Downtown Plymouth's biggest fall tradition returns to Kellogg Park Sept. 11-13, bringing three days of food, live music, carnival rides and nonprofit fundraisers to the heart of the community.

The Plymouth Fall Festival is free to attend. Festival activities begin at 3 p.m. Friday, Sept. 11, and continue through 6 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 13, according to the official festival schedule.

Friday's carnival runs from 3 to 10 p.m. Saturday and Sunday activities begin in the morning, with carnival rides open from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday.

Food and fundraisers

Food and fundraising are a major part of the festival, with local organizations operating booths and special meals throughout the weekend, according to the festival's activities page

  • The Rib Dinner, hosted by VVA Chapter 528, runs from 3 to 6 p.m. Friday behind EG Nicks. The meal includes barbecue spare ribs, coleslaw, mac and cheese, a roll with butter and a cookie.
  • The Kiwanis Pancake Breakfast runs from 7 to 11:30 a.m. Saturday under The Gathering near the Penn Theatre. Tickets are $8 in advance and $10 at the door, and children 5 and younger eat free.
  • A Spaghetti Dinner is scheduled from 3 to 7 p.m. Saturday, or until sold out, in the party lot behind EG Nicks. Drive-thru service will be available.
  • The Rotary Chicken BBQ runs from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, or until sold out, at Kellogg Park. Presale tickets are $17 and tickets at the event are $20. The meal includes half a chicken, corn, a roll, water and dessert. An alternative pickup location will be available at West Middle School. More information is available through the Rotary Club of Plymouth

The nonprofit food court also includes vendors supporting groups such as the Polish Centennial Dancers, Plymouth Fife & Drum Corps, Plymouth Canton Little League, Plymouth Canton Optimist Club, Plymouth Canton Civitan, Canton High School Swim and Dive Team, Miracle League of Plymouth and Salem Rockettes Pom Team.

Carnival, crafts and community events

Carnival rides run throughout the weekend:

  • Friday: 3-10 p.m.
  • Saturday: 11 a.m.-10 p.m.
  • Sunday: 11 a.m.-6 p.m.

Ticket packages will be available at the ticket booth. Ride wristbands are available Sunday only.

The craft show runs along Penniman Avenue and Main Street:

  • Friday: 3-8 p.m.
  • Saturday: 10 a.m.-8 p.m.
  • Sunday: 10 a.m.-6 p.m.

Plymouth Canton Little League will host bingo from 6 to 9 p.m. Friday under The Gathering on Penniman, with cash games and multiple prize levels.

The Plymouth-Canton Optimist Club's Pet Show begins at 9 a.m. Saturday, with categories including costumes and tricks.

A classic and antique car show sponsored by the Veterans of Foreign Wars is scheduled for Saturday and Sunday.

Live entertainment

Live entertainment runs throughout the weekend on the Ehlers Heating & Cooling Kellogg Park Stage.

The Killer Flamingos perform at 7 p.m. Friday.

Saturday's lineup includes Ovation Performing Arts, the Plymouth Fife & Drum Corps, Polish National Alliance Centennial Dancers, Midnight Moonlight Mischief Makers and Zang.

Sunday entertainment includes a Midwest Tae Kwon Do demonstration at 10 a.m., performances by Plymouth-Canton Community Schools pom teams beginning at 11 a.m., the Dearborn Big Band at 12:30 p.m. and Steve Taylor 3 at 3 p.m.

The full lineup is available on the festival schedule.

Parking and getting around

Street closures will be in effect near Kellogg Park during the festival.

Public parking is available throughout downtown Plymouth, including city lots and nearby street parking. Some parking lots may charge a fee during festival hours, with proceeds benefiting local community organizations and nonprofit groups.

A parking map is available through the festival website.

Well-behaved dogs are allowed but must remain on a leash, and owners are expected to clean up after them.

Bicycles, skateboards, scooters and similar devices are not permitted within the main festival areas during event hours.

Portable restrooms and nearby public facilities will be available throughout the festival grounds.

More festival information is available at plymouthfallfestival.com.