The weekend has finally arrived. “Gilmore Girls” is taking over downtown Brighton.
The second annual Destination Stars Hollow is honoring the fictional town of Stars Hollow with a free, immersive experience Sept. 19-21. While early festivities on Sept. 19 are for VIP guests only, everyone is welcome 9:30 a.m.-9 p.m. Sept. 20 and 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Sept. 21.
Last year, the one-day event shattered expectations when 40,000 attendees showed up, nearly three times the anticipated 15,000. To combat the crowds, organizers Laura Boote and Kathleen London extended this year’s return to last a full weekend.
We suggest getting your coffee ready, because there’s a lot going on. Here’s everything you need to know about Destination Stars Hollow:
What businesses are participating in Destination Stars Hollow?
There are roughly 40 businesses in Brighton transforming their storefronts to fit the theme of iconic spots in Stars Hollow. You’ll also find a range of in-store activities, including photos ops, themed menu items and plenty of themed merchandise.
A full list of participating vendors is available at destinationstarshollow.com/pages/activities. Here, we’ve compiled a list of recommendations:
Other participating businesses will pay tribute to notable places and events from the show, including the Independence Inn, Al’s Pancake World and Kim’s Antiques.
What’s the event schedule for Destination Stars Hollow?
The weekend is packed with events, including:
Saturday, Sept. 20
9-9:30 a.m. – Town Hall
10 a.m.-1 p.m. – Dance-a-Thon
10 a.m.-6 p.m. – Knit-a-Thon – Lion’s Den
2-3 p.m. – Look-a-Like Contest
3-4 p.m. – Bid a Basket
5-6 p.m. – Chilton Fashion Show
6-7 p.m. – Poe Society
8-9 p.m. – Improv Theater Troupe
Sunday, Sept. 21
9:30-10:30 a.m. – Chilton Fashion Show
10 a.m.-4 p.m. – Knit a Thon – Lion’s Den
11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. – Bid a Basket
1-4 p.m. – Dance-a-Thon
4:30-5 p.m. – Town Hall
The Stars Hollow Farmers Market will be located at 200 N. First St. with a range of vendors and several food trucks.
Where can I park for Destination Stars Hollow?
Looking for free public parking? Try these lots:
There are also residential streets available for parking — but attendees are advised to follow posted signage.
There’s handicap-only parking available at 230 N. Second St. Suite 100.
Are there shuttles to Destination Stars Hollow?
Yes — organizers have made the important addition of shuttles to and from the event in 2025. The shuttles run about every 15 minutes from 8:45 a.m.-9 p.m. Sept. 20, and from 8:45 a.m.-5 p.m. Sept. 21.
The first shuttle can be accessed at:
That shuttle will drop off at the Brighton Courthouse at 224 N. First St.
The second shuttle can be accessed at:
That shuttle will drop off at the Brighton Chamber of Commerce at 218 E. Grand River Ave.
Where can I find cooling stations at Destination Stars Hollow?
This year brings the addition of several cooling stations, for your body and mind, at:
Learn more at destinationstarshollow.com.
— Contact reporter Makayla Coffee at mcoffee@livingstondaily.com
This article originally appeared on Livingston Daily: Guide: Everything you need to know before attending Destination Stars Hollow in Brighton
Reporting by Makayla Coffee, Livingston Daily / Livingston Daily
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