at the Big Game Detroit Rally and Tailgate where you can watch the Spartans and Wolverines battle it out on the big screen. There will also be music, games, ticket giveaways, plus food and drinks for purchase. For those who want to be part of their rivalry, there will be a Spartan vs. Wolverine cornhole tournament.

Halloween Family Fun Day on Saturday, Oct. 27 lets the little ones dress up in costumes and enjoy trick and treating, face painting, inflatables, make-and-take activities, cider and donuts, music and more. The event runs from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Beacon Park is a 1.5-acre area developed by DTE Energy as a public space and entertainment hub. It reflects the company’s mission to be a catalyst for development in west central downtown.

“We’re excited to bring a well-rounded mix of events this fall to Beacon Park,” said Nancy Moody, DTE Energy vice president of public affairs. “We welcome autumn, along with the visitors to the park, with seasonal fun, free events for everyone while adding to the diverse programs that Downtown Detroit has to offer.”

Beacon Park is located at 1903 Grand River Ave. in Detroit. For more information on Beacon Park and a complete schedule of events, visit DTEBeaconPark.com.

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