Photo courtesy of Blake Farms
Cider Mill Season is in Full Swing with Apple Picking, Bonfires, Haunted Weekends, and More Across Four Unique Locations!
ARMADA, Mich. (Aug. 26, 2025) – Celebrate fall traditions at Blake’s Orchard & Cider Mill, Blake’s Backyard, Blake’s Big Apple, and Blake’s Lyon Township. Now in its 79th year, Blake’s invites families and friends to make lasting memories across its four destinations with a jam-packed schedule of seasonal events, U-pick experiences, fall flavors, new attractions, and so much more.
“Fall is our favorite time of year at Blake’s, and we’re thrilled to welcome families back to the orchard to celebrate the season together,” said Paul Blake, Co-owner of Blake’s Orchard and Cider Mill. “Whether it’s picking apples, enjoying fresh cider and donuts, or making memories at our festivals, there’s something special here for every generation, and we can’t wait to share the sights, smells, and flavors of fall with the community.”
NEW FOR 2025
- Sweet Cider Flavors: Cinnamon Donut & Pumpkin Spice
- Expanded Corn Maze at Blake’s Orchard & Cider Mill – now six acres! (previously two acres)
- Funland additions and expansions throughout the season:
o Blake’s Orchard and Cider Mill: Giant Slide, Pig Racers, New Playground, Combine Slide, Train with Handicap Accessibility, and an extended John Deere track.
o Blake’s Big Apple: Playground, Combine Slide
o Blake’s Lyon Twp.: New train
- Halloween Market at Blake’s Big Apple
U-Pick Apples and Pumpkins
Available at Blake’s Orchard & Cider Mill, Blake’s Big Apple, Blake’s Backyard, and Blake’s Lyon Twp.
Experience fall the classic way with wagon rides to the orchard, 40+ apple varieties (including McIntosh, Fuji, and Gala), and a field full of pumpkins ripe for the picking.
- Apple Picking: Now through late October
o Honeycrisp U-pick available at Blake’s Orchard and Cider Mill, Blake’s Big Apple, and Blake’s Lyon Twp. Sept. 5 – Sept. 21
- Pumpkin Picking: Mid-September through October
- View full U-Pick calendar at: www.blakefarms.com/u-pick
Donut Dash 5K – Friday, Sept. 12, 2025, at 6:30 p.m. at Blake’s Lyon Township
Celebrate the start of fall with a sprint and a cider donut! The Donut Dash 5K returns with scenic orchard trails, fun fall prizes, and sweet treats. Registration is $45 now and includes cider, donut, commemorative T-shirt, and pumpkin.
Haunted Weekends – Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, Sept. 13 through Nov. 1 at Blake’s Big Apple
Get ready for spooky thrills this Halloween season. Blake’s Haunted Weekends return with chilling favorites and frightful fun for all ages. Advance tickets required. Cost varies by attraction, with special deals for multiple scares.
- Zombie Paintball (all ages, parental discretion): Hunt ‘live’ zombies aboard Blake’s custom hayride across 10 haunted acres.
- Three-Story Haunted Barn (ages 10+): Frights await on every floor in this spine-tingling barn adventure.
- Spookyland 3D Maze (all ages): Navigate corn mazes, visit the petting farm, ride kid-size tractors, and explore the Funhouse and Terror Tunnel.
- Haunted Hayride (all ages, parental discretion): Ride through the eerie Blake’s grounds with ghosts, ghouls, and surprises around every corner.
Monster Dash 5K – Friday, Sept. 19, at 6:30 p.m. at Blake’s Big Apple
A family-friendly Halloween-themed run/walk through haunted scenes. Participants receive a donut, cider (or Blake’s Hard Cider for 21+), T-shirt, mini pumpkin, and admission to Spookyland 3D Maze. Prizes are awarded in multiple categories. Registration is $45 now through Sept. 18, and $50 on race day.
Blake’s Backyard Fall Night Market – Thursday, Sept. 26, from 4:00 – 9:00 p.m. at Blake’s Backyard
Join us under the lights for the second annual Fall Night Market, featuring local vendors, homemade goods, live music, food & drink specials, and make-and-take workshops. There will also be cozy bonfires, a hot apple cider bar, and fall-themed photo opps. This event is dog-friendly! Admission is free with additional cost for workshops.
Fall Parties on the Farm – Sept. 6 through Oct. 27 at Blake’s Orchard & Cider Mill, Blake’s Big Apple, and Blake’s Lyon Twp.
Celebrate birthdays, reunions, or a perfect fall day with customizable party packages that can include:
- Cider & donuts
- Apple and pumpkin picking
- Wagon/train rides
- Funland admission
- Reserved seating area
- Reservations required
Nighttime Bonfires – Fridays & Saturdays, Sept. 27 to Oct. 2 from 6:30 – 9:30 PM at Blake’s Orchard & Cider Mill, Blake’s Backyard, and Blake’s Lyon Twp.
Gather around a private fire pit for an unforgettable evening featuring wagon rides, donuts, cider, s’mores kits, and Funland access. Prices vary by experience and location. Advance reservations are required.
Big Apple Halloween Market – Oct. 3 from 4:00-9:00 PM at Blake’s Big Apple
This festive event features an artisan market filled with unique fall and Halloween-themed gifts, decorations, treats, and more. Browse handmade crafts, enjoy the cozy autumn atmosphere, and find the perfect seasonal items to celebrate Halloween in style. Admission is free.
Locations & Hours of Operation
Blake’s Orchard & Cider Mill
17985 Armada Center Rd, Armada
Sun-Thurs: 8 AM – 7 PM | Fri-Sat: 8 AM – 9 PM (starting Sept. 26)
Blake’s Big Apple
71485 North Ave., Armada
Mon-Thurs: 8 AM – 6 PM | Fri-Sat: 8 AM – 11 PM | Sun: 8 AM – 10 PM (for Haunted Weekends starting Sept. 13)
Blake’s Backyard
5580 Van Dyke Ave., Almont
Mon-Wed: 9 AM – 9 PM | Thurs-Sat: 8 AM – 9 PM | Sun: 8 AM – 7 PM
Blake’s Lyon Township
61475 Silver Lake Rd., Lyon Twp.
Sun-Thurs: 8 AM – 7 PM | Fri-Sat: 8 AM – 8 PM
About Blake Farms
Blake Farms is a family-owned and operated agritourism destination rooted in Armada, Michigan, since 1946. With four locations across Metro Detroit, including two that are open year-round, Blake Farms has become one of the Midwest’s top destinations for family fun, seasonal traditions, and unforgettable experiences. From U-pick and farm fresh markets to cider mill donuts and signature events, each visit offers a meaningful connection to the land and lasting memories. Learn more at www.blakefarms.com