Festivals, flea markets, food trucks, and more fun in Mt. Pleasant this September

Whether you’re clinging onto the last days of summer or eager to embrace the beginning of fall, there are plenty of events around Mt. Pleasant and Isabella County to celebrate art, culture, and community. Here’s a roundup of music festivals, fall celebrations, flea markets, food truck competitions, and more fun throughout September. 

Mt. Pleasant Discovery Museum Events
All September Long

There’s something for all ages within the Mt. Pleasant Discovery Museum’s programming lineup this month. Their Kids & Culture free event takes place on Sat. Sept. 13 from 10 a.m. to noon. Attendees can participate in making a ‘grass man’ craft of a mini terracotta pot and grass seed.

Teen Night at the museum invites students grades 7-12 to compete in a problem-solving escape room challenge on Saturday, Sept. 13 from 6 to 8 p.m. by enjoying puzzles, friends, pizza and more, sponsored by Isabella Bank of Mt. Pleasant. Registration is available online. 

Bring the whole family for a scavenger hunt during the museum’s Unplug & Play event on Saturday, Sept. 27 from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., exploring Island Park and Zonta Applefest to win prizes. 

Looking to declutter or just shop around? On Saturday, Sept. 27 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., bring your gently used toys, books and clothes to the museum for a Saturday Swap. This free event invites folks to give what you can and take what you need. 

Isabella County Flea Market
Wednesdays in September 

Take advantage of the last Isabella County Flea Markets of the season! Each Wednesday in September, enjoy unique vendors and goods for purchase from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Isabella County Fair Grounds. 

Wheatland Music Festival 
September 5, 6, and 7

Hop in the car and enjoy an end-of-summer quick trip over to Remus for Wheatland Music Festival from Sept. 5 to 7. The annual event features over 50 live musical acts, juried arts and crafts, workshops, dancing, and food vendors — all celebrating music, art and community. Weekend tickets for children five and under are free, children ages 6-12 are $10, adults are $140, seniors (60+) are $120, and Sunday single-day tickets are $45. 

Chippewa Valley Audubon Club Program 
Wednesday, September 10

Take a moment to pause and connect with nature by joining the Chippewa Valley Audubon Club and Dr. Mike Bishop, retired ornithology professor from Alma College to talk about the birds of the Iberian Peninsula at the Veterans Memorial Library (301 S. University Ave.) From 7 to 9 p.m. on Sept. 10, Dr. Bishop will highlight the similarities and differences of birds in North America and Europe, observed during his two winters spent in Spain and Portugal. 

Comedy Night at the Broadway
Friday, September 12

Looking for some laughs? Perhaps the Small Town City Boy Tour of Alastair Watt at the Broadway Theatre (216 E. Broadway St.) comedy show can provide some giggles on Friday, Sept. 12 at 8 p.m. Hosted by Katrina Mcentee and a baby, featuring special guests Trap Door Improv, J-Mo and Jim Carney, the show costs $20 for adults and $10 for CMU students. The official after party follows at Wayside Night Club. 

Zion’s Brat-Fest
Saturday, September 13

Hungry? Check out the second annual Brat-Fest at Zion Lutheran Church (3401 E. River Rd.) on Saturday, Sept. 13 starting at 9 a.m. The event features an auto show at 9 a.m., a 5K run/walk at 10:30 a.m., Brat-Fest meal at noon, and yard games, polka music and dancing from 1:30 p.m. and on. The event is sponsored by Rolling Thunder Michigan Chapter 4, and features staging motorcycles at noon and presentation of plaques of honor at 1 p.m. on Saturday. Money raised from the event will benefit Zion’s youth group.

Food Truck Competition & Ceremonies honoring Michigan POW/MIAs
September 19 and 20

Head over to Island Park Sept. 19-20 for live music, a food truck competition, and tribute ceremonies honoring the Michigan POW/MIA from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Enjoy a wide range of food, from BBQ to desserts from over 20 food trucks across the state. Total gross sales will help determine the food truck state champion title! Proceeds benefit the Michigan POW/MIA Memorial through the Mt. Pleasant Area Community Foundation. 

38th Annual Zonta Club Applefest
Saturday, September 27

Fall officially kicks off Sept. 22, so if you feel like celebrating the season, here’s an event for you! On Saturday, Sept. 27 from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., join the Zonta Club of Mt. Pleasant at Papa’s Pumpkin Patch (3909 S. Summerton Road) for family activities, games, hayrides, crafters, library story time, homemade apple pie, apple delight, cider, donuts, apples, pumpkins, food trucks and more. 

Manhattan Short Film Festival at Celebration Cinema
September 28 and 29

Cooler, potentially rainy weather makes a great backdrop for an indoor film festival. Join the Chippewa River District Library at Celebration Cinema for the 2025 showing of Manhattan Short. This film festival takes place all over the world, inviting audiences to screen the final selections simultaneously, voting for Best Film and Best Actor awards at each venue. Each venue then sends the tallied votes to the NYC headquarters. 

Registration is required for the free event, and seating is first come first serve. The film festival matinee is on Sunday, Sept. 28 from 2 to 4:30 p.m. and the evening showing is on Monday, Sept. 29 from 5:30 to 8 p.m. at Celebration Cinema Mt. Pleasant (4935 E. Pickard St.).